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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I got up off the couch to head to the CrossFit gym I work at to coach a class. As I stood I felt a gush and I froze. I knew my water had broke, but I was pain free and not having contractions. I went to coach class assuming I had time, warning my students that I might have to get to the hospital at any moment.
I didn't have my first contaction until midnight, 5 hours after my water broke. I knew then that this was happening!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Because my baby was measuring small for her gestatial age, I wa denied birthing in the natural birthing center of the hospital. As we sadly accepted birthing in the hospital, we were pushed repeatedly to take meds to induce. I declined and stood my ground that I was having my baby naturally.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I think what helped me the most was being physically fit. Having worked out at a high level for many years, and 4 days a week my entire pregnancy, including the day I went into labor, my body and mind were used to being pushed to the limit. I was able to understand the short term (horrible) pain will pass if I just keep going.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My labor went from nothing to full throttle in minutes. The nurses wanted me to begin pitocin one minute, and the next I was having contractions 2 min apart. I went from 1 centimeter to 8 centimeters dialated in 45 minutes, and my doctor was still driving on the express way. The fact that my body just knew what to do to get my baby Earth side immediately amazed me.
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It is so worth it to go natural. My baby was wide awake right away, every nurse commented on how alert she was. I credit going drug free.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My husband pushed on my hips and low back during labor to relieve back pain
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I labored on all fours, but as my baby crowned they had me lie on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The most amazing and calm feeling in the world.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It is so worth it to go natural. My baby was wide awake right away, every nurse commented on how alert she was. I credit going drug free. Stick to your guns, don't allow any one or any nurse to sway your plan. And do not listen to the friends and family who tell you you will need epidural. We were built to do this.
