Let's talk about the BIG Day!

jhick25

I can't wait!

 

Are you planning a "Med-free" birth? Or are you already planing on getting an epidural or pain meds in the IV? 

Anyone trying a water birth? I've always wanted to it, but I've always had to many complications to have one. 

In the beginning I was the type, I'm having a "med-free" birth, and no one can tell me otherwise, I am woman hear me rawr attitude. yeah... 3cm and they broke my water, I was crying like a baby. The epidural was wonderful, I was able to sleep and enjoy giving birth to my first DD.

Second one, no epidural because of excess water in my back, and third didn't help because of how big he was and him getting stuck.

I'm definitely going with the epidural again.  I want what I had the first time around.

egpitt22

I asked for the epidural while they were taking my insurance information with #1.  I'll be going the medicated route this time around as well if I have my choice.

Seriously-I give SO much credit to women who go natural, I was begging for mine after only being in labor for a short period of time.  I wanted to kiss the anesthesiologist when he finally arrived to my room.

pregarella

Give me the drugs. NFT.

aniceucchik

definitely epi again. I didnt get it last time until the 35th hour in, b/c they sent me home the first time i went in, which was a bad mistake since i was already 4-6 min apart. The epi hurt a helluva lot less than the IV in the hand.

colik23

Definatly the epidural, had it with DS and had an enjoyable labor. I waited till I was just over 5cm to get it so I know what the "real" labor felt like and knew I didn't want to do that all day!!

amanda1680

Epi me, please.

mharison

Planning on a natural birth at a brith center.

mfowler918

We have an ABC (alternative birthing center) at our hospital which is bacially like an apartment in the hospital it has two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, and living room. It's set up so that as many people can be there and they can be comfortable and what not. But it is a drug free zone. You can't get anything while in there. You also have to sign up to use it. So the plan with DS was to give birth there. By the time I got to the hospital I was 8cms and the pain hit hard and fast. So by the time I was checked in and they asked me if I still wanted to use the ABC I laughed and said hell no drug me up. By the time I had all the paperwork signed and the epi was in it was time to push. DS was under 3 hours of labor. I was kind of mad at myself for giving in. Since I only had the epi for the pushing part. I could have done it. So this time around I signed up again for the ABC and am hoping that having the knowledge I have now about DS's birth I might actually use it and have my drug free natural birth that I wanted!

CarlaAndJames

I'm going to be doing some more research before I decide, but my gut answer is that I'll get an epidural.

jhick25

aniceucchik:

definitely epi again. I didnt get it last time until the 35th hour in, b/c they sent me home the first time i went in, which was a bad mistake since i was already 4-6 min apart. The epi hurt a helluva lot less than the IV in the hand.

Couldn't agree more! 

I have to say, with my second with all the excess water, I was poked over 25 times. I sat on the edge of that hospital bed for an hour grasping my pillow crying because the contractions hurt so bad.  An IV was looking pretty good at that point. LOL The anesthesiologist thought he was a funny man, and said I wouldn't drink any water you may look like one of those cartoons with the water coming out of every hole. : /

gymnst1013

I really, really want a natural birth.  We're taking Bradley classes to help with pain management.  As long as there are no complications, I hope to not cave and ask for an epi just due to pain.  That said, I do understand that things don't always go according to plan.

susieandmarty

i will take the drugs please!  At least that is the current plan

jhick25

mfowler918:

We have an ABC (alternative birthing center) at our hospital which is bacially like an apartment in the hospital it has two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, and living room. It's set up so that as many people can be there and they can be comfortable and what not. But it is a drug free zone. You can't get anything while in there. You also have to sign up to use it. So the plan with DS was to give birth there. By the time I got to the hospital I was 8cms and the pain hit hard and fast. So by the time I was checked in and they asked me if I still wanted to use the ABC I laughed and said hell no drug me up. By the time I had all the paperwork signed and the epi was in it was time to push. DS was under 3 hours of labor. I was kind of mad at myself for giving in. Since I only had the epi for the pushing part. I could have done it. So this time around I signed up again for the ABC and am hoping that having the knowledge I have now about DS's birth I might actually use it and have my drug free natural birth that I wanted!

That's awesome! We don't have anything like that around here. I know I can do it med free, and would love to have something like that to do it in if I wanted to. 

ccorso

Everyone has been instructed - I will go in with no pain meds, however, the second I say I want them somebody better be rushing to find someone to give them to me!!!

Telly21182

I'll be researching this before the time comes, but I definitely want something!  I do not tolerate pain well!

seattlestef

Honestly, even more important than medicated or not is being able to hold this baby after he or she is born. They took my girls straight to the NICU and I didn't get to hold them until that evening or take them home for 10 days. Having a full term healthy baby, no matter how it arrives, would be a dream come true.

That being said, I was induced with my last delivery and I labored under the pitocin until I was 6-7cm. Had an epidural at 4PM and I was 10cm and ready to push by 5PM. Girls were born at 5:30 and 5:31. The doctor almost required an epidural for a twin delivery since my baby B was breech and the doctor was planning to reach in and grab her.

So.... basically I want to go into this one open minded. I have a high tolerance for pain and I was not in that much pain even at 7cm dialated under pitocin. After that experience, I really believe that labor is different for everyone. I never screamed, cried, grunted etc. I would basically squeeze my eyes shut and flinch for contractions. If it is like that again then I think I would be able to go unmedicated.

kaeladatz

I always wanted to have a natural birth... not alone in the woods or anything, but just as drug and intervention free as possible. I've also started researching water births and am thinking I may go that route with one of the kits you can buy to take to the hospital. They only cost around $300 and are completely sterile and safe. 

However, it seems every woman I personally know (save for one very pro-natural doula friend) treats me in a condescending manner when I tell them of my plans. My 2 SIL's both called me crazy, my aunts believe it's an insult to medicine and doctors to go natural, and my mom just has no faith in me and thinks I will  scream for the drugs the moment pain comes. It's disappointing to get no support from the women in my family, but I'm still going to try for my natural birth, and tell them they can all sit in a waiting room, because I refuse to have someone who's not on my side in the delivery room with me! ho'kay, vent over

Birdies08

I'm hoping on and planning for a minimal intervention birth, but of course I understand some things are out of my control!

I plan on laboring in a tub, and I will do all the preparation for a water birth, in case it feels right in the moment. I am hoping to be able to try a variety of positions for labor and birth and just go with what feels right!

DowagerCountessofNJ

I'm definitely getting an epidural however I think I'll prepare for birth as if I'm going naturally.  I'd really like to labor at home for a while because I don't want to be stuck in bed and tied down with monitors.  I want to be able to walk around and snack on something light if I feel like it.

Talk to me when I have a baby bearing down on my cervix though.

kattyleigh

I went into DD's birth with an open mind, knowing that there is no such thing as a "birth plan". But oh my goodness I can't wait for my epidural again! It was wonderful being able to relax and enjoy the experience. I literally laughed with the nurses between contractions. Bliss.

butterflygirl2271

I am having a med free birth with a midwife in the hospital. Honestly, I am terrified of needles! So, no IV or Epi for me! 

To those who are going to attempt to go med free but are not ruling them out: You should have a code word for your coach. You must likely will get to a point where you yell for the drugs. Almost all women do. If you establish a code word, then your coach knows if you use it you are truly serious about wanting meds.  

 

MrsJuicy2B

secondaryPULSE:

an au natural homebirth for me, please! I would love to have a waterbirth, and we do have a tub that would be big enough. If I feel inclined to get in the tub, I will. =]

Same here, word for word! 

egpitt22

aniceucchik:

The epi hurt a helluva lot less than the IV in the hand.

Ditto.  I really didn't think the epi was that bad, and I am terrified of needles.  

LaRue86

I will have pain meds. We will not know if I will be able to have an epi as my spine is fused at L5 and S1. It will ultimately depend on whether or not there is an opening they can use that is not too high. We have a friend that is an anesthesiologist who has also had a fusion, so I do plan on asking him if it will be a possibility or not.

With the back issues that I have had, I highly doubt I will be able to go natural. My period cramps have been sooooo much worse after surgery that I have a prescription for endocet that I use. With that said, Ill have whatever I can get

nowayamyrae

I'm open minded to an epi, but I'd prefer a natural birth. My mom, and MIL (who had 3 out of 4 boys weight 9+ pounds) all did natural births (MILs were home births! and said "I can handle it". My delivering hospital is very open to midwifes and doulas and also has the hotel-like birthing center, so I intend to have a doula with us. Ideally, Ill labor at home for a few hours and then go to the hospital and see how far along I am before making a real decision.

But like every one else said, let's see how it feels to have a bunch of limbs surfing through the birth canal. 

NYMOM2005

My plan is to have no pain meds.  I've had to have petocin with my other pregnancies to bring on the contractions, but I am really don't like needles. I have problems with my back (spinal cord) so the thought of an epidural just puts me over the edge!  I'd love a home birth (a bit jealous of those who get to experience one!), but I really love my OBGYN and I'd have to find a midwife in another practice if I wanted to try it.  I plan on bringing more games to play this time. (they kept me sitting up and occupied for most of the time) and not to forget my favorite pillow to lean on like I did last time!  I enjoyed all of my previous deliveries, the "real" pain was only for a short while and when you hold you LO in your arms its all worth it!

MrsEmilyS

Epidural!

colik23

gymnst1013:

I really, really want a natural birth.  We're taking Bradley classes to help with pain management.  As long as there are no complications, I hope to not cave and ask for an epi just due to pain.  That said, I do understand that things don't always go according to plan.

Very good way to look at things, I had this attitude myself the first time around, cause I really didn't know what to expect. I was enduced the first time and didn't know how long it would take to progress, so after 2.5 hours of hard contractions every 3 mins, I was like "give me the epidural!" I was really happy with my decision, cause it was a great labor and delivery. 

 

 

 

jcsumm0

gymnst1013:

I really, really want a natural birth.  We're taking Bradley classes to help with pain management.  As long as there are no complications, I hope to not cave and ask for an epi just due to pain.  That said, I do understand that things don't always go according to plan.

This, although I haven't looked into whether or not they have Bradley classes in my area.

ETA: I am also thinking about a doula.

LeeLee930

Right now I'm going into this with an open-mind and the "No Plan" plan.  I will be delivering at the hospital my OB is affiliated with, and will let her and LO dictate what's best.  I don't want to get hung up on a plan just to be dissapointed if it doesn't work out that way.   Sure I'd like to go for the      no-med natural birth, but I'm open to an epi if I need it, and a c-section may be necessary if my fibroids complicate a vag delivery and I'm ok with that. 

YouAreMyILoveYou

I had an epidural with both of my previous births and I plan to get one again. The only way that plan will change is if I get to the hospital with a baby hanging out of me!

I really really really LOVED my labors. I was so relaxed and rested! It was nothing like my bestfriend who went med-free (used Bradley Method). From the way she described her labor, she was miserable!

For me, the epi is a no-brainer. It would be like asking if I wanted novocaine before having my tooth pulled. Sure, for centuries people had limbs removed without anykind  of pain management, but was it a good idea? Heck no! To me, the natural choice is to be as pain-free as possible.

Bella427

With DD I asked for an epidural but didn't get one in time (they finally showed up as I was pushing so never mind).  Since I had a very fast first delivery, I wouldn't be surprised if I end up going natural again this time.  Who knows if that will be by choice or not!

gymnst1013

kaeladatz:

I always wanted to have a natural birth... not alone in the woods or anything, but just as drug and intervention free as possible. I've also started researching water births and am thinking I may go that route with one of the kits you can buy to take to the hospital. They only cost around $300 and are completely sterile and safe. 

However, it seems every woman I personally know (save for one very pro-natural doula friend) treats me in a condescending manner when I tell them of my plans. My 2 SIL's both called me crazy, my aunts believe it's an insult to medicine and doctors to go natural, and my mom just has no faith in me and thinks I will  scream for the drugs the moment pain comes. It's disappointing to get no support from the women in my family, but I'm still going to try for my natural birth, and tell them they can all sit in a waiting room, because I refuse to have someone who's not on my side in the delivery room with me! ho'kay, vent over

I'm sorry your family is not being supportive

kaeladatz

gymnst1013:

kaeladatz:

I always wanted to have a natural birth... not alone in the woods or anything, but just as drug and intervention free as possible. I've also started researching water births and am thinking I may go that route with one of the kits you can buy to take to the hospital. They only cost around $300 and are completely sterile and safe. 

However, it seems every woman I personally know (save for one very pro-natural doula friend) treats me in a condescending manner when I tell them of my plans. My 2 SIL's both called me crazy, my aunts believe it's an insult to medicine and doctors to go natural, and my mom just has no faith in me and thinks I will  scream for the drugs the moment pain comes. It's disappointing to get no support from the women in my family, but I'm still going to try for my natural birth, and tell them they can all sit in a waiting room, because I refuse to have someone who's not on my side in the delivery room with me! ho'kay, vent over

I'm sorry your family is not being supportive

It's okay, that's why I have the bump!  

DaisyJanie

kaeladatz:

I always wanted to have a natural birth... not alone in the woods or anything, but just as drug and intervention free as possible. I've also started researching water births and am thinking I may go that route with one of the kits you can buy to take to the hospital. They only cost around $300 and are completely sterile and safe. 

However, it seems every woman I personally know (save for one very pro-natural doula friend) treats me in a condescending manner when I tell them of my plans. My 2 SIL's both called me crazy, my aunts believe it's an insult to medicine and doctors to go natural, and my mom just has no faith in me and thinks I will  scream for the drugs the moment pain comes. It's disappointing to get no support from the women in my family, but I'm still going to try for my natural birth, and tell them they can all sit in a waiting room, because I refuse to have someone who's not on my side in the delivery room with me! ho'kay, vent over

That sucks. I lurk over on the Natural Birth board, and most of them over there seem to say, if you don't think someone's going to be supportive, just don't bring it up. If they try to argue with you over it, just say something noncommittal like, "well, we'll see what happens" or something. I'm already getting some weird looks over things we've decided to do, like hypnobirthing and cloth diapering, but I just drop it, and later I'll be able to say, "well it worked for me" or "well it didn't work but I feel like it was worth a try."

walter7878

I have a strange situation: I can't be in labor for very long, and I have to have a c-section. I've had two uterine surgeries so my uterus isn't strong enough to sustain contractions long enough to squeeze out the baby...so I'll go in at 38 weeks and have a c-section and that will be that.

On one hand, I'm kind of sad not to have the regular birth experience, to have no choice, and to have it all planned out (your baby's birthday seems like such an unplan-able thing). On the other hand, no labor and no vaginal delivery sounds OK to me, too.

prettyfish13

Definitely an epidural! I had one with DS and it was wonderful. And I still loved the birth experience.

For some people, having an "all natural" birth is very important. It's just not that important to me, as long as the result is a healthy baby. I might as well be as comfortable as possible!

 

LIa0909

Ditto to PP's strange situation. Not much of a birth plan here because there is A) make it full term with little of the pain doctors are expecting me to have with my complications, deliver vaginally at brand new north hospital with the OB I picked out. make it past 34 weeks - full term with bedrest and ridiculous amounts of pain doctors expect (they are already discussing what painkillers (narcotics, OY!) they are going to prescribe me just to get through the SECOND trimester), have c-section at brandnew north hopsital with OB I picked out. C) don't make it to 34 weeks even with bedrest and painkillers, have c-section with maternal fetal specialists at older hospital that has one of the the TOP NICU's in the state so baby can be properly cared for.

Definitely expect an epi IF I can deliver vaginally. With C-section, I hope to be able to do a spinal block and local anestetics so I can atleast meet the baby right away (though if the squish is too early I know this mostly means waving as they take him / her to the NICU...)

kaeladatz

DaisyJanie:

kaeladatz:

I always wanted to have a natural birth... not alone in the woods or anything, but just as drug and intervention free as possible. I've also started researching water births and am thinking I may go that route with one of the kits you can buy to take to the hospital. They only cost around $300 and are completely sterile and safe. 

However, it seems every woman I personally know (save for one very pro-natural doula friend) treats me in a condescending manner when I tell them of my plans. My 2 SIL's both called me crazy, my aunts believe it's an insult to medicine and doctors to go natural, and my mom just has no faith in me and thinks I will  scream for the drugs the moment pain comes. It's disappointing to get no support from the women in my family, but I'm still going to try for my natural birth, and tell them they can all sit in a waiting room, because I refuse to have someone who's not on my side in the delivery room with me! ho'kay, vent over

That sucks. I lurk over on the Natural Birth board, and most of them over there seem to say, if you don't think someone's going to be supportive, just don't bring it up. If they try to argue with you over it, just say something noncommittal like, "well, we'll see what happens" or something. I'm already getting some weird looks over things we've decided to do, like hypnobirthing and cloth diapering, but I just drop it, and later I'll be able to say, "well it worked for me" or "well it didn't work but I feel like it was worth a try."

We want to do CD too! Like I mentioned, I have one friend who is a very, I mean VERY pro-natural type, and she has just been a godsend. She's teaching me all of her own personal sewing/knitting patterns she used for baby clothes and the CD covers she made. She even gave me the sprayer they used for CD that hooks up to the toilet (a MUST, btw!)

And, she came over with hot chocolate last week and gave me all of her doula workbooks, and all of her material on natural births. She's been wonderful and helps to make up for the lack of support every where else

Anyway, thanks for the advice, I will def try out those comments with people in the future. For now, I just look forward to having a happy, healthy baby ^.^ 

lovesazzie

I'll be going drug free again this time in a birth center. I have the option for a water birth if I want to... I guess I'll see what I feel like during labor!

Pretzel80

amanda1680:

Epi me, please.

I'll add a big +1 to that!!