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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor at 4:20am on Sunday, August 14th. The contractions woke me up and felt like strong period cramps. I went to the bathroom and had three loose bowel movements within 20 minutes (basically couldn't get off the toilet), as the contractions continued.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Going natural was the most challenging thing about going natural!! I ended up getting some type of drug to relax me and take the edge off of the contractions for a couple of hours so that I could progress, and then did end up getting an epidural to get me the rest of the way through the pregnancy. It certainly was not how I imagined any of this going, but it got me to where I needed to get to--10cm dilated and my son in my arms, and that was all that mattered to me in the end.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I honestly might have prepared a bit better had I known how intense the experience would have been. I suppose one good thing I learned ahead of time was the idea that a low, deep groan was a better go-to sound to make during contractions than freaking out and screaming, as it helped my body stay somewhat more relaxed than I think it may have been otherwise.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How intense the entire process was!
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Go easy on yourself. Especially if this is your first time, realize what you wanted to happen might not always happen, and that IS OKAY. Get that baby out however you need to and love yourself for GETTING THE JOB DONE woman!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Again, a low, deep groaning as I rode the wave of contractions was a good technique for me, and I also did enjoy being in the warm water of the birthing tub for sometime as I progressed from about 4cm - 6cm.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back... A nurse holding one leg, husband holding the other, midwife gently coaching me through pushing, rubbing extra virgin olive oil on me... completely NOT how I thought I would!! But it worked... my son is happy and so healthy, so I am grateful.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
How did it feel to hold Will for the first time? Like I had discovered the meaning of life. I'm not joking. That thought repeatedly came back to me as tears streamed down my face and I explored my son's face for the first time ever. It was the best moment of my entire life, bar none.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Go easy on yourself. Especially if this is your first time, realize what you wanted to happen might not always happen, and that IS OKAY. Get that baby out however you need to and love yourself for GETTING THE JOB DONE woman!