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When did you realize you were really in labor?
34 hours prior to pushing I finally started getting the labor pain started I had been looking for. I knew it would take a while (that’s just my body!) so I called my sister and Mom and we spent the day walking the town, eating snacks and timing contractions. It was a really pleasant day despite the pain!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Early in my my pregnancy I had been bullied to take a test that showed an increased likelihood of Turners x. My baby does not in fact have this disorder, but because everyone was so focused on it they missed a detail that caused me massive internal tearing and hemorrhaging. Every second of pain was worth my bright eyed and alert little girl!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Lean on my support group and listen to advice. Having a tribe makes the process less intimidating.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The rush of love and devotion I immediately felt! The pain was secondary to her gorgeous, wiggly little body!
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Stay strong and assert yourself. It is your body and your choice. You should never feel pressured, but rather empowered by your chosen team.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Constant movement! There is no time that laying in a bed is natural during contractions and dilating.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my side, 1 leg held by my partner.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Indescribable. Though I was hemorrhaging and my placenta had torn to pieces, I could think about anything else when she was in my arms. I felt incredibly proud to have had her naturally.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Stay strong and assert yourself. It is your body and your choice. You should never feel pressured, but rather empowered by your chosen team.
