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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Around midnight, the night before I was supposed to be induced, I had several strong contractions within a few minutes. My husband started timing them and they were 30 seconds long and about 3 minutes apart. That's how I knew I was in labor!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Delivering the placenta and the stitches. I was going off pure instinct when it came to labor and pushing, but when it came time for the last bit, I was distracted and reluctant. My daughter was born with the cord around her neck, so I didn't get to hold her right away.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The day before I went into labor, I went in for a non-stress test, and the baby looked fine, but my blood pressure was a bit high [...] We decided to schedule an induction for the next day rather than risk preeclampsia.
I went home from the appointment and began mentally preparing for induction. My first was induced, but I was determined to be more prepared for this one. I ate a delicious Indian lunch, took a nap, and had some intimate time with husband. In the evening I made sure my bags were packed with plenty of snacks. I, then, went for a long walk around the neighborhood. I also drank raspberry tea and ate pineapple and dates. This helped me go into labor naturally, so I didn't need the induction after all.
I was also more mentally prepared. I knew what to expect and I felt more capable of handling things.
I also worked out throughout my pregnancy which I think helped me with getting the baby into a good position, giving me the strength to get through labor and made recovery easier.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How manageable the contractions were. I would feel it coming on and just ride it. The low groans also helped.
I was shocked that it happened so quickly - just about two hours!
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My first was induced, but I was determined to be more prepared for this one. I ate a delicious Indian lunch, took a nap, and had some intimate time with husband. In the evening I made sure my bags were packed with plenty of snacks. I, then, went for a long walk around the neighborhood. I also drank raspberry tea and ate pineapple and dates. This helped me go into labor naturally, so I didn't need the induction after all.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Riding the wave. It helped me to acknowledge when it peaked and feel it fading.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was such a relief. I had to wait two hours because they whisked her off to suction the fluid out of her lungs to get her breathing.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Her name is Aurora. Her sister is Luna and we wanted to keep with the spacy theme. Aurora and Luna were also sisters in Roman mythology. Even though we're only a couple of days in, they're already night and day.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It really helped me mentally prepare especially as I went past my due date. It helped me feel more empowered and confident in the birthing process.
