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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My contractions changed in intensity and stayed consistent every few minutes. My mother in law said I might be in active labor...I checked how far apart my contractions were one more time and they were 6 minutes...it was time to go.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Was that I couldn't. My body was so tired from 3 nights of barely any sleep. I tried to progress by myself, walking, birth all, birthing tub, resting, fluids....my waters ruptured by themselves and I barely progressed. I ended up being inducedthe next day.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
A lot of reading, a lot of walking. Trusting God. He got me through it. He put people in my path that informed me, assisted me and supported me every step.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The intensity! Wow the intensity! Once transition hit, things get super intense and it's crazy until that baby is on your belly and then the world stops. Then you have this beautiful child looking at you and there can be chaos around you....it doesn't doesn't matter. The intensity of delivering and the intensity of the feelings when that child was on my chest was surreal.
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Find a hospital that chooses natural options first. It makes it so much easier!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I used the birthing tub and that helped so much! Also a pelvic squeeze was my coping tool outside of the tub. I had an epidural during induction. It was a blessing that they turned it off and lowered it to my legs and feet so I can feel my contractions and my baby.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal. Intense. Crazy. Beautiful.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Find a hospital that chooses natural options first. It makes it so much easier! Pick a hospital you trust that will advocate for you. When you have contractions before your due date, not only walk, but make sure you rest before labor. Another thing: you got this!!!!!!
