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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I realized I was really in labor when I had cramping and contractions that kept getting worse and wouldn't go away with movement, walking or changing positions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I pushed myself to go naturally for 60 hours-two day and home and 2.5 days in hospital. I ended up flipping many of my natural birth cards over as a result.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
My Bradley class and hiring an amazing doula
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What surprised you about your birth?
That I ended up with an epidural and cesarean-AND I had to be put under general anesthesia due to a shift in my spinal catheter. I was surprised by many many things.
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Even if everything goes awry, make a solid birth plan and focus on what you want.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
At first having my doula do certain massage techniques and moving positions was most helpful. After hour 55 however, my exhaustion took over and pain became more intense, contractions were getting very strong.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Cesearean.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was the most beautiful moment of my life.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
To plan plan plan. Even if everything goes awry, make a solid birth plan and focus on what you want. It's the only way I lasted as long as I did naturally. And a good support group-hire a doula!
