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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was use to the baby moving in the early morning hours but for some reason I felt a weird movement that woke me up from my sleep at 2:00 a.m! I tried to turn over to my left side and a sharp pain hit me..felt like a muscle spasm!!! At that moment I knew I was in labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This is my second time giving birth and I planned on doing it all natural. It was different from my first birthing experience, the contractions were longer and more intense. I paced myself and tried to breath through them as much as possible. The most challenging part was the length of the contractions( lasting over 2 mins), which in turn made my body shake. I opted for the epidural at 6.5 cm!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare for labor was reading. I read a lot of information to help prepare me for labor along with practicing breathing techniques. Also, the emails I received from Mama Natural kept me alert and aware of what was going on with my body during pregnancy. One other thing that was helpful was that I pre-registered for labor and delivery. Trying to register while you are in labor can be a really challenging.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was 39 weeks when I delivered my daughter. I was only in labor for about 4 hours and once I made it to 10cm, I pushed 3 good times and out came the baby. I had my daughter on the 4th of July and surprisingly she was the only baby born at the hospital on that day. We nicknamed her "firecracker"!
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The moment I got to hold my daughter was surreal. I felt so blessed because everything was perfect...from the top of her head..down to her toes. I was in love all over again.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
The pain relief strategies that worked best for me was slow deep breaths and squeezing my fist together as tight as I could then releasing it. I practiced these techniques during the contractions and it helped me take my focus off the pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered my daughter at the hospital. I was lying down on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The moment I got to hold my daughter was surreal. I felt so blessed because everything was perfect...from the top of her head..down to her toes. I was in love all over again. As soon as she came out they laid her on my chest and she breastfed for like 45 minutes. It was one of the best feelings in my life...Amazing!!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
My advice to moms who want to go natural would be to read as much information as you can about childbirth. Sign for email alerts. Learn about the different breathing techniques because they work wonders. Don't focus all your attention on packing for the hospital and things you may need because most of the things you need will be provided. Also if something doesn't go as planned and you have to use a pain reliever, don't feel ashamed. We are all woman but all of us have our own story. Be a blessing to others my sharing your story!!!
