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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor once my contractions were predictable. They were every 5 minutes and I could look st the clock and know when the next one was coming.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was having to deviate from my birth plan and vision. I had a clear vision of how I wanted my birth to go however my body was not cooperating. After 44 hours of unmedicated labor, I opted for an epidural. After the epidural, I was ready to push within an hour and only pushed for 20 minutes. The epidural was definitely not in my birth plan but it allowed me to relax and deliver a healthy baby.
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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 take a natural childbirth class. It really helped me understand what labor was REALLY like and how it looks nothing like it does on tv especially as a first time mom. The class allowed me to prepare for my very long labor instead of thinking it would all be over in 5 hours.
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What surprised you about your birth?
What surprised me about my birth is how unpredictable it can be. You read up on birth and it seems to have a pattern. For example, you dilate one cm every hour. After 44 hours of labor I was 5 cm then went from 5 to 10 in one hour. Labor is very unpredictable and every labor story is different and that is a beautiful thing.
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You can do this! Your body is made for this! Don't listen to anyone who tries to discourage you or tell you that you can't because you can!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water and being able to switch positions to figure out which works best for you
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered on my back due to the epidural
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt so amazing. I was anxious to finally meet her. I could not stop kissing her!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do this! Your body is made for this! Don't listen to anyone who tries to discourage you or tell you that you can't because you can!
