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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I started to have contractions on an early Wednesday morning. They were spread apart but pretty consistent and got stronger within a 24 hour period and lasted until I went to the hospital Thursday night.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had 2-3 minute contractions after my water broke. I had mentally prepared for 1-1.5 minute contractions. The pain for the length I experienced I was not prepared for.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I read the natural birth stories on this the mama natural website, i viewed childbirth videos, midwives knowledge videos, watched the natural birth webinar available through the mama natural website, drank red raspberry leaf tea, talked to my baby everyday about our upcoming labor experience, and reading the Bradley Method birth book.
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What surprised you about your birth?
The level of pain I was able to take for 26+ hours. I didn't know that my ability to take pain was that strong.
Also, that the baby turned to posterior position during active labor
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The effort is all worth it. Keep repeating positive affirmations about your birth experience because you can do it! Plan your birth the way you desire but don't beat yourself up if things do not go exactly as you plan.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter-pressure, bath/water
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I didn't get to hold her right away because she went to NICU after swallowing meconium. But after 4-5 hours I got to hold her and it was unreal like a sweet dream.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The effort is all worth it. Keep repeating positive affirmations about your birth experience because you can do it! Plan your birth the way you desire but don't beat yourself up if things do not go exactly as you plan. My total labor experience was 26+ hours (no meds) but the last 45 minutes - hour, I did have to have an epidural because of the position of my baby and she was getting tired. I would have kept going if I could. Just enjoy having a beautiful healthy baby no matter how they get here.
