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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When the contractions started to "not feel good," one hour and 15 minutes before the baby was born! I'd been having a lot of irregular contractions 2 days before, but they faded away and I assumed they were Braxton Hicks. I had very few contractions that day until shortly before this first 'uncomfortable' one. It got intense very quickly!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
In this case, going natural was not even an option - it was mandatory! They didn't even have the time to give me an IV before the baby was born. The worst part of labor for me was the nausea. I'm allergic to the anti-nausea medicine so I had to deal with it every contraction (not that I wanted the meds, but I hate being nauseous!).
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Richard-minutes-old
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Pray! I had family and friends from church praying for me that day. They were mostly praying that the baby would come quickly (I asked them to pray that way!), and he did!
I get nauseous when I'm in labor, but I'm allergic to the anti-nausea medicine. Peppermint essential oils helps with nausea, but I didn't want to use it because it isn't safe for babies or children (it can cause respiratory problems). My genius mother came to visit 2 days before and brought me peppermint tea bags. I held one to my nose during each contraction and it helped a lot!
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What surprised you about your birth?
The speed! I realized I was in labor just over an hour before the baby was born, and he was born within minutes of getting to the hospital. The doctor arrived shortly after the birth. :)
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Don't be afraid to try it. And find something to distract yourself from the contractions; conversation, movies, etc.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I didn't really have the chance to use any pain relief strategies. Fortunately, I have fairly easy labors.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees, holding on to the elevated end of the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relief! I was finally done with pregnancy and labor! And the baby was pretty sweet, too!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't be afraid to try it. And find something to distract yourself from the contractions; conversation, movies, etc.
