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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up and thought I had heard a "pop" at 2:30am but had no leaking and had some contractions about 15 minutes apart. I went back to sleep and woke up at 6 with contractions around 6 minutes apart.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My labor was quick. I got to the hospital at 8:30 dilated to a 6 and at 10:15 I was still a 6. At 10:30 I was a 9. Those 15 minutes were contractions on top of contractions with hardly any break. I wasn't prepared for that.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
This was my second unmedicated birth but I had to fight for my first one. I made sure this time that I had a natural birth friendly nurse and that the on call dr was on board with me. It made it so much easier to not have to explain my decisions while in labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
With my first unmedicated birth my daughter came out in one push. I never felt her move down and out really. This time I felt every little movement and it was amazing. Painful, but amazing.
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Don't give up. You can do it and in the end you will be glad you did.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I did a lot of swaying and leaning in early labor. Standing still hurt. Once transition started it took everything I had to breathe, but focusing on breathing helped me get through it.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back. My contractions were coming so fast and hard I couldn't move anymore.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing. Every time it's amazing.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't give up. I was ready to give in during those 15 minutes, but my husband and nurse wouldn't let me. You can do it and in the end you will be glad you did.
