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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Contractions started at 4:30 am on 5/27/18 wasn't sure if it was real labor because I had prodromal labor the week before. My partner and I started tracking them on an app around noon and by 2 pm it was obvious there was a pattern. 30sec long contractions 3-4mins apart and were consistent the entire day until I had my baby.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having to get stern with the medical field about my requests. It's not in my nature to be rude but I didn't trust them, I did not want a hep loc and was told when I admitted that it was required after my ob said it was ok for me to not have one, so this immediately broke my trust. After that I noticed myself get very stern, aggressive and defensive about my natural birth plan.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Surrounding myself with people who encouraged and supported me. My ob who always kept a positive attitude about my VBAC, and laboring at home until I was in serious active labor. I was only at the hospital a few hours till I had my baby, and this significantly eliminated the possibility for them to push interventions, as there was no time for it, in my opinion!
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What surprised you about your birth?
It didn't hurt. Like, I waited and waited for this Hollywood type unbearable screaming my head off can't deal with it being mauled and dismembered by a pack of bears type of pain and it never happened. There was pressure, very intense at times, and the "ring of fire" stung a bit, but I've had more pain from sunburns, bug bites and falling off my bike and those type things.
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Your body was made for this, trust yourself and don't buy into fear.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and looking forward to the break in between contractions. I would picture myself relaxing on a white sand beach in between contractions and it helped me relax and save energy for the next one
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying on my left side, the nurse holding up my right leg.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relief, I was exhausted and it was like holding her was 9 months of worry just fizzled out. I was just calm and relieved.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Your body was made for this, trust yourself and don't buy into fear. Everyone wants to offer a horror story of some type, just walk away. Go to online support groups for birth that offers you supportive and empowering information!
