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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was exactly 41 weeks and scheduled for induction the next day at 3 am. While I was taking a nap, my water broke at home around 3:30 PM. At first I wasn't sure if it was my water that broke so I decided to jump in the shower and change my clothes. Turned out, it was my water!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging this about trying to go natural was the fact that my water broke and I was only 2cm and 50% effaced. I know from prior labors, since this was my 5th child, that my body works best with no type of induction or medication once I get to 5cm. And since I was already overdo and scheduled and my water had already broken before I got to 4cm of dilation that the doctors would advise that I get induced with pitocin. I tried all types of strategies to naturally bring down the baby, but after 14 hours of walking, bouncing on a ball, and nipple stimulation, I was too exhausted to continue. My nurse told me that I was about 5 cm so I agreed to take a he epidural and the pitocin. Once my midwife came in, I found out that I was only 4-5 cm when the kids did my last check. I was wondering why my body was taking so long to get to 10cm but once I realized I was only 4 cm when I took the epidural, which by the way kept dropping my blood pressure, I realized why it was taking forever to give birth!!! 22 hours labor my baby came.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful l thing I did to prepare was listening to music that put my mind at ease. During labor, I listened to Prince 'Kiss", lol, I never knew Prince music put my mind at ease. I learned something new about myself.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The amount of pain my body was in after giving birth was surprising. I felt like I was lifting weighs or just came from the running a marathon.
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If you want to go natural do it. Listen to your body and not let anyone convince you otherwise unless it's medically necessary. You know your body!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Resting worked best for me and listening to soothing music.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered the regular hospital way, laying on my back with my legs up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
As always, it felt wonderful holding my baby in my hands, like a miracle just occurred.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you want to go natural do it. Listen to your body and not let anyone convince you otherwise unless it's medically necessary. You know your body!
