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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up to contractions 10 minutes apart at 1:30 am and they kept getting closer together and slightly painful over the next 3 hours.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Hitting transition (but not knowing that's the point I was at). I was definitely questioning my ability to make it through.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Talked through my plan with my husband and reviewed some of the books/ideas from the first time around.
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What surprised you about your birth?
When my doctor went to check me after I had been at the hospital for a few hours and I was expecting to be at a 7 or so but instead I was at a 10 and he broke my water then 3 pushes later and my baby boy was born!
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You can do it! Make sure your support person knows what you want and plans to be your cheerleader. I used the mantra "each contraction brings me closer to my baby" and "the more it hurts the more my body is doing it's job to get my baby out!"
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Moving around/swaying, getting in the shower, turning inward and quietly talking myself through the waves of contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back - I climbed onto the bed to give my legs a break and get checked and then was pushing.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it! Make sure your support person knows what you want and plans to be your cheerleader. I used the mantra "each contraction brings me closer to my baby" and "the more it hurts the more my body is doing it's job to get my baby out!"
