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When did you realize you were really in labor?
2:30 am. Woke up with some pretty intense back pain. Started having contractions that I couldn't talk through, and needed my husband to rub my back through them.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging part this time was how fast everything went. Now it seems silly, because when I look back and it was really perfect. But I woke up, and was much further into labor than I expected and didn't have time to truly mentally prepare it was really happening!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Honestly, I felt more prepared the first 2 times. This time I spent too much time wondering when it was going to happen, I didn't prepare myself for when it actually did happen.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I'm surprised how fast it went. Labor started at 2:30 am, entered a hospital room (pushing!) at 4:55am- baby born at 5:29am!
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Make sure you let everyone know that is really what you want to do. I got into a room BEGGING for pain meds, and I know I didn't really want them. My husband and midwife reminded me over and over that's not what I really wanted, and honestly- it was way too late for that anyway!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I needed to be moving. Laying still did nothing for me, I wanted to be on all fours rocking. My husband rubbing my back helped before I started pushing.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I started pushing on all fours, baby ended up being born with me on my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
That feeling is the best feeling I will never be able to describe. You stop feeling all pain, and you just love and cherish every second from then on.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make sure you let everyone know that is really what you want to do. I got into a room BEGGING for pain meds, and I know I didn't really want them. My husband and midwife reminded me over and over that's not what I really wanted, and honestly- it was way too late for that anyway!
