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When did you realize you were really in labor?
The night before the baby flipped on me. He had been in the optimal position for weeks. I was determined to get him back into the right position. I climbed the lighthouse in our town. It was 14 stories. I did 2 steps at a time. The 3 time I had two contractions at the top of the lighthouse that I could tell were not Braxton Hicks. I went home and had a few more but just went about my day. This was at 4 PM. By 7 PM. I knew they were different. I started timing them. About every 8 mins apart but only for 30 secs. I have the midwife a heads up. By 8:30 they were more intense and every 5 mins. But still only 30 secs apart. By 9 I texted her and said ok this baby is coming. She came at 9:15, now they were every minute. She checked me and I was complete. Told me to try and push it I felt like it. I pushed 5 times and he came at 10:55 p.m.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had a partial placenta tear. It made my contractions very intense. I kept telling myself to relax my whole body but it was a challenge. Thankfully it was a quick labor and the intensity was over after I saw my baby boy.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Exercise for sure helped me. I have been doing CrossFit for 6 years now. Keeping up with my routine I believe helped me have a smooth delivery.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How intense my contractions were. Thankfully they only lasted a short time. He was also over 9 lbs so that was surprising too!
My first birth was so different. It was calm and more like a Hypno type birth.
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I have been doing CrossFit for 6 years now. Keeping up with my routine I believe helped me have a smooth delivery.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Breathing and relaxing my jaw.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my knees facing the bed.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The most amazing experience. Warm and fuzzy all over. You forgot all the intensity at that point. Not knowing the sex was also very motivating to push!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do it! It’s the best for you and your baby. Feeling how and where to push is he best.
