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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having contractions for 10 hrs, but they weren't bad. Nothing compared to the pitocin contractions I had had with my first. I was nearly 42 weeks and was totally skeptical that anything was happening- they were ten-ish minutes apart, 30-60 secs long, and I had been going about my night and day just fine. They stopped me on my tracks but when it was over I continued on with my day. My midwife had me come in to her office to see if anything was happening. I was nearly 8cm ! She told me to get to the hospital - fast !
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Overcoming fear that my body wouldn't go into labor on it's on. Especially when she hung out for nearly 2 weeks past due date and after having to be induced with my son due to low amniotic fluid when he was nearly 2 weeks late.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
This time around my doula told me to drink 100+ oz of water a day and my AFI ( I'm guessing amniotic fluid per inch) was amazing! I have no doubt now that I was dehydrated with my first. I also used the positive birthing affirmations and printed some out and Carried them around with for the last 3 weeks of this pregnancy. The water and the affirmations kept me going strong and - sure enough - she came on her own when she was ready!
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What surprised you about your birth?
That the laboring was really not that bad - not bad at all compared to my first and being induced. My husband, my son and I had a wonderful morning while I was laboring. We went on a walk, we played outside, we laughed ! Even when transitioning my doula, midwife, my husband and I laughed harder than I have in years. It was wonderful. I was however equally surprised by how much the pushing contractions hurt! I had an epidural with my first after hours of pitocin - so I hadn't experienced that pain. It didn't last long though, and it was totally worth it !!
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Trust your body and Drink plenty of water at the end! That advice given to me by my doula has me endlessly grateful - she gave me my confidence in my body back - and I'll forever be grateful !
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I spent the end of laboring in the tub at the hospital, using the hard surface to put counter pressure on my back during contractions, and enjoying the company of my husband and birthing team between them. It was lovely.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
This surprised me as well - I felt like all the birth stories I read people knew what position they wanted to be in - I did not, they kept asking me and I had no clue. The pressure and the pushing contractions were so intense I just wanted to be told !!' After trying several suggestions I did not like, I ended up on my back with my feet in the stirrups - I wanted the pressure on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing!!!! I was surprised my water never broke and she was born in her sac, and I was surprised how big she was - 9lbs 6oz. (My first was 6 - 13!!) I was beyond grateful to have gotten my perfect birthing experience and to be holding my baby girl! She came out fast and pushing was kind of a blur - but she was her and healthy and huge !
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust your body and Drink plenty of water at the end! That advice given to me by my doula has me endlessly grateful - she gave me my confidence in my body back - and I'll forever be grateful !
