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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I ended up being induced. So this was a difficult realization for me to come to and accept. I was started with Cytotech and continued to labor on my own unaugmented for almost 24 hours until a "hit of pit" got me to the end.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
People asking if I was crazy and vocalizing their thoughts that I couldn't do it. Also, the cervical checks wee the most uncomfortable part for me.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Listened to birth affirmations, hired and got to know my doula, practiced yoga breathing
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What surprised you about your birth?
I had to wait to push (still had a small amount of dilating to do) and I was shocked at how my body was taking over and pushing for me. I've never done so many horse lips!! It took a tremendous amount of self control not to let my body just take over and push my baby out before everything was quite ready.
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Gave me the confidence to go natural and when things didn't go to plan, I felt capable of handling changes and assessing my options
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Baths, walking, counter pressure, focused breathing, movement
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back in the stirrups. Not what I imagined but I'd been laying on my side for almost an hour trying not to push. I was exhausted and just following the lead of the nurses.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Overwhelming. I was shaking and in shock that she was finally here. I had a hard time keeping a hold of her I was shaking so bad.
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How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
Gave me the confidence to go natural and when things didn't go to plan, I felt capable of handling changes and assessing my options. When I first was told I needed to be induced, I was scared my natural experience was out the window. But I was able to make informed decisions and advocate for myself thanks to what I learned in the Mama Natural course!
