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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was in the shower, I had been having contractions for about an hour and I realized they weren't stopping! I wasn't thinking quite right, I got out of the shower because I wanted to save our hot water for a bath later on.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Not knowing how long my labor would be. About an hour before I delivered I thought I had at least 3 or 4 hours left, and that was mentally tough for me, not seeing how I was going to get through it.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Walking, reading my bible verses, and acupuncture! I went in for an acupuncture appointment a just past 40 weeks, trying to start labor. I didn't deliver for another 2 weeks, but I went twice a week for acupuncture, and my body felt so good those last two weeks! Plus, I am convinced it helped our baby and my body get in good positions for labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How strong I am.
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Have a good support system who believe you can do it and be mentally prepared going into it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Heat! Shower, bath, heat packs.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees, the hospital bed back was up and I hung onto the top railing
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. I couldn't believe he was here, perfect, after carrying him inside me for almost 10 months.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have a good support system who believe you can do it and be mentally prepared going into it!
