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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I noticed contractions starting at 4 a.m. on 11/15, but thought it was prodromal labor. It wasn't until the next morning at 5 a.m. when my water broke that I realized I was in labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Getting through labor was very challenging. I had a cervical lip and had to do exercises to try to get my cervix to move forward. I believe this prolonged labor, which I was in for approximately 45 hours.
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Tawny
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I took two childbirth classes and I remembered one thing - breath in through the nose and keep noises low and deep.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I'm not sure anything surprised me, but there were unexpected things that happened. I experienced ab cervical lip and a retained placenta that had to be removed at the hospital.
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Find a team of people willing to support you. I needed so much support to get through it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I used a tens unit. It helped a little.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt so incredible and it was a huge relief.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Ivan Joseph. Ivan means "God is gracious" and after 10 years of infertility, we were so very thankful to finally have a little boy. Joseph comes from my husband's middle name.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Find a team of people willing to support you. I needed so much support to get through it!
