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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Despite my doctor's wishes, I was allowed to wait until almost 42 weeks along before my doctor strongly suggested that I be medically induced. I then was given cervidil as a means to try and help progress my labor. Despite being very disappointed about this, I was still focused on having a birth free of medications for pain relief means. After having the cervidil overnight, I had progressed slightly and was given pitocin shortly after being finished with cervidil. It was shortly after starting to receive the pitocin that I was convinced I was in labor as the contractions were becoming more frequent and stronger. I was told by nursing staff that shortly after arriving at the hospital, I was considered "in labor" as my contractions were consistent and progressing throughout the night, although I did not really start to feel them until after receiving the pitocin.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I believe the most challenging thing about having a natural delivery was allowing and reminding myself to relax during the contractions. I often felt my body "clench" or "stiffen" at the onset of a contraction and had to mindfully think about relaxing and surrendering to the contraction to allow labor to progress.
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EVELYNS-17
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read numerous birthing books during my pregnancy, all of which contained positive birthing stories from other mothers. I found it very encouraging to read the variations of births, all of which were accomplished by woman desiring to birth the way they were created to. Reading these stories and telling myself positive affirmations in moments of self doubt during my pregnancies allowed me to have a strong foundation of positive affirmations and stories to think of during early labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It was the most magically and amazing high I have ever been on. From a young age (and like many women in our country) I had been told of negative birthing stories and heard negative things related to a woman's laboring experience. To experience something so natural and opposite of the fear that had been engrained in my mind from a young age was nothing short of uplifting, profound and powerful. I look back on my birthing experience and the day I meet my daughter with nothing but positive thoughts and happy moments, which helped create a peaceful transition into motherhood and created a strong bond between myself and my lovely daughter.
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YOU CAN DO IT! Your desire to have a natural birth will most likely come as a shock to others if you tell them, but your desire and decision to have a child in the way in which your body was created to do will be the fuel to withstand anything anyone else may say about your decision.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I was allowed to labor out of bed which was the best thing ever! Early in labor due to being on monitors, I was told I needed to stay in bed, which lead to a long uncomfortable evening. Upon my doula's arrival at the hospital, she advocated for me to be allowed out of bed and labor out of bed until I needed to push. I was able to utilize a birthing ball to rock on in between contractions and then would often stand or sway with my husband during contractions. My doula also used essential oils to help create a peaceful atmosphere. My doula also used massage and acupuncture throughout active labor to provide comfort.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I did deliver while laying in bed. After being awake most of the previous night I found myself very tired. I had envisioned delivery using a side lay or squatting but was laying on my back due to a quick progression!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
AMAZING. Words could never due the experience justice. I remember seeing her and feeling the most intense sense of love I had never experienced before. I also remember looking at her ear and being amazed by it-what a strange thing to focus on! Everything I endured during my pregnancy and delivery were suddenly so minuscule compared to the emotions that were surging through me. I had a sense of peace and contentment not experience prior to her arrival that have continued to be felt today.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
YOU CAN DO IT! Your desire to have a natural birth will most likely come as a shock to others if you tell them, but your desire and decision to have a child in the way in which your body was created to do will be the fuel to withstand anything anyone else may say about your decision. Take time to education yourself and surround yourself with a team of positive and encouraging individuals who believe in you and see the beauty in this desire. Take time to read others stories to become encouraged and to remind yourself that woman, just like you, have been having natural births for many years. Don't ever forget that the power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because it is a part of you. : )
