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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had to be induced, as I had gone 12 days past my due date. I was hesitant, as I wanted a natural delivery, and I know it can be difficult to bear the intensity with pitocin. However, I was able to have pitocin for a couple of hours, and then my water broke. My Dr let me get off of the pit and walk around. I started feeling more intense contractions around 12:30 pm, and my baby was born at 1:46 pm. Upon getting induced, I was already 6 cm, so the pitocin just helped get things jump started. I was only on pit for about 2ish hours and was able to walk around, and labor exactly how I wanted, and deliver naturally!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my second natural delivery, and was much faster and smoother than the first. However, I would say a natural delivery requires an immense amount of determination and mental preparation. Preparing your mind is the #1 thing that I found useful.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Mental preparation and perineal stretching!!! Both deliveries were tear free, and I truly believe that was due to stretching! It is something I highly recommend to all mommas!!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly this delivery went. And how slow...ha! I walked around at 4 cm for 4 weeks! I never thought I would go past my due date, as my cervix measure 2.5-2.6 cm at 21 weeks. And then being dilated to a 4 for so long, and yet I went 12 days over, and ended up being induced!!
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If you truly want to go natural, you have to be strong enough to overcome the mental blocks and push through. Always look for the light at the end of the tunnel. You CAN do it, and it will be over before you know it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Applying counter-pressure to my hips throughout each contraction.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
The typical way on the hospital bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Indescribable! Waiting for 9 months to see that baby, and then working so hard to delivery him/her, the feeling of seeing them for the first time in overwhelming! Your body just floods with immediate love that only a mother can know!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
If you truly want to go natural, you have to be strong enough to overcome the mental blocks and push through. Always look for the light at the end of the tunnel. You CAN do it, and it will be over before you know it!
