Med Free Check In (June)

tinattt23

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?

4. Questions/comments?

knottieamusements

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 

OB & Hospital - because I am AMA, overweight, and a risk for both gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. 

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?

Medical Waste.  

Although, Guncle saw something in the doula’s materials about encapsulation and made a smart ass comment about it.  My reply, I quote: “was that an offer to wrestle the doctor to the ground and abscond with illicit medical waste?  Because if it was, I am totally taking you up on it...”

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?

Reading up on the Bradley Method, and picking my doula’s brain, but other than that, no specific plans.  

I looked at Hypnobabies, and it seemed like the theory was to find ways to ignore the pain whereas my intention is to fully embrace all the sensations of birth.  

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?

That I am a bit weird (No big surprise), but mostly respectful of my decision.  

4. Questions/comments?

Not right now. 

tropical1982

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc.
OB in hospital with doula for support.  I did it this way the first two times and I had good experiences.  Also AMA and my boys tend to be jaundiced due to ABO blood incompatibility.

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?
Encapsulation and tincture.  I've done it the last two times and I'm higher risk for PPD/PPA due to ADHD.  If it ain't broke lol.  Doing the same thing.  This time the hospital actually makes it extremely easy to retrieve your placenta....so that's cool.

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?
Did Bradley course with my first, don't really have the time or patience to do that all over again.  I also did hybnobirthing on my own.  I'll pick that back up in 3d tri.  I did sign the boys up for a sibling class.  I'm excited they're excited for a baby.

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?
I've done it twice - they think I'm crazy since everyone else has ended up with a c-section (which is crazy statistically - 1 in 4 people in my family have given birth vaginally.  Sisters/SIL who've had kids in the last 5 years).

4. Questions/comments?
I need to find a doula!!  My prior doula is no longer delivering and I've just been taking my sweet time to start the search again.  Not realy related but I need to also find a photographer for mat/newborn pics.

tropical1982

knottieamusements said:

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?

Reading up on the Bradley Method, and picking my doula’s brain, but other than that, no specific plans.  

I looked at Hypnobabies, and it seemed like the theory was to find ways to ignore the pain whereas my intention is to fully embrace all the sensations of birth.  

For this I feel Bradley was sooo useful to make you learn the purpose of the pain.  At least with Hypnobirthing I think the purpose was also the same -especially a "ribbon" visualization, I vaguely recall but it was very useful in understanding what is happening and not just being shocked by the pain.  There is progress through the pain.

I also told myself - it hurts but I will not die and that helped me somehow .... lol

tinattt23

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 
OB in hospital with doula. Did it last time and worked out well. Considered out of hospital birth center with DS but just couldn’t pull the trigger (it was also way more expensive). Ended up was a decent bleed, so feel better being at the hospital again. OB gave me a little push back last time (it’s ok if you need the epi, don’t get stuck on the idea of med free, etc). This time she’s kept her mouth shut. 

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?
Medical waste. Did all the research last time. Couldn’t find anything credible enough to do it. They did let me see it though and showed me all the different parts, which I though was pretty cool. 

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?
Did the full Bradley course round 1. Have a two hour refresher on 6/12. The hypo theory of pretending like it doesn’t hurt didn’t seem like it’d work for me. I liked that Bradley acknowledged it’s pain, explained why it hurts, what the pain is accomplishing, and how to work with it vs against it. 

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?
They looked at me like I had a second head. You’re crazy. You’ll be begging for that epi in no time. There’s no gold medal for pain. Now that I’ve done it once, they don’t say much. 

4. Questions/comments?
Previous birth stories? Are we interested in sharing? I’m sure we’ll have a general birth story thread going at some point, but maybe your story more focused on the things related to med free (pain management, intervention decisions, etc)?

jynjer4

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 

MW and doula at home. 

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?
I’m looking into encapsulation. It can’t hurt, right?

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?

Nope not yet. I’ve read a few books but that’s it. I figure I’ll see what the doula I choose recommends.

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?

Very supportive! I was surprised that none of them looked at me too cross eyed since I’m planning a home birth. 

4. Questions/comments?

Not at the moment..unless someone has a class they very highly recommend taking. I’m oddly calm about the whole birth thing and probably shouldn’t be. 

quiltandknit

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 

OB and hospital. DH and I are both medical professionals. We hope to need as little intervention as possible, we know that anything can happen and we need our care provider to be able to handle the worst case scenarios. Our hospital also has a stellar NICU and that was important too.

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?

Medical waste. I have no desire to see that thing once it gets delivered!

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?

We are taking a general childbirth course at the hospital in August. I am looking for any reading suggestions (I think we have a thread for this) on comfort measures, meditation, etc that I could do myself. DH is very quiet in times of stress and also very squeamish so I think labor will be something I need to focus inward and cope with in my own mind, if that makes any sense!

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?

Some think I’m silly to not want the epidural. My mom reassures me that childbirth isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. I really am getting all kinds of opinions!

4. Questions/comments?

For those of you under the care of OBs, what kinds of questions are you asking them as you prepare for med free labor? Has your doctor started talking with you about it yet?

KFrob

*Lurking*  @quiltandknit If I remember correctly from the intros you live relatively close to me, if you don't mind sharing which hospital are you delivering at?  I understand if you don't want to post it 

tinattt23

@quiltandknit I don’t think I asked my OB too many med free specific questions. More like I just told her that’s what I wanted. Closer to birth I gave her a copy of my birth plan/preferences. We talked about a few of the specifics on there. Mostly she just kind of shrugged it off as we’ll see how things go. Laughed about how she has to run when they page her a non-epi mom is pushing because their babies fly out.

dellusion

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc.
We're going with my same OB from my previous two births and again at the same hospital (same one I was born in!!)

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?
Ack, so I had PPD/PPA with my last two so i'm really considering the option of doing encapsulation this time around just to see if it has any effect.  I checked prices ($200-300 approx) and to me, that's worth it, even if its just the placebo effect.  If anyone has any clinical research about it i'd love to hear more!!

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?
No classes this time.  We've been to this rodeo before so hoping muscle memory kicks in 

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?
my husband is really pushing for a med free birth.  I am stubborn and waited too long with DS2 and he just flew right out within 15 minutes of pulling up in front of the hospital.  the nurses laughed when i asked for an epi since I was already basically at 10cm when they got me on the bed.  recovery was much easier than with DS1 so I'd really prefer to do med free this time around.  Also, since i'm on blood thinners, i can't have an epi within 24 hours of taking my last shot and i'd really like to not have to be induced and have a super planned out birth.....but we'll just see how things go.

4. Questions/comments?

jellybelly114

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc.
 CNM at a hospital. I'd like to be prepared in case anything goes south, plus it's where she typically delivers. 

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?
Medical waste

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?
Signed up for general birthing and breastfeeding classes. DH is reading a husband coached childbirth and ordered the Bradley workbook. I haven't done much reading yet but I already know Hypnobabies is not for me. Torn on whether I want to pay for the full Bradley class or just rely on books/self-study.

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?
I haven't gotten too many comments on it from friends but that could also be because I preface it with "I know things can change and don't want to rule any options out." Part of that is true bc I'm a FTM and have no idea what to expect but part of it is also that I don't want to make friends who did get epis feel bad bc I'm really against them. The thought of not being able to feel or control the lower half of my body really freaks me out. My mom had med-free births with me and my brother so she is very supportive and almost nonchalant about it. MIL on the other hand who is a tad overdramatic thinks I'm "sooooooooooo brave" for wanting to go med-free. 

4. Questions/comments?
Also interested if anyone has recommendations for good med-free prep books 

elothair

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 

Midwife and hospital - my house is way too chaotic with my kids and dogs - the hospital seems like a retreat! I’ve only ever had a mw so can’t compare to an ob but from what I’ve heard the level of care can’t compare and I love that they come to my home after the birth for the check ups.

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?

I encapsulated it last time and will again this time - I didn’t with my first and while I can’t guarantee it was the placenta pills that made the difference, my recovery was so much easier and more pleasant as far as moods and energy so I’ll be doing it again as it can’t hurt.

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?

Nope.

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?

I did with my first two so no one will be surprised by it this time! They all thought I was crazy with my first though other than my mom who also went med free.

4. Questions/comments?

Not for now!

SweetSweetTooth

@jellybelly114 I highly suggest the Bradley course. It is nice to have someone who is on the same page as you that you can pretty much ask anything! The one we have is awesome and has been doing it for a while. She has other past students that have used the same midwife as us so we can ask questions specific to how the other students liked/disliked our midwife and how Bradley accepting she really was. Also helps DH to get on board. Mine is very involved but having 'reading homework' puts the fire under his butt a bit more vs just me saying, hey, read this we will need it for labor. Because of the class now he is more excited for labor and believes it works. Plus he wants to catch baby as babies normally don't need to be delivered  

SweetSweetTooth

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 

MW in a hospital 

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?

Donating to medical research 

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?

Bradley method - doing a class and love it! Also reading Ina mays guide to childbirth. Read hypnobirth book and while a few things can be helpful overall didn't like how they treat labor and dealing with things. Also found it interesting as the Calm Birth Method book (hypnobirth book) while was telling you ways to ignore pain etc most of the birth stories in the book ended up choosing meds! Not the best example in my world if their method! 

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?

Surprising most seem supportive! 

4. Questions/comments?
For those not taking classes pleas do your research on interventions so you know what they are and what is done as well as the risks and the BRAIN method (mentioned in hypnobirth book and Bradley class) for dealing with medical staff when talking about interventions and need. Not saying you want to avoid all interventions but it is good to be fully informed and know what your options are. 

quiltandknit

@kfrob YGPM.

Laumb11

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 
Right now OB and hospital. We will be moving so we will see, may change to a MW. 


2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?

Encapsulated it last time and will do it again.

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?

prob not any. I’m very meh at this point lol. Last time I’m pretty sure I ahd My classes and doula lined up. 

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?

no one has really asked. Last time I got A bunch of why’s and you don’t need to be a “hero” so not planning on sharing and really why the hell do people care! I don’t care how your baby got out!

4. Questions/comments?

Mylitta

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 
Hospital and OB, I think. It's a new hospital, and they have a water birth option under the midwives. But I don't know if that's an option, or if you already have to be under midwives. I'm going to ask... I don't even care about water birth, I just want the tub. But a normal room only has a shower.

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?
Waste as far as I'm concerned. They can do whatever they'd like with it - but I think I want to see it this time. I was distracted last time. 

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?
Nope 

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?
Fine. They looked at me funny last time, and kind of pat-patted me. But I was fine without the pain meds, my goal is no pitocin. I'd like to wait a little longer before going in and to relax into it a bit more and get there without help. 

4. Questions/comments?
Not really. 

SweetSweetTooth

Think I may be switching things up. Was going to be in a hospital with an on staff midwife but she seems to 'in there' than we want. We would like more hands off. DH even mentioned home birth and I was shocked to hear that from him! I would be ok with trying a home birth but would for sure want a doula. Reminded him of that and it sound like he wants a facility now lol less cost! Off to research more options! 

rc-cola

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 
Midwife in a hospital. Still considering a doula. The only reason against right now is cost.

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?
i only just learned about encapsulation. I really have no plans...but I guess I’ll start researching,

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?

Im thinking Bradley.

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?
They aren’t at all surprised. 

4. Questions/comments
what is the timeline for classes? How early should I start them?

SweetSweetTooth

@rc-cola Bradley classes are once a week class for 12 weeks. I would start now if you can! If you go the Bradley website you can search how many/how close instructors are to you and their contact info so you can see when their next session starts. 

tinattt23

@rc-cola Our Bradley course was only 10 weeks (instructor consdenses some of the earlier topics). I think the hypo-variety classes are similar in length. I’d aim to be done by 35-ish weeks (just in case you go early). Probably depends on your area how many instructors there are and how often new classes start. 

jennybean80

I’m following this and living vicariously through you ladies! Twins and no epidural is generally a no-go (there’s a 50% c-section rate when attempting for vaginal twins, and if there are problems between A and B delivering, I don’t want a c-section under general anesthesia). I didn’t have one with DS1, has one with DS2/DD (twins) and hated it so made them turn it off. I’m hoping to do the same this time. 

This will be in hospital with an OB. No doula. Placenta will be waste. No classes. 

Good luck all!!

SweetSweetTooth

Might be a good topic to start on the next Med Free post. Possible controversy but we have been a good board so far with being civil! What are you choosing to do regarding Vitamin K shot, eye ointment, and Hep B shot. 

SweetSweetTooth

Also, writing your birth plan. We are working on it now for our birth class and they suggest no more than one page... mine is 2 right now. ugh. I will be talking it over with my midwife so I can take off things that the hospital doesn't normally do. 

tinattt23

@SweetSweetTooth Adding those topics to the list for next time! Check out the evidence based birth website, too. They had some good articles on those things which ultimately led us to our decisions.

I actually had two versions of my birth plan. One for the hospital with the major points. That was just one page. And another for the doula/DH to reference with some more specific things I wanted from them like reminding me of certain phases, reminding me to drink, pee, etc. That one was longer. Happy to share if you (or anyone) cares to see them. I’ll probably reuse them this time cause I’m lazy. 

jennybean80

Aim for point-form with birth plans for the doctors/midwives/nurses. And try to find out what the norms are where you’re delivering. For instance, where I work we routinely do skin-to-skin immediately after birth, many of the docs do routine delayed cord clamping, babies always room in with mom (unless baby or mom are sick), the partner can always stay with mom etc, so you don’t specifically need to include those points. But if you want your partner to announce the sex of baby, to take home your placenta, no guided pushing or other things like that, you’d want to include them. 

knottieamusements

My hospital has a preprinted, check box birth plan.  I’m planning to use it, and, if necessary, supplement it with an extra page.  However, it seems pretty comprehensive, and I figure it will be easier for the staff than a custom document saying the same thing.  

Like @tinattt23, I will probably have an extra page for the Doula and Guncle so they habe a reference sheet for what I am hoping for that isn’t medically relevant.  

tinattt23

And FWIW, DH forgot the folder with our birth plans at home (it was sitting right on top of the hospital bag!). I’d given a copy to my OB already, so it was maybe in my file somewhere? Doula also had saved digital copies in her phone. So she showed the nurse and went over it with them. It went just fine anyways. Yes, not every detail went as planned, but that’s birth. But the big important things came together. 

mytrueloves

I have a question for anyone who has done the Bradley method before: Would we be able to learn enough from the books / work book to not NEED to take the class or is the class kind of necessary, like with the Mognan method? We can't afford the extra expense of a prenatal class right now so I'm trying to find an alternative that will work as well.

ETA: Regarding birth plans, if anyone is comfortable sharing theirs I'm sure we'd all be interested in reading them. I personally like to see other people's birth plans so I can research anything I haven't thought about before.

ummibtihaj

1. What kind of care provider/birth location have you chosen and why? OB, MW, hospital, home, etc. 
CNM at hospital she has delivered my last 3 children. Plus given I'm high risk due to AMA and being overweight I'm happy to know the hospital has a great NICU if needed.

2. What about that placenta? Any plans for it? Burry it under a tree, encapsulate, smoothies, medical waste?
Medical waste

4. Started any classes? Picked a specific philosophy/course?
None. Did classes with my first, but seem to have managed just fine with the others.

3. What do your family/friends think of your decision to try and med free birth?
Haven't discussed it, but since I've done it before they shouldn't be surprised at all. 

4. Questions/comments?

Thinking of getting a doula since it's very likely my husband will need to be home with the other kids when the time comes. For those who have chosen one, what were some questions you asked or things you considered that affected your choice? Also what's the general time for choosing one? Am I already too late?

knottieamusements

ummibtihaj said:

For those who have chosen one, what were some questions you asked or things you considered that affected your choice? Also what's the general time for choosing one? Am I already too late?

I googled “interview questions for a doula” and put together my own list.  Basically, they included her background/philosophy, experience with birth (specifically they kind of birth I was looking for), how she offered help, and services/cost.  

My biggest concerns were that she wasn’t anti-medicine (healthy skepticism is one thing, judgmental of decisions I make as needed is another), that she was accepting of my alternative family situation and views on pain (which was far less difficult than I expected), and that I could work well with her.

In my area, you would not be looking too late to find one.  It is possible that the more popular and/or experienced ones are booked, but there seems to be a lot more qualified doulas out there than women looking to use one.  

tropical1982

tinattt23 said:

Happy to share if you (or anyone) cares to see them. I’ll probably reuse them this time cause I’m lazy. 

No sense in reinventing the wheel - I'm sure mine is in my e-mail.  Just going to pull that one out and update - only thing for sure I'm taking out is the delayed cord clamping.  I've had ABO blood incompatibility with my kids and it causes them to be jaundiced (one to need around the clock bili lights) so if I can avoid that I'm going to lessen the blood exchange.

SweetSweetTooth

Birth plan I got some great examples at my Bradley class but I also Google med free birth plans to get ides of stuff I wouldn't want to miss that i forgot from class.

Bradley class - I am a FTM and while I love reading and research I do not feel I would have anywhere near as much knowledge if I wasn't in a class. Plus DH is at the class as well so he is picking up on different things plus I don't have to be telling him stuff all the time at home to keep him informed nor in labor because he knows and was in class learning with me.

nasalot188

I'm lurking this thread for now, as my situation is a bit up in the air with a possible induction.

But I will say I went into DS labour with zero birth plan. Not one thing was written down. Just a very brief discussion with my MW about how I'd like to see how I do without meds, but would like them made available to me should I need them. Labour was fast, and ended up being med-free, no option for discussion.

It felt liberating not having a plan, but maybe that's just me. Less to be dissapointed about when things don't follow the plan.

But of course if there are certain things that are very important to you, you should discuss with your provider

SweetSweetTooth

A plan is just that, a rough outline of how my 'ideal' birth is and I know things will not all go how I want but I don't want them jumping to something I don't want before other less med driven options are tried, so I have a birth plan.  

tinattt23

@mytrueloves Maybe a middle ground option, have you looked to see if any of the Bradley teachers do a second time parents refresher course? That’s what we’re doing. It’s way cheaper. Just one two hour class. 

pumpkinpancake

I feel like I’m the only one other than @nasalot188 who didn’t have a written birth plan for my last birth. I mean, I had discussed my ideas/general wishes with my OB, and DH knew my general plan, but otherwise, I just figured I’d go with the flow. I was really mentally set on a med-free birth, and got lucky that nothing went wrong to prevent that, but I guess if things started getting hairy, it would have been up to DH to voice my concerns if for any reason I wasn’t able to. 

I also knew that a bunch of my hospital’s policies already lined up with things I had wanted, so I wasn’t too concerned about making a firm birth plan. 

elothair

+1 for not having a birth plan.

I had a rough idea what I wanted - the less intervention the better - but I didn’t want to make a plan and have it go nothing like I had written down and feel like a failure if I’d ended up needing every intervention.

The birthing process can be so unpredictable and while I think having a loose idea of what you want is great, it’s important to not get too hung up on any certain aspect so you are open to being flexible if the need arises without having to beat yourself up because things aren’t going to ‘plan.’

tropical1982

My birth plan was the "ideal situation" do this but if you need to do a c-section go for it and I'd want this..... So it wasn't fixed on one scenario because anything can happen.

ummibtihaj

knottieamusements said:

I googled “interview questions for a doula” and put together my own list.  Basically, they included her background/philosophy, experience with birth (specifically they kind of birth I was looking for), how she offered help, and services/cost.  

My biggest concerns were that she wasn’t anti-medicine (healthy skepticism is one thing, judgmental of decisions I make as needed is another), that she was accepting of my alternative family situation and views on pain (which was far less difficult than I expected), and that I could work well with her.

In my area, you would not be looking too late to find one.  It is possible that the more popular and/or experienced ones are booked, but there seems to be a lot more qualified doulas out there than women looking to use one.  

Thanks this gives me a good starting point. I will talk to my husband tonight about what is important to the both of us and move from there.

+1 on no written plan. There were a few things I discussed with my midwife ahead of time, but I was willing and flexible enough to know that I had to be open to changes as anything can happen. I'm thankful to have built a great relationship with my midwife and her colleagues so they know what I'm comfortable with and what I'm not.

jennybean80

My entire birth plan last time (when they asked) was “I’d like them to come out”. 
That was it.