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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was having contractions all day, but I hadn't been timing them because I wasn't sure if they were just Braxton Hicks. I was at a business meeting all day and on the way home my husband noticed how often and painful the contractions were. He convinced me to at least go to the hospital and get checked to see if I was dilated. I realized I was in labor after the doctor checked me and I was at 3cm. Oops!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was not knowing how long the labor would be. It was also hard to remember to breathe during contractions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I researched what I wanted for my birth and put a birth plan together that I brought it to the hospital. I chose a very baby friendly hospital and doctor that honored and facilitated the type of birth I wanted. I also watched YouTube videos with tips from women who had done natural births. My husband knew my wishes and was able to remind me to breathe during contractions and remind me of my strategies.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised I chose to deviat from my birth plan. I wanted my water to break naturally. I had been at 9cm for awhile and my water bag was preventing my baby from coming out. The doctor suggested that she could break my water and the baby would be born in a couple of hours. She went over the risks and I decided that my body was ready in every other way and that I didn't want to be any more fatigued when I needed to push.
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You are stronger than you think! Find a doctor, hospital, midwife, and/or doula that you feel confident with. Have someone with you that can remind you of your pain strategies and that can encourage you when you need to push. I could not have done it without my husband!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Water therapy!! The hospital had a tub with jets that I got in two separate times. It really helped me relax. Another strategy that helped was breathing through my contractions so I didn't tense up. I also tried to focus on each contraction separately and remembering there would be a break after each one.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Lying down with feet up
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing and emotional!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You are stronger than you think! Find a doctor, hospital, midwife, and/or doula that you feel confident with. Have someone with you that can remind you of your pain strategies and that can encourage you when you need to push. I could not have done it without my husband!