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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 7:30pm on Friday, December 16, 2016 and the following contractions really convinced me at 8:30pm
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part of going natural was staying in control of my thoughts and attitude.
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IMG_1913
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth was discuss my hopes and desires for labor with my husband. He was my backbone during my weakest moments in labor. When I felt like giving up and felt like I could not do it anymore, my husband cheered me on and reminded me of my strength.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me of my birth was how quickly I dilated from 5cm to 9cm and then how frustrating it became when dilation stalled for hours at 9cm.
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Do it! Do not be afraid of the pain. Do not be afraid of the unknown. Be FLEXIBLE! I went in 100% against any pain medication and ended up benefiting from the relief of pain for two whole hours before the pushing part began -- it was a nice break!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
For the first 4-5 hours of my labor, alternating between the shower and birthing ball worked well for me, then my husband and nurse applying pressure to my lower back REALLY worked when back labor kicked in, lastly after 9 hours of labor I opted for an epidural, slept for two hours and then was cut off of the epidural for the remaining 3 hours of labor.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding my daughter for the first time felt like I had been exposed to a whole new universe with fresher air, brighter days, deeper and wider and truer love. I cannot explain how my heart felt in that moment. It felt as if my heart could no longer fit in my chest..my heart was no abiding in my chest AND hers.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it! Do not be afraid of the pain. Do not be afraid of the unknown. Be FLEXIBLE! I went in 100% against any pain medication and ended up benefiting from the relief of pain for two whole hours before the pushing part began -- it was a nice break!! I didn't expect for my daughter to be 8lbs6oz and I surely did not expect for her sweet fragile little shoulder to get caught on her way out but it happened!! And it's all part of the journey she and I took together to finally meet each other! At the end of the process, you will be holding your precious baby in your arms and will know what moms mean when they say "it will be worth it." YOU CAN DO IT!
