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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When I got to the hospital, they asked if I was having contractions. I said I don't know. They hooked me up to a monitor and said I was. That's when I knew. I was fully dilated.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My labor did not follow anything I learned in terms of pattern/timing, so I didn't think I was in labor. I thought something was seriously wrong, the baby was in distress, and I was rushing to hospital to end up with an emergency c-section.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I took a hypnobirthing class because I was so scared of labor and birth. I didn't use the techniques because labor was typical, but it definitely helped me feel less afraid.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That labor and delivery was so fast-over in five hours and 15 minutes. Also that it totally didn't follow what I learned and knew about labor. Contractions didn't feel like cramps, they began one minute apart, and didn't last 90 seconds.
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It's possible, but keep the option of pain relief open. I think it helps to know there CAN be relief if it gets too painful.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Rocking on my hands and knees and leaning over a table with my legs spread apart while rocking from side to side
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I couldn't believe it was happening!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It's possible, but keep the option of pain relief open. I think it helps to know there CAN be relief if it gets too painful.