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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor when I woke up around 5:30 am one morning & I was cramping sporadically. They felt like period cramps but they didn't continue in one long succession throughout the day, they were random.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I think the most challenging thing about going natural was the time between 7 - 10cm of my cervix dilating. There was a lot of breathing through the contractions, while my partner was being so supportive & talking me through everything. It was painful, I won't lie - but looking back it was worth it to have the experience.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My partner & I watched technique videos on breathing, etc. He watched them more than I did & just utilized a lot of that during labor which was SO helpful for me during the process.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised how the actual act of giving birth wasn't painful for me.
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Trust your body & listen to it, it will never fail you.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing, breathing, breathing. I cannot stress breathing techniques enough.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was surreal, to be honest. I vaguely remember it. Thank God Bentley snapped a picture of us right after. I was so emotional, overwhelmed & tired. But I was happy.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
We named our baby boy Elias. Bentley is half greek so we wanted to choose a Greek name for the baby. We call him Eli for short : )
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. It was an amazing read & really helped me mentally for what was to come. Don't overthink it, when the time comes for you to go into labor your body will do it naturally if it's intended to do so. Trust your body & listen to it, it will never fail you.
