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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was induced on my due date at 40 weeks. I had been having prodromal labor on and off since 35-36 weeks. As I was being monitored and put on pitocin I was having regular contractions. The nurse had to turn down the pitocin twice as I was going through the first stage of dilating too quickly with contractions every 1-2 minutes.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I didn't go "natural." I had a walking epidural that took the edge off of the intense pitocin driving contractions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Prenatal yoga! I am now recommending it to everyone! ;-)
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What surprised you about your birth?
My little girl didn't wait for the doctor to arrive for her birth. The nurses had me do a practice push, and out she came!
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I actually highly recommend the walking epidural. You recover from it so quickly but still have full functionality of your legs and body. I was able to move around the whole time but also got much relief from most of the contractions.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Meditation and walking epidural
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back...but I wasn't even in a pushing position as she slipped right out!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Magical and a little foreign as my boys are 5 1/2 and 3 years old.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I didn't go "natural". I actually highly recommend the walking epidural. You recover from it so quickly but still have full functionality of your legs and body. I was able to move around the whole time but also got much relief from most of the contractions. The pain went from an 8/10 to a 3/10.
