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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor when contractions were 4 minutes apart. I thought I had indigestion and was having gas pains, however the pain started getting intense and I had to brace myself against my partner and I realized they weren't going away.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was the uncertainty about going into the hospital setting, you don't necessarily know how the nurses and doctors may react to the birth plan. I go into labor at night usually and don't know who will be on staff. It's also very challenging to refuse interventions during pregnancy and labor, esp. shots for my newborn. I had an older l nurse who was ignorant tell me " you are going to kill your baby" :/ it's hard in moments like that!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Exercise and walked 4 miles- 5x a week, drinking red raspberry leaf tea and taking gentle birth tincture and eating dates.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick it was, 1.5 hours, arrived at the hospital and was 8cm and it was less painful than my first birth I think because I knew what to expect.
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Help your body prepare for labor! We are way too stationary and need to move, exercise!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Staring at specific spot on the ceiling and breathing/ moaning through a contraction.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back, luckily the L & D nurse who delivered me Because a doctor wasn't available, let me leave my feet out of stirrups!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Wonderful! Knowing I was going to hold her gave me some extra grit during pushing!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Help your body prepare for labor! We are way too stationary and need to move, exercise!
