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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was in denial the whole time. I lost my mucus plug first thing in the morning and immediately started getting crampy. I started timing my contractions until they were 2 minutes apart. At which point my water broke - all at home. My husband said we need to get there NOW! So with my 2-yr old in tow, we got to the hospital.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I ended up having the baby on the floor of the hospital, outside the doors to labor and delivery! My midwife never made it. My doula never made it. Essentially, I labored on my own and delivered without intervention. In fact, my husband attempted to hand them my labor plan as I was pushing and they laughed and tossed it aside. Thankfully, they still respected ALL my wishes!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Yoga
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What surprised you about your birth?
The birth itself :)
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You can do it!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and swaying my back and butt while bent over, through each contraction.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Flat back on the floor with a nurse holding each limb, telling me to push.
I asked if I could squat and they said - there's no time, baby is HERE!
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Such a relief!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
You can do it!