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December 2016 Moms
slartybartfast
member
Med-Free Check-In 7/14
slartybartfast
member
There's a lot of med-free discussion on other threads and it may be a good time to start consolidating it to a weekly check-in instead.
There's a few different ways to give birth and the goal is always a healthy baby and mama. This check-in is for those whose plan A for labor and delivery is to go through the process without medical intervention.
1 - how far along are you?
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?)
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free?
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?
There's a few different ways to give birth and the goal is always a healthy baby and mama. This check-in is for those whose plan A for labor and delivery is to go through the process without medical intervention.
1 - how far along are you?
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?)
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free?
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?
Mother of an April '15 baby
Due December 16
Re: Med-Free Check-In 7/14
How far along are you? 16 weeks today!
Where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) Home, still trying to decide if I want to rent a birthing tub, because my apartment is tiny and furniture will probably have to be moved. But leaning toward yes.
Have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? First-time mom. Eep!
Why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? My mom is a CNM and I myself was born at home. It's just sort of always been my plan. You could say I was indoctrinated from a young age. Giving birth is not a medical emergency! (Uh, you know. Unless it becomes one. Then I'll get myself to a hospital.)
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
2 - midwife birthing center attached to a hospital
3 - my last labor and delivery my water broke and I was group b strep + so I took the antibiotics. Then they wanted to induce me but I said I wanted to try to get labor going on my own - and did - by walking. I got the contractions going alright but ended up with 20 hours of back labor and a baby that was having trouble getting in a good position. Due to worryingly high blood pressure and a cervix that needed more time than the contractions were wanting to allow (as I was running out of gas), I got an epidural at the end. 2.5 hours of pushing and baby came. All in all it was a successful, healthy birth.
4 - I am always of the belief that medical intervention should be reserved for times when it's absolutely needed. "Absolutely needed" is subjective and depends on the risks involved at the time. I want to trust my body and let it do what it needs and not get in the way of that. I also think that the parts of your body giving birth have important nerve endings and pain is one form of communication for your body parts - so deadening some of these systems shuts down some of that communication and that can be a hindrance. Unless the alternative to receiving intervention is harm to mama or baby, my plan A will be to give it all more time. If the intervention aids in mama's comfort but adds risk to baby (such as narcotics crossing the placenta making for a potentially sluggish newborn)... NO THANK YOU.
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) Hospital
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? Yes and yes for the most part. Labor went quickly so I got something put into my iv for pain- the lowest dose that did nothing but make the room spin and me feel drunk. It took away no pain.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? I don't like the repercussions that could arise with epidurals. I had a friend give birth four days ago and she had an epi, the drs didn't get it in properly the first few times so she was stabbed quite a bit. It didn't take or wore off, I don't remember, and she is having so many problems because of it. She's needed blood patches and has had spinal headaches. She wasn't allowed to move for awhile after giving birth and couldn't get up to move around. I don't want that. I want to trust that my body knows what it's doing and to let it do its thing. Like slarty said, the effects on the newborn are high too with being sluggish, which can hinder a strong nursing relationship, and them being pumped full of fluids, which can lead drs to thinking baby dropped a ton of birth weight and have to have weighed check ups and stuff until baby gets back up to birth weight. No thanks. I'll pass on the drugs.
Great idea!
1 - how far along are you? 15w6d with twins
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) Hospital....was going to do a birth center, but the twin thing just adds an element, so I'd like to be near a good NICU just in case. The twin thing is going to make the intervention free business more difficult
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? DD was med/intervention free! Also in a hospital. I was also group b positive, but I refused the antibiotics- boy they did NOT like that and kept pressuring me (mind you I got to the hospital dialated to a 9 - so please people, the antibiotics wouldnt even have a chance to get in my system!!). But I did tons of research before hand, and in the UK they only treat you for it if you have a positive test + another contributing factor, and the outcomes between the US and UK were super similar. They do the test sometimes so far before birth, that it may not even be accurate by the time you give birth (since it comes and goes). So I was comfortable treating baby if needed versus giving us a both possibly unnecessary round(s) of antibiotics.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? I feel really similar to @slartybartfast 's words in #4 above. My doula was really great and key to my success- we didn't have a birth plan, but "birth preferences". Not having intervention gave me a sense of control of the situation- I trusted my body to do it (and yes I realize sometimes our body's betray us!). I did/do a ton of my own research and believe that Doctors are just humans like the rest of us- who make mistakes and forget things, so its best to be your own advocate and be educated (and yes- I work at a hospital and this has ONLY made me feel stronger about this!!). It seems that side effects of interventions are downplayed (particularly for epidurals) as well. I think interventions definitely have their place (long labors, blood pressure falling or getting too high etc), but am uncomfortable with them just being routinely applied. Also, "Fear" tactics are often used in obstetrics, which makes me mad. I think as women and mothers to be we, have a right to- and should- question things that are happening and follow our gut instincts! You are not a bad person/mother/patient because you have questions on how/why your doctor is going about things! No guilt ladies! Let birth be something you DO, not something that happens to you.
But seriously, in an emergency- go to the ER
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) Hospital...my dream was always to do a home birth, but two years ago we moved to Alabama and midwife assisted home birth is not legal here right now. Sigh. My obgyn/hospital has a program called "Monogram your Maternity" that allows you to plan your birth your way, or so they say. I haven't investigated the possibilities they offer yet (you have to call and make an appointment and go meet with someone), but I will soon. When I had a kidney stone a few years ago I was greatly soothed by sitting in hot water. I'd love to be able to have a water birth, but I have no idea if they'll allow that. Here's hoping.
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? Nope. FTM here. Thinking about birthing classes but torn between "knowledge is power" and "ignorance is bliss." I'll decide soon.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? It feels like the right choice because this is a natural process that the body (in a perfect situation, of course) should know how to do. I like to live as naturally as possible in general and try to use medical intervention as a resort for when it's truly needed (FI: If I have a headache, I try to figure out why I have a headache and solve the actual problem instead of swallowing a handful of tylenol). I don't go far with it though, if I have an infection, I go to the doctor, etc. Most importantly, I want to be myself when I meet my child for the first time. I don't want drugs to be in my system or theirs unless it's necessary. I don't want those complications. I feel like my body was made to do this and so I want to let it happen the way it was meant to happen. All that said, I'm really realistic that all this can go out the window if complications arise. My child's life is more important than protecting any ideal birthing scenario.
2 - where are you giving birth? hospital
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? 3rd time mom here.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? with my first delivery I had gotten the epidural and it was wonderful. With my 2nd the midwife accidentally broke my water when checking to see how far I was dilated so I had to get pitocin, and ended up getting an epidural as well, but it only really numbed my right side, the dr did adjust it and re did it and I got some relief on my left side but I would.like to try something different this time around. I plan on laboring in the whirlpool tubs they have at the hospital, but they will not do water births so I will have to come out whe it is time to push. This is my plan but I am very flexible and will go with the flow. I would not be opposed to another epidural as my babies and I didn't have any side effects from it, but I would like to try and not get one if possible.
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
1 - how far along are you?
19 weeks
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?)
Either a hospital or birthing center. I've considered a home birth, but we're moving shortly before the birth and I don't think my new home will feel like home.
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free?
Nope, FTM here.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?
Along the lines of what everyone else has been saying, I feel like unless a birth is really a medical emergency, then it's a natural although challenging process that I'm prepared to try to handle without intervention. I know I need to move around during birth, and I want to be fully present after. DH and most of my family describe my attitude towards life as "me do it" (one of my first full sentences as a kid) and birth is no exception.
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) Birthing center with a CNM, planning for water birth.
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? FTM. Any advice appreciated!!
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? As like most, I believe my body was made to do this. I am understanding of the possibility of hospital if a situation arose, but I want to be totally "there" in the moment my baby boy is born. I highly recommend The Business Of Being Born documentary if you haven't seen it yet. I don't want a bunch of unnecessary interventions unless mine or my baby's life is in distress.
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) The plan is at home.
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? This will be my 5th Med free and midwife assisted birth if all goes as planned.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?
Ive always just questioned the philosophy of obstetrics. With our first I didn't have any good OB options and was fortunate to be surrounded by several women who had done the MW route with great success. They pulled me in! I've loved the ideals of midwifery ever since. Plus, the notion of an epidural freaks me out... Not moving, feeling numb isn't a sensation I like. I seriously want to know what happens when you feel like pooing in labor but have an epidural! I poo like 10 times in labor... So who's going to educate me??? Haha!
Due December 27th with baby #7
17 weeks
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?)
Not sure yet. I really want access to a tub/water. We're moving states at roughly 23 weeks. I've got a birth center and hospital your planned for when we get there. I like the "just in case" of a hospital, but think I will be much more comfortable in the birth center. We'll see how I feel after I see them both.
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free?
Nope, FTM.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?
I've never been a medical kind of person. I have this weird mental thing with medication. I swear I can *feel* it in my blood. I'm absolutely crazy, I know. So I tend to stay away from stuff unless it's really necessary. And for most healthy normal birth, it really just isn't needed. Of course if it becomes needed, load me up with whatever you have to!
And since I don't want pain meds/epidural, I want the ability to move around a lot to ease the pain, which is why I'm leaning toward birth center depending on hospitals policies. I also HATE iv's so I'm hoping to avoid that if at all possible. Stick an IV in my arm and I basically act like an amputee.
My extra question: What (if any) birth class/method do you plan on using. Why did you choose that one?
Im thinking Hypnobabies, but will decide for sure after the move. I like the mindset of embracing contractions as useful and not painful. But honestly, I had a hard time figuring out the difference between Hypnobabies and hypno-birthing.
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) Hospital
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? 2nd time. No, I had an epidural.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?
I had a terrible experience with my epidural. I had heard stories of the anesthesiologist getting tied up, so I opted for mine fairly early, around 5 centimeters.After a short nap, I woke up and had a panic attack. I could feel literally nothing from my breasts down. I felt like I couldn't breathe. I had them call the anesthesiologist back in, and the lowered the amount of meds I was getting, but it didn't help. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), I felt none of the delivery. I couldn't tell when there was pressure, couldn't feel the contractions. I wasn't even sure I was pushing, because I couldn't feel anything. It was (I think) more exhausting, because I was trying so hard. I almost passed out once.
After delivery I was told it would be about 2 hours before the epidural wore off. Nope. Mine took almost 6. At one point a group of nurses had to lift me and put a bedpan under me so I could relieve myself.
This time, I plan to go as long as possible without any meds. However, I'm not going to kid myself if I end up needing it. DD was big, facing posterior, and wouldn't descend. They used suction and I had an episiotomy before everything was said and done. My terrible epidural was probably a blessing in disguise.
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) A "baby-friendly" birthing center/midwife, attached to hospital
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? FTM!
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?
I'm just starting to do my research but I would really like to let the body take its course. I'm starting to get resources in line to support me - we are meeting with a potential doula on Tuesday and we are starting the Bradley Birth classes on Tuesday. The more I look into it the less I want an epidural. I will have to find a coping mechanism unique to me however, because I'm not confident in my ability not to fall into a deep dark hole
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
oh my gosh, girl! That's horrible! Know you're in my thoughts as you try something different this time around! She was most likely posterior due TO the epidural... Laying like that swings a baby into less than ideal positions. How big was she? Mine are all 8lbs + except for my son and I still have no idea how he was only 7.7... I keep trying to grow smaller babies... But I hadn't happened since then. But, just so you have hope... Usually second babies shoot out like cannon balls. You'll do ok.
Due December 27th with baby #7
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) Hospital
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? I've had three vaginal births, and I had three different experiences!
#1 I had an epidural but it ran out when it came time to push so I felt that anyway. I think I could have handled the contractions without it, and it may have slowed down my labour. Hard to say though because it was my first.
#2 Arrived less than half an hour after I got to the hospital, so I had no choice, there just wasn't any time to give me anything. It was extremely intense, but also hours faster than my other two.
#3 I had an epidural but reacted badly and had to have it taken out, so ended up labouring and delivering med free.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? I guess because I've done it before and I know that I can handle it. Given the choice, I'd rather go med-free and have things progress faster. That being said, if I need pain relief, I'll take it. I expect to be GBS+ though so we'll see how that affects things.
ETA: I was GBS+ with DD as well, but she came so quickly that it didn't matter that they couldn't give me the antibiotics. She wasn't in the birth canal long enough and it wouldn't even have made its way into my system.
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) hospital
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? Yes and yes. Well..... I did get pitocin as I was pushing because my contractions were getting further apart.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? I've done it before and faster recovery. Plus I cannot handle the thought of a needle near my spine and I tend to shy away from medicine unless absolutely necessary.
If you've had a Med-free birth what is the highlight for you?
What is the hardest part for you?
What keeps you going when things are hard?
Due December 27th with baby #7
1 - how far along are you?: 17+3
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?): I originally wanted to have a home birth, but now I'm going to be in a hospital down the street from my house.
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free?: FTM here!
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?: There are a lot of reasons, and admittedly a good number of them comes from my past experiences with doctors and medications. When I needed help the most, doctors were way too happy to throw addictive drugs at me instead of searching for the cause. I was fortunate that I did not become addicted, but a lot of people do. Lots of painful shots in joint spaces and even more condescending remarks when I asked them to keep looking because I was in such god-awful pain. They thought I just wanted more drugs, when I wanted relief and one day to be able to do normal things without pain.
Anyway...although I know doctors aren't all the same, American doctors are just too comfortable suggesting medications that may not help, all because they don't want to actually do something. I feel that even though I'm sure an epidural is necessary at times, I feel scared and uncomfortable at the thought of something in my spine, and uncomfortable thinking that a doctor would push things I do not want on me. I've had some friends tell me that interventions stalled their labor, or expressed regrets over being so drugged they couldn't remember the birth. No thank you.
(My opinion doesn't include emergencies!)
Due December 27th with baby #7
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) Hospital
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? Nope, FTM
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?after reading about the side effects and other complications that come with an epidural, a Med free plan sounds better, even though I know things happen that I can't control.
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?) Hospital
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free? I have not - this is my first!
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? I hear so many horror stories about starting down the intervention path and then it keeps going and doesn't stop. I know my body was built for this and I'd like to let it try without being forced into something. Also, I don't like the idea of not having control over my body with an epi or the side affects.
TTC since November 2015
BFP #1 12/17/15 - MC 1/28/16
BFP #2 4/22/16 - EDD 12/30/16
Growing up, I always thought they could just put me out, do the C-Section to get the baby out, and wake me up later. Obviously, not normal by any means... but I feared the thought of giving birth vaginally. However, do plan to as long as there is no reason not to. And as far as meds, maybe I'd let myself go naturally as far as I can. I don't know what to expect.
TTC Since: November 2015
BFP: March 31, 2016
DS: November 21, 2016
It makes me kind of sad it's become so normal because I feel like most woman don't honestly know much about their effects. Everyone just assumes they're good because they're popular. It's totally fine if someone wants one, but I wish we (as society, doctors, everyone) did a little better on the informed consent thing. Even though almost everyone knows someone with some epidural horror story, there's just as many if not more people who praise the epidural gods for helping them survive. It really is a personal choice.
I came into this pregnancy thinking that the med-free groups were completely nuts. I generally have a low pain tolerance so I was definitely pro-epidural. But now doing a little more research and reading tons of birth stories I can see both sides. As of now, my plan is to have no plan. I will continue to research and stay informed but I'm not going into labor with a strict set of rules. I'm a FTM so I'll just see where it goes. If I can do it naturallly, awesome. If not, I still get a baby out of it.
@kbduke I feel the same way... I might not set rules and just see what happens.
TTC Since: November 2015
BFP: March 31, 2016
DS: November 21, 2016
@slartybartfast
Yes and no... Babies 1-3 I did do the testing... with my 4th I asked my MW if I could opt out of it and sign a waiver saying I'd take personal responsibility. I've never had an ounce of issue with it and was/am basically eating sugar free any way. I'm not sure if my new MW will allow me to skip it.
I also skipped testing for GBS and did a personal preventative treatment plan for it that my former MW had her patients do. You can refuse the IV treatment in my state and just treat symptoms if baby shows signs after birth.
Due December 27th with baby #7
where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?)- birth center attached to a hospital
have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free?-STM, and I was able to go med free. It was KIND OF an accident-my birth plan was to go med free so the midwife and nurses steered me that way, but at one point I was like, GIVE ME THE DRUGS and they were like, uh, we don't do that til 5 cm and you are only 3cm. Next time they checked I was ready to push.
why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you? I will try it again because DS was in a weird position and not having any meds allowed me to do squats and lunges and get him headed straight again-otherwise I would have had a c-section. Being med free also allowed me to be in the tub, walk around, and spend like most of the worst period in the shower, which I would not have been able to do. The times they had me laying down to monitor the heart rate of DS were the most painful.
@slartybartfast I had the glucose test as part of the prenatal.
@maamawaabangi what personal treatment plan did you do preventative for the GBS, if you don't mind sharing. I wasn't positive last time but am curious!
https://wellnessmama.com/8680/avoid-gbs/
In addition to taking probiotics, vitamins c and garlic they told me to apply several drops of tea tree or lavender oil to my underwear nightly for a week and to take baths with a cup of apple cider vinegar a few times or use a peri bottle and rinse with vinegar/water (the vulva, not internally!)
I don't do the garlic clove suppository and personally I avoid any thing like that because it can tend to introduce bacteria, plus I would find it impossible to sleep with a garlic clove in there... But that's me!
But... It would have the added benefit of keeping vampires away...
Due December 27th with baby #7
I know they say vampires aren't real,but....better safe than sorry?
17 weeks
2 - where are you giving birth? (hospital/birthing center/home/other?)
hospital- with a doula.
3 - have you given birth before? If so, were you able to do so med-free?
yes, once vaginally but not med-free. i was induced. maybe i'm just looking for an excuse, but i truly believe part of the reason my son ended up in the NICU and part of the reason i had a horrible PP recovery, was due to the 3 days of constant pitocin and epidural.
4 - why does a med-free plan A feel like the right choice to you?
^ because of the above reason