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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having prodromal labor since 34 weeks so I was pretty familiar with strong contractions. I woke up at 3am with pain in my lower back and timed them to about 6 min apart. I texted our doula and then told my husband I was going to have some cereal and see what happens. By the time I got downstairs I couldn't breathe through them anymore and they were about 2-3 min apart. I told my husband we had to leave now. She was born two hours later!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Some people's negative comments and the fear of the pain I would feel. With my first I had pre-eclampsia and had an epidural pretty early during labor so I had no idea what intense contractions and pushing would feel like.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Knowing the benefits of having a natural labor, getting a doula, and having a support system. My first labor was full of complications, some pretty scary. And in my mind the epidural and not knowing how to handle labor were big contributors to why my first birth and the recovery after was so traumatic. My husband knew how much I wanted a natural labor and no matter how much I screamed for an epidural he was not going to let me have one!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast it was and how different everything felt from my first. I woke up at 3am and she was born at 5! My doula barely made it! Also the recovery was amazing! I felt great afterwards.
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Be determined and stick to your goals! It is possible and so very worth it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Vocalization and being upright. Everything went so fast I didn't really get to try much. During my prodromal labor though, moving around and focused breathing really helped.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
In the hospital bed with the head of the bed raised up, so kind of a reclined squat.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I didn't get to hold my first right away so being able to actually see her and a feel her right away is something I will never forget!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be determined and stick to your goals! It is possible and so very worth it.
