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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been having tons of pressure for a few days and hadn't been sleeping very well at all. I woke up one morning at 4:30am to go to the bathroom, as soon as I returned to bed my husband asked what was going on. I said nothing just go back to bed. Sure enough, a few minutes later came the first contraction. I couldn't fall back asleep and went down stairs. My husband came down shortly after and asked if this was it, I stated to get nauseous and started getting excited hoping I would get to see my child today! Sure enough we started timing my contractions and realized they were just a few minutes apart! We quickly called my mother and were off to the hospital. As soon as we were at the hospital I started to push and my son was born at 7:48am.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part about going natural is staying positive and keeping your mind focused. I was extra nervous this time around since I had already had a natural child birth with my first, I knew how painful it was and what I could expect.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing you can do to prepare for child birth is PRAY and have faith! I totally believe and know it works! Stay positive, know you can do it! Your body is made for this and knowing this early on will help. Educate yourself and know that every labor is different.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was so surprised at how short this labor was, it lasted 3 hours and 20 minutes (I am so thankful). I was also surprised at how "painless" labor was this time around. I had read the book "Supernatural Childbirth" and truly believed I could have a supernatural birth. This labor was still not comfortable, I didn't have tons of pain but did have lots of pressure.
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PRAY and have faith! I totally believe and know it works! Stay positive, know you can do it! Your body is made for this and knowing this early on will help. Educate yourself and know that every labor is different.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Walking around and never stop moving. I also was very relaxed and stayed focused on each contraction, take it one at a time.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I ended up delivering on my back. I regret this decision, my son was face up, it was a lot harder to push him out and they did end up using the vacuum. The whole time I knew I should be on all fours or squat and he would come out easier, however the Dr. Who was on call wasn't extremely helpful and was pushing for a C section as soon as she knew he was face up. I was determined to get him out and quickly and didn't want to ask too many question I was focused on seeing my baby.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I was so relieved when I saw his head and he was finally in my arms. He was such a chunky sweet boy from the start. I wish I could relive the moment over and over again.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Stay focused and know you can do this! It is what you are created to do and that me you won't die;). You will feel so accomplished afterward and the feeling is such a great reward. Recovery is so much easier after a natural birth. Be determined and keep your eyes on the prize.
