!. I waited too long before I got the epidural. When they gave it to me, my contractions were horrible, so it hurt to curl into a ball for them to do it. If you're going to get, don't wait! Also, for some reason, the epidural didn't work on a small section of my belly (maybe a 5 inch by 5 inch area), so I felt a lot of the contractions but it was kind of dulled. Also, my legs were like dead weights! My husband had to move them around until the birth. But I could feel them really soon after he was born.
2. I didn't poop. So it doesn't always happen.
3. I didn't worry too much about the lady parts. There was so much going on down there, I'm sure no one even noticed!
4. I was so concentrated on my son, I don't even remember delivering the afterbirth stuff.
3. Before I gave birth, I was so freaked out about tearing that I almost had myself believing I wanted a C-section. I did tear but the recovery wasn't that terrible. At least not as bad as I thought it would be.
Basically, the birth wasn't nearly as traumatic as I had it built up to be! But I didn't do it naturally, so the meds definitely helped!
First of all, THANK YOU @WinniethePoohsPants for starting this thread and to all the experienced moms giving your answers and insight. This is a huge help.
Secondly, I have a question. I'm considering a med-free delivery (but am open to an epi if I need it, will be a game time decision). Anyone do a med-free birth the first time and wish they hadn't, planning on an epi this time?
My epidural helped me progress and probably kept me from a c-section. I went from the 2 or 3cm that I was at for about 15 hours with almost no progression and my OB talking about a CS to fully dilated about 3 hours after my epidural. I got a nice nap out of it too. I couldn't move after I got it and did get a catheter, but I was already on Pitocin before that and hooked up to a fetal heart rate monitor that kept me from going anywhere except for quick trips to the bathroom, so it wasn't much of a difference for me. I was able to push with no problems. I could feel the contractions but they didn't hurt.
I didn't feel or see the placenta when I delivered it. I was too busy with my baby to care. I remember that it only took one push to deliver.
I had one 1st degree tear. I needed the peri bottles when I peed. Sitting didn't bother me too much after the first few days. Sex took about 4 months to stop hurting like I had broken glass up there and a couple more months to not be uncomfortable at all.
Thank you so much for starting this thread! In regards to breastfeeding... what does it really feel like? Initially and later on?
You will never forget the first time you BF, it's wonderful. It doesn't hurt the first time from what I can remember.
The third day after my DS was born my milk came in with abandon and I had rock hard porn star boobs. So it was a bit of a relief to bf because it took away the pressure from my breasts, but my nipples did crack and that hurt. I never had bloody nipples, but they will get sore- I used the lanolin cream they gave me at the hospital until my nipples toughened up. Eventually it won't hurt at all once your baby latches on and gets going (for me I'd say it stopped hurting somewhere between 2 and 4 weeks- it's hard to remember)
I met with a lactation consultant when my DS was a week old and that solved all of my bfing issues. So just don't be afraid to ask for help if you do struggle with it.
@crdo I had a med-free birth and I don't regret it. I'd like to avoid the epidural again this time, but last time I was practically begging them for it as we transferred to the hospital so we'll see. There wasn't enough time for it last time.
@gray51015 Breastfeeding was awkward and tricky at first. DS had a really strong suck and I didn't have him latched right at first, which caused some damage to my nipples. So for the first couple weeks I would recoil and curse every time I latched him because it hurt so much. But once he was on there right it stopped hurting. After the rocky start it just felt normal, even relaxing.
Did any of you bring your own gownies to wear during labor? Would you again?
I didn't. Maybe if I'd arranged to have professional pictures taken during/right after the birth, I might have considered it, but it seems like it just doesn't really matter much and I don't know of anyone who ended up not wearing the standard issue gown for a hospital delivery. The whole thing seems rather messy to buy something nicer to wear. And if you end up getting a c-section, I am sure you'd have to wear their standard gown anyway, right?
TTC#1 since May 2011
BFP #1 June 2011 m/c@6wks
BFP #2 December 2011, EDD 8/21/12, born 7/21/12 at 35w4d
Thank you so much for starting this thread! In regards to breastfeeding... what does it really feel like? Initially and later on?
Breastfeeding was really painful for me at first...I've heard people say it shouldn't hurt if you have a good latch, but honestly, I've never talked to a mother who didn't have some pain initially. It does take practice. Here's what I remember: My nipples were so sore and raw for probably about 4 weeks. Even the water from the shower hurt. Touching by anyone or anything other than my daughter or myself was definitely a no-no. When my daughter would first latch on, I remember cringing with the pain, but it did subside after a minute or so within the nursing session. Someone told me about those "soothie gel pads" they make, and I got a few to use now and then as relief. You'll need bags of frozen peas for when your boobs are sore--they definitely help! Also, letting your nipples air dry after nursing is a great idea, and get some lanolin. I like medela brand, because it's smooth and easy to spread on, but if you get the lansinoh brand, you just need to rub a small amount between your fingers to warm it up, then it will be more spreadable. I know I'm making it sound really awful...I just think it's better to know ahead of time that it might hurt at first, but that's okay and you can work past it! I remember wishing someone had warned me. Something that really helped me was going to my hospital's lactation support group that met weekly--it was free, and led by LCs. I got so much support that way and met some really great moms that I still keep in touch with. After about 4-6 weeks, it was super easy and I felt very confident. (EDIT: maybe "super easy" is a stretch...let's say it was much, much easiER!)
@gray51015 breastfeeding felt less weird than I expected. I thought it would really creep me out and I was dreading it, but it felt ok. My nipples got a little tender and raw the first few weeks but it worked itself out within a month. By 6 months it was second nature. I think my breastfeeding experience was somewhat easier than normal. I still breastfeed now at 21 months. Once you survive the first few months it's a piece of cake.
@tan&web for the portion of my birth where I was at a birth centre in a birth pool, I wore just my own comfortable clothes (a stretchy maternity top and yoga pants) and then when it was time to get into the water, just a sports bra and nothing on the bottom. When I transferred to the hospital I changed into a hospital gown. I don't like having my boobs out. I think I would've kept covered up somewhat on top even if my mother hadn't been there.
The first time, yes. Around 9cm, my hormones had me heating up like a furnace. I pulled it all off, asked for a fan and had DH cool my head with a washcloth. Didn't experience that heat the second time around.
Did any of you bring your own gownies to wear during labor? Would you again?
I didn't. I was too worried the nurses would think I was high maintenance. Also, I didn't want to buy something only to get it yucky. The hospital gown worked fine, but the fabric was a little rough and stiff - though, that was the least of my discomfort.
Did any of you bring your own gownies to wear during labor? Would you again?
I didn't. I was too worried the nurses would think I was high maintenance. Also, I didn't want to buy something only to get it yucky. The hospital gown worked fine, but the fabric was a little rough and stiff - though, that was the least of my discomfort.
I'm doing this from memory, so I apologize in advance.
Epidural: I was almost 42 weeks and induced with my first. I was determined to go med-free. However, the pit contractions, coupled with awful back labor, changed my mind at transition (8cm). I got it and it was amazeballs. I couldn't feel a THING. i did tear and got probably 3-5 stitches and recovery was much more uncomfortable with her than my unmedicated birth with our son...
With him, I had had 10 hours of contx and got to the hossy at 4cm. Lame. They gave me pit to increase them and the lame CRNA who tried giving me my epi tried five times and by that point, I said screw it. It only numbed my right thigh, but the nurses didn't listen and gave me a catheter while I could feel it all :-/ soooo....I did it med-free and will say that it took me probably four pushes to get him out (compared to the 46 mins with our daughter), and I didn't tear at all. Our midwife is called "No Tear Terry" and it's no joke. He supports the perineum while delivering which helps keep it intact. The recovery was sooooo much easier.
BFing: yes, it's a natural thing, but it can be difficult to establish a good rhythm. Our son had awful reflux and would've nursed 24/7 if I would've let him. I had mastitis and overcame a lot of challenges with him, but that just taught me a lot about myself as a mother. I digress. Anyway, it's awesome and convenient and fab, but yes, can be very difficult at times...especially if your baby won't take a bottle and you need a bit of a break. Give yourself and baby time to learn the ins and outs of BFing!
Pooping: totally pooped while pushing with our daughter, but not our son. The nurses just wipe it and continue about their business. They're fab.
I fourth the the use of Colace. Start it before you go into labor (I think I did at 38'ish weeks), and continue it for a week or so afterwards. It's a lifesaver.
Hossy gowns: wore one the entire time I was there. I tried wearing PJ pants, but it was so uncomfortable with the giant pads and swelling, not to mention that the L&D ones have snaps so you can easily BF.
Did any of you bring your own gownies to wear during labor? Would you again?
I didn't. I was too worried the nurses would think I was high maintenance. Also, I didn't want to buy something only to get it yucky. The hospital gown worked fine, but the fabric was a little rough and stiff - though, that was the least of my discomfort.
Yes to not wanting to get your own clothes messed up--there will be blood and all kinds of stuff coming out of you, so if you wear your own gown, it's quite possible you wouldn't want to have to deal with laundering it later. And some hospitals require you to wear their gowns. If you do decide to bring something else to wear, I'd check on their policy first.
Thank you so much for starting this thread! In regards to breastfeeding... what does it really feel like? Initially and later on?
While other ladies in similar situations where they weren't able to try breastfeeding until several hours after delivery had a rough time because of it, I did not. My son was life flighted to a NICU 3 hours away from me and I didn't get to hold him/try breastfeeding until he was 12 hours old. He actually jumped for my breast which startled me and latched like a champ! I took advantage of the LCs at the NICU because why not you know? And we never had any issues!
So so it really just depends on the mom/baby pair.
I agree that the Epi has a different effect on everyone. I am also one of the ones that it helped tremendously I was barely dilating and an hour after relaxing with my Epi it was time to push.
I thought about ordering a cute hospital gown but it would have been ruined like right after they broke my water.
I do basic grooming of my lady bits most of the time, but let it go when I was hugely pregnant. I couldn't see to do any safe grooming.
I didn't have an epidural for my son so I was allowed to walk, bounce on a birthing ball, and labor in a tub. I had to get out of the tub when I felt the urge to poop, and for about ten minutes I alternated between pooping and standing up to have the nurse wipe my behind while I had an intense contraction. At the end of every contraction I would have to poop some more, causing me to sit back down again and start the process over. I thought I was going to end up having my son on the toilet, but finally we caught enough of a break that I made it back to the bed where they checked me and said it was time to push. I never pooped while actually pushing. I've always felt grateful to the nurse who helped me through the ordeal.
Delivering the placenta felt weird because I could feel it slide out, but I never really saw it. The nurse took it to the other side of the room where the OB looked it over.
Getting the stitches in my second degree tear was the most painful part of my labor and delivery. They gave me a shot of a local anesthetic, but the OB said it probably wasn't very effective because the swollen tissue kept it from properly dispersing and numbing the area. Use tucks pads, dermoplast, and sitz baths to help it heal! Sex was a little uncomfortable for a while afterwards because of the scar tissue.
I had help from a lactation consultant almost immediately afterwards, but she only showed me one hold. I should have asked for more help before leaving the hospital. A few months later I found an amazing breastfeeding support group that really helped me make breastfeeding work. My advice to any mom who really wants to breastfeed is to start going to LLL meetings or find a support group now. They were invaluable and are my best mommy friends.
Breastfeeding does hurt for the first few weeks, but that's why going to LLL meetings can be helpful. Other moms were able to say what pain was normal and what might be caused by other things like a poor latch, thrush, mastitis, growth spurt, teething, etc.
I'm going to try and answer all the questions. Hopefully I don't miss any.
Epidural- I waited a really long time to get it and it was very hard for them to place. They ended up giving me something by needle at the base of my back (I had back labor) to number me enough so I could sit still and get the Epidural. It was heaven once I got it. For my second labor I asked for it but he came so fast I didn't get it. This time I will try without but I have no problem getting it again if I feel I need it.
I pooped during my second labor (first ended in c-section) and my doctor was so fast and discrete about cleaning it up I barely even noticed.
Delivering the placenta was easy. It just felt like a really soft big stool coming out. I asked to look at it and it was way bigger than I thought it was based on how it felt coming out.
I tore a little and required a few stitches. Because of where mine was it stung when I went pee for a few weeks after but it wasn't unbearable. Sex was hard for a while after. We used a lot of lube and went very slow.
No trimming here. I wasn't going to attempt shaving something I can't see and I have never and probably will never get waxed.
We had a little issues with latching for my daughter initially but it was due to my large breasts and poor position. The nurse I had was very helpful and showed me a few other positions and that helped a lot. She liked the football hold for the first few weeks. Just don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel at all like you are having trouble.
I took my own clothes to the hospital for 1st labor and ended up naked for a long time until I got the Epidural and actually cared about my surroundings. For the second I jsjy wore the hospital gown until I started pushing. I found it very restrictive and got it off right before.
I also had a scheduled c-section at 38 weeks due to a stubborn breech baby. I never had a contraction and the whole thing is such a blur. I'm hoping for a VBAC this time, and I feel like a FTM as far as what to expect!
My my prenatal instructor told us to prepare a few pads by freezing them with a little water and a few drops of witch hazel. She called them "twatsicles", lol.
Also, for engorgement after your milk comes in, cabbage leaves are brilliant. Breast feeding was tricky for us at first (I found out in the recovery room after my c-section that I had "inverted nipples" so she wouldn't latch). I suggest finding a Lactation consultant as soon as possible if you have pain/issues.
For those saying use frozen pads, do you just toss them in the freezer, or wet them first, or?
Just curious, did your vag permanently look different after it healed? How long after birth until you had sex again?
The hospital gave me ice packs that you twisted to get cold. I stuck one in my mesh underwear. Ahhhh.
H claims it didn't look different or really feel different. 6 weeks to the day we had sex again. I was ready and didn't have issues. Used extra lube just in case.
DS 9/2/13 was a BFP from an IUI! Triplets due 6/29/16 also from an IUI!
For those saying use frozen pads, do you just toss them in the freezer, or wet them first, or?
Just curious, did your vag permanently look different after it healed? How long after birth until you had sex again?
I figured no sex while healing, but never thought about scar tissue causing pain. Guess I should get some sex in now!
Wet them first and then toss in freezer. Witch hazel is also a good idea.
Mine looks a bit different I think. But nothing major. Only diff H noticed for the first few times of sex post baby was the tightness factor. But that resolved after a while.
1. I got the epidural, but I was so exhausted (middle of the night), that I had to ask my husband later who held me while it was being administered. I don't remember any pain or anything like that. However, the epidural did nothing for me. I had all back labor and it felt like someone taking a sledgehammer to my lower back. Epidural was worthless.
2. Take the meds. Even if you are feeling better...TAKE THE MEDS! Especially the stool softeners and gas pills (if you have a c-section). I remember my friends talking about their first poop after birth and how awful it was. Those were the same ladies that only took one stool softener a day, or figured they wouldn't need them. I took them every three hours and my poop was glorious.
3. I shaved everything before I had my baby. How I got into those weird positions in a tub that had a curved bottom, I have no idea. Will I do it again this time, probably not.....as I will have a c-section.
4. I was not naked when I gave birth, but I could see where sometimes all of a sudden your clothing is feeling tight and you want everything off. I was just in a nursing sports bra and a Long & Lean tank from Target. I even wore it while I was having my c-section in the end.
5. I didn't waste my time buying a special gown. I also didn't go crazy on underwear. I used everything at the hospital because, lets face it, shit gets gross. I didn't want that to be my stuff getting gross.
6. Back in my old BMB, we discussed pads, and I remember a few ladies saying they had a reaction to the Always Infinity pads. I didn't think anything of it, and got them because I liked how thin they were. Guess who got a chemical burn from them.....this chick. There is nothing worse than bleeding like crazy, recovering from a c-section, and having a chemical burn up my asscrack from the pads. When it happened, my DD also had a diaper rash, and I will admit.....tears were shed while I yelled at my husband (from the bathroom), "The kid has a diaper rash, and now I have a diaper rash! I have to wipe Desitin on both of our asses!" Not one of my finer moments, but at least I know now and can go with a different brand.
7. Had a c-section, so no delivery of placenta. They snatch it while you are open, and vacuum you out (according to what my OB was telling me as she went along). But don't think that gets you out of postpartum bleeding....that still happens.
Biggest piece of advice for anyone that ends up with a c-section: GET OUT OF BED! I went into bed on Saturday night, and was in labor for 28 hours (in bed), before I had to have a c-section on Sunday night. Monday, I was recovering all day, but they never mentioned that I could get out of bed (I would have to drag my cath around, but whatever). Tuesday morning, they took out my cath, and said when I was ready, I could get out of bed. I avoided it because I was scared. Finally, I had to pee by the afternoon and it was pure hell getting out of bed. I stayed in the bed as much as possible Tuesday, only getting up to pee. Same with Wednesday morning, until I finally got up the courage to take a shower. First, I felt like a million dollars after taking that shower! I wish that I would have done it sooner! And I wish that someone would have told me that the more I moved around, the better I would feel. Once I was getting up and moving more on Wednesday, I felt SO much better. Now I know for when I deliver (I am a July mom.....lurker here!), since I am having a c-section, no matter how scary it is, I need to get my butt out of bed ASAP and move around as much as possible.....and take a shower ASAP!
Epidural: Loved mine. It was textbook. No pain when going in, but felt REAL funny and weird (the needle). Felt little to no pain. Was able to lift my legs into the holders for pushing on my own. Pushed just fine (30 minutes total). LOVED IT.
Pooped: Not confirmed, but I think so. The nurse wiped me all down right before pushing. Maybe it was just birth-oozey...maybe I pooped.
Tearing: I had a small internal tear and a stitch. Not terrible considering what it could have been. Very small amount of discomfort, but it kept retearing when I finally DTD until it fully healed. That felt like when your lip splits. Ow.
Placenta delivery: Only knew it happened because the doctor told me!
1. I got an epidural and absolutely loved it. I had no problem pushing and got him out in 10-15 min. I chilled with him on me and after lots of stitches I didn't want to get up and move anyways 2. I convinced myself ahead of time I would poop but I actually didn't. I was induced and had lots of diarrhea in the hours leading up to birth though so that's probably the only reason why I didn't 3. I tore, a lot. But like I said, I pushed him out so fast that's probably why. Next time I hope to ease him out more so I can avoid the tearing 4. I knew I was being induced the next morning so the night before I showered up good and shaved everything. I wouldn't worry about it either way 5. the placenta looks like a huge, veiny, deflated brain 6. I breastfed within the first hour he was born. It was the very first thing I did after I was finished getting stitched up. His latch was terrible at first but it eventually worked out with lots of help and trying 7. I wore a hospital gown and socks, easy, comfy enough and you can bleed all over it without caring 8. My lady parts looked like a war zone for quite some time. It was all sorts of mangled, in time it did go completely back to normal though so don't worry! Also 6 weeks for sex but it still hurt for a while where I had scar tissue from stitches and tearing
Breastfeeding: I would be more concerned about AFTER that first latch. I had an LC and a million nurses ready to MAKE THAT HAPPEN We ended up needing a nipple shield. My issues were once we were in mother/baby recovering and when I got home.
Gown: I don't personally understand the bring your own gown thing. The amount of disgusting liquids coming out of you? Nope. They can do that laundry.
Naked during delivery: BUCK. I was in a gown for most of laboring. But we ripped it off close to delivery. I forget why. It's all kind of a blur.
I forgot the grooming one: I THOUGHT I was grooming decently by feel (had no prayer of seeing). It wasn't until after delivery I saw what a jungle it was. I apologized to my husband (who did not care).
Some great advice I got was to do it as soon as you cleared to (typically 6 weeks) even if you don't think you are ready because the longer you wait the scarier it will become. I did and I am glad. Many of my friends who didn't wait had a REAL hard time being willing to.
I have a lot of questions for c section moms. What does it feel like during the operation? Can your Dh stay with you during? How long did it take your ob to get the baby out? How long did it take your ob to stitch you back up? How long were you in the hospital to recover? How did you stop yourself from panicking that you were awake while being operated on? Im completely terrified of having a c section, so I really appreciate your input!
I was in so much pain that I did not feel the needle BUT I had 2 epidurals during that labor and neither worked. I doubt I will try it again this time.
@WinniethePoohsPants I had an emergency c section. I will answer based on that. They started by telling me to let them know when I couldn't feel the cold spray up the side of my body. They were spraying very cold air on me and suddenly I stopped feeling it. After that, I felt nothing, not a single thing, until it was time for them to pull him out. I felt a teeny tiny bit of pressure where the nurses were pushing him down. Other than that. Zilch. I just felt like it was harder to breath because I was numb. The oddest part was when they lifted me back onto the bed from the table. I thought my legs were in front of me, but to my surprise they were out to the side. Very odd.
Once they decided they needed to do an emergency cs they wheeled me to the OR. The took my husband away to get dressed. He arrived in the room minutes later, right before they began. He stayed the entire time until the baby was sent to the nursery. He went with him while they stitched me up. Again, I felt nothing. He met me back in recovery.
They decided I needed a cs at 11:30am. DS was born at 1:25pm. Keep in mind, it was a good 15 mins to wrap things up in the labor and delivery room (they make you sign papers!!), then had to wheel me to OR, then prep. The surgery was probably 45 mins from laying me down on the table to stitching me up.
Given my my state of mind, I'm not sure exactly how long it took to stitch and staple me, but I remember thinking "are you not done yet???" I wild guess 30 minutes.
They said I could leave after day 4 but I was allowed to stay 5 days, and did bc DS was in the NICU and I didn't want to leave without him.
I think for me there wasn't much panic because after my labor I was so ready to just get him out. Also, there's an anesthesiologist a foot above your head talking to you the entire time.. Mine joked around with me and kept me totally calm. The fact that you have no idea what's going on because you can't feel it is helpful. DH, the anesthesiologist and I kept up a conversation and I'd randomly ask "what're they doing now" and he'd say "they moving your intestines out the way" (or something more accurate??) and I'd say "no way! I can't feel a thing!" I think I'm more nervous about having a repeat c section though, just because it won't be in the moment.
Re: Ask a stm ANYTHING about child birth!
!. I waited too long before I got the epidural. When they gave it to me, my contractions were horrible, so it hurt to curl into a ball for them to do it. If you're going to get, don't wait! Also, for some reason, the epidural didn't work on a small section of my belly (maybe a 5 inch by 5 inch area), so I felt a lot of the contractions but it was kind of dulled. Also, my legs were like dead weights! My husband had to move them around until the birth. But I could feel them really soon after he was born.
2. I didn't poop. So it doesn't always happen.
3. I didn't worry too much about the lady parts. There was so much going on down there, I'm sure no one even noticed!
4. I was so concentrated on my son, I don't even remember delivering the afterbirth stuff.
3. Before I gave birth, I was so freaked out about tearing that I almost had myself believing I wanted a C-section. I did tear but the recovery wasn't that terrible. At least not as bad as I thought it would be.
Basically, the birth wasn't nearly as traumatic as I had it built up to be! But I didn't do it naturally, so the meds definitely helped!
Secondly, I have a question. I'm considering a med-free delivery (but am open to an epi if I need it, will be a game time decision). Anyone do a med-free birth the first time and wish they hadn't, planning on an epi this time?
I didn't feel or see the placenta when I delivered it. I was too busy with my baby to care. I remember that it only took one push to deliver.
I had one 1st degree tear. I needed the peri bottles when I peed. Sitting didn't bother me too much after the first few days. Sex took about 4 months to stop hurting like I had broken glass up there and a couple more months to not be uncomfortable at all.
The third day after my DS was born my milk came in with abandon and I had rock hard porn star boobs. So it was a bit of a relief to bf because it took away the pressure from my breasts, but my nipples did crack and that hurt. I never had bloody nipples, but they will get sore- I used the lanolin cream they gave me at the hospital until my nipples toughened up. Eventually it won't hurt at all once your baby latches on and gets going (for me I'd say it stopped hurting somewhere between 2 and 4 weeks- it's hard to remember)
I met with a lactation consultant when my DS was a week old and that solved all of my bfing issues. So just don't be afraid to ask for help if you do struggle with it.
@gray51015 Breastfeeding was awkward and tricky at first. DS had a really strong suck and I didn't have him latched right at first, which caused some damage to my nipples. So for the first couple weeks I would recoil and curse every time I latched him because it hurt so much. But once he was on there right it stopped hurting. After the rocky start it just felt normal, even relaxing.
BFP #1 June 2011 m/c@6wks
BFP #2 December 2011, EDD 8/21/12, born 7/21/12 at 35w4d
BFP #3 October 6, 2015. WHAT???
I didn't. Maybe if I'd arranged to have professional pictures taken during/right after the birth, I might have considered it, but it seems like it just doesn't really matter much and I don't know of anyone who ended up not wearing the standard issue gown for a hospital delivery. The whole thing seems rather messy to buy something nicer to wear. And if you end up getting a c-section, I am sure you'd have to wear their standard gown anyway, right?
BFP #1 June 2011 m/c@6wks
BFP #2 December 2011, EDD 8/21/12, born 7/21/12 at 35w4d
BFP #3 October 6, 2015. WHAT???
The first time, yes. Around 9cm, my hormones had me heating up like a furnace. I pulled it all off, asked for a fan and had DH cool my head with a washcloth. Didn't experience that heat the second time around.
I didn't. I was too worried the nurses would think I was high maintenance. Also, I didn't want to buy something only to get it yucky. The hospital gown worked fine, but the fabric was a little rough and stiff - though, that was the least of my discomfort.
Epidural: I was almost 42 weeks and induced with my first. I was determined to go med-free. However, the pit contractions, coupled with awful back labor, changed my mind at transition (8cm). I got it and it was amazeballs. I couldn't feel a THING. i did tear and got probably 3-5 stitches and recovery was much more uncomfortable with her than my unmedicated birth with our son...
With him, I had had 10 hours of contx and got to the hossy at 4cm. Lame. They gave me pit to increase them and the lame CRNA who tried giving me my epi tried five times and by that point, I said screw it. It only numbed my right thigh, but the nurses didn't listen and gave me a catheter while I could feel it all :-/ soooo....I did it med-free and will say that it took me probably four pushes to get him out (compared to the 46 mins with our daughter), and I didn't tear at all. Our midwife is called "No Tear Terry" and it's no joke. He supports the perineum while delivering which helps keep it intact. The recovery was sooooo much easier.
BFing: yes, it's a natural thing, but it can be difficult to establish a good rhythm. Our son had awful reflux and would've nursed 24/7 if I would've let him. I had mastitis and overcame a lot of challenges with him, but that just taught me a lot about myself as a mother. I digress. Anyway, it's awesome and convenient and fab, but yes, can be very difficult at times...especially if your baby won't take a bottle and you need a bit of a break. Give yourself and baby time to learn the ins and outs of BFing!
Pooping: totally pooped while pushing with our daughter, but not our son. The nurses just wipe it and continue about their business. They're fab.
I fourth the the use of Colace. Start it before you go into labor (I think I did at 38'ish weeks), and continue it for a week or so afterwards. It's a lifesaver.
Hossy gowns: wore one the entire time I was there. I tried wearing PJ pants, but it was so uncomfortable with the giant pads and swelling, not to mention that the L&D ones have snaps so you can easily BF.
So so it really just depends on the mom/baby pair.
Mrs. H
Crohn's Dx: August 2008
Endometriosis Dx: May 2010
Married: 05/19/2012
TTC #1: June 2013
BFP: December 2013
DS: Born 08/29/2014
TTC #2: July 2015
BFP #2: September 25, 2015
I thought about ordering a cute hospital gown but it would have been ruined like right after they broke my water.
I didn't have an epidural for my son so I was allowed to walk, bounce on a birthing ball, and labor in a tub. I had to get out of the tub when I felt the urge to poop, and for about ten minutes I alternated between pooping and standing up to have the nurse wipe my behind while I had an intense contraction. At the end of every contraction I would have to poop some more, causing me to sit back down again and start the process over. I thought I was going to end up having my son on the toilet, but finally we caught enough of a break that I made it back to the bed where they checked me and said it was time to push. I never pooped while actually pushing. I've always felt grateful to the nurse who helped me through the ordeal.
Delivering the placenta felt weird because I could feel it slide out, but I never really saw it. The nurse took it to the other side of the room where the OB looked it over.
Getting the stitches in my second degree tear was the most painful part of my labor and delivery. They gave me a shot of a local anesthetic, but the OB said it probably wasn't very effective because the swollen tissue kept it from properly dispersing and numbing the area. Use tucks pads, dermoplast, and sitz baths to help it heal! Sex was a little uncomfortable for a while afterwards because of the scar tissue.
I had help from a lactation consultant almost immediately afterwards, but she only showed me one hold. I should have asked for more help before leaving the hospital. A few months later I found an amazing breastfeeding support group that really helped me make breastfeeding work. My advice to any mom who really wants to breastfeed is to start going to LLL meetings or find a support group now. They were invaluable and are my best mommy friends.
Breastfeeding does hurt for the first few weeks, but that's why going to LLL meetings can be helpful. Other moms were able to say what pain was normal and what might be caused by other things like a poor latch, thrush, mastitis, growth spurt, teething, etc.
Epidural- I waited a really long time to get it and it was very hard for them to place. They ended up giving me something by needle at the base of my back (I had back labor) to number me enough so I could sit still and get the Epidural. It was heaven once I got it. For my second labor I asked for it but he came so fast I didn't get it. This time I will try without but I have no problem getting it again if I feel I need it.
I pooped during my second labor (first ended in c-section) and my doctor was so fast and discrete about cleaning it up I barely even noticed.
Delivering the placenta was easy. It just felt like a really soft big stool coming out. I asked to look at it and it was way bigger than I thought it was based on how it felt coming out.
I tore a little and required a few stitches. Because of where mine was it stung when I went pee for a few weeks after but it wasn't unbearable. Sex was hard for a while after. We used a lot of lube and went very slow.
No trimming here. I wasn't going to attempt shaving something I can't see and I have never and probably will never get waxed.
We had a little issues with latching for my daughter initially but it was due to my large breasts and poor position. The nurse I had was very helpful and showed me a few other positions and that helped a lot. She liked the football hold for the first few weeks. Just don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel at all like you are having trouble.
I took my own clothes to the hospital for 1st labor and ended up naked for a long time until I got the Epidural and actually cared about my surroundings. For the second I jsjy wore the hospital gown until I started pushing. I found it very restrictive and got it off right before.
My my prenatal instructor told us to prepare a few pads by freezing them with a little water and a few drops of witch hazel. She called them "twatsicles", lol.
Also, for engorgement after your milk comes in, cabbage leaves are brilliant. Breast feeding was tricky for us at first (I found out in the recovery room after my c-section that I had "inverted nipples" so she wouldn't latch). I suggest finding a Lactation consultant as soon as possible if you have pain/issues.
For those saying use frozen pads, do you just toss them in the freezer, or wet them first, or?
Just curious, did your vag permanently look different after it healed?
How long after birth until you had sex again?
I figured no sex while healing, but never thought about scar tissue causing pain. Guess I should get some sex in now!
DD born June 2016
Second due August 2020 (team green!)
The hospital gave me ice packs that you twisted to get cold. I stuck one in my mesh underwear. Ahhhh.
H claims it didn't look different or really feel different. 6 weeks to the day we had sex again. I was ready and didn't have issues. Used extra lube just in case.
Triplets due 6/29/16 also from an IUI!
Mine looks a bit different I think. But nothing major. Only diff H noticed for the first few times of sex post baby was the tightness factor. But that resolved after a while.
2. Take the meds. Even if you are feeling better...TAKE THE MEDS! Especially the stool softeners and gas pills (if you have a c-section). I remember my friends talking about their first poop after birth and how awful it was. Those were the same ladies that only took one stool softener a day, or figured they wouldn't need them. I took them every three hours and my poop was glorious.
3. I shaved everything before I had my baby. How I got into those weird positions in a tub that had a curved bottom, I have no idea. Will I do it again this time, probably not.....as I will have a c-section.
4. I was not naked when I gave birth, but I could see where sometimes all of a sudden your clothing is feeling tight and you want everything off. I was just in a nursing sports bra and a Long & Lean tank from Target. I even wore it while I was having my c-section in the end.
5. I didn't waste my time buying a special gown. I also didn't go crazy on underwear. I used everything at the hospital because, lets face it, shit gets gross. I didn't want that to be my stuff getting gross.
6. Back in my old BMB, we discussed pads, and I remember a few ladies saying they had a reaction to the Always Infinity pads. I didn't think anything of it, and got them because I liked how thin they were. Guess who got a chemical burn from them.....this chick. There is nothing worse than bleeding like crazy, recovering from a c-section, and having a chemical burn up my asscrack from the pads. When it happened, my DD also had a diaper rash, and I will admit.....tears were shed while I yelled at my husband (from the bathroom), "The kid has a diaper rash, and now I have a diaper rash! I have to wipe Desitin on both of our asses!" Not one of my finer moments, but at least I know now and can go with a different brand.
7. Had a c-section, so no delivery of placenta. They snatch it while you are open, and vacuum you out (according to what my OB was telling me as she went along). But don't think that gets you out of postpartum bleeding....that still happens.
Biggest piece of advice for anyone that ends up with a c-section: GET OUT OF BED! I went into bed on Saturday night, and was in labor for 28 hours (in bed), before I had to have a c-section on Sunday night. Monday, I was recovering all day, but they never mentioned that I could get out of bed (I would have to drag my cath around, but whatever). Tuesday morning, they took out my cath, and said when I was ready, I could get out of bed. I avoided it because I was scared. Finally, I had to pee by the afternoon and it was pure hell getting out of bed. I stayed in the bed as much as possible Tuesday, only getting up to pee. Same with Wednesday morning, until I finally got up the courage to take a shower. First, I felt like a million dollars after taking that shower! I wish that I would have done it sooner! And I wish that someone would have told me that the more I moved around, the better I would feel. Once I was getting up and moving more on Wednesday, I felt SO much better. Now I know for when I deliver (I am a July mom.....lurker here!), since I am having a c-section, no matter how scary it is, I need to get my butt out of bed ASAP and move around as much as possible.....and take a shower ASAP!
Pooped: Not confirmed, but I think so. The nurse wiped me all down right before pushing. Maybe it was just birth-oozey...maybe I pooped.
Tearing: I had a small internal tear and a stitch. Not terrible considering what it could have been. Very small amount of discomfort, but it kept retearing when I finally DTD until it fully healed. That felt like when your lip splits. Ow.
Placenta delivery: Only knew it happened because the doctor told me!
2. I convinced myself ahead of time I would poop but I actually didn't. I was induced and had lots of diarrhea in the hours leading up to birth though so that's probably the only reason why I didn't
3. I tore, a lot. But like I said, I pushed him out so fast that's probably why. Next time I hope to ease him out more so I can avoid the tearing
4. I knew I was being induced the next morning so the night before I showered up good and shaved everything. I wouldn't worry about it either way
5. the placenta looks like a huge, veiny, deflated brain
6. I breastfed within the first hour he was born. It was the very first thing I did after I was finished getting stitched up. His latch was terrible at first but it eventually worked out with lots of help and trying
7. I wore a hospital gown and socks, easy, comfy enough and you can bleed all over it without caring
8. My lady parts looked like a war zone for quite some time. It was all sorts of mangled, in time it did go completely back to normal though so don't worry! Also 6 weeks for sex but it still hurt for a while where I had scar tissue from stitches and tearing
Gown: I don't personally understand the bring your own gown thing. The amount of disgusting liquids coming out of you? Nope. They can do that laundry.
Naked during delivery: BUCK. I was in a gown for most of laboring. But we ripped it off close to delivery. I forget why. It's all kind of a blur.
Some great advice I got was to do it as soon as you cleared to (typically 6 weeks) even if you don't think you are ready because the longer you wait the scarier it will become. I did and I am glad. Many of my friends who didn't wait had a REAL hard time being willing to.
What does it feel like during the operation?
Can your Dh stay with you during?
How long did it take your ob to get the baby out?
How long did it take your ob to stitch you back up?
How long were you in the hospital to recover?
How did you stop yourself from panicking that you were awake while being operated on?
Im completely terrified of having a c section, so I really appreciate your input!
I had an emergency c section. I will answer based on that.
They started by telling me to let them know when I couldn't feel the cold spray up the side of my body. They were spraying very cold air on me and suddenly I stopped feeling it. After that, I felt nothing, not a single thing, until it was time for them to pull him out. I felt a teeny tiny bit of pressure where the nurses were pushing him down. Other than that. Zilch. I just felt like it was harder to breath because I was numb. The oddest part was when they lifted me back onto the bed from the table. I thought my legs were in front of me, but to my surprise they were out to the side. Very odd.
Once they decided they needed to do an emergency cs they wheeled me to the OR. The took my husband away to get dressed. He arrived in the room minutes later, right before they began. He stayed the entire time until the baby was sent to the nursery. He went with him while they stitched me up. Again, I felt nothing. He met me back in recovery.
They decided I needed a cs at 11:30am. DS was born at 1:25pm. Keep in mind, it was a good 15 mins to wrap things up in the labor and delivery room (they make you sign papers!!), then had to wheel me to OR, then prep. The surgery was probably 45 mins from laying me down on the table to stitching me up.
Given my my state of mind, I'm not sure exactly how long it took to stitch and staple me, but I remember thinking "are you not done yet???" I wild guess 30 minutes.
They said I could leave after day 4 but I was allowed to stay 5 days, and did bc DS was in the NICU and I didn't want to leave without him.
I think for me there wasn't much panic because after my labor I was so ready to just get him out. Also, there's an anesthesiologist a foot above your head talking to you the entire time.. Mine joked around with me and kept me totally calm. The fact that you have no idea what's going on because you can't feel it is helpful. DH, the anesthesiologist and I kept up a conversation and I'd randomly ask "what're they doing now" and he'd say "they moving your intestines out the way" (or something more accurate??) and I'd say "no way! I can't feel a thing!" I think I'm more nervous about having a repeat c section though, just because it won't be in the moment.