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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my vaginal cramps started being closer together and I started vomiting. I was waiting on "Contractions" and was only slightly irritated from about 2am-11am when I finally went in. I was 6cm and 90% effaced when I arrived.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I lasted up until the last 2 hours. My water had not broken and I was sitting at 7cm and 95 for about an hour. I had to have my water broken and that changed the game for me where I welcomed the epidural into my life. The challenging part leading up to that was staying focused and trying to follow all the tricks you "practiced."
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IMAG0287
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did was to hire a doula,read about my options and justify why I would like certain things or practices surrounding my birth,and creating a birth plan. Birth plans do not go to plan, but its confidence in getting you to know what you want even when the reality is you may NEED something else. The rest of your life will be me making decisions for my child. Lucky for me I threw in some humor on my plan that both the doctors and I could appreciate.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick I progressed. It wasn't scary or long and drawn out like people had made it out to be. Horrifying is an overstatement when I think of giving birth now and hold no grudge to the window of labor.
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Don't give up and go as long as you can. What matters most is a healthy birth and research your options as to what is the next best thing for you.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The epidural essentially. However, before my water broke, using the birthing ball and a back massage and heating pads worked wonders for me. Additionally, trying to rest through the early stages and relaxing, trying not to overthink.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my back, but elevated, so not completely flat
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was magical and I cried, euphoric in every way.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don't give up and go as long as you can. What matters most is a healthy birth and research your options as to what is the next best thing for you. Find out what pain relief options there are, whats in them,pros and cons. Most importantly, do not let anyone scare you with the idea of pain. Pregnancy is sacred to each woman.
