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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had many false alarms with this one, so I was insecure about my labor signs. I woke up at 2am on her due date with intense lower back pain and big contractions. I sat at the end of the bed and breathed through them. When they continued and my breathing got so loud my husband woke up I told him it was time to get the kids in the car and call the sitter.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The baby was not going into the birth canal well because of some funny position and the position they put me in to push was very counterproductive, but I was not able to communicate effectively! All my births have been natural but this was my most painful.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Taking primrose oil orally and vaginally in the last weeks of pregnancy as well as rubbing olive and coconut oils on my vaginal area at night to be sure my skin was well moisturized was most helpful. Despite having to twist the baby a bit and her being almost 9 pounds I didn't tear at all!
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What surprised you about your birth?
This birth was very surprising to me! She is my 3rd child so I thought I knew how it would go, but it was pretty different! My active labor was very intense and 3 hours as opposed to my last one which was only 30 minutes! I was screaming which I usually don't do. The most surprising thing was my water broke, but when they checked it they said it was broken but there was a second bag which the doctor broke! 2 bags weird! Then the baby weighed 8'13 and my biggest before her was 7'6 it was very surprising but worth this sweet girl!
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Holding her surprised and delighted me I was so tired I didn't notice she was on my chest right away then I looked down and grabbed her! She is so sweet tempered and wanted to nurse right away while holding my hand! It's the sweetest thing!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Changing positions and holding my husbands hand!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Sitting with my feet way up in stirrups I don't recommend it! I got her out but basically had to do sit-ups the whole time!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Holding her surprised and delighted me I was so tired I didn't notice she was on my chest right away then I looked down and grabbed her! She is so sweet tempered and wanted to nurse right away while holding my hand! It's the sweetest thing!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Be assertive with your birth plan! If you want a super natural birth get a doula or midwife I went to the hospital without one and feel my preferences were ignored during labor. The doctor asked what I needed and then did the opposite. Even if it doesn't go how you want though, a healthy mom and baby are what's important and I can say I am happy in that department!:)
