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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was 41 weeks and 6 days...my CNM and I discussed my options, and decided I should be admitted to be given cervidil as a cervical ripening agent, in the hopes that it would stimulate labor. I had tried all other natural ways to induce labor prior to this, to no avail! About 30 minutes after the cervidil was administered, I started having very intense and regular contractions. About 3 hours after the cervidil was administered, I had dilated from 2cm to 6 cm!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The intensity of my contractions and I had very little "down" time in between contractions, they were coming about 30-45 seconds apart once labor started.
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IMG_9886-bw
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Sitting on my labor ball, researching and watching other natural labors and births, attending a natural birthing class with my husband, and discussing our wishes/plans with family and medical team.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly labor started after cervidil was inserted, and how quickly the actual labor and delivery was.
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Carefully research and study natural labors and ways to cope with the pain, have a supportive team with you(spouse, doula, CNM/MD, friends/family)
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Labor ball, hands and knees position, counter-pressure/massage
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Side-lying
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relief that she was healthy and relief that the pain/intensity of labor was over
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Carefully research and study natural labors and ways to cope with the pain, have a supportive team with you(spouse, doula, CNM/MD, friends/family)
