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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started having contractions around 7pm on a Tuesday, and I woke my husband up at 4am Wednesday morning to go to the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The hospital was really busy, so, for most of my labor, no birthing tubs were available. Also, baby was sunnyside-up, so the back labor was intense.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing that I did to prepare was to take time to get to know my midwives so that I felt like there was just family in the room with me.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The length of labor! This was baby #4, and I labored for 33 hours! Also, my husband was able to catch our baby, and the end went quickly, so he didn't have time to put gloves on. ?
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Just make your mind up well in advance, make sure all of your nurses and midwives or doctors know not to offer medications, and remember that the pain is only temporary and does not compare to the joy of holding that sweet baby!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The shower, tub, and counter pressure helped tremendously with the pain!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I moved around a lot but ended up delivering in bed lying on my side.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible! I couldn't believe he was finally in our arms! (Or that it was a boy! Our kids were all hoping for another boy.)
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Just make your mind up well in advance, make sure all of your nurses and midwives or doctors know not to offer medications, and remember that the pain is only temporary and does not compare to the joy of holding that sweet baby!
