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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I went into my Ob early on a Monday morning and was already dilated to a 4! With my first, I was in active labor at 4, so I was very excited. As I was 3 days passed my due date, we decided she could strip my membranes. Within about 5 hours, my contractions were strong enough that I knew labor was starting.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
With my first labor, I had been very optimistic and excited. It was a 25 hour labor with a very long (4-5 hour) transition, which I was not prepared for. Remembering why I was going natural and why it was important to me was harder this time. My husband luckily was on board because even though my family was very supportive, they hate to see me in pain and thought I was a little bit crazy! For me personally, trying to not get scared or fearful was the hardest part.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I compiled a playlist on YouTube of a few great guided meditations and positive affirmations. During labor, I imagined surfing a wave that was getting bigger and bigger until it finally relaxed
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What surprised you about your birth?
Pushing was more painful this time!!
I was so happy to have gone to 7cm at home this time, relatively peacefully. I was also able to sit and lie down during contractions, which I could not do with my first.
With my first, my OB broke my water at 9cm, and I was ready to deliver almost immediately afterwards, which was great.
With this labor, I asked her to break it at 8cm, thinking I would dilate to 10 very quickly. Instead, I had about an hour to an hour and a half of horribly painful contractions where I was yelling and singing!! I will be more patient next time!
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Believe in yourself, have a great support team (my husband and my mom telling me the whole time how brave and tough I was was very helpful, and bring a cool washcloth.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
At home, l laid in the tub and had candles going. My favorite meditations were: "Birthing Affirmations by shawdeya; surfing for birthing" and "meditation for labor & Natural childbirth- by bexlife"
Also, having my husband wipe my face with a cool washcloth between contractions
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back! I know it's not recommended, but it was actually ok.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I don't have the rush of endorphins from delivery some moms say they feel. I just feel relief that we made it through and gratitude for this healthy little baby.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself, have a great support team (my husband and my mom telling me the whole time how brave and tough I was was very helpful, and bring a cool washcloth.
