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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I experienced something I never had before... prodromal labor from 32 weeks! I had 5 disappointing trips to labor and delivery over 9 weeks with strong, painful bit irregular contractions. My emotions were shot by 41 weeks. The last day of my 40th week, and a second round of castor oil my contractions were painless (something I hadn't experienced since about 30 weeks) but finally very regular at 5 minutes apart. I put it to the wayside for about 2-3 hours until I couldn't really talk through the contractions and they were 3-4 minutes apart. I still thought I was going to be sent home, yet again without baby when the midwife checked me, finally at 3 cm and I was clearly in labor! Little baby Sonny was born shortly after only an hour and a half or strong labor at the hospital (laboring in the shower for only an hour I went from 3-9 cm!).
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I experienced intense back labor and found that I couldn't sit or lay down for any contractions, hence why the shower worked the best for the pain with a shower chair to put one knee/foot on during contractions. Unfortunately the tub wasn't working properly, which is what I wanted for pain relief.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I was able to come to the realization that I am not in control of any situation in childbirth (as far as my body and vibes are concerned) and to be able to be mail-able with my expectations and to go with the flow.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quick everything happened! The midwife checked me at 12:30, I was at 9 cm. At 12:40 she broke my bag, and I started to push at 12:45, and my little Sonny boy was born into this world at 12:49!
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Listen to your body and just give it what it needs and your body with supply you the strength and right amount of hormones to bring your sweet little cherub into this world with the most empowering experience you could ever imagine... there's nothing like it in earth!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water and music!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was in my back but most of my pushing I was actually on my side.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was still in shock because we had just got to the birth center at the hospital just over an hour before! But it felt amazing to hold our boy!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Just go with the flow and know that your body is in control. Even with the frustration of prodromal labor and the badgering of family and friends to "make" them induce me, I'm so glad I stuck with my midwives and that they didn't induce before my body was ready!! Listen to your body and just give it what it needs and your body with supply you the strength and right amount of hormones to bring your sweet little cherub into this world with the most empowering experience you could ever imagine... there's nothing like it in earth!
