@nikkimarie159 I hate when people say that. I fully understand that I may ask for an epidural at some point. However, I do not appreciate that doubt that everyone has for me.
Thank you, ladies! I guess the only thing that's really freaking me out is when people ask if I plan on having an epidural they ALWAYS tell me I will change my mind once I start to feel the contractions. DH is trying to convince me to get one as well. (Mainly because he doesn't want to see me in pain, but still. Support my decision, damnit!)
On our hospital tour and natural birth class (that was the title of the class, should be called Med free class) both nurses said once you're in L&D that it's perfectly fine to request a nurse that is Med-free friendly... Some nurses are really well versed in helping moms find better positions and enjoy helping them cope with the pain... You may wanna ask once you're there!!
@kellz14 so originally we wanted Elliott circumcised in the hospital so it would be done. Our pediatrician and the amazing lactation consultant were pretty firm on waiting 1-2 weeks to get feeding developed and a routine going. We got it done when he was 8 days old and I am so glad we waited. Getting in the swing of things at home was hard enough much less worrying about his healing circ. The day he got it done he was pretty lethargic which I think would have freaked me out if he was brand new.
My husband is Jewish so we had a Bria for baby Landon on his 8th day of life and did this as well with ds. The circumcision really exhausts them and for us made feeding a little more challenging. He was circumcised yesterday, and yesterday and today has been super tired and not wanting to eat as much! I can't imagine having this done in the hospital when he could barely figure out how to latch anyway!
I took a breastfeeding class last week which was awesome and eye opening. One of the things the instructor mentioned, though, is that if you get your baby circumcised in the hospital (as opposed to say, a week or so later) it COULD interfere with breastfeeding - I guess stress on the baby while you're trying to get accustomed. Has anyone experienced circumcision at the hospital having an effect on breastfeeding or did things work out fine?
I have never heard of that, at all. I am interested to see any research behind this.
I took a breastfeeding class last week which was awesome and eye opening. One of the things the instructor mentioned, though, is that if you get your baby circumcised in the hospital (as opposed to say, a week or so later) it COULD interfere with breastfeeding - I guess stress on the baby while you're trying to get accustomed. Has anyone experienced circumcision at the hospital having an effect on breastfeeding or did things work out fine?
So not circumcision but as far as the stress affecting Breastfeeding, absolutely. Whenever Savannah has some sort of stressful thing going on (eye test, occupational therapy, basically anything that tires her out), she is disinterested in breastfeeding or only feeds for a few minutes. She's usually back to normal the next day though.
eta: the nurses and doctors say this is totally normal
@nikkimarie159 DH and I had the same epidural conversation early on. His reasoning was the same (not wanting to see me in pain) and mine was the same as yours (just support me!). It did help him to hear that while I don't want an epidural, I was open to one if things changed. We also decided on a code word in the case that I was sure I wanted to get one. That way he wouldn't have to keep asking if I thought I should get one and could just focus on supporting me through each contraction. I think he also felt more confident in how to support me after our birth class since a big focus on that was comfort techniques. Ultimately I couldn't be too upset with him, I know it would be so hard for me if the situation was reversed! All that being said, everyone else who offers their knowledge and smug opinions can just STFU.
@nikkimarie159 I had an epi with my first, late epi which literally was only good for pushing because he crowned as I scooted back on the bed, and two completely unmedicated births, not necessarily by choice.
Contractions hurt. A lot. But if you focus, breathe through them, and keep your eyes on the prize it's tolerable. Not hurting during labor is wonderful but being able to feel the transition from one stage to the next is pretty awesome too. Both with and without the epi, I have had awesome birth experiences and definitely wouldn't change a thing.
You never know how you will react or what you want until you are going through it. Plan on unmedicated and if it you change your mind that's OK too. Birth isn't a one size fits all situation. And like a PP said healthy baby and Momma is that matters in the end.
Wife. Boy mom x6. Expecting #7. Wannabe homesteader. , 💙💙💙💙💙💙
@kellz14 all four of my boys were BF and circumcised. They were a little sleepy for a few hours afterwards but it never had a negative impact on BFing. I BF my first three for a little over a year each.
Wife. Boy mom x6. Expecting #7. Wannabe homesteader. , 💙💙💙💙💙💙
Back labor Mommas, what does that feel like? I have a nagging feeling that is what I will have. I keep having pressure on nerves in my back, feels like pinched nerves but across the whole back. Is this what back labor feels like, or is my kid just being an ass?
Like someone was taking a sledgehammer to my lower back. My friend described it as "someone stabbing me with a butcher knife, over and over in my back....just above my pelvis..."
@nikkimarie159 with my first pregnancy I had planned an Unmedicated Bradley method birth. I had my heart set on no interventions including pain meds. When I was in labor, I had excruciating contractions 1 minute long every 2 minutes. My body was so intensely laboring it couldn't dilate...I was in distress (even puking)! I decided during labor to get the epidural and was so worried I would regret it. The epidural allowed my body to relax enough to go from 4-10cm in a matter of 2 hours, it was exactly what I needed. I've never regretted the decision to get the epidural for one second! I think everyone labors differently and one method doesn't work for everyone. I think it's ok to have your heart set on something, but mentally prepare yourself to give yourself grace if it doesn't end up going as planned! In the end, all that really matters is that baby being put in your arms, I promise!
That happened to my friend father's day weekend. She went in with plans to have a unmedicated birth. Her water broke late Thursday night, so they went to bed and made their way to the hospital on Friday. She labored through everything on Friday until the late evening, when she was 5cm and decided she needed something for the pain (and realized that she was extremely tense). She got the epidural, and went from 5cm to 10cm in a two hour span....pushed for an hour or so, and baby arrived. Needless to say, she feels like getting the epidural was bittersweet....it wasn't something that she originally wanted, but she knew she needed to relax and she wasn't able to without some help along the way.
Back labor Mommas, what does that feel like? I have a nagging feeling that is what I will have. I keep having pressure on nerves in my back, feels like pinched nerves but across the whole back. Is this what back labor feels like, or is my kid just being an ass?
Like someone was taking a sledgehammer to my lower back. My friend described it as "someone stabbing me with a butcher knife, over and over in my back....just above my pelvis..."
Both of these descriptions accurately describe my labor this past weekend.
I totally agree with all of the back labor descriptions. I don't feel like anyone really needs to ask what it feels like. If you have it, you will know. And for your sake, I hope you don't!
@babycakesday yes, we stopped getting kicks so much around 35 weeks and now it's just like you feel a foot go one way and a hand the other. It's definitely strange. When I get worried about it I usually poke around my belly until I feel her and then press around her to make her move or drink really cold water.
Question for the BTDT moms...I know sex is off limits for 6 weeks. Is it orgasm that's off limits, or anything entering the vagina? I'm just curious. I know that hormones will probably suck and that there's a ton of other stuff going on down there, but trying to remain optimistic...
@sboston06- Honestly, I'm not sure... but I will say that 6 weeks passes really quickly with a newborn. A lot of women are still bleeding and there is a higher concern for infection, I believe. I also tore and it took awhile longer to feel comfortable even wanting to try. Everyone is different though and I know a handful of people that went ahead and had sex when they felt comfortable and weren't yet cleared by the doctor.
@sboston06 it's completely up to you, 6weeks is usually the earliest they will put you on birth control and it gives the guy a realistic timeline. Honestly we only waited 2.5 weeks because it was me who couldn't wait. I had finished bleeding and felt ok to do so. We used lube and went slow but I personally couldn't wait.
@sboston06 I plan on asking my doc when I see her Monday for the 3 week check. I had zero interest during pregnancy but now it's a COMPLETELY different story. Will report back!
We waited until right at 6 weeks. I was still bleeding lightly until 7. The first few times really hurt and I wasn't even bothered by my second degree tear by 3 days pp. May have been a dryness issue related to BFing.
@sboston06 we waited only 4 weeks...just used protection because I wasn't on birth control yet. I was finished bleeding and feeling well enough though. everyone is different!
I'll insert my personal experience with the epidural. I went in with an open mind set that I may end up wanting one or I could power through it. I had horrible back labor that made my blood pressure sky rocket into dangerous territory. By getting the epidural I was able to relax and get my blood pressure back to normal ranges. The epidural did stall my labor and I ended up with a small dose of pitocin but I progressed and was able to have a vaginal birth.
@sboston06 it's penetration. It can take up to 6wks for everything to close up and get back to normal so before then you have a slightly higher risk of infection.
Wife. Boy mom x6. Expecting #7. Wannabe homesteader. , 💙💙💙💙💙💙
We waited longer than 6 weeks. I had a c-section and my bleeding stopped at 6 weeks. There was no bleeding from week 6 to week 7, and then my period started back up week 7, and went until week 8. But we were both so exhausted, and I was on 12 weeks restricted lifting and everything (instead of the normal 6 weeks), so I think it was a good 10-12 weeks before we had sex again.
Question for the BTDT moms...I know sex is off limits for 6 weeks. Is it orgasm that's off limits, or anything entering the vagina? I'm just curious. I know that hormones will probably suck and that there's a ton of other stuff going on down there, but trying to remain optimistic...
I had an unmedicated birth and while I definitely had a moment during transition where I thought "I totally understand why people get epidurals" there was never a time when I thought I couldn't do it. At least with this baby, this labor. My water broke when I was 7cm and I had him 3 hours later, so who knows what I would have needed or wanted if things had gone differently. I had a wonderful experience using alternative pain management techniques and ended up with exactly the birth I wanted (it was still really fucking hard). So, there's an unmedicated story that isn't a horror story. I say if you want an unmedicated birth you should try for it, do what feels best for your body, and don't beat yourself up if you decide to get an epidural. There's no shame or guilt in childbirth, only you bringing your baby into the world the best you can.
ETA: Because we talked about labor/marathon analogies a lot this pregnancy here's my two cents. My unmedicated labor was not necessarily harder than the marathons I've run, but I had a moment during transition where I realized the difference is you can always decide to quit a race, but once labor has started there's no quitting.
Okay! So I went for my 39 week check up today and I"m dilated 2 to 2 1/2 cm. My doctor said she wanted to help things along again today and did some "stretching" and did a membrane sweep. I know after membrane sweeps you can be crampy, but like how crampy? I've been having period like cramps off and on since I left the office and now some lower back cramps. Nothing has knocked the wind out of my sails or anything but a few of them have been painful. Could those be legit contractions?
Okay! So I went for my 39 week check up today and I"m dilated 2 to 2 1/2 cm. My doctor said she wanted to help things along again today and did some "stretching" and did a membrane sweep. I know after membrane sweeps you can be crampy, but like how crampy? I've been having period like cramps off and on since I left the office and now some lower back cramps. Nothing has knocked the wind out of my sails or anything but a few of them have been painful. Could those be legit contractions?
I had it done twice with my first pregnancy and had cramping (some painful, some not) for about 24 hours afterwards.....then they pretty much stopped.
For mamas that pumped - how did you figure out your nipple size? I inherited a pump but need to buy the nipple attachment dealies. Hth do I know whether my nipple is 24 or 27mm...
I assume you could measure the width of your nipple... For me the nurses at the hospital just had me try out different sizes. You may just need to buy a few options to find out what works
For mamas that pumped - how did you figure out your nipple size? I inherited a pump but need to buy the nipple attachment dealies. Hth do I know whether my nipple is 24 or 27mm...
This link is a great resource. I'm not sure if bra size plays in at all, but I'm a DD without milk and I ordered a 27mm. My spectra comes with a standard 24 and it seems small. Figured better to have the next size in hand so I'm not stuck with the wrong flange size post baby and in a pinch.
@mnkenned I think you can either buy both or wait until you get fitted by a lactation consultant. With my first, I used the 24, but with my 2nd I def needed a 27. If it's painful to pump with the 24, you probably need the 27!
Re: Ask a BTDT mom questions about birth/recovery/breastfeeding
eta: the nurses and doctors say this is totally normal
Married: October 2014
TTC #1 since September 2015
Contractions hurt. A lot. But if you focus, breathe through them, and keep your eyes on the prize it's tolerable. Not hurting during labor is wonderful but being able to feel the transition from one stage to the next is pretty awesome too. Both with and without the epi, I have had awesome birth experiences and definitely wouldn't change a thing.
You never know how you will react or what you want until you are going through it. Plan on unmedicated and if it you change your mind that's OK too. Birth isn't a one size fits all situation. And like a PP said healthy baby and Momma is that matters in the end.
, 💙💙💙💙💙💙
, 💙💙💙💙💙💙
That happened to my friend father's day weekend. She went in with plans to have a unmedicated birth. Her water broke late Thursday night, so they went to bed and made their way to the hospital on Friday. She labored through everything on Friday until the late evening, when she was 5cm and decided she needed something for the pain (and realized that she was extremely tense). She got the epidural, and went from 5cm to 10cm in a two hour span....pushed for an hour or so, and baby arrived. Needless to say, she feels like getting the epidural was bittersweet....it wasn't something that she originally wanted, but she knew she needed to relax and she wasn't able to without some help along the way.
, 💙💙💙💙💙💙
ETA: Because we talked about labor/marathon analogies a lot this pregnancy here's my two cents. My unmedicated labor was not necessarily harder than the marathons I've run, but I had a moment during transition where I realized the difference is you can always decide to quit a race, but once labor has started there's no quitting.
https://www.breastpumps.aeroflowinc.com/breastpump-flange-size-chart/