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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I tried all the natural induction methods to start natural labor, but I unfortunately had to drive to the hospital to be induced at 41 weeks and 2 days. They inserted Cervadil at night to ripen my cervix and planned on starting Pitocin in the morning. I was thrilled that my body just needed a little push from the Cervadil to start contractions naturally at 3am! I labored in bed for a few hours before I woke my husband up at 6 AM telling him that I wanted to walk around because I was in labor! I knew I was in labor because I was having cramping every few minutes and my back hurt quite a bit.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
It was the unknown that was hard for me. My doula asked me before I knew I was 10 cm, if I was told I was only 5cm, how would I feel. I thought to myself I wasn't sure if I could go another half way with this much discomfort. Luckily I was about to push and so relieved that I was at the peak!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Since labor was always a fear of mine, I needed to mentally conquer it prior to giving birth. It was so helpful to read multiple books about labor itself and also pain management. I then felt more comfortable knowing as much as I could and went into it with a positive attitude. I wanted to be strong, so I didn't let fear grip me at any point. That's what helped me have a natural childbirth.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised at how quick it went! It was my first birth and it lasted only 11 hours. I didn't have a concept of time during the entire thing and was surprised at how quickly it went by. Once my baby was born, I was crying tears of joy that I was able to give my baby and my body the best labor experience by doing it naturally. Here I was thinking I had to have pitocin and ended up getting the natural birth I wanted. I was beyond excited and honestly proud of myself for accomplishing it!
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Amazing! I was so thrilled to have given her a natural birth!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Massage from my husband and doula, heating pad on my back, aromatherapy, vocalization and counter pressure.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I pushed the majority of the time squatting but then after 1.5 hours, finished in the typical laying down squatting position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I was so thrilled to have given her a natural birth!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I encourage mamas to read enough about birth to know what it was going to be like. Some people say what they learn goes out of their heads during labor. Not for me. I remembered everything and it helped me tenfold. As I went through transition, I was able to identify it and was encouraged that I was about to push! I also was able to deny things in the hospital having known what they were. I also highly recommend hiring a doula. I don't think I would have been able to mentally cope without her.
