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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my water broke.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I did end up getting an epidural but it was all worth it when it ended in my VBAC and my healthy baby.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Walking and keeping active even through my 48 hours of pre-labor. My pre-labor Included painful contractions 7-10 minutes apart after a week of Braxton Hicks. Ultimately and most importantly my reading of the Bible and prayer and closeness with the Savior, gave me calm and love for the situation. Give it to God.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I could not care less about breaking down and getting the epidural, I was so resolved at first, NOT to get it. Breast feeding is going amazing. I waited until 6 cm (with my son I had the epidural at 5cm) with my daughter and now I believe the added pain and stress to be the cause for my c-section. Only God knows your body, try to be in tune with Him. He will lead you to the right decision with prayer, supplication and open heart.
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Do what you can. Give it your all. The end is so tough, stay strong with God by your side. Jesus brings you to the crossroads and He will always stay by your side through them.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Until I met my breaking point(some people go without an epidural) I used my breathing techniques from birthing classes with my daughter. I highly suggest freshening up your birthing knowledge with the movie "the business of being born". Really good information.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Hunched while holding my legs, my husband on my right and OB on my left. 2 hours of pushing, an hour nap because of high blood pressure, three pushes and he was out! There was myconium in my bag of waters so I couldn't pull him out like I wanted : / but they auctioned him, he cried right away, and all was well!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Like we had just run a marathon. He was like the only person on earth who know what we had both gone through the last week and the bond was just as good as my daughter(c-section) at first sight. I cried with my daughter I couldn't stop laugh-sobbing with my son.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do what you can. Give it your all. The end is so tough, stay strong with God by your side. Jesus brings you to the crossroads and He will always stay by your side through them.
