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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had been in early labor for a few days. I was 4 cm dilated and 50% effaced at 40 weeks and 6 days
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I have 6 children now and all of my first five were pitocin labor. This was my first all natural,no epidural labor and delivery and it was AMAZING!!! Yes, the pain was intense but I am so glad that I experienced labor this way!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read up on how to cope with the pain , not to let me body tense up. I made sure to keep my hands relaxed and open during my contractions.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I have never experienced feeling my baby moving down my pelvis, and for the first time I experienced this! It was so remarkable to feel her moving down my pelvis !
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You can do it !! Let your body do what it is supposed to!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Moaning! I had nurses the next day telling me that they heard me and great job! ! But holy cow, I now understand the importance of moaning during contractions. It actually hurt more to stop moaning so that I could breathe!
And my labor tub ! That was my absolute life saver !!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I almost had a water birth, but due to hospital protocol they had to get me out during my last contraction. I delivered my daughter standing up .
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing!!!!!! My midwife handed her to me between my legs and I just cried!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it !! Let your body do what it is supposed to!