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When did you realize you were really in labor?
It was a Sunday. I had been having small contractions all day, but, when I called my doctor he assured me it was Braxton Hicks. It was about 9:30 PM as I was laying on the bathroom floor, having severe contractions when I realized I was REALLY in labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural for me was that I didn't have a choice. Before we could make it to the hospital my water broke while my husband was getting the car, and I delivered my daughter in our upstairs bathroom.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
In my situation the most helpful thing was that I had watched the show 'I didn't know I was pregnant'. After unexpectedly having my daughter alone, at home I remembered seeing how Mothers in a situation similar to mine had acted.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I had only been in active labor for about 3 hours when I felt I had to push. My husband had gone downstairs(we live in an apartment building) to move the car and let my mother in - who was staying with our 3 year old while went to the hospital. I went to the downstairs bathroom because I felt I had to have a bowel movement and when I pushed, my water broke. Shocked, I went upstairs to get a new pair of underwear and pants. Once upstairs I feel like I need to push again. I went into the bathroom and pushed again, feeling something strange I reached down and felt myself crowning. Three pushes later my daughter slid into the toilet. I pulled her out, wiped out her nose and mouth and wrapped her in a hand towel. Then I had to wait what felt like an hour for my mother and husband to come back, since I hadn't delivered the placenta. Upon their arrival I yelled to my husband to call 911, and my mother rushed to my aid. Thankfully the EMT's arrived quickly and both my daughter and I were both okay.
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The pain from contractions are worse then actual labor pains. I don't even remember the delivery pain because of all the adrenaline.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
As gross as it may sound, passing gas or a bowl movement relieved the most pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Unfortunately I delivered my daughter sitting on the toilet. I didn't have enough time to fill the tub.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was very scared. Having her unexpectedly at home, while my husband was moving the car, was terrifying.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Honestly, the pain from contractions are worse then actual labor pains. I don't even remember the delivery pain because of all the adrenaline.
