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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke at 40 weeks and 3 days.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about my birth was that my water broke but my body failed to go into labor on its own. After 24 hours I consented to receive pitocin but it also failed. After two natural births, this one would end up being a c section.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I prepared for the unexpected and so when things did not go according to my plans, I felt comfortable with the decision to get my son out as safely as possible.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised that the hospital staff was so understanding with my birth plan. They gave me time and did everything possible to help me get labor started naturally.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
With the sporadic contractions that I did have, doing my best to relax my body was very helpful.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Cesarean
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Even though I ended up having a c section, they let me do skin to skin right away. I was so relieved that he was finally here and safe in my arms. I felt so incredibly blessed.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I would tell any woman to expect the unexpected. I did not prepare myself at all for a c section, and that made recovery even more difficult. Trust your body and your baby, and know that everything happens for a reason.
