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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was induced. I fought my doctor on the induction date. I skipped the first one and went to my second one. I was just ready to see my little girl. They started me off with cytotec that night. I was talking to my husband and he made me laugh and that's when my water broke. A few hours later the contractions came.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
An induction isn't easy. I was lucky to have a doctor that was willing to go easy on the pitocin and cytotec so I could carry out a pain med free birth. When those contractions hit it was tough. I was in labor for 24 hours before I ultimately had a c-section.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I took hypnobirthing which really helped. The breathing and visualization came in handy when the surges got stronger. In addition, I can't tell you how much it pays off to be informed. The hospital classes don't teach you about all of your choices. Be informed and know what is with you at the end of the day.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I was really much stronger than I thought. I made lots of major choices for myself and baby during that 24 hours of labor and really fought the good fight. When I finally decided on the c-section I didn't feel like I had thrown in the towel. I felt very empowered. I had been at it so long and was ready to give me and baby a break. We were ready to meet each other. I'm glad that I made that decision when I did because it turned out that she had a short umbilical cord and as much as she tried she was not going to be able to make that trip down the birth canal.
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Know what you want and don't be afraid to consider all the options. People will tell you that you can never plan that day out and they are right. I would have never guessed that the birth of my daughter would have happened the way it did but I would change anything about it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing, visualization and hiring a doula. I was lucky to have great nurses throughout my labor. My doula came in and upped the game. She gave me all the support and pulled out all the tricks and when I was faced with tough decisions she helped assure me I had made the right one.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
C-section on my back. I had a spinal for my anesthesia.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible. I heard my doctor say hi baby and I heard her cry. It just sounded so beautiful. I knew it was her. They quickly prepped her and handed her to me for skin to skin. It was a love like I have never experienced in my life. I love my husband, I love my family but this was different.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Know what you want and don't be afraid to consider all the options. People will tell you that you can never plan that day out and they are right. I would have never guessed that the birth of my daughter would have happened the way it did but I would change anything about it.
