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When did you realize you were really in labor?
A little after midnight on Mother's Day, May 14, 2017! I was having contractions for a total of 24 hours by the time I had my baby, but they were nearly non stop for the last 2½ hours of my labor.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had HORRIBLE back labor!!! It was so bad I honestly thought it was going to be the death of me!
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I had my Grandma here with me and she was honestly the best thing I could have had! She kept me focused on my goal even though I was in so much pain!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly my active labor progressed at the end. I went from my water breaking at a 5cm dilation, to baby being born in an hour and 40 minutes!
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Have a great support system!!! If it weren't for my support, I probably would've given in and went to the hospital early! But my support team kept my focused on my goal of going totally natural and it helped so much!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing the best I could, and a hot rag on my lower belly during each contraction (my midwife suggested it and it helped me ease through my contractions).
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Kind of a "V" position. I was holding the back of my thighs so I was sort of rocking on my tailbone.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing!!! This was my VBAC baby and I was just in total amazement of what I had just accomplished!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Have a great support system!!! If it weren't for my support, I probably would've given in and went to the hospital early! But my support team kept my focused on my goal of going totally natural and it helped so much!
