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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had prodromal labor for 2 days leading up to the real deal so I wasn't positive I was in labor until the contractions intensified and I lost my mucus plug around 5pm.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain of pushing him out. Everything I read said that it's a relief to get to the pushing phase but that was the most painful for me. No one talks about how painful it is on your rectum! I thought he was coming out of the wrong hole!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read a ton of birth stories and positive affirmations. The one that worked best for me was "I can do anything for 1 minute" and then I would get through that contraction and focus on the next.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I actually did it naturally. This was my 4th baby but the first time I delivered without an epidural. Also, the intensity of transition and the back to back contractions.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I labored in a birthing tub which took a lot of weight off of my belly. Also, deep and slow breaths.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Such a relief! When i held him it was all so wotth it.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Brandon William. We like the name Brandon and William after my grandfather.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Set your mind to it, read and read some more, find a positive midwife because that was game changing for me. If it wasn't for her i would have caved and got an epidural.
