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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I knew I was really in labor when my contractions stayed strong enough to distract me from my ping pong game with my husband! I was doubled over every few minutes as we were timing contractions. Normally we're pretty competitive but he let me win that night.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Explaining to other people why I wanted to go natural. Most people think you're crazy and don't offer much support since it's different from the experience they had. So I only told people if they specifically asked.
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The-Herzog-Family-Newborn-Photos-0017
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read a LOT of books about pregnancy and childbirth. It helped to read all kinds of different birth stories and testimonials to hear other women's perspectives about what they would do again or do differently.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it went! Eating dates and drinking red raspberry leaf tea may have played a role in that.
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Read and prepare your mind as much as possible. Your body already knows what to do. You can do it! It is so worth it :)
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Deep breathing! Walking around felt way better than lying in bed.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Such a sense of joy and relief! Also disbelief that he was actually here and ours. So much love.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read and prepare your mind as much as possible. Your body already knows what to do. You can do it! It is so worth it :)
