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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When the OB broke my water at 5cm fully effaced.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having a 9lb 10oz baby with a shoulder dystocia. After being on hands and knees her heart rate kept dropping really low. I got in a reclined squat and the OB cork screwed her while 3 nurses did the McRoberts maneuver and suprapubic pressure. The door was wide open and a rush of nurses on phones rushed in the room.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Took Bradley birthing classes with my first and used that knowledge for the other 4 births. Also guided relaxation everyday to train my body to relax. I enjoyed Childbirth in the Glory and rainbow relaxation. A whole foods prenatal, herbs, plenty of water, and the brewers diet kept me healthy. Dates from 35 weeks until a week postpartum.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How big my baby was. I had an anterior placenta this time while the previous 4 were posterior so it really cushioned her. Also delivering a stuck shoulder without any injury for myself or baby. I've had 5 natural vaginal births the last with the shoulder hurt much worse that the previous 4. I knew something wasn't right just wasn't sure what.
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You really can do it! Distraction is key no matter the method.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being on my birth ball. I had a textured foot roller I rolled my feet across during contractions. Also music I sang thru my contractions. Counter pressure and hip squeezes. And at 8cms I was googling the number to order pizza!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I stared out in like a reclined squat. I had the back of the bed as high as it would go and my feet in the stirrups. I loved the handles on the side of the bed. I remember the senior charge nurse asking if I wanted a mirror(I've wanted it with all the others it just wont ever available) but something told me I needed the nurse there. I'm glad I listened to my gut she was the one applying suprapubic pressure to help safely turn my baby.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Relief it was over. It was fastest hardest labor. All I could think was "Oh I hope her collar bone isn't broken."
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You really can do it! Distraction is key no matter the method.
