WhiteysWifey

I've been wanting to post this, suggestions for Fox.

Ask for a hep-lock versus an IV.  Diane is fine with that.  It's just one less thing to be attached to.  They'll check to see if you're dehydrated first - which I was with Jack and had to have the IV anyway.  Had the hep loc with Joseph and liked it much better.

Ask for the private room.  They'll suggest it if they know you plan to nurse.  I believe it's the only room with a private bathroom.  I stayed in there both times.

Ask for a breastpump.  They have manual ones that are freebies.

I didn't get a chance to try the jacuzzi.  Don't forget it exists!

The nursing staff is WONDERFUL.  Don't worry about them at all.  (I was so worried the first time.)

They do have a ball to sit on if you'd like.  Just ask for it.  Loved it with Jackson's labor.

They have a mirror if you want to watch.  Ask for it.  (AMAZING!!!)

Pack yourself a bag lunch kind of thing for after your labor.  They have snacks but the sandwiches are lousy.  They have icecream!  Those little cup ones that we used to eat with a tiny wooden paddle thing.  Remember those?

They're fine with cameras.  Video too, if you're into that.  We taped both births and they didn't care!

For labor itself - I hope I'm not overstepping anything here by giving advice.  Groan.  Seriously, it helped me.  If you read that one book about the birth commune place, I remember reading that they suggested you moo.  I didn't exactly moo, but I did notice that if I kept my tone low, it helped.  If my tone started to get higher, it hurt more and I'd hit my low note again.  Also, I was so glad for Jackson's labor that we had a little massager thing to push on my back.  (No, not one of THOSE!)  It was a bug-looking thing.  Anyway, it was great to have Frank push on my back.

I know you're planning a med-free birth.  YOU CAN DO IT!!!  For Joseph's birth I kept repeating "It's good.... it's good....  relax...  relax...."  I'd be interested in watching the video because I probably looked like an idiot.  If I did it, you certainly can do it!