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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had just left the doctor from my 40 week checkup went to my moms to pick up my other 5 children and head home. Then I started having contractions every 7 mins apart, so when my husband got off work we headed to the hospital. (There are no birthing centers here and my husband felt more secure with a hospital birth since this was my 5th VBAC.) Unfortunately my labor stopped at 3am. ( This was the 3rd time it had happened to me in 3 weeks.) I believe it was his position. My OB came in the next morning and asked if I wanted him to break my water, since I was dilated 4cm, 60% effaced, and 4 days overdue. I agreed, because honestly at this point I was ready for the prodromal labor to be over. After breaking my waters I felt I really needed to be on my hands and knees, which I did. Once I did that I felt a strong urge to push and the urge to get the epidural and give up. I told the nurse between contractions I must be in transition if Im feeling this way. She checked me and I was dilated about 8cm, then which the next contraction my body took over and started pushing without me. That always amazes me! The doctor made it in just in time to deliver little Ezra, he weighed 7lbs and 12oz!!!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The transition stage was the most difficult part this time, along with not having a lot of sleep from labor the night before.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I kept reminding myself I had done this before, I can do it again. I knew that by going natural its better for me and my baby.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me most was how fast it went after my water was broken, he was born 1hr and 15mins after. I almost couldnt believe with my 6th child I was overdue and had more prodromal labor than I had ever had with my previous pregnancies.
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Holding his little naked body on me was amazing. You feel them move inside you for months, so get get to hold them and feel them against your skin is almost surreal.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Just trying to stay calm and remember it would be over soon.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my back, but only because it all happened so fast, once my body started pushing on its own, its almost impossible for me to move.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding his little naked body on me was amazing. You feel them move inside you for months, so get get to hold them and feel them against your skin is almost surreal.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't give up, don't listen to others who say you cant do it, Read and talk to others who have had a natural experience it will boost your confidence! Also if you have previously had a c-section don't let the doctors scare you into a repeat c-section. If you want to deliver naturally and your health or the babies health isn't at risk, go for a VBAC!
