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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was in early labor for 3.5 days but I knew I was in active labor when my water broke. I was checked and was finally at about a 5.5.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This birth was a VBAC for me so I never really thought of this birth as being challenging. Recovering from a c-section is much more challenging!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read all the positive birth stories I could. I loved books like Ina May's Guide to Childbirth as well.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How long it took! 4 days of labor including early and active labor. She was just slightly turned and that slower everything down.
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Read positive birth stories, books that believe in a women's ability to have a natural birth and avoid negative people. If they don't support your birth preferences, don't let the topic be brought up. That negativity can be toxic.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure on my back and mentally surrendering to the experience.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
My midwife had to hold back a cervical lip so I ended up on my back and then my side pushing.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Surreal and amazing! So much hard work and the experience of pushing my baby out and then it was all over and she was here in my arms!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Read positive birth stories, books that believe in a women's ability to have a natural birth and avoid negative people. If they don't support your birth preferences, don't let the topic be brought up. That negativity can be toxic.
