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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I woke up from a dream and thought I had to go to the bathroom yet again; my water broke in a huge gush instead!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My labor stalled when I was 7-8 cm and our baby was not descending. When I was fully dilated, he still had not descended past zero station and the doctor had me start pushing to see if I could get him to descend further. Pushing for almost an hour and half, feeling everything and not progressing was the hardest part.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Positive self talk and reminding myself to keep my hands relaxed during contractions so that I wouldn't tense up the rest of my body.
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What surprised you about your birth?
Our baby was stubborn and would not descend and I could no longer relax my body. I was working against the contractions and everyone was trying to help me refocus and relax, but nothing worked. I ended up getting an intrathecal so that I could relax and push our baby out; it was either that or we were looking at needing a C-section.
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It is possible to go completely natural...focus on your breathing and one contraction at a time. Do something to distract yourself until the only thing you can focus on is your body and the contractions that are bringing you closer to seeing you little bundle of joy.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Slow, deep breaths and focusing on keeping my hands relaxed worked the best. Those worked until our baby wouldn't descend any further; after that, the intrathecal worked best and kept me from needing a C-section.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I was on my back with the head of the bed elevated slightly and we ended up using the stirrups for leverage.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Absolutely amazing! Especially after the OB said "This is what a ten pounder feels like."
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
It is possible to go completely natural...focus on your breathing and one contraction at a time. Do something to distract yourself until the only thing you can focus on is your body and the contractions that are bringing you closer to seeing you little bundle of joy. Do not be discouraged and do not beat yourself up if you end up needing medication of any sort, whether it's Pitocin or pain medicine. At the end of the day (or beginning of the day depending on when you deliver), you will have your beautiful baby in your arms and that is all that matters.