June '14 L&D Questions Thread

fsumom

@Babywear

I can only speak for my unplanned c-section.  I was admitted to the hospital and the doctor broke my water, induced me and I ended up with a c-section.

fsumom

@potterybygrace

Why is your doctor talking about inducing you?  Many women induced with Pitocin end up having a c-section.  I did not respond well to it and had a c-section with DD.

katekat8721

C section moms....the L&D nurse suggested that we do immediate skin to skin after they come out, but not for too long since they wouldn't take to BFING while I'm flat on my back anyways. She suggested saying hi and giving loves, then let daddy and baby (ies) go to recovery for bath and tests and such while I stay in OR and get stitched up. This way when I go into recovery then they're good to go and I'm good to go and we won't need to be separated.

How did it work out for you? Did you keep babies in OR and then get separated in recovery or let them do their thing first and then reunite in recovery?

Also, is the eye goop necessary for c section babies?

anations

I downloaded ctxtimerlight. It was free. It is simple as can be for timing contractions. I'm FTM so just can speak to its functionality so far. Very easy, free, and keeps track so I don't have to. I have had a few times when contractions have been pretty hefty, so I time them. If I don't have them very close, I stop timing.

Mia081081

I also downloaded the full term app. I used one last time and they're handy for timing contractions since you just tap when it starts and then tap again. Easy when you are distracted or trying to do other things during labor. Like pack hospital bag, eat snacks, etc

k318

I had an app last time but didn't use ir. I was just going about my day trying to keep a rough idea of how often they were coming. When it started getting stronger and closer I just took a pen and paper and wrote down the time it started. That worked best for me. I didn't time how long they were.

How did I know I was in labor?
I had my bloody show and the ob told me I would be going into labor within 24-48 hours. When the cramps turned stronger, came regularly and the pain started wrapping around my back and through my entire abdomen I knew it was for real.

wimb01

@katekat8721, there was no skin to skin for me. wasnt an option because the anesthesia was making me sick. the baby nurse brought her close enough for me to see her, and then my husband went with her to the nursery where they do all of their tests that would normally be done in a labor and delivery room. when they were done stitching me up and brought me to the recovery area, they brought her to me and we were able to breastfeed. when we were brought to our room, they took her again for a bath. she didnt need the eye antibiotics because she didnt come out the birth canal.

lest12

Sorry if this has been asked somewhere - if it has, please just tell me!

 

The L&D RN running our childbirth class said that epidurals tend to slow down labor/contractions/dilating.

I asked my Dr. about it and he seemed a little annoyed that she made such a general statement.  He said he has seen a lot of cases where the epidural actually relaxes the mother and because of that, things start progressing more... but in general, every labor & delivery is it's own special snowflake, and not to be worried about getting the epi if I want one.

Has anyone else heard of this or have experience with the epidural 'slowing things down'?

tbmadeamistake

@lest12, In my case the epi sped things up.  I get so tense when I'm in pain that after several hours on pitocin, I still wasn't progressing.  I was 4cm when I got the epi, and after 1.5 hours, I was at 9.5cm.   I just needed to relax and couldn't do that while in pain. 

My sister, on the other hand, said the epidural slowed things down for her.  She had been doing fine but chose to stop the pain, and things stalled a bit.  Not enough that she needed help, but definitely slowed it down.  She chose no epi with her second and had zero problems. 

It's definitely a case by case basis, and you can make the decision in the moment if needed.  Luckily, they can also tamp it down/take it out at any time if you ask them to.  It's not a permanent, once you get it you have to have it through the end type of thing. 

lest12

Thank you both, @mrsgerman and @lilygrace48!

I definitely think I'll be wanting the epi (DH laughed at me for even considering not having it, I have a pretty low pain tolerance)... I just didn't know if it was something I should wait as long as possible to have so that things could progress.

I guess it is like you're both saying (and the Dr.) you never know until you're in there.  And, good point, @lilygrace48, I can always scale it back, too.

I want to say the anticipation of this whole thing is worse than the actual labor, but sadly, I know that is really, really not true!  LOL.

efino87

@lest12 My epidural also sped things up. Once they got it placed, I went from a 7 to a 10 within 15/20 minutes and almost delivered without my doctor. The doctor was leaving to another hospital for a surgery because she thought the epidural would slow things down and I would have more time. Baby had other plans!
Everybody is different, but I would recommend waiting to get the epidural until you are closer to 6cm so if it does slow things down it won't be as big of a deal.

katekat8721

@saltypearl and @wim01 thank you girls!

JulieSmiles

I probably know the answer to this already but... Is there anything I can do to help cause my body to dilate? I don't mean cause labor, but just get my cervix starting to dilate. Anything?

Mia081081

JulieSmiles said:

I probably know the answer to this already but... Is there anything I can do to help cause my body to dilate? I don't mean cause labor, but just get my cervix starting to dilate. Anything?

Everyone is different, and there are lots of personal factors that go into when and how you will dilate, so keep in mind that most of the "tips and tricks" are just things to help open your pelvis and may or may not cause dilation. If you want to try some things, here are a few suggestions: 

Walk a lot every day. It will help baby "drop" and put pressure on your cervix, which often causes dilation. 

Sit / bounce on a yoga ball (same reasons as above).

Lean forward when you're sitting. Helps open the pelvis to allow baby to drop.

Eat 6 dates per day: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21280989

efino87

@mrsdbc I would double check on that one. I found it very helpful to have someone in there to "hold me down" since you have to sit perfectly still while they do it. My mom held my shoulders and let me put my weight against her since I was contracting while they did it.

You would also think you could watch the video before, if you already know that's the route you want to take. Hospitals can be so complicated about weird stuff.

lellymine

mrsdbc said:

@efino87‌ I was told a nurse would be there to hold on to since support people were banned from observing (I asked at the tour). I'll ask again when I go into labor but it seemed odd

They said that at my hospital too but really, what are they going to do if you both refuse?

TakeMeAway55

I keep reading in books to use hot compresses downstairs while in labor to help prevent tearing. What kind of hot compresses are they referring to? Does anyone have a recommendation of what kind to use? My hospital does not provide any.

lest12

@mrsdbc - The L&D nurse at our child class (same as before) told us that spouses would be asked to leave the room - she said it was because it was a sterile environment. I got the sense that they just weren't messing around with another person in the room.

jwarnerb

Pushing: no one talks about this much.  Is it because you can't describe how to do it?  I have heard that it is more like using your core muscles than anything else.  Can somebody describe how to do this?  

jshrop

Anyone have experience with Prodromal Labor? I've been having contractions since 4:30 this afternoon. Without all the boring details, I spoke with the midwife and she felt it was Prodromal labor and recommended that I take a Benadryl and rest. It's definitely not Braxton-hicks but I didn't realize I'd be dealing with another stage of "false labor."

tbmadeamistake

@jshrop, my friend from my last BMB did.  Do you have any specific questions?  I can ask her for you if no one here has been through it.  From what I remember, she was in it for like, three weeks before having her LO and it sucked a bunch.

jshrop

@Lilygrace48‌ It does suck. They're like every 5-9 minutes lasting a minute. My abdomen is getting sore and it's like period cramps but apparently it isn't doing much. I was just wondering if anyone had gone through it and what they experienced. It's definitely different than BH. It scared the crap out of me. My husband freaked out and was throwing shit into a bag and loading the car. I kept saying I didn't think it was time, to calm his tits lol.

lest12

@jshrop - that sounds like it sucks! I'm sorry. I know nothing about it but I hope you get some relief soon!

Mia081081

CharSamm said:

jwarnerb said:

Pushing: no one talks about this much.  Is it because you can't describe how to do it?  I have heard that it is more like using your core muscles than anything else.  Can somebody describe how to do this?  

In my birthing class, everyone was given a balloon to blow up. She said to remember the core muscles that were used to blow up the balloon and those were the similar ones to pushing. She said envisioning you are pooping works for most people too, like pp said. 

Interesting! My DD asked me to blow up a balloon for her on Mother's Day, but once I started, I was like never mind! I feel like this will put me in labor!

But to me it totally felt like pooping plus a crunch.

jwarnerb

@mrsdbc, @charsamm, and @danielle4348- thank you ladies!  I will practice by pooping as much as possible- which is actually difficult right now.    

tbmadeamistake

@jwarnerb, my midwife last time around also put a finger on me and told me to push it off, to give me a focal point.  It definitely helped, somewhere very low but not my bum.  Definitely akin to pooping, but more stomach muscles involved. 

cristykaye

I've read cramping is normal but is braxton hicks accompanied by cramps all the damn time normal? I'm 37 weeks and as of last Thursday was dilated to a 3. Just wondering if y'all ladies had any ideas before I call up to labor and delivery.

catsinawindow

cristykaye said:

I've read cramping is normal but is braxton hicks accompanied by cramps all the damn time normal? I'm 37 weeks and as of last Thursday was dilated to a 3. Just wondering if y'all ladies had any ideas before I call up to labor and delivery.

~~ Stuck in the quote box ~~

Ask your doctor what they consider normal BH or when they want you to call.  My MWs have told me that if I have more than 5 painful contractions per hour for two hours, I should call.

In the meantime, trying drinking a bunch of water and laying down.  Dehydration can cause BH contractions.  My MWs also recommend a half glass of red wine if you think you might be in labor (if you're comfortable with that).  Evidently, the wine will help the contractions stop if it's false labor, or they'll continue if it's real labor.

I hope they fizzle out for you soon, or if you're ready for labor that they'll head somewhere quickly!

cristykaye

lisagde said:

cristykaye said:

I've read cramping is normal but is braxton hicks accompanied by cramps all the damn time normal? I'm 37 weeks and as of last Thursday was dilated to a 3. Just wondering if y'all ladies had any ideas before I call up to labor and delivery.

~~ Stuck in the quote box ~~

Ask your doctor what they consider normal BH or when they want you to call.  My MWs have told me that if I have more than 5 painful contractions per hour for two hours, I should call.

In the meantime, trying drinking a bunch of water and laying down.  Dehydration can cause BH contractions.  My MWs also recommend a half glass of red wine if you think you might be in labor (if you're comfortable with that).  Evidently, the wine will help the contractions stop if it's false labor, or they'll continue if it's real labor.

I hope they fizzle out for you soon, or if you're ready for labor that they'll head somewhere quickly!

Thanks. I am ready if the little guy is ready. The contractions are just not consistent but the cramps double me over. I'm def not dehydrated but I'm still trying to drink more water just to be safe.

Kinipela7

Do people generally feel crappy days before going into labor?  Or do you just feel normal until contractions start?

cMichelle0423

Kinipela7 said:

Do people generally feel crappy days before going into labor?  Or do you just feel normal until contractions start?

I actually felt pretty normal the days leading up to going into labor with DS1. I had a few things happen that I guess were signs of labor about to happen (like bloody show the morning before), but physically I felt pretty normal.

brooklyngirl46

The class i went to said both either you get a burst of energy, or sort of an exhausted let down moment. My dh is in charge of paying attention to both.

Has anyone got a birthing ball? Im not sure i got the right size for my height. I am 5"5 so I bought a 65 cm one. But it feels my legs are too long for this size to work comfortably.

SecondTimeinMSU

Kinipela7 said:

Do people generally feel crappy days before going into labor?  Or do you just feel normal until contractions start?

I felt really miserable the day before I went into labor but I attribute it more to the fact I was getting increasing more and more uncomfortable as the pregnancy progressed. It wasn't like there was any noticeable shift that I could say now I should've know labor was near.

rastrau

Mia081081 said:

Quick random question-I know a few people have said coconut water is good for hydration during labor-specifically @StrawberryDreams219‌. Is this a good one? Not sure if it's the "real thing" or if I need to be looking at a natural foods place for something else. TIA!

That's a good one! I had 2 on the way to the hospital with DD and I think it definitely helped my stamina.

plus @Eltrain5 - super stupid question, but does coconut water actually taste like coconut? I'm not a fan of coconut meat and I didn't really like the real stuff straight from the source on our honeymoon, so are the odds likely against the store-bought stuff for me?

rastrau

mrsdbc said:

Does anyone else have to have their person leave while the epidural is placed? I was told I had to watch a video prior to getting it (bc when i am having contractions and in pain *thats* what i want to sit through) and dh has to leave.

I'm using MW, but the hospital I'm delivering at requires DH to leave the room for an epi placement because it is a "sterile procedure". That alone made the odds of me getting one drop a ton - if he's not there holding my hands, I just...no.

ElTrain5

mrsdbc said:

Does anyone else have to have their person leave while the epidural is placed? I was told I had to watch a video prior to getting it (bc when i am having contractions and in pain *thats* what i want to sit through) and dh has to leave.

I asked this on another thread a little while ago.  According to all the responses, it varies by each provider, so some make DH leave, some make him sit down (so he doesn't faint), some make him stand behind a curtain/leave the room, and others allow him to stay and even help you curl forward (otherwise folks have said there is a nurse helping you lean forward/stay still).  Reasons I've heard vary from "safety" to "liability" to "sterile environment". 

rastrau

I've heard a lot of good things about using various essential oils throughout the L&D process. I know Lavender is popular along with citrus scents, but also Basil and Clary Sage. Does anyone have any good/bad experiences with these during L&D?

Further - anyone have recommendations for where to buy these? I've been browsing Amazon, but there are just SO many options and there is a crazy range of prices.

ElTrain5

rastrau said:

Mia081081 said:

Quick random question-I know a few people have said coconut water is good for hydration during labor-specifically @StrawberryDreams219‌. Is this a good one? Not sure if it's the "real thing" or if I need to be looking at a natural foods place for something else. TIA!

That's a good one! I had 2 on the way to the hospital with DD and I think it definitely helped my stamina.

plus @Eltrain5 - super stupid question, but does coconut water actually taste like coconut? I'm not a fan of coconut meat and I didn't really like the real stuff straight from the source on our honeymoon, so are the odds likely against the store-bought stuff for me?

Oddly enough, to me, it tastes kind of like chocolate? Which is a little strange and why I prefer the flavored ones (even though they do have more sugar).  It's just one of those flavors you don't really expect. 

ElTrain5

rastrau said:

I've heard a lot of good things about using various essential oils throughout the L&D process. I know Lavender is popular along with citrus scents, but also Basil and Clary Sage. Does anyone have any good/bad experiences with these during L&D?

Further - anyone have recommendations for where to buy these? I've been browsing Amazon, but there are just SO many options and there is a crazy range of prices.

I'm bringing lavender to the birth center (it reminds me of a spa so I'm hoping it'll help me relax).  I got a tiny vial of it from whole foods along with a plus in diffuser.  I think the vial of oil was about $10-15 and the diffuser was like $9.

katekat8721

@rastrau coconut water does takes coconut-y. Even the flavored kinds you get that hint of coconut peeking through