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When did you realize you were really in labor?
After getting sent home from the hospital at 2cm I walked 8k steps around the neighborhood and bounced on a yoga ball for 6 hours. Then the the real contractions hit !
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Having to get an epidural because my blood pressure was too high- if the baby went into distress my doctor would have sent me for a c section. I knew I didn't want the section- I felt like a failure for a little while especially while getting the epidural itself but once my blood pressure went back to normal I knew it was the best thing for the baby.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Remain flexible! Birth plans can go out the window and the baby's health comes first. Being educated about epidurals, different stages of labor, complications, interventions all helped me make an educated choice even if it wasn't a part of the "plan"
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly I was able to push the baby out due to staying active throughout my pregnancy. Labor was extremely physical and all the hours I put in at the gym ahead of time strengthening core, glutes and hamstrings paid off! 32 mins of pushing and the baby was out. One hour later I was up and walking around
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Be flexible ! Get educated, know your options and be open minded
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and visualization
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Indescribable
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be flexible ! Get educated, know your options and be open minded
