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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Funny story, I was induced. I had a VBAC! I was 40w 5d and one of my doctors told me I needed a c-section because I was "too late" and that they couldn't use pitocin. I definitely didn't want to be induced but it was absolutely better than a c-section. I was devastated!! I go to the hospital and literally 10 minutes before my surgery, my primary OB comes in and says "is your baby breech?" I said...."what?? No!" And he said ".....then why are you here?" I said "I was told that I needed a c-section..." He said "what do you want?" I said...."I WANT MY VBAC!!" So that's what we did!!!!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
THE PAIN!!!! I was warned about pitocin contractions....they were so intense it was crazy. It also made my c-section scar throb. So I felt like I had no relief, even in between contractions. After being in labor for 14 hours, I'm bummed to say I ended up getting an epidural.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did was to stay active and healthy throughout my whole pregnancy. I exercised 5-6 times a week the whole way through and stuck with healthy, controlled nutrition. My nurses kept complimenting me on my pushing and could tell that I had been working out! I only had to push for about 10 minutes!
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What surprised you about your birth?
EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!! Literally nothing went the way that I had pictured it to. I pictured going into labor myself (was thinking I'd be a little early because of all the Braxton Hicks I was having! But nooo haha) and that I would have a totally natural, easy labor and delivery! But my birth was, having a balloon inserted (I was only 1cm when I went to the hospital) for 7 hours as well as being on pitocin, only getting to 2 1/2 cm after that. Then after a few hours When I was 4-5cm, my doctor broke my water and continued increasing pitocin. After 4 hours of CRAZY contractions, I got an epidural and fell asleep. After 5 hours, it was finally time to push. 10 minutes later, my baby boy was in my arms! Completely different then what I wanted BUT, with all that, I DID have my VBAC!!! :)
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TRUST YOUR BODY. Don't feel like less of a woman if you get pain meds! And be flexible and give yourself grace...birth is the most unpredictable thing and usually never goes the way we picture it! But the end result is STILL a beautiful, squishy baby in your arms!!!! :)
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I tried a drug that took the edge off, but it really didn't do much. So I unfortunately went for the epidural because I was passing out!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back with my legs up.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Absolutely amazing. I couldn't believe what I had just accomplished. It was so empowering, even with an epidural. My husband was also amazed at what he had seen my body do!!!! He still is!! :)
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
TRUST YOUR BODY. Don't feel like less of a woman if you get pain meds! And be flexible and give yourself grace...birth is the most unpredictable thing and usually never goes the way we picture it! But the end result is STILL a beautiful, squishy baby in your arms!!!! :)
