Natural Birth Check-In

mh2t · July 2009

This check-in is for ladies who are planning a natural birth, or are considering one. I post it on Mondays and Thursdays. If you'd like to join, post below with your EDD and answer the QOTD. If you have questions you'd like to see asked, post those too and I'll use 'em in the future. For the purposes of this check-in, a natural birth is defined as a med-free, naturally occurring birth. (If you have to have an induction for medical reasons but are still planning to go med-free, this check in is for you, too!)

QOTD: How do you think you will feel if your birth ends up not being a natural birth?

Our natural birth ladies are:

August 2009

Rossi17 August 2

Jill+Dave August 11
KaleenaD-Z August 16

September 2009

AlyVance Sept. 15

lplassman Sept. 15

nancyandnate Sept. 19

mh2t Sept. 22

BeachBride72106 Sept. 29
knorton Sept. 30

October 2009

Davesbride07 Oct. 10

brandiemperdue2 Oct. 31

November 2009

abj22 Nov. 2

kristin7701 Nov. 15

brooke12 Nov. 20

Tonya_G Nov. 24

KRIST4N Nov. 25

December 2009

chrissy0791 Dec. 8

luckyangel Dec. 15

GershiGirl Dec. 25

xnbride Dec. 30

January 2010

aimeelynae Jan. 5

easjer05 Jan. 9

VanessaRae9608 Jan. 10

mrshutch Jan. 23?

mrs.viv07 Jan. 25

preciouskargo Jan. 26

viollett99 Jan. 28

February 2010

labbie1821 Feb. 2

loregopar Feb. 3

CapitolBaby Feb. 12

PurpleK26 Feb. 13

March 2010

itsMrsAlbin March 21

mh2t · July 2009

I have thought about this some, since it's something we've recently been discussing in my Bradley class. I feel like we're very prepared (and will be even more prepared by the end of the class) for the birth, so if I end up with an induction, I will know that it is because there was no other way. I think I might have a more difficult time coming to terms with a c-section, but again, since I won't get one unless it is truly necessary, I'll just have to focus on being thankful that the baby and I are both safe.

Davesbride07 · July 2009

I am trying not to have any expectations about the whole process, That way i don't get dissapointed. I am just gonna roll with it. I have a midwife that I love and I trust her opinion. by the way I have started to get a little scared about the whole process. I am gonna have to have a chat with her about that!

CapitolBaby · July 2009

I'm still in the "considering natural birth" phase - I'm not completely 100% set on it, since I don't know what the experience will be like. It would definitely be my preference, as I know my body is capable of doing it.

However - I would be so dissapointed if I had to have a C section. I just do not like the idea of the baby coming out of my stomach rather than birth canal. There is nothing natural about it, and I am scared of the risks it could pose to future pregnancies.

GershiGirl · July 2009

I'm not a person that deals well with disappointment--especially when it's something as big as this that I've been planning and thinking about for so long. I'm doing everything I can to prepare and make sure I have a Dr. who will work with me and not rush to do medical interventions. If it doesn't work out the way I want though I'll just have to do my best to get past it and just be happy that in the end I still have my baby Smile

easjer05 · July 2009

It is something that has been on my mind since last week, with all the bleeding (that seems to be getting better, yay!) and knowing that however slight, there is a chance that the previa doesn't move (it's like a ridiculously low percentage - like a 2% chance) at all or enough. If that happens, the best case scenario is a highly monitored, medicalized birth with chance of c-section. The most likely scenario is a scheduled c-section.

So weird to plan an unmedicated home birth and know a scheduled c-section could be out there.

But my feeling is this. We have always, always said that one of the biggest motivators in a home birth and an unmedicated birth was doing what we felt was best for me and best for the baby. So that if I am not low-risk come delivery, well then, I will be in hospital, because that is safest. If I require induction or augmentation because of a legitimate threat to the baby's continued health in utero, well, we'll be making informed decisions. If the previa doesn't move or another complication ends in c-section . . . then I know enough about birth and safety to ask the right questions and give an informed consent.

I will still be in charge of making informed decisions about our healthcare. That is the most I can legitimately ask for. At each step, we are making the choices we are making because we feel they are best. There are of course secondary reasons for everything - like staying home vs the birth center because I want to feel free to be naked, or knowing that I will feel good about myself if I meet this challenge. But first and foremost has to be health and safety. I will be disappointed if I can't have the birth I want. But what I want more than a particular birth experience is to come through it with a healthy baby and a healthy me.

Which may necessitate a change in plans. Which means I must always be educated and make the best decisions possible - and if, at the end of the day, I can say that I have done that . . . that is the best I can do.

lplassman · July 2009

This is something I have been thinking a great deal about. Right now my little guy is breech and also having some growth issues that may lead to induction/c-section. The truth is I will be pretty upset, but I am going to remind myself to focus on getting him here safe and sound, whichever way that may be!

Rossi17 · July 2009

I think I will be disappointed, but I will cope. If I have an induction, or an epidural, it would probably be a lot easier to cope with than if I had a c-section.

BeachBride72106 · July 2009

I am trying not to have expectations. Expectations were shattered last time and therefore I feel if I keep a more open mind maybe things will go better this time. I know I am at risk of having an induction just because the doctors already don't want me to go past 39 weeks (because of last times outcome). I also know that this baby is measuring 2-3 weeks ahead in size which could become and issue of what my body can give birth too. So I am keeping an open mind and keep telling myself however this baby comes out of me as long as it is alive and healthy I really could care less.

luckyangel · July 2009

I will be upset. The only way it won't go natural is if there is some complication...both my doc and I have full faith in my ability to handle the pain. I would be horrified if I had to have a c-section. Hopefully all will go well and it will be natural. I'm going to just stay positive in the mean time!

VanessaRae9608 · July 2009

I have decided to be at peace if I can not have the natural birth I plan, sometimes situations are out of our control and I don't want to feel like a failure if it is the best thing for the baby...so I am giving it 100% but if it doesn't work out,I am fine with it.