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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Contractions started at about 5 am but we're very mild and far apart for 3 1/2 hours. Then they stopped almost completely for 3 1/2 hours. I thought nothing more would happen, but then at noon contractions started up again, 3-5 minutes apart and much stronger than the previous ones. At that point I was sure it was the real deal.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part for me was after about 30 minutes of strong contractions I was still at home and therefore had no idea how dilated I was, so it felt like the pain could be indefinite. Little did I know, our baby boy was born just a couple hours later!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for a natural birth was visualize how I wanted it to go. Even though it didn't turn out the way I imagined as a whole, the part that did go as I visualized is that I was calm and confident, and I didn't question my ability to give birth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was most surprised that my baby was born just 10 minutes after arriving at the hospital! I never imagined I would be someone with a crazy story about my water breaking in the car on the way to the hospital and barely making it in time for the birth, but now that's my story and I love to tell it!
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Visualize yourself giving birth over and over again. Tell yourself you can do it. Don't be scared and stay calm.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The best pain relief strategies for me were low moaning noises and leaning over a chair to stretch and lengthen my back. That helped so much.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back in the hospital bed. There was no time to think about another position and that felt fine.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt incredibly rewarding to hold my baby. So much joy filled that moment.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Visualize yourself giving birth over and over again. Tell yourself you can do it. Don't be scared and stay calm.
