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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was induced at 41 weeks because of gestational diabetes, but I really didn't feel "in labor" for several hours - even though I was having regular contractions. Finally, my midwife broke my water, and that's when I really felt it.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I really didn't want to be induced, but I had already gone past the recommended induction date for women with gestational diabetes, so trying to find that balance between reasonable precautions and a 100% natural birth. I still don't know if I made the right decision, but the induction went really well - I didn't have any interventions beyond that.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I changed my diet (high-fat, low-carb) to manage my gestational diabetes, and not only did it prevent me from having to take insulin, but I felt great the rest of the pregnancy! Feeling strong and energetic made me more confident about labor and helped me recover quickly afterwards. I'd recommend a low-carb, high-fat diet for any pregnancy, not just gestational diabetes.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How different induction was from my two previous births (both 100% natural). It was hard psychologically - I didn't feel like I'd caught up to the fact that I'd had a baby for about 24 hours.
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Trust you instincts. You know what you need.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing techniques and not "fighting" the contractions/urge to push.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hands and knees.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! All the pain and difficulty of labor melts away in that moment.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Trust you instincts. You know what you need.