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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I began having cramping that started out every 10 minutes and gradually increased in severity and duration.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The anticipation of how this labor experience would be.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I reviewed my natural childbirthing book, bought an electric fan to use while in labor and hired a doula.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly labor progressed this time and my daughter's birth weight (9#11oz)! She came 3 days after her due date.
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Educate yourself, have a plan of what you want to happen at the time of labor but also recognize that at the end of the day, a baby delivered safely and healthy is the primary goal! Your mind is a very powerful tool, use it and take labor one contraction at a time!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing and pressure applied to my hips as coccyx
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Squatting/ on my knees
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was such a relief & overwhelming joy and beauty to hold her!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Educate yourself, have a plan of what you want to happen at the time of labor but also recognize that at the end of the day, a baby delivered safely and healthy is the primary goal! Your mind is a very powerful tool, use it and take labor one contraction at a time!
