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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up about 4:15am the morning I was to be induced after having sporadic cramping all night. It didn't even feel like I was having full on contractions, they felt really low and localized. At that time, I started timing the contractions and realized they were quite regular. I woke my husband up at 5am to tell him I was going to shower and he should probably get up.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Focusing through the pain. Although it was an exceptionally quick labor and delivery, the pain was still intense. Also, making my wishes know to the staff once i got to the hospital. Because I was so far along in labor, it was hard to answer all the questions the nurses had. I was super thankful to have even a bare bones birth plan written out on my phone I could have my husband give to them.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
For this birth, prenatal yoga was by far the best! It helped with relaxing during the contraction of labor but also immensely with the aches and pains of pregnancy.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was! I knew second births tend to be quicker but my daughter came crazy fast. My midwife nor the doctor on call were not able to get there in time. We checking into our room at 5:57am and Adylyn was born at 6:22am.
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Be as informed as you can! Watch, read about and look at pictures of natural birth. Read the books by midwives, know your options and ask lots of questions, especially if you are birthing in a hospital situation.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
As I learned from yoga, sending my breath to the painful spot to try to relax. Also squatting through the contractions was super helpful for this birth.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Standing and leaning on the bed. (The nurse asked if I wanted to lay down when she saw the head. NO WAY!! I wasn't moving anywhere!)
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relief and joy. I was so happy the pain was over, i didn't have to be induced, and I could just relax with my long awaited baby! (She was 10 days late.)
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be as informed as you can! Watch, read about and look at pictures of natural birth. Read the books by midwives, know your options and ask lots of questions, especially if you are birthing in a hospital situation.