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When did you realize you were really in labor?
My water broke before contractions started.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
My contractions came on so fast, it took the hospital staff too long to get me from triage to the labor room. My doula wasn’t allowed in triage and my husband didn’t know how to help me with counter pressure. Once in the labor/delivery room, she was able to show him and it helped immensely, but shortly after it was time to start pushing.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Hiring a doula was by far the most helpful thing I did.
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What surprised you about your birth?
My contractions started in transition, they went from nothing to crazy intense. My daughter was born 3 hours from the time my water broke and only 2 hours from the time contractions started. I never imagined it could go that fast.
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It felt absolutely amazing, I couldn’t believe I did it.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Counter pressure on my hips and back helped a ton.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Unfortunately I delivered on my back. My daughter came so fast I didn’t get a chance to try other positions. Her heart rate started dropping and the doctor was rushed to get her out; it turned out the cord was around her neck.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It felt absolutely amazing, I couldn’t believe I did it.
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Having an experienced doula there to coach you through is invaluable. She gave me the confidence I needed to not give up.
