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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My labor began with my water breaking four days before my due date. From then on I had contractions every 2-4 minutes. For me it *was* kind of like the movies where a gush of warm water came out and soaked the floor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
(I didn't end up going natural). My contractions were painful and 2-4 minutes apart for 26 hours.
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Processed with MOLDIV
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hired a doula and a midwife for delivery. The doula helped prepare me and my husband for the labor and delivery by teaching us many helpful positions and coping techniques to deal with a long and painful labor.
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I ended up needing an epidural & pitocin because after the water broke my baby's head and fist were bumping into my cervix which caused swelling and inhibited me from dilating properly.
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I felt like a champion for having made it to the end and was given the most precious awe inspiring prize.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I went natural for the first 10 hours and deep breathing which a low moaning exhale was my strategy for each contraction. I had one position that I had to be in, knees on a pillow on the floor and arms and head on my bed, like a supported child's pose. My hips and lower back aches and the doula massaged them during contractions which felt great.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Much to my surprise--my back with my knees up in the air. Baby was posterior and had to be flipped once the head came out.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Love love love love love. I felt like a champion for having made it to the end and was given the most precious awe inspiring prize.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do whatever feels right to you and trust your gut.
