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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor when my water broke. I had been feeling contractions prior to my water breaking but I was unable to tell if they were different from the Braxton Hicks I had felt during my pregnancy. It felt like menstrual cramps but they weren't necessarily painful. The contractions began about an hour after my water broke and gradually increased in intensity.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Maintaining a mindset that you can overcome the pain was the hardest part for me. My mom kept telling me to stay ahead of the pain during each contraction and somehow that helped me to breathe through each one without feeling like I needed pain interventions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading birth stories helped me to prepare because each story is unique to each mama. The main thing I took from all of the stories I read was to do what felt most natural to me.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was amazed at the euphoric high I felt immediately after giving birth. I was so focused on seeing my daughter I had no idea when I delivered the placenta or when the doctor had to stitch my small tear.
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Absolutely keep a mindset that natural will be how you will deliver. Remove any fears and doubts that you will need an epidural. Each contraction is one step closer to the end result!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I took a hot bath with my essential oils while laboring at home. It was in the bath that my contractions became stronger and more regular at 3 minutes apart. I briefly sat on my ball which felt good to rock back and forth. Deep breathing techniques helped me to make it through each contraction. My mom (coach) kept reminding me to breathe and not hold my breath. Leaning on somebody else was also what helped keep my centered. I literally needed someone in front of me to hold on to.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered with the head of bed inclined and my legs in the stirrups. Throughout my entire labor I sat on the edge of the bed. I tried to switch positions but nothing else felt as comfortable as sitting. I kept asking for my birthing ball but it was in the car and I didn't want my husband to leave for that long to get it.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was absolutely in awe! It was an incredible feeling seeing my daughter for the first time. I just couldn't believe that she had just come from inside of me. Our bodies are simply amazing.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Absolutely keep a mindset that natural will be how you will deliver. Remove any fears and doubts that you will need an epidural. Each contraction is one step closer to the end result!
