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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I hadn't felt well all day, but on the way home from work it occurred to me that I wasn't feeling well about every 10 minutes or so. If took me about 3 more hours to convince myself that I was actually in labor!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Definitely keeping the whole concept of being calm and quiet, and then having to let that concept go when I realized that I just couldn't stop myself from being loud for the last parts.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did was take natural childbirth classes. The techniques were very helpful in getting me through the first half of labor in a relatively quiet, calm, soothing way.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised about the moment my daughter actually came out. I thought I would be very aware of that exact moment, but I was so exhausted and focused on pushing that all of a sudden there she was in front of me! I couldn't believe it. It was amazing.
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Do it! It is terribly painful, but 100% worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Walking, massage, and being in a warm bath
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Typical position, on my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Are you kidding? There are no words for this. I had two miscarriages before this. All my husband and I could do is pray our third baby would arrive safe and healthy. It was a relief, a disbelief, a shock, and an overwhelming feeling of happiness to finally be able to hold a baby of ours in my arms.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it! It is terribly painful, but 100% worth it. Don't get too hung up on all the things you want to go right. You can definitely help yourself along to a point, but after that, you have to just be in the moment and let it go the way it wants to go. I also gave my husband the job of making sure I didn't back out of going natural until it was too late. He cleverly tricked me into thinking I just had a little bit further to go for hours and hours. I was so caught up in labor that I didn't even notice that the timing didn't make sense. I am so proud of myself for a natural delivery. I would not trade that experience for anything.
