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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor when the contractions woke me up early the morning before his birth. I felt so peaceful. I sat in the dark while my family slept timing them because I was sure this wasn't "actually it."
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing for me was remembering to breath! I kept talking to myself in my head telling myself to breathe.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I believe that practicing yoga not only helped teach me how to breathe properly but it also helped my body prepare for the actual birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me was how quick it went! Everyone told me that my third birth would be a breeze and they were right. Labor began early that morning and he was in my arms by 8pm that night.
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Silence your mind and allow your body and spirit to do what it knows how to do. (And don't forget to breathe!)
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing! I sound like a broken record by now but in all honesty this was the best tool for me. Breathing through each contraction seemed to lessen the intensity.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering in a semi-squat position, leaning over the end of our bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I don't think there is a word for this feeling but a few to attempt it would be joy or bliss. The most intense love in the universe.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do not be afraid. Silence your mind and allow your body and spirit to do what it knows how to do. (And don't forget to breathe!)
