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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 5:30 am June 23, 2017 I knew I was having contractions, they were 5 minutes apart. I waited until about 830 am to go to the hospital, when they were about 2 minutes apart. The contractions were strong enough to take my breath while sitting or laying down.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The fact that Harley was face up, vs face down, he was hitting his head on my pelvic bone and was stuck in the birth canal. I wound up having to do the epidural in order to be able to get him out. My midwife was getting so worried, she almost called for an emergency c-section. I had to use every bit of stubbornness I had to make sure that it didn't happen!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I listened to my midwife. She was truly amazing. Despite all the things that were going wrong, she kept me centered, focused, and helped me achieve a vaginal birth with no rips, tears, or cuts. I truly didn't think it would be possible.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The overwhelming amount of energy it took, and how every muscle in my body hurt... even my ears!
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Definitely give it a try. If, like me, you can't quite make it, there is no shame in it. At least you tried.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing really helped, but in the end the epidural helped me the most. I was able to focus on something besides the pain, and to be able to listen coherently to the instructions my midwife gave me.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered halfway on my back and side, using one leg to hold me up on my side... almost crab like.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was an amazing feeling knowing that I brought this little squalling person in the world.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Definitely give it a try. If, like me, you can't quite make it, there is no shame in it. At least you tried. I was at 9 cm when I made the call for it. I believe if harley hadn't been face up I might have been able to do it all natural. But, that just wasn't in the cards this time around.
