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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having period like cramps all day, but I knew I was truly in labor when my water broke after a pretty hard contraction. Then the contractions really started to get strong.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
For me, it was a mental challenge. I labored for 19 hours after my water broke and it was very intense. There were a few moments when I could feel myself becoming weak. Once I figured out how to focus and find that inner strength within myself, I knew I could do it.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read a lot of birth stories along with Ina May's "Guide to Childbirth". One of the biggest pieces of advice I took from my reading was to remember that the pain of labor is not like the pain you feel when your body is in distress and hurting. The pain of labor is your body's way of letting you know it's doing what it's supposed to do to bring you to your baby. That helped me focus on reacting to the pain as a good thing instead of stressing about the pain.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was very surprised by the strength of my body and my mind. It was a great testament to the truth behind the phrase "mind over matter". Giving birth naturally was THE hardest thing I have ever done. But I did it. And the feeling of strength and power and love that I have looking back on my birth experience is much more powerful and positive than I expected it to be.
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The pain is temporary, it's a fraction of a second compared to the amount of time you will spend feeling joy and love for your baby.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The pain was very intense. I had very hard back labor and the only thing that helped just a tiny bit was applying pressure to my lower back. Other than that, it was all about riding the contraction and knowing it wasn't going to last forever.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I gave birth in a reclined position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I think I was in shock. It didn't seem real. I remember apologizing to him because it took three hours to push him out and then all I could say was "Oh, my God". I couldn't believe I was finally holding him.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself. Read positive birth stories to build your confidence and remember your body was made to do this. The pain is temporary, it's a fraction of a second compared to the amount of time you will spend feeling joy and love for your baby.
