June '14 L&D Questions Thread

Re: June '14 L&D Questions Thread

• diagonalley member

  May 2014

  rastrau said:

  I've heard a lot of good things about using various essential oils throughout the L&D process. I know Lavender is popular along with citrus scents, but also Basil and Clary Sage. Does anyone have any good/bad experiences with these during L&D?

  
  

  Further - anyone have recommendations for where to buy these? I've been browsing Amazon, but there are just SO many options and there is a crazy range of prices.

  My MIL is a young living representative and they sell essential oils. Young Living is like Pampered Chef in that you order through someone. Maybe you have a representative nearby?

  

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• temursgirl member

  May 2014

  @brooklyngirl46 and @mrsgerman I assume you want a birthing ball to be the same proportion as you would want for pilates/yoga.  When you buy one, they will give you a height estimate for each size of ball, but really it depends more on the length of your legs than your overall height.  For exercise use, you want your feet to reach the ground and be flat/solid on the ground.  At the same time, you should feel like you're sitting, not squatting.  I would assume you would want the same for labor.  If you can go to a store, try a couple of sizes.

      

  
  

  
  

  

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• fsumom member

  May 2014

  cristykaye said:

  I've read cramping is normal but is braxton hicks accompanied by cramps all the damn time normal? I'm 37 weeks and as of last Thursday was dilated to a 3. Just wondering if y'all ladies had any ideas before I call up to labor and delivery.

  I wish I knew.  I'm having constant Braxton Hicks.  I don't remember having them like this with my DD.  I am not having cramps, though.

  ~Jessica~ 

  
  

  
  

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• LadyMacaron member

  May 2014

  @jwarnerb‌ My mother delivered all 3 of her kids with pitocin and no epi. Last kiddo was 16 years ago! She said the contractions were intense and she didn't get a lot of relief between them. She really wanted an un medicated birth, so she stuck to her guns all 3 times. Not entirely sure why her docs kept inducing her though...Not sure if that helps you!

  

  
  

  
  

  Favorite TV Mom: Tami Taylor

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• jwarnerb member

  May 2014

  @KrystaJ- whoa'd!  

   

  June '14 June Siggy "Summer Heat"

  Coming Soon

  
  

  
  

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• potterybygrace member

  May 2014

  I have heard the pushing is like taking a giant shit.

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• potterybygrace member

  May 2014

  @StrawberryDreams219‌
  My Dr. Only mentioned Pitocin because I said that some of my friends said an epi slowed things down. Thanks for the clarification. I guess we will just see how things go.

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• FAWKES81 member

  May 2014

  Not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but in my CB class we were discussing  your water breaking at home and getting to the hospital and the best ways to prevent making a mess all over everywhere in the mean-time.  The educator said to take a diaper and put it b/w your legs like you would a pad.  The diaper will hold a lot more liquid than a pad and not leak.  Just thought I'd share b/c I found it to be interesting/useful information.

   

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• katekat8721 member

  May 2014

  Silly question, if you have a c-section do you still use the peri bottles, vag cooling sprays, padsicles, etc? Or can you go about business as usual?
  

  
  

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• rastrau member

  May 2014

  when I put the peri bottle and dermoplast in my Amazon cart, they suggested that "others" buy a sitz bath as well. Necessary? Helpful?

  
  

  June '14 June Siggy - Summer Heat!

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• tbmadeamistake member

  May 2014

  @rastrau sitz bath = best invention ever!  However, my hospital sent me home with one so there was no need to buy it...check on that before spending money on one.
  

  Married DH 7/30/11
  

  CSC arrived 5/7/12 
  

  CHC arrived 6/2/14
  

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• ElTrain5 member

  May 2014

  nutmegs8 said:

  
  

  saltypearl said:

  
  

  @katekat8721.  I still used the peri bottle but none of the rest of it.

  
  

  I just got super confused. Please enlighten me why a peri bottle needs to be used after a c-section. There is something I obviously don't understand.
  
  
  
  Me too, I thought you vag was spared the trauma if you had a c section?

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

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• cMichelle0423 member

  May 2014

  So it recently occurred to me that just because I had a decent experience with an epidural last time, this time around might not be as successful. So does anyone know what will happen if, let's say, it only works for half your body? Like would I be shit outa luck and have to deal? Is there such thing as a do over? Lol

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• Mia081081 member

  May 2014

  Lilygrace48 said:

  @rastrau sitz bath = best invention ever!  However, my hospital sent me home with one so there was no need to buy it...check on that before spending money on one.
  

  I had to buy one but they sell them at cvs and stuff

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• Mia081081 member

  May 2014 edited May 2014

  StrawberryDreams219 said:

  
  

  Mia081081 said:

  
  

  Lilygrace48 said:

  @rastrau sitz bath = best invention ever!  However, my hospital sent me home with one so there was no need to buy it...check on that before spending money on one.
  

  I had to buy one but they sell them at cvs and stuff

  
  

  I am pretty sure a sitz bath is usually plain water. Maybe vinegar as well if there is a yeast issue or a little bit of witch hazel for swelling. It seems weird to buy a special kit though.
  
  
  It's like a kiddie potty that goes over the toilet seat and let's you submerge your bum in warm water. TMI (but we're past that aren't we?) - really good for after BMs if you have a bad tear or hemorrhoids and are afraid to wipe. I didn't use the weird squirty thing. Just sat in the warm water with a drop of iodine and some witch hazel
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00839QBOE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1400285277&sr=1-1&pi=SX200_QL40

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• Mizoo member

  May 2014

  FAWKES81 said:

  Not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but in my CB class we were discussing  your water breaking at home and getting to the hospital and the best ways to prevent making a mess all over everywhere in the mean-time.  The educator said to take a diaper and put it b/w your legs like you would a pad.  The diaper will hold a lot more liquid than a pad and not leak.  Just thought I'd share b/c I found it to be interesting/useful information.

  I can't remember where I heard it from, but it was recommended to me to always keep a puppy potty pad in your car/labor bag to lay on the seat in case your water breaks.  That way in case you do leak through a pad you don't leave fluid all over the car seat.
  
  Amniotic fluid is clear, right?  Does it have a smell?  Like if my water breaks while I'm in bed and soaks through to the mattress will I need to use some special cleaner to get it out?  I'm such a newb.
  

  

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• jshrop member

  May 2014

  Mizoo said:

  
  

  FAWKES81 said:

  
  

  Not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but in my CB class we were discussing  your water breaking at home and getting to the hospital and the best ways to prevent making a mess all over everywhere in the mean-time.  The educator said to take a diaper and put it b/w your legs like you would a pad.  The diaper will hold a lot more liquid than a pad and not leak.  Just thought I'd share b/c I found it to be interesting/useful information.

  
  

  I can't remember where I heard it from, but it was recommended to me to always keep a puppy potty pad in your car/labor bag to lay on the seat in case your water breaks.  That way in case you do leak through a pad you don't leave fluid all over the car seat.
  
  Amniotic fluid is clear, right?  Does it have a smell?  Like if my water breaks while I'm in bed and soaks through to the mattress will I need to use some special cleaner to get it out?  I'm such a newb.
  
  
  I put one of the mattress protectors for the crib under my side of the bed... Just in case.
  
  

  
  

  

  June '14 September Siggy challenge- Favorite things about fall

  

  
  

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• Mia081081 member

  May 2014 edited May 2014

  People who don't like dates. Try this raw brownie recipe. It doesn't taste like dates or larabars. Just deliciousness (no this isn't my site!)
  
  https://www.mynewroots.org/site/2011/04/the-raw-brownie-2/

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• tbmadeamistake member

  May 2014

  My fluid was clear and didn't smell last time, but I've heard that it smells awful once it dries.  I had a tiny pop and then trickles, so I was able to deal without leaking on anything. 
  

  Married DH 7/30/11
  

  CSC arrived 5/7/12 
  

  CHC arrived 6/2/14
  

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• jshrop member

  May 2014

  When you all say you heard a "pop" was it like a pop someone else could hear too or like your jaw popping?

  
  

  

  June '14 September Siggy challenge- Favorite things about fall

  

  
  

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• tbmadeamistake member

  May 2014

  @jshrop, like your jaw popping.  It was more of a feeling than an actual noise. 
  

  Married DH 7/30/11
  

  CSC arrived 5/7/12 
  

  CHC arrived 6/2/14
  

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• jshrop member

  May 2014

  @Lilygrace48‌ thanks!! I was wondering

  
  

  

  June '14 September Siggy challenge- Favorite things about fall

  

  
  

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• tbmadeamistake member

  May 2014

  Ooh, kind of like a queef but with liquid...like a really wet vagina fart. You can't wait for it to happen now, can you? I like to paint pictures with my words.

  Married DH 7/30/11
  

  CSC arrived 5/7/12 
  

  CHC arrived 6/2/14
  

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• jshrop member

  May 2014

  Lilygrace48 said:

  Ooh, kind of like a queef but with liquid...like a really wet vagina fart. You can't wait for it to happen now, can you? I like to paint pictures with my words.

  You and Shakespeare girl! Now I'm super excited!!

  
  

  

  June '14 September Siggy challenge- Favorite things about fall

  

  
  

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• MrsAMB07 member

  May 2014

  jshrop said:

  Mizoo said:

  
  

  FAWKES81 said:

  
  

  Not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but in my CB class we were discussing  your water breaking at home and getting to the hospital and the best ways to prevent making a mess all over everywhere in the mean-time.  The educator said to take a diaper and put it b/w your legs like you would a pad.  The diaper will hold a lot more liquid than a pad and not leak.  Just thought I'd share b/c I found it to be interesting/useful information.

  
  

  I can't remember where I heard it from, but it was recommended to me to always keep a puppy potty pad in your car/labor bag to lay on the seat in case your water breaks.  That way in case you do leak through a pad you don't leave fluid all over the car seat.
  
  Amniotic fluid is clear, right?  Does it have a smell?  Like if my water breaks while I'm in bed and soaks through to the mattress will I need to use some special cleaner to get it out?  I'm such a newb.
  

  I put one of the mattress protectors for the crib under my side of the bed... Just in case.
  
  
  
  That's what I do, too. My first pregnancy my water did break (quite a bit of fluid) while I was in bed and that mattress protector totally saved our mattress!
  
  

  DS 5 years old

  DD 2 years old

  {Baby GIRL due 6.1}
  

  
  

  

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• JulieSmiles member

  May 2014

  Tdonatoni said:

  Ok question on the padsicles...how do these actually work, aren't you bleeding at the time you are using them? How does the pad absorb the blood if it is pre-soaked in witch hazel, etc... And frozen? Do you only have it on for a short time so it doesn't matter and then switch back to another pad? It seems like a great idea I'm just confused on how I don't end up with a bunch of blood running down my leg. Gross, I know. Sorry.

  
  Im so glad you asked this! I've been feeling a little special for not understanding how this works!

  
  

   

  
  

  
  

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• katekat8721 member

  May 2014

  JulieSmiles said:

  Tdonatoni said:

  Ok question on the padsicles...how do these actually work, aren't you bleeding at the time you are using them? How does the pad absorb the blood if it is pre-soaked in witch hazel, etc... And frozen? Do you only have it on for a short time so it doesn't matter and then switch back to another pad? It seems like a great idea I'm just confused on how I don't end up with a bunch of blood running down my leg. Gross, I know. Sorry.

  
  Im so glad you asked this! I've been feeling a little special for not understanding how this works!

  I didn't even think of this... great question!
  

  
  

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• steprozz member

  May 2014

  @nutmegs8‌ I never pushed and I used the peri bottle after my csection. it feels amazing and just helped me feel cleaner to rinse with it. even if you don't push, everything down there just feels kind of off after giving birth.

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• LKHoffa member

  May 2014

  Is there any vaginal bleeding after a c-section?

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• steprozz member

  May 2014

  emilyh107 said:

  LKHoffa said:

  Is there any vaginal bleeding after a c-section?

  
  @LKHoffa‌
  Yes, I bled about 2-3 weeks I think. It was a lot in the beginning.
  

  ooooh girl I'm jealous! I bled a full six weeks. yes you bleed because you still emptied your uterus of baby regardless of how baby came out. you have nine months of period stuff built up in there that's got to come out.

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• MrsAMB07 member

  May 2014

  I think you can also hold your pee for a bit while going, but you can't stop the gush if it's your amniotic fluid.

  DS 5 years old

  DD 2 years old

  {Baby GIRL due 6.1}
  

  
  

  

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• catsinawindow member

  May 2014

  Tdonatoni said:

  Ok question on the padsicles...how do these actually work, aren't you bleeding at the time you are using them? How does the pad absorb the blood if it is pre-soaked in witch hazel, etc... And frozen? Do you only have it on for a short time so it doesn't matter and then switch back to another pad? It seems like a great idea I'm just confused on how I don't end up with a bunch of blood running down my leg. Gross, I know. Sorry.

  At my childbirth class, they said that you would need to either layer a (smaller) padsicle over a (larger) dry pad to catch the melting liquid and blood.  Alternatively (and this is what she suggested we do) wear an adult diaper instead of underwear and just put the padsicle inside the adult diaper.  No worry about leaking and less layers to worry about.  I'll be going with the second option.  Felt super sexy buying colace, adult diapers, witch hazel, and overnight pads from Target, lol!

  
  

  
  

  

  BFP#2:  EDD 2/11/14, MMC confirmed 7/15/13 (growth stopped at 6 weeks), D&C @ 12 weeks 7/25/13
  

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• catsinawindow member

  May 2014

  Tdonatoni said:

  @lisagde Thanks for tips!!! Adult diapers... Rawr.

  I know, right?  I was pulling out an adult diaper to pack in my labor bag and showed it to DH with a similar comment.  Needless to say, he wasn't amused
  )

  
  

  
  

  

  BFP#2:  EDD 2/11/14, MMC confirmed 7/15/13 (growth stopped at 6 weeks), D&C @ 12 weeks 7/25/13
  

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• CoUnTryBB1 member

  May 2014

  nutmegs8 said:

  brooklyngirl46 said:

  Has anyone had any experience with having a low platelet count? Mine was at 120. I'm nervously waiting the newest results. I know it can affect whether you can get an epi, or have to go under general anesthetic, etc, and I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for a situation where I have less or different choices than I planned on having. If a platelet count stays low, when do they make the call about what your options are? 
  
  
  

  Mine have held steady in between 111-113 throughout the pregnancy and I get CBC's done every two weeks to make sure they aren't dipping lower.  OB did mention that if they do get too low, it could affect not getting an epi, but she didn't give me a number. There is someone on the board (can't remember who) that went through this in a prior pregnancy. Good question and I'll ask in my appointment today.

  
  Mine were at that range most of the third tri w my first. They had told me anything below 90 would be a no go for an epi. Mine were at 140 when I went into labor so I got my epi. Now with this baby they had dropped below 80 so I have been poked for CBC n other stuff I can't keep track. I get a CBC every week and they are over 100 so my drs are not as concerned. If they start to drop again they will give me steroids at first to help but anything under 75 I was told this time would mean no epi. I wouldn't worry too much as it is a gestational occurrence for some and some like myself just have lower platelet counts.

  

  
  

  
  

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• brooklyngirl46 member

  May 2014

  CoUnTryBB1 Yeah, I asked my primary care dr about my platelet counts, and apparently I've always been low. I'm holding at around 120. My dr also said 70 is the problematic number. 
  
  Keep making those platelets!

  
  

  Being with my LO rocks! DD born 6/13/14.

  

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• CoUnTryBB1 member

  May 2014

  @brooklyngirl46 that is good news. The hospital we use has great resources so I am not nearly as worried this time. If you are above 100 that is awesome! Not much longer to go.

  

  
  

  
  

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• Kinipela7 member

  May 2014

  Bloody show - is that the mucous plug thing or is it different?  Could it be drops of brown-ish blood?

   

  
  

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• elsa1688 member

  May 2014

  Ahh, I'm starting to over analyze everything. I still have another 3 weeks easy and I will likely drive myself crazy.

  

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• hollygb22 member

  May 2014

  katekat8721 said:

  JulieSmiles said:

  Tdonatoni said:

  Ok question on the padsicles...how do these actually work, aren't you bleeding at the time you are using them? How does the pad absorb the blood if it is pre-soaked in witch hazel, etc... And frozen? Do you only have it on for a short time so it doesn't matter and then switch back to another pad? It seems like a great idea I'm just confused on how I don't end up with a bunch of blood running down my leg. Gross, I know. Sorry.

  
  Im so glad you asked this! I've been feeling a little special for not understanding how this works!

  I didn't even think of this... great question!
  

  
  I didn't make my own. The hospital had them. I took a ton home with me. You broke it like an ice pack and it offered relief for a good 15 minutes and then wasn't as cold. So I went through them pretty quickly. They did absorb some but were changed so frequently I didn't have huge leakage issues.

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• hollygb22 member

  May 2014

  I should add too..I had an episiotomy and tear with 14 stitches. I would clean with the peri bottle, use the padsicle, line it with tucks pads for added relief and then spray with dermablast. Not a pretty or easy process but all those things together gave me relief!

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