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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Late morning when I went to see my midwife.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I wasn't actually able to and that was the most difficult part. My son remained breech up until I went into labor so he had to be born via Cesarean.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Take Birthing from Within class and doing gentle yoga at home.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How much I did not care that my "plan" did not come to fruition once they put my son my chest immediately after birth. It was pure love and magic.
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Do your best, believe in yourself, use the support offered to you, advocate for what you need, and find gratitude in it all....
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Focused breathing helped while laboring. Ultimately, though, have spinal I received for the Cesarean gave the most relief.
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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?
Like NOTHING I have ever experienced before. Joy, relief, amazement, gratitude, instant calm (after hours or feeling afraid), and love. So much love.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do your best, believe in yourself, use the support offered to you, advocate for what you need, and find gratitude in it all.... Even if you have to completely throw your ideal plan out the window. The most important thing in the whole process is meeting your baby.
