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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was really hoping to get to experience a natural labor progression but I was just under 42 weeks and based on an ultrasound, my midwife said the best course of action to insure a natural birth would to be induce with a foley bulb. True labor contractions really started about 12 hours later when I couldn't talk through them anymore.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I was so tired! I labored for 24 hours almost to the minute from when the foley bulb was inserted until he was in my arms. With no epidural, I got no rest and I was in and out of a dream like state for the last 8 hours of labor. I kept the room cold, dark and quiet and say in a chair until my water broke 3 minutes before I pushed him out. That chair saved me! It really helped ease the pressure on my back. The nurses were in disbelief that I was so calm and peaceful during labor with no epidural.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Read blogs and online tips and tricks! It was so helpful to hear other women's birth stories and things the did to help. It was inspiring.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I always thought my labor would be quick but it turned out to be almost a day. Pushing was the part that scared me the most but it turned out to be the easiest and coolest part!
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You can do it. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Find the labor position that offers you the most comfort and stay there! Breathe in, breathe out.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Finding a position that worked for me. I tried laying on the bed, bouncing on a ball, walking, squatting and laying reverse in the bed. The only position I felt comfortable in was sitting in a chair. I stayed in that chair for about 8 hours straight!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying down holding my legs back. I was so tired by the time my water broke we decided it was the best position for me.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Wild. It was so surreal. I couldn't believe how beautiful and perfect he was.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Find the labor position that offers you the most comfort and stay there! Breathe in, breathe out.
