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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor at 7 am, upon waking up on the 15th of March.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part about going natural was the endless pain due to back labor... I got no break, no relief at all for 20 hours. My contractions began at 10 mins apart and stayed that way and had consistent intensity...
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Nothing. Nothing prepared me for this birth. Everything I listened to, every hypno birthing mantra, was tossed out the window because none of those surges were bringing my baby closer... they were stalling out the process because I was writhing in pain that was so different from my last 2 births.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I got an epidural. I thought that would slow things down. 20 hours and I was dilated 2cm... all that pain and only 2cm!!!! So after my body could relax for a moment, I could breathe again and I quickly dilated to 10cm... the epidural actually helped, when I've read that it was going to stall.. it did not.
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Do the best you can, it's all about getting the baby born safely. It's not a contest to see who can endure the most pain... trust your body and there is no shame in medication
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Epidural
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What position did you end up delivering in?
With my feet on the birth bar and my hands holding, pulling, fabric draped over.. lying down.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Heavy... I was so weak I needed pillows to hold her
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do the best you can, it's all about getting the baby born safely. It's not a contest to see who can endure the most pain... trust your body and there is no shame in medication...
