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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having dinner at my parents place and my contractions became regular at about 7 minutes apart. My labor started in the early afternoon my contractions were 15 minutes apart. I had a soothing Clary sage and Epsom salt bath, I took an hour nap, and did yoga hip opening stretches
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My contractions came on strong and furious. I was admitted at 5-6 cm dilated. My OB broke my water and within 30 minutes contractions grew to 2 minutes apart. I had my essential oils for relaxation (lavender, Clary sage, ylang ylang, and helichrusim) pain (lavender, wintergreens, peppermint, and geranium) and energy (tangerine, ginger, and lemon).
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Daily yoga hip opening stretches (butterfly, hands and knees hip circles, down dog, cat and dog poses; I also downloaded you're positive biblical affirmation series which really helped me stay focused and positive the last couple of days leading to delivery.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I ended up needing an emergency c-section. It was my fourth delivery. My first was a c-section, then two vaginal deliveries, and my last was a
C-section. Baby Fergus was born healthy and a true miracle and wonderful addition to our family
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In the end go into labor open minded as God has a plan for you and you're baby. It might not be the blue print you designed but its perfectly planned out!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I ended up having an epidural because of the c-section
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What position did you end up delivering in?
N/A
My goal was to use a exercise ball and yoga mat and use a variety of hands and knees position. God had a different plan.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I was overwhelmed with joy. Happy tears when my husband brought Fergus to me I couldn't stop staring into his wide opened eyes. I held him briefly then the nurse and my husband left the OR so my OB could complete the surgery. Two and a half hours later I held Fergus and nursed him for the first time. I was happy to be reunited with my husband and son in the recovery room and counted my blessings for a successful surgery and healthy baby. A true Christmas miracle!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Follow you're heart and during labor a positive birthing coach like a loved one, OB, mid wife, friend is a good way to keep you motivated and offer help along the way. Prayer was big for me as well as listening to positive birth affirmations. In the end go into labor open minded as God has a plan for you and you're baby. It might not be the blue print you designed but its perfectly planned out!
