@Boobopgirl - trust me you did not want my unique situation
I am sure I didn't. My unique situation was dramatic/traumatic enough. But I was using your case to illustrate the fact that in your case, a c/s was the best option for you and for me, it would have actually taken longer to get my baby out of distress that way. But they didn't tell me that. They just said "forceps or csection?" and if I hadn't known what I did about both, i might not have made the right choice.
I knew you were using me as an example and you're grand - I hope you didn't think I had my knickers in a knot
@Boobopgirl - trust me you did not want my unique situation
I am sure I didn't. My unique situation was dramatic/traumatic enough. But I was using your case to illustrate the fact that in your case, a c/s was the best option for you and for me, it would have actually taken longer to get my baby out of distress that way. But they didn't tell me that. They just said "forceps or csection?" and if I hadn't known what I did about both, i might not have made the right choice.
I knew you were using me as an example and you're grand - I hope you didn't think I had my knickers in a knot
Knickers in a knot haha, I'll be using that one someday :-)
@Boobopgirl - trust me you did not want my unique situation
I am sure I didn't. My unique situation was dramatic/traumatic enough. But I was using your case to illustrate the fact that in your case, a c/s was the best option for you and for me, it would have actually taken longer to get my baby out of distress that way. But they didn't tell me that. They just said "forceps or csection?" and if I hadn't known what I did about both, i might not have made the right choice.
I knew you were using me as an example and you're grand - I hope you didn't think I had my knickers in a knot
I just wanted to make sure there was no misunderstanding. :-) Here's to everyone on this board getting the best birth for them and their baby that is possible.
Birth plan doesn't mean you're inflexible, it means you've researched your options and are advocating for your preference. Most Drs have their own "routine practices" that may or may not be what's best for your situation.
I had a natural birth with #1, and loved it, 100% planning for a med-free birth with #2. I have a doula arranged to provide 1 on 1 support and pain relief strategies in line with my plan.
I had all the best medical service possible the first time and it wasn't a good experience personally... We are going for all natural this time! I'm so excited and relieved at the thought of avoiding all that mess. It's just not my personality.
With my first I wanted to go natural as long as possible, but was still open to any medical intervention...baby 2 I insisted on an epi before they broke my water...baby 3 I am planning to go natural, hopefully birth at home until the last little bit where I REALLY can't wait any longer then get to the hospital (5 mins away) to deliver!
I'm wanting all natural. But stuff happens and you never know what might be necessary. After watching the Business of being born it really opened my eyes. I highly recommend the part 2 to this documentary as well. It's celebrity women who had a birthing plan and they intimately and honestly share their experience. I was really inspired. I'm not a fan of the way epidurals are given these days, it's ridiculous that it's become the norm, it can cause so many more u necessary complications . I'm not hating on anyone who wants one, I may end up having one but I wish it was more of an alternative than the standard. I think having a natural birth would be a beautiful end to a wild ride. My mom and mother in law both had 2 kids naturally, I know several women who have and have not. It's just a choice you have to make in that moment.
I had an epidural first 2 times and will do it again this time. I want to be as comfortable as possible and stress baby less. My first time I had to be cut because my son was very big for my frame. It worked out great both times so continuing with same birthing method.
So my plan was to labor as long as possible with no meds, and then accept an epidural if my labor lasts a really long time and I need some rest or relief. Basically just play it by ear since I'm a first timer and have no idea how this will play out.
No one has really pushed either option on me, but I've noticed this past week that everyone I talk to (friends and acquaintances) has done the natural med-free birth and they are all trying to sort of coach me in my med-free birth.
I've told most of them my plans, but now I feel like a big sissy because a few of them are very delicate girls who can't handle any level of pain or discomfort (like seriously high maintenance and fragile).
I know I shouldn't compare myself to anyone, but I've always been a pretty tough little thing with a high pain tolerance, so I feel like if they can do it med-free, I should be able to as well??
@mrscaterosales if it's something that does interest you then preparing is the best way to be in control. I did Bradley classes and 100% of our girls went med free and one even had to be induced (actually medically necessary). If you feel comfortable with what's going to happen and prepared then you're more likely to be able to handle it and not be scared by it (fear draws the blood to our vital organs which will drain the uterus of blood.. Not what you want in labor!). Have you thought about classes? I can show you some super practical info (not hoodoo voodoo claims) on epidurals that i read in "expecting better"--she runs an economist's analysis on actual pregnancy data and in the end decided against an epidural
@mrscaterosales if it's something that does interest you then preparing is the best way to be in control. I did Bradley classes and 100% of our girls went med free and one even had to be induced (actually medically necessary). If you feel comfortable with what's going to happen and prepared then you're more likely to be able to handle it and not be scared by it (fear draws the blood to our vital organs which will drain the uterus of blood.. Not what you want in labor!). Have you thought about classes? I can show you some super practical info (not hoodoo voodoo claims) on epidurals that i read in "expecting better"--she runs an economist's analysis on actual pregnancy data and in the end decided against an epidural
Thank you missy! I've been reading up on natural labor, have considered taking a class but didn't have my heart set on it. Feel free to share the info you have found helpful. Thanks!
@mrscaterosales if it's something that does interest you then preparing is the best way to be in control. I did Bradley classes and 100% of our girls went med free and one even had to be induced (actually medically necessary). If you feel comfortable with what's going to happen and prepared then you're more likely to be able to handle it and not be scared by it (fear draws the blood to our vital organs which will drain the uterus of blood.. Not what you want in labor!). Have you thought about classes? I can show you some super practical info (not hoodoo voodoo claims) on epidurals that i read in "expecting better"--she runs an economist's analysis on actual pregnancy data and in the end decided against an epidural
I wanted to take the classes but my husband was in Afghanistan my entire pregnancy and wouldn't be able to make the classes with me. My mom was there for my entire labor and delivery but she lives six hours away and wasn't able to attend the classes with me either. I read the book and ended up being induced with pitocin but did not use any pain meds. This time around I am going to review the book and plan on going medicine free again!
I don't think going pain medicine free has anything to do with your pain tolerance. If you tell yourself that you don't need an epidural and focus on your labor and the different pain management techniques that you learned then you can handle the pain.
Baby number 5 here and the best advice my doctor ever gave me was just don't "marry a plan." Don't fall in love with only one way of delivery because things happen and in the end you have to do what's best for your baby and you. I had 3 natural deliveries followed by an emergency c-section at 32 weeks. This time my dr is very supportive of a VBAC and we plan for that to be unmedicated. However, I ultimately just want a healthy baby in my arms. So just always know what you want but know that it could change without notice.
FTM planning a natural hospital birth with hypnobirthing and a doula. I am an academic so it's just my personality to do tons of research and preparation, so that's me, I went with what the facts seem to indicate is the best overall for me and my baby (natural vs. intervention). There are so many physiological benefits to natural vaginal birth for both you and the baby, things like the release of hormones to relieve pain and facilitate bonding, and less chance of stress on the baby for a more peaceful birth than putting them through pitocin contractions, etc. I also just feel confident in my body's ability to give birth, I mean it IS what we evolved to do after all. But that's just my opinion, and hypnobirthing was recommended to me by several friends/relatives who have had awesome natural births and it sounded like the best method to get me through labor in as calm and controlled manner as possible. I have a very supportive doctor and hospital that shares all of my beliefs on important labor/post-labor care and I think that is one of the most important things to think about. Good luck, you will be amazing no matter what you do, just get educated and make the right choice for you!
I'm going natural. I don't want any sort of medication put in me. My OB looked at me like I was crazy when I said no epidural and said i couldn't do that. That's why part of me is glad we're moving so hopefully I can find a new doctor that will be ok with me having no meds.
That's so great, you're all so brave! And how many of you are planning on using toxic western medications to drug your baby for your own selfish comfort, anyone?
[raises hands] OOH OOOOOH!
Baby mama quote, I had to lol. But yea pretty much.
Re: Natural birth or epidural
Knickers in a knot haha, I'll be using that one someday :-)
I had a natural birth with #1, and loved it, 100% planning for a med-free birth with #2. I have a doula arranged to provide 1 on 1 support and pain relief strategies in line with my plan.
This might have only been hilarious in my mind. I'm a little sugar delirious from not eating properly and guzzling the glucose drink! 8-}
Hence the use of the word "many" rather than "all"..
No one has really pushed either option on me, but I've noticed this past week that everyone I talk to (friends and acquaintances) has done the natural med-free birth and they are all trying to sort of coach me in my med-free birth.
I've told most of them my plans, but now I feel like a big sissy because a few of them are very delicate girls who can't handle any level of pain or discomfort (like seriously high maintenance and fragile).
I know I shouldn't compare myself to anyone, but I've always been a pretty tough little thing with a high pain tolerance, so I feel like if they can do it med-free, I should be able to as well??
Just kinda throwing me off lately...
I don't think going pain medicine free has anything to do with your pain tolerance. If you tell yourself that you don't need an epidural and focus on your labor and the different pain management techniques that you learned then you can handle the pain.
[raises hands] OOH OOOOOH!
Baby mama quote, I had to lol. But yea pretty much.