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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Well, I actually had to be induced due to intrauterine growth restriction. I got to the hospital to be induced and my midwife told me that I was already 80% effaced and 3 cm dilated. I cried with joy because I was very nervous about the cervidil. But I had suspected early labor for a few weeks because I had looser stools, I felt like there was a bowling ball in between my legs, and my family had noticed my belly dropped. And I was having a ton of Braxton Hicks contractions.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Getting through the pain. It was worse than I expected. And also, not knowing what would happen and if I’d be ok. The unknown is the most challenging thing.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
This birth class was the best thing I did to prepare. It helped me a lot to be able to make a decision for myself and my son. I didn’t plan to have to be induced. But that’s what was best. And I was induced at 37 weeks. But this class talked about the best things if you have to be induced. So I was prepared to make a choice.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How much I can’t process that I went through that. And how fast his body came out once his head came through. It shocked me he just fell out.
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Stay strong if people tell you that you are crazy. In the end, you will be so proud of yourself for what you accomplished.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
My midwife applied pressure to my hips while I stood and swayed. It actually took the pain away until I got to transition.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I couldn’t process it. I actually detached from my baby. I was very confused. It was a complete shock.
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What did you name your baby, and why?
Titus Dean
My husband and I had the name Titus picked out for 4 years. It means pleasing and honorable in the Bible. And in Latin it means of the giants. Ironically, Titus was born only weighing 4 pounds 14.4 oz due to IUGR. But he is a fighter. He is mighty. And we picked Dean because that’s my husband's middle name and my grandfather's middle name. It means prosperous. We just really felt God wanted us to name him Titus Dean.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Don’t give up on what you want. What you desire is still possible even if you have some unexpected events happen. My strong will and God got me through to the finish line. Take this class, because it will tell you everything you need to know in order to accomplish your goal. Stay strong if people tell you that you are crazy. In the end, you will be so proud of yourself for what you accomplished.
