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When did you realize you were really in labor?
5:45 am I jumped out of bed feeling weird. I was 4 day before my due date. Ran to the bathroom and had to go #2 which included the bloody show. Contractions started right away and were 3 minutes apart!!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Pushing for so long. Zoe's head was facing my left thigh and she was using her arm as a pillow. the Midwife had to move her hand. I started pushing within 20 mins of the bloody show.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Practicing different labor positions.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How fast my contractions were and how fast she came. I really had no pain except the occasional rib kick from Zoe. I also yelled "RING OF FIRE" as her head came out.
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I was pretty relaxed and I let my body do what it was designed to do. I let it all just flow.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counting and breathing. I counted each second of a contraction which were about 30 seconds each and knew that around 15 seconds I felt like pushing. This helped me know the contraction was almost over. I also kept my eyes closed also the whole time.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back with my legs to my chest.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt so amazing. I couldn't believe I actually gave birth with no medication and not much pain. I was so happy and relieved that it was over and she was healthy!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I knew after many friends who were basically forced into C-sections that the hospital way to give birth was not something I wanted to do. Everyone, even my mom thought I wasn't going to be able to do it. They said I'm too much of a baby when it comes to pain. I knew I could! My husband started to believe in me as well and from reading he was happy with my decision. I ate healthy throughout and made sure that my gut flora was healthy for my baby. A few days before my due date I did acupressure on my feet and the night before I went into labor I took some black cohosh and other herbs that help with labor. My labor wasn't a typical one. It was fast and I only really felt pressure. I was pretty relaxed and I let my body do what it was designed to do. I let it all just flow. Once you let go and have faith that it will all go as God has planned the process can be smooth and painless.
