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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was one day late and I had a doctors appointment that day. The night before I thought I had been leaking some amniotic fluid. I had also been spotting that morning and had light consistent contractions all day. This was very early labor I believe. The doctor wanted me to come in that evening to be induced. I was already at 3.5 cm so I asked him to break my water instead. Got to the hospital at 5, broke my waters at 5:39 , and had my baby girl at 9:21 pm! Everything took off once he broke my water.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
With my first child , I was induced at 41 weeks and ended up with an epidural since the pain was tough to deal with. I also pushed for 2.5 hours! The most challenging thing about going natural is dealing with the contractions when they got very intense. I started asking for an epidural and thankfully they were busy and I was already complete and ready to push!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I asked my best friend to be my doula at this birth and I read this excellent books called "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth". Having my doula friend there at the birth was amazing. She gave me so much advice and suggestions for different positions for labor and breathing. I couldn't have done this naturally without her. The book was written by a well known midwife . I recommend it to anyone!
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What surprised you about your birth?
My birth went extremely fast. Much faster than my first. I only pushed for 10 minutes with maybe 4 pushes! It was incredible. Slight tearing. I was walking around about an hour or two later! With my first child, I had third degree tearing and a long recovery. I did not know I had the ability to get through this labor without interventions. I am so thankful that I went through with it the way I wanted!
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Try to stick with your plan , have confidence in yourself , knowing that you actually CAN do this naturally.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My doula had me in different labor positions with my husband. The best was facing him while standing and literally leaning on him letting him hold me up. Relaxing my whole body helped to deal with the hardest part of each contraction.
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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?
It was a whirlwind! I literally couldn't believe I had done this and she was finally here!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Hire a doula or birth coach! It made a world of difference! Try to stick with your plan , have confidence in yourself , knowing that you actually CAN do this naturally. It's definitely worth it!
