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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went to work on Thursday morning. About 10:00 I had a contraction that stopped me in my tracks. At that time I thought, this is going to happen today! I was so excited because I was a week past my due date and was scheduled for an induction at 4:00 that afternoon....and I did not want to have an Induction.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My labor progressed quickly. The hardest thing was trying to listen to everyone and follow instructions once I was at the hospital. My contractions were almost constant and I didn't have much time to rest.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I talked to my husband and my doula about my birth plan. I also listened to hypbirth. This helped them to be the best support for me.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My first labor was fast, about 2 hours once I hit transition. This birth went WAY faster. I timed my contractions at 11:00 and they were 3 minutes apart and lasting 2 minutes. I was starting to get uncomfortable. My doula and mom came to my house a little before 12 noon. My husband got home shortly after them. The contractions kept getting stronger and closer together. We arrived at the hospital a little before 1:00. I went to labor and delivery and was hooked up to the monitors. 12 minutes later I had my baby! It was fast and intense, but I felt amazing for doing everything without intervention!
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It is what my body was made to do. Yes, there is pain and discomfort. Yes, I screamed. The recovery was almost immediate for me. Once I delivered, I felt better than I did since I got pregnant! The quick recovery and having my baby alert and able to nurse like a champ is worth the pain of child birth! You can do it without medications!!!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My doula provided pressure to my sacrum during contractions, she also coached my breathing and helped to use techniques from Hypbirth.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my back, slightly rolled to the right side. It happened so fast I didn't have time to think about how I was positioned.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Absolutely incredible! So many emotions....pure joy, immense love and relief that she was here and healthy!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It is what my body was made to do. Yes, there is pain and discomfort. Yes, I screamed. The recovery was almost immediate for me. Once I delivered, I felt better than I did since I got pregnant! The quick recovery and having my baby alert and able to nurse like a champ is worth the pain of child birth! You can do it without medications!!!!
