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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having prodromal labor all evening. The contractions kept stopping. It was around midnight when finally I could pull out my contraction timer or walk around without them stopping. They were already close together, long, and painful. Within an hour, I knew that this was happening!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I was in labor for 24 hours and pushed for 2 hours. The whole process was exhausting and kept getting more painful as the day went on. I just wanted it to be over and many times I doubted whether I could make it without some relief. But I did!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prepare my support team. My mom read The Birth Partner about 5 times leading up to the birth, and she did an amazing job of supporting me for that whole 24 hours. I couldn't have done it without her.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How horrible the pushing stage was. I expected it to be really satisfying, but it was just painful and exhausting. I also could feel the tearing during the several contractions it took to get my baby out after he started crowning. And since it was 2 hours long, a lot of the pushing didn't feel productive. All of that was the opposite of what I expected after reading so many natural birth stories and books.
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It is worth it. As hard as my labor was, looking back I wouldn't do things differently. It was a powerful experience and going through that and then being fully present for my extremely healthy baby made it worth it. I know now that I truly can do anything.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
During each contraction I went inward and really focused on my breath. Plus being on my knees in the water or rocking a bit (either on a birthing ball or seated upright on a bed) helped dissipate the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was semi-reclined in bed with my feet pushing into two posts of a bar, and pulling on a sheet wrapped around the bar. During contractions I would sit up a bit. It wasn't the position I expected, but I had no desire to move!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. I had done it and he was the most beautiful baby I had every seen. I couldn't believe I had made him and pushed him out and now he was here in my arms and absolutely perfect.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It is worth it. As hard as my labor was, looking back I wouldn't do things differently. It was a powerful experience and going through that and then being fully present for my extremely healthy baby made it worth it. I know now that I truly can do anything.
