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When did you realize you were really in labor?
At about 4am when my water broke.
I had really been in labor since about 1am, being sick, having back pain, but I assumed I had just eaten something bad, and my back was hurting from constantly being up and down and being 42 weeks pregnant.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about trying to go natural was of course the pain, my contractions were very painful.
Not nearly as painful as the ones that came after I was given pitocin when I was not progressing though.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I watched a lot of videos online, read through a ton of natural birth blogs. Re-watched like every Mama Natural video to do with birth/pregnancy.
My hospital also gave me a lot of good information about labor and how it progresses, and it was all really helpful.
My midwife was also always there to answer any crazy questions I had.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The biggest surprise was that no matter how much I wanted a natural birth, how hard I tried, or how long I waited my daughter was not coming out naturally, and I ended up with an emergency C-section after 16 hours.
My blood pressure was continuously getting higher, even with treatment, and my daughter was very wedged against my pelvis, and she came out with a totally slanted head.
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The biggest surprise was that no matter how much I wanted a natural birth, how hard I tried, or how long I waited my daughter was not coming out naturally.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
While I was laboring naturally it really felt best to just walk and breathe through the pain. Warm showers were also wonderful.
I also loved when my husband would rub and kind of roll my hips.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
C-section
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was amazing to hold my daughter for the first time. It was like some part of me I never knew was missing was suddenly there. I never knew I could love something so much.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I would say just do your best. If you want to go natural and are unable to do it, for whatever reason, forgive yourself.
I had a real sense of disappointment after my c-section, and like I had failed, but in the end what matters is that you and baby make it through.
If I had not of had my c-section I am not sure my daughter or I would be here today.
