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June 2012 Moms
Adjusting my expectations
So... the general plan of action is to have a 'needle free' birth. Please note the use of the phrase 'general plan of action' - meaning I know that things can change and I'm open to that.
However, the last two days my pelvic bone has apparently been spreading in preparation for birth - and it is excruciating when I move my legs in the slightest. Adjusting my legs while sitting, standing up, and walking are soo horribly painful that I've been tempted to call into work just so I wouldn't have to get out of bed and deal with the pain.
That being said - I'm starting to think I might not be able to give birth med-free if I this pain is already that bad. I think I might spend a bit of time doing a bit more reading on what the pain management options are during birth - I'm scared.
How are you guys dealing with pregnancy pains? Have they been bad? What helps? Has anything had an impact on your general birth plan? Any good resources you can recommend for info on pain meds/management during labor?
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Re: Adjusting my expectations
The aches and pains of pregnancy are quite different than labor. It is a scary experience because of the unknown. I agree with PP, if you go in unprepared your chances of needle free birth will decrease significantly. Mainly because the bodies natural reaction to the type of pain you will experience is to tense up, which will only intensify the pain. Breathing and relaxing your body will help immensely.
If you would have told me I would have a med free birth 2 years ago, I would have said you were nuts. It was my plan to ask for the epi if and when I felt that I needed it, but I mentally prepared myself to go without and I am so glad I did. Once I felt like I wanted/needed the epi, I was completely dialated and ready to push.
I recently read the book "Natural Child Birth: The Bradley Way" and feel like it is a great practice and resource. Read, watch and discuss as much as you can before you go the the hospital/birthing center. Once you are in labor, all bets are off and you are not really in the right mind set to make decisions. Make sure you DH/SO is aware of your desires. Good luck.
We are - they start in just a few weeks (it's a 10week course, 6-7weeks before baby, 3-4weeks after).
I want to go in prepared but with an open mind instead of a strict plan. With the intensity of this pelvic bone pain I'm feeling like 'planning' on a med-free birth may not be something I could do.
I think the birth thing is different than regular pain. If it's something you want, it is definitely doable, as you'll kind of be in the zone. I was induced with both my boys and the labor pains are much more intense and much quicker, so I didn't mind about an epidural. But if I HAD to do it naturally I could have, just couldn't be bothered personally.
I will also say, you get people telling you their induction/pain med horror stories, but both of mine were perfect births and I have no regrets at all. I am getting an epi for sure this time because the chances of having to extract a breech baby B is high right now, and that sounds beyond my pain tolerance
. I was thinking of going med free until I found out there were twins.
Interesting that you posted this question, as I have had to adjust my expectations quite a bit over the last few weeks.
I had a med-free delivery with DS, and planned to do it again. Unfortunately, I had a really bad tear with DS (basically my perineum was shredded because he came out with his elbow up). 3rd tri has been brutal. I have this terrible swelling of my parts unless I wear an uncomfortable, jock-strap type contraction. I know I won't be able to tolerate wearing it while in labor, and I can't walk around or do anything except lie down without it. So, I'm getting an epidural. I'm gonna go to the hospital as soon as I know I'm in labor, get my epi, and lie in bed until baby comes out.
I had a fast labor with DS, so I am not concerned about the epi slowing down my labor. I also got spinal anesthesia for the repair, and it was wonderful, so I am not worried about another needle in my back. Overall, I feel pretty good about the new plan.
It sounds like you are already on the right track! I think everyone should educate themselves on pain management, just in case they cannot make it through labor without it. We can't control labor or what happens during it, so you might as well be informed so you can make the best decision possible when needed. My sister wanted an all natural/no intervention birth. Once labor began, she couldn't handle the pain and went with an epidural. It ended up being a good choice on her part bc baby turned face up during delivery and got stuck after 4 hours of pushing. She wound up with a fever/infection and had to have an emergency cs. The opposite of what she was planning, but after all was said and done both she and baby were safe, so that was all that mattered. Knowing your options is the best way to go into any birth, you can never be too prepared!
This is what happened to me. I was fighting the contractions, instead of working with them. The stadol and epi really helped me relax. This time, I'm going to try Hypnobabies. I probably should have already started working with the CDs, but better late than never.
OP - don't give up on your needle-free plan. The pain in labor is different and you may be able to manage it. By the time you have the option to get the drugs, you've already experienced some pretty intense contractions. So, you can make a better decision at that time.
I don't know about you, but I literally had to have someone in my face "coaching" me to breath cause all I wanted to do was hold my breath and tense up...BIG mistake. Once my Mom got in my face and was so encouaging and kept me breathing in and out, it was WAY better (not great, but way better). It didn't help that I spent 45 minutes at 10 cm and fully effaced waiting for the Dr to get there. No wonder DS was out in 3 pushes.
I agree with the PPs. It's good to remain flexible with your plan, which it sounds like you are. You can make the decision during labor whether to use drugs or not. Either way, trust what you are feeling and don't beat yourself up about it.
I'm also having pelvic pain...no fun. I'm unemployed so at least I can put my feet up a lot/prop myself up with pillows during the day. The worst part is getting off the couch or out of bed. I'm trying to keep walking and being active, I've found that once I get moving the pain decreases. And using the breathing techniques from birthing class also helps.
I want to do a med-free birth too, but DS is still breech. Who knows, we might be on a train headed for c-sectionville.
I second this. Also, have you tried prenatal yoga to help with pelvic pain? I found it very helpful with this as well as practicing relaxing. It's funny the things you "forget" while in labor and the things you "forget" after.
It's my first time, so I don't have any life experience advice to give. I'm doing hypbirth cds which are a lot of guided relaxation and work to help you practice relaxing into contractions (or "surges" as the woman calls them.
I went on my hospital tour the other day and the nurses leading it talked about how they've seen hydrotherapy (showers and/or tubs) really aid in labor.
I don't think you should give up on your needle-free birth, but I do think some sort of practice (prenatal yoga - depending on the class/teacher has great techniques as mentioned by PP) is probably helpful - as well as a strong support partner.
Good luck!
I initially wanted to go med free, but with my Braxton Hicks making my back spasm, I'm afraid I may have terrible back labor. I'm a FTM and have heard how painful it can be, so I looked into options other than an epidural, because I'd like to be able to get up and move as much as possible during the labor process... I've settled on a "Walking Epidural" - it can be called other things, but basically they put in a cathedar (and leave it in) and give you a small amount of medicine - then, if you need more, it's there, but you're still able to move your legs and stand, and while you can feel what's going on down there, it basically takes the edge off.
I've had alot of lower back/hip/pelvic pain, and the only thing I've found to help is the ocassional Tylenol, stretching, and I'm going to be trying prenatal massage. My pelvis has just started to get achy, so I'm hoping the stretching will help with that too.
Good luck!