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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having mild contractions for 3 weeks before birth. It was terrible, not because of the pain, but because I knew the birth was coming and couldn't wait. I was on the edge. Two days before my due date me and dh had sex to try and catch some time together alone, and the real contractions started. I waited as long as I could at home- 24 hours. I wanted to try and have a natural birth.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The pain itself was not what I imagined. It was painful, but the minute I hit 5 cm dilation everything changed. It was like being drunk, and the pain was sharp, yet foggy. I went up until 7 cm, but I gave up. At that point I was in labor for 31 hours, and was too tired to do anything.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I used ASMR videos to ease the pain, and it really helped. But I think that having a doula was the best decision I made, she was a life saver.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How calm I was. The birth got complicated and I almost ended up in surgery. But I was so calm, and it kept the birth going and the baby's heartbeat steady- so I didn't had to have a c-section.
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I used ASMR videos to ease the pain, and it really helped. But I think that having a doula was the best decision I made, she was a life saver.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water was amazing, and massage. But also ASMR videos.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Unfortunately, I delivered on my back in the surgery room. I really wanted to use a birth chair but I had to have monitor since the baby's heartbeat was weak.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was in complete shock. I kept saying "what. what. what."
She was beautiful and her daddy and me were so so happy!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Get a doula!
I know I'm not even thinking about another baby before I schedule time with my doula! She was amazing and supportive and helped me and the entire family. She sat with me after the birth and showed me how to breastfeed (we let the baby get to the nipple herself!)
