what kind of birth are YOU having? And STMs, share your experience!

angeladowns1 · August 2014

I really hope there hasn't been a thread like this already, but I'm a mobile bumper and nothing came up on search.

Anyways! What kind of birth are you having? Hospital? At home? Water birth? Drugs? No drugs?

I would LOVE to hear what influenced your choice and any previous experiences as well.

I feel so lost with all the options, a water birth sounds appealing, but so does an epidural. I'm not against pain meds (but also not very well educated, admittedly) but I really want the best birth experience I can have and have no idea what that is.

Share your wisdom, D14!

nesenotes · August 2014

C-sec in a hospital with all the drugs please! That would be a horrid birth experience without

beachy6 · August 2014

With my DS I was induced because my water was low. I had a vaginal delivery with an epidural. The epidural was my best friend.

This time my vagina will be numb again, no matter how the baby comes. I've read about med free deliveries and it's just not for me. Ever.

allonsyalonso · August 2014

If all goes to plan it will go like it did last time. Vaginal at the hospital with little to no drugs.

To be honest, you may not know what's best for you (or what is medically necessary) until you get there. I did a lot of reading and soul searching before deciding what I wanted.

MaineMama · August 2014

nesenotes said:

C-sec in a hospital with all the drugs please! That would be a horrid birth experience without

Yep, this will be my 4th csection, so DRUGS PLEASE! Lol

I will be trying my best to convince my baby to come before my scheduled section and just show up at the hospital for a vaginal (no drugs) birth though. In my state/area I'd have to drive 5hrs to find a place that does VBAC if you've had multiple sections. Booo Maine!

nopegoat · August 2014

I have had 2 hospital births so far. With my first I got an epi pretty quick and it was wonderful. With my second one things went so fast that I was scooting back onto the bed after my epi and I felt the baby crown, and the anesthesiologist and nurse delivered him.
This go around will also be at the hospital and depending on how things progress, I might choose no epi at all, especially since it didn't do much with my second. We shall see.

JunkieBrewster · August 2014

Any kind that gives me a healthy baby. Not particularly picky.

mrsrroberson · August 2014

3rd C-section here and love me some drugs!

mc0113 · August 2014

Hospital birth with midwife. Hoping to go drug free, using the Bradley Method and laboring in the shower/tub.

Post delivery plan is to have delayed cord clamping then immediate skin to skin contact (with hopes of attempting to breastfeed) for at least 1 hour.

brownmouse · August 2014

I had a unmediated waterbirth homebirth with DD. I wanted all my babies born at home, but wet live in a tiny old apartment now that isn't conducive to Waterbirth/homebirth. So wrt are going with midwives for a waterbirth in a hospital because our insurance doesn't cover a birth center. We planned to pay out of pocket for a birth center, but I just totaled DHs car, and now we have to buy another one, do we are back to insurance covering our midwives.

MaineMama · August 2014

@NikkiMN143- Are you following the recommended Bradley diet? I try and stick to a Weston Price diet but still aiming for the 100g of protein but its HARD for me to get that much in!

love2travel2014 · August 2014

Water birth at a birth center...hopefully

I can't handle any type of pain medicine stronger than Advil without being out for days so drug-free is the way to go for me!

chicorojo · August 2014

Hospital, drugs. Both my previous were in hospital with no drugs because my labors went too quickly. I would prefer drugs if my labors are over 2 hrs. Long though

soulcupcake · August 2014

Planning another homebirth. I became a natural and homebirth supporter and developed a strong passion for midwifery studies and philosophy after having my first daughter. I hoped homebirth was an option back when I was pregnant with my second daughter in '06, when homebirth was still pretty "fringe" and "out there." It might have been a thing in certain pockets in more progressive or crunchy areas, but not so where I lived in the South. There weren't any homebirth midwives in the area, so I went ahead and planned for a natural hospital birth. Military hospitals aren't universally known for being natural birth or baby-friendly, and I was skeptical of the routine practice of unnecessary interventions and high induction and c-section rates. But there was a solid group of midwives within the rotation, and a few were very supportive of natural birth, one previously a homebirth midwife (typically CPM).

I did have a birth plan, but it was fairly straightforward and concise, and it was followed without any struggles. But I lucked out by having a midwife who was supportive and nurses that were intrigued and excited about seeing a natural birth (the ones on that shift very rarely saw low intervention or natural birth). All in all, it was a good experience, but it still reinforced my desire to birth at home, especially having low risk pregnancies and easy/fast births.

So the next two pregnancies I planned a homebirth. Last time I gave in and decided to shoot for a waterbirth. I really wanted to experience it, but was hesitant because it takes 2+ hours to fill a standard birth tub and I have extremely precipitous births. So it meant I likely wouldn't get to experience a waterbirth, which I didn't even though it was prepped and ready.

Given my history, I'm not so sure it would even make sense this time. I mean, we could try, and hope it gets filled in time for me to use it, but it may not happen. My backup plan is to just make a little nest/area in my room with a birthing stool, birthing ball, essential oils for relaxation, and use the shower.

A lot of things influenced my decisions. I first became exposed to the idea of homebirth (as a still occurring practice) and hypnobirthing when I was pregnant with my first, about 10 years ago. I was really intrigued by it. And this was on a fairly mainstream fertility/pregnancy forum. Then I joined a breastfeeding site/forum after having her, and the exposure to all things "crunchy" was greatly increased. "Extended" breastfeeding, natural birth, homebirth, AP, baby-led weaning, etc., were just the norm. I was already intrigued and receptive, and was AP and crunchy before realizing it was a thing. So being exposed to these birthing and parenting philosophies definitely normalized these things before they become hot button issues. That also pushed me to study and research, and I spent years doing so. When I am presented with new information that conflicts with old/routine or outdated practices, I choose the practices and choices that align with evidence-based medicine and practice. I never align to any particular way of thinking or ideology if it can not be supported or backed by current, modern critical research. That is key. If something doesn't sound right, or a practice relies on misconceptions and falsities (often due to cognitive biases of our own), I examine and discard them in favor of what can be supported.

For me, it's that simple. The bulk of my choices did come by instinct and what came natural to me. I didn't have a lot of anxiety about childbirth, which much if it is related to our culture and the folklore affects our perception of childbirth (it's awful, dangerous, extremely painful, and the oh-so common and false "X is dangerous. Moms and babies DIED back then!!!" -- love the dead baby card.) Much of the folklore that exists is based on our own superstitions and perceptions, which lack understanding of context and why X or Y was dangerous -- not because childbirth is inherently dangerous (context is key). These ideas are conditioned from an early age, and they're perpetuated over generations, and they go unchallenged until new information and data are discovered and disseminated. I tried not to see childbirth in a negative light that it is often made out to be in American culture, and just go with the flow and trust my body. That approach coupled with being armed with evidence-based research/data made me that much more confident in my decision-making.

thekingsmommy · August 2014

My first pregnancy I went through labor to fast to have meds and I was up walking and energetic right after he was born . So my plan is to try the no meds again if everything goes well .

dianeg1017 · August 2014

With DD I was Set on having the drugs. After being in labor for two days and being sent home from the hospital three times from 8pm to 8am I arrived back at the hospital at 10am because contractions are two minutes apart and I could not handle the pain anymore. The same doctor that sent me home and told me that it was Braxton Hicks two hours earlier told me that I was too far along to have any pain meds! I could have murdered someone! But 30 min later my little Lydia Kaylee arrived 100% natural. This time around I'm mAking the choice to go med free again. I have read up on the subject and feel its best for baby. And don't let anyone tell you that it's the easiest thing to forget you never forget that pain! But I will say once baby is out you feel no pain.

gimmeyronionrings · August 2014

We're planning an unmedicated home birth attended by our midwives and possibly a doula.

My Mom had multiple home births, so that had a big influence on me and my perception of childbirth. Thankfully, my pregnancy is low risk and home birth is a safe option for me. I'm really grateful for that.

babycakes0408 · August 2014

I will be haveing a scheduled c-section between 38-39 weeks with a spinal tap.
**please note i am only putting my past births to show that even though it was rocky, it all turned out a okay**
I had my first dd#1 induced at 34 weeks (preE). I knew nothing about birth. I figured epidural wouldn't feel anything and then I'd just push...wrong. They hit bone each time, so no epidural for me but i got pain meds through iv only. This didn't help just made me sleep between contractions, and being on magnesium, pitocin, and anti bodies wasn't helping either. I pushed less than 15 minutes and then I was given good drugs then while baby (4 lbs 8oz)was whisked away to NICU. I was awoken by dr telling DH he wanted to wait as long as before surgery he didn't feel comfortable putting me under after all the pain meds. 10 min later i was rushed in for d &c, couldn't wait. Turns out the placenta had broke in half and i only delivered half. I stayed in icu for a four or so days (still hadnt held my dd). She did perfect only oxygen for a day and we both stayed at the hospital for a little over a week.
DD#2 my water broke at 35 weeks labored for over 12 hours(with epidural taking) only to have an emergency c-section she started showing stress(heartbeat). She came out weighing 9lbs 13 oz (and born with a tooth). She was rushed to NICU. By the next day she was rushed to a children's hospital nicu in another state. By the next day, i checked myself out and high tailed it up there. We stayed at ronald McDonald house. A valve is her heart hadn't closed, me being diabetic she formed slower and was having bradys and trouble breathing. They also run a pic line through her umbilical cord due to give her sugar water (couldn't keep her sugars up). She stayed there a little over a week. My incension got infected though and had to go back to ob a few times.
***please note my births are not normal, but I included them to show others how LOs are such fighters,even in scary unplanned events***

BayCamp · August 2014

Unmedicated water birth at a birth center is the plan. Crossing my fingers that LO cooperates. If not, I won't be devastated if we have to transfer to the hospital, at the end of the day all that matters is he's born and healthy.

Cheekers2010 · August 2014

I'm hoping for an unmediated hospital birth. I had a few complications with my first birth and it was a very traumatic experience. I am high risk again or I would definitely be choosing a birth center birth with a MW.

marriedinaugust · August 2014

Med-free at a birth center with midwives. Contemplating water birth even though I had no interest in it last time.

DS was med-free at a hospital with a CNM (we would be doing the same this time but we moved states last fall). Went into labor at 39 weeks a few hours after my OB appt with NST due to slightly elevated BP where they found he was doing great but was posterior. They said I was having regular contractions even though I couldn't feel them. Started noticeable contractions at 4pm, labored at home until they were 3 minutes apart. Got to the hospital at 9pm and was only 2cm dilated! Had intense back labor but hit 10cm at 1am. Started pushing with waters intact while the nurse helped turn him between contractions. 2 hours later he was locked and loaded, the CNM popped my water and he was out a couple pushes later. So, 11 hours start to finish and would probably have been shorter if DS weren't OP. We went home about 12hrs later, DS was great and I had some internal tearing that took a bit to recover from. We did Bradley classes and found it provided so many tools for relaxation and pain management.

ZAP12 · August 2014

I had an induction and got IV meds, but there was no way they were coming near me with an epidural since everyone has to leave the room except the anesthesiologist. They weren't putting a needle in my back if my husband wasn't there. The drugs had all worn off by the time I pushed.

I would like to do something similar this time, hopefully minus the pitocin.

JennaRaek · August 2014

Hoping it goes just as it did with DS. Water broke 10 days before my EDD at 3am. Went to hospital. My OB, Midwife and DH were all awesome and I went med free. DS was born at 7:15pm. I hope it's a little faster this time around, but I really want to go med free again. I loved that I was up walking around while they were still cleaning DS off. We never took a birthing class or anything. I read a lot, but I mostly just trusted my body. It knows what to do. I wasn't/am not against drugs. But I never really thought about it during labor. I wanted to go med free and I did. Good luck with whatever you decide! The important thing is that you and baby are healthy!

Southernpeach80 · August 2014

Repeat c-section here with lots of nice drugs. Just wanted to say I planned for a drug free vaginal delivery the first time but all plans went out the window when in the moment so just be aware that things don't always go as planned.

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colliebabe · August 2014

I was induced last time and would love to avoid that this time around. I had contractions on my own for 24 hours that weren't that bad (but were very spaced out - 20-30 min apart.) My induction was schedule for 8 am the next day so I went in anyway bc I was never in active labor.

After being induced I was able to labor for about 3-4 hours without the epidural but then the pitocin contractions were awful and never stopping so I got an epidural. 8 hours later DD was born (so 36 hours total.) I would've never lasted through the pitocin contractions for that long. That being said, once I got the epidural I had a great experience and it only took about 3 pushes to get DD out. I had a very easy recovery as well.

I do think I could go without the epi as long as I don't need pitocin again.

ladysaceb · August 2014

Vaginal, med free, in the hospital. I had a good epidural with my first, a failed epidural with my second, and med free with my third. All three were their own unique experience but I know my body can do this and I felt I had a good recovery without the meds so I will be going that route.

BLH2014 · August 2014

We are doing a natural birth in the hospital with midwives. I have the option of a water birth, but I'm not dead set either way, so we'll see if I like the water when I get there (though admittedly I like the idea of it reducing tearing!). I've always wanted a natural birth, and now that I'm actually pregnant I feel even more strongly about it. It just feels like the right choice for me.

emp156 · August 2014

JunkieBrewster said:

Any kind that gives me a healthy baby. Not particularly picky.

same here. will be at hospital birthing center (which is fairly crunchy as far as hospitals go). i trust my doctor and trust the process, and will just make sure i'm well educated in advance.

kayak11 · August 2014

Repeat csection, so there will be drugs involved

AngelSong76 · August 2014

I had planned on a vaginal birth with epidural with my first. We had to induce three weeks early for low fluid. I didn't make it past 3 after 11 hours of labor. We did a c-section.

This time, repeat c-section minus the 11 hours of labor. And a bonus tubal ligation just for fun.

If I may, a little advice. Try not to get too attached to your idea of a "perfect" delivery. I had some problems dealing with everything that happened because it wasn't part of the plan.

Cryssteen · August 2014

Since this is my first, I have no idea what to expect. I have seen several live births in both the OR and the L&D suite while in nursing school. As a medical professional, the thought of NOT having a baby in a hospital seems ridiculous FOR ME. I want sterile conditions. I want an OR available. I want an IV available. I want a whole cardiac and respiratory team available. I want a code cart. Is all of that necessary? No. But it makes me more comfortable knowing it's accessible. I want to avoid drugs, but I know that that could change when I'm in the moment. Since I only live ten minutes from my hospital (and 5 from another hospital), I intend to stay at home as long as I can before reporting to the ED... I'd rather not be induced, unless necessary. I don't want meds to aid in contractions or speeding the process, and I'd like for my water to break on its own. But, because this is my first, who the hell knows. I just want a healthy baby.

SerenityAE · August 2014

FTM here but at the hospital with drugs. I see absolutely no point in being in pain to bring a child into the world when there are plenty of options otherwise. I plan on an epidural and will tell them that as soon as I'm admitted.

I know it doesn't always work out the way I might want it to, but I don't plan on going all natural.

Spartanmama722 · August 2014

Vaginal delivery in a hospital with drugs is the goal. My first was an induction at 36w due to pre-e, my second came on his own at 38w3d. I never had a birth plan with either and I'm so glad I didn't. I had almost no say in my labor and delivery with DS1 (no leaving the bed, constant monitoring, strongly encouraged to get an epi, etc.). Had I gone in with a lot of expectations I think I would have been really disappointed, but as it was I had a great (albeit a little scary) birth experience. My second was less eventful, but I still went in with the attitude that I would decide as things progressed and I'm glad I did. I'm a huge perfectionist so for me, having a plan and things deviating even a little would have been hard, and possibly ruined the experience for me. So basically I would say, know yourself. Know whether a plan will help you or make you feel tied to it. And always be willing to make changes if needed. Birth is so unpredictable.

AllTheTeaInChina · August 2014

If all goes to plan, another hospital drug-free birth. I could do without the back labor and tearing this time.

pregnantinstyle · August 2014

I plan on having a vaginal birth at the hospital. No high risks or complications as far as I know so just a normal birth. I plan on getting that epidural again. That shit was amazing!! The second it went in I felt invincible. My first experience was well interesting. I didn't totally know what I was feeling when it happened but by the time I got to the hospital I was already nearly 2 sono meters dialed. 14 hours of labor and nothing seemed to ease my pain. Every hour those contractions got stronger and more painful and since it started at night I was exhausted. Finally early in the morning I was able to get the epidural and considering the pain I didn't mind a 4inch needle going into my backbone. It felt amazing!!! Like I was finally able to breathe. Ahh!! Not too much longer I started crowning and the doctor rushed in. I pushed 2-3 times and his head popped out like opening a bottle of champagne. POP! They called him a rockstar because he was born so fast. I swear it was the most wonderful experience. When the nurses picked him up after my husband cut the cord, they handed him to me and there I got to hold my perfect baby boy for the first time. And he was perfect. I cried so hard. I was just so happy. For 9 months I carried him wondering what he would look like and now here he is in my arms. It was magical. And now here I am about do it all over again and I am completely over joyed and excited. Plus my hospital delivery area was recently renovated and they have an early morning buffet. Fffff yeah!!

abenson3 · August 2014

My only real hope for this deliver is that I go closer to term. I delivered my DD at 34+5. I had an awesome delivery, that included an epidural and vaginal delivery. However, I had to deliver in an OB adjacent to the NICU and was not able to hold my DD immediately following delivery, although my husband did get to hold her and bring her to me before they took her to NICU.

With my 1st pregnancy, I had hoped for a med-free delivery; however, with the shock of preterm labor, the epidural kept my sanity!! This time, I will plan for an epidural with a delivery near term; my hope is at least 37 weeks!!

xc1148 · August 2014

The goal is for a natural birth at the hospital. My priority is a healthy baby.

I'm sort of the opposite of most natural birth people...my mom had 2 c-sections so I always grew up thinking that was normal. And I always wanted twins so I just assumed I'd have a c-section. I'm not anti- c-section at all. I'm not even anti-epidural. I really just don't want to be induced.

JCM285 · August 2014

FTM here too so not exactly sure what I'm getting myself into, but my game plan is vaginal birth at hospital and having the option of an epidural. I really think what goes down on delivery day will determine whether I go for the meds. As nice as it sounds to have med -free birth, I have a very low tolerance for pain and also have a heart disorder called MVP which makes me more prone to passing out when I experience too much stress (this has only happened a few times and is under control now). I will be seeking more guidance from my OB when the day comes closer...

kz's_girlygirl · August 2014

I will be having a scheduled c-section because I have an abdominal cerclage (it's permanent).

With my first delivery, I was induced and opted for an epidural which did not work.

I had hoped to have a med free delivery this time around (my mom and sister are both doula's), but after deciding to have the cerclage placed, that went out the window.

The best laid plans

nolanova85 · August 2014

NikkiMN143 said:

Watch the Business of Being Born! It's an excellent documentary on birth.

I am planning on a natural birth at my hospital (birthing suite)--no drugs, no inducing labor. What works for one woman may not work for another, but knowing your options and educating yourself is important.

My doctor is a Midwife, and DH and I are prepping by taking Bradley Method classes.

This exactly. That said, if they tell me a c-section is medically necessary, I won't argue. Do what you need to do it get baby out healthy. I won't be the type to mourn the birth experience I didn't get to have.

On the other hand, if they try to convince me to start pitocin, even though baby's HR is fine, I will likely resist. I'm cool with "medically necessary," not so cool with "medically convenient."

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what kind of birth are YOU having? And STMs, share your experience!

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