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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was in labor when my water broke! my water broke at 8am and contractions started about 12 hours later. At first I didn't realize they were contractions because all I had was back pain, but after talking to my doula and explaining what they felt like she confined that they were, indeed, contractions. they got much more intense after that.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part for me was pushing, I pushed for about 6 hours total because my baby got stuck and was pretty big. I was also so tired that I never felt the "urge" as some women call it so I felt like I was pushing all by myself.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Bradley classes were great! They helped me understand the logistics of birth and while I was going through it I felt informed and empowered because I knew what was happening. My stubborn nature was also very helpful, I refused to give up or give in.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The back labor! I had absolutely no pain in my belly, all in my back. It wasn't very pleasant at all.
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I was so tired at the end that I had to lie down on my back and ended up falling asleep between pushing.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Being in the warm tub was honestly a life saver for me, nothing else really touched the pain besides that.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Unfortunately I was so tired at the end that I had to lie down on my back and ended up falling asleep between pushing. I delivered my son that way.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I was so elated and so glad it was over. He was placed immediately on my chest and we just cried together.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Learn all you can about natural childbirth, the more knowledge, the more power! you really need to know WHY you're doing it so that in the moment you can stay focused on the end goal.
