Can we talk about birth?!

MadiMac · February 2014

As a FTM I want to know the pros and cons of things like epidurals, c-section versus natural, episiotomy, and anything else relevant! I want to make a birth plan and I want all the facts!! Mamas help me out please

happy Tuesday!

MadiMac · February 2014

Oh and THANK YOU! It means a lot that you would take time out of your day to give me advice. X

ncbelle · February 2014

This is a great website for evidenced based information: https://www.childbirthconnection.org

That should get you started

Everyone has an opinion on what's "best" so do some reading and go with what seems right to you!

MorganW24 · February 2014

I agree. It's all about what you think is best for you and your baby. Reading and researching are the best way to get both the pros and cons of all the choices you have when it comes to birthing. Use reliable and informed sources to get accurate information. Personally we are planning a non medicated, intervention free home birth... Good luck!

wtfisup · February 2014

MadiMac said:

As a FTM I want to know the pros and cons of things like epidurals, c-section versus natural, episiotomy, and anything else relevant! I want to make a birth plan and I want all the facts!! Mamas help me out please happy Tuesday!

WHOA. That's a lot to ask of a forum. I've read four books on pregnancy/birth, but never done it. Even if I summarized all of them here for you, other people would disagree. Medical professionals don't agree on these either.

Start with some research, and recognize the slant of what you're reading. There are lots of great resources out there already written by knowledgable folks, so it might be better to do the legwork then bring questions/discussion to a space like this.

nunzchucks · February 2014

We've had several threads regarding many of your questions. I suggest searching the board for "unmedicated birth", "natural birth", "c-section" and "birth plan". I think you will get a taste of how everyone on the board feels. Directions for searching are in the blog (see newbie thread).

MollySm · February 2014

@ncbelle - Thanks for posting that site! I've just started to look through it but so far it looks like a great site with tons of information and evidence. I know we've talked about people's birth preferences before, but it's nice to have a topic started that's a little more broad so that moms who are interested can find some good resources on the overall topic of birth.

Mztwilson · February 2014

The epidural really helped with the pain but I wasn't fond of the way it made me feel. I was freezing and shaking my legs were prickly. At some point you'll more then likely poop while pushing. There is no way to avoid this. The afterbirth is gross. It looks disgusting. The first day or so after birth every time the nurse pushes on your belly you'll feel blood gushing out of your vagina. It feels gross! Some hospitals have pads that have ice packs on them. Ask for extra ones. You'll thank me later. Your first shower after baby is born will be weird. You'll be dripping blood your belly will be flabby and you'll feel like you've been hit by a truck. The cramps after birth while your uterus is contracting down to normal size hurt just as bad as contractions do. If you get the epidural your also going to get a cathed. And even tho your supposed to be numb from your waste down you will feel them put it in. Once you get up to use the bathroom after the epidural wears off you'll pee like a gallon and it will be awkward especially if you have a nurse who keeps the door open so she can keep an eye on you. Even with all this horror once the baby is in your arms it's all totally worth it!

Katieluc106 · February 2014

My feeling towards birth is .... What ever makes you comfortable, keeps you healthy and keeps baby healthy is what's best bottom line.

flerlgirl · February 2014

Dude. That is a lot of ground to cover. All I know is emergency c-sections. I would recommend an epi for that. Also you will hurt for days regardless. You have been warned.

diagonalley · February 2014

Wait, we're supposed to give birth eventually?

Just kidding just kidding. But seriously, I haven't really looked into this yet...it makes me too anxious.

kimmyberly26 · February 2014

Just definitely keep in mind that you may have a plan but things can change in an instant.

tbmadeamistake · February 2014

Research for all eventualities, plan a 'best case' list of what you'd like, be prepared for that list to change in the moment. That's my advice.

I wanted a no-medication birth. I got pitocin, an epidural, and an episiotomy. At the end of the day, C was born healthy and I was healthy and that's what mattered to me. I healed very quickly and with no heavy pain meds from my episiotomy. If needed, I will get another one. I intend to try for no meds again, but am fine with needing them if it happens.

sjn00 · February 2014

Mztwilson said:
The epidural really helped with the pain but I wasn't fond of the way it made me feel. I was freezing and shaking my legs were prickly. At some point you'll more then likely poop while pushing. There is no way to avoid this. The afterbirth is gross. It looks disgusting. The first day or so after birth every time the nurse pushes on your belly you'll feel blood gushing out of your vagina. It feels gross! Some hospitals have pads that have ice packs on them. Ask for extra ones. You'll thank me later. Your first shower after baby is born will be weird. You'll be dripping blood your belly will be flabby and you'll feel like you've been hit by a truck. The cramps after birth while your uterus is contracting down to normal size hurt just as bad as contractions do. If you get the epidural your also going to get a cathed. And even tho your supposed to be numb from your waste down you will feel them put it in. Once you get up to use the bathroom after the epidural wears off you'll pee like a gallon and it will be awkward especially if you have a nurse who keeps the door open so she can keep an eye on you. Even with all this horror once the baby is in your arms it's all totally worth it!

Thanks for all this information!!! The only thing I knew about was the catheror! Hahhaa

Mia081081 · February 2014

The birth partner is an awesome book that explains all the stages of labor along with possible comications and pros/cons of episiotomy, section, etc.

Highly recommend it

Puka99 · February 2014

My best is advice is to go in knowing what you want but be prepared to have to change it. Things happen and sometimes you have to go against what your original plan was because it's best for the baby and you. and make sure your doc is on board now with your plan, barring any emergencies.

ElTrain5 · February 2014

joules235 said:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ I like this website as well as the the book Ina May's Guide To Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin.

I was just about to link to this site! Great resource! www.birthwithoutfearblog.com is great for birth stories.

sjn00 · February 2014

krptcmschfmkr128 said:
I had an epi, but no catheter.

Lol I would request a bed pan instead of a catheter!! Haha

Unknown · February 2014

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hollygb22 · February 2014

Think about what type of birth you want...but with that in mind..I'd just realize that sometimes things rarely go according to plan.

I wanted a natural birth, but with low fluid at 41 wks I was induced. Lucky for me, the induction did not work and I went into active labor on my own. I thought labor would be this gradual build up. For me, I started active labor with contractions 2 min apart off the bat. I never imagined how fast and furious it would come.

I got an epi (no catheter here either). I thought I'd be scared of the needle, the procedure etc..it was a breeze compared to the pain of contractions. I couldn't see what the dr was doing and it offered instant relief. I could feel my legs, I could move my legs, feet, and toes and could feel myself push. It wore off with no issues.

I didn't want an episiotonmy, but I was tearing very jagged and unnaturally as my obgyn put it, so one was performed.

For me, recovery was way worse than any procedure, pushing, tear, etc.

margaritachikita · February 2014

Hire a doula!!!! I cannot recommend this enough!!! Doulas are a support person to guide you through your prenatal research, help you formulate your birth plan, and then help you execute that plan. Doulas are 100% worth every penny - start asking around and see the responses you get. Www.doulamatch.net to find one near you.

Want a personalized experience?

Can we talk about birth?!

Re: Can we talk about birth?!

Married DH 7/30/11

CSC arrived 5/7/12

CHC arrived 6/2/14

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