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December 2016 Moms
slartybartfast
member
1 - How far along are you?
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week?
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind?
Last week's thread
Med-Free Check-In 9/8
slartybartfast
member
1 - How far along are you?
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week?
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind?
Last week's thread
Mother of an April '15 baby
Due December 16
Re: Med-Free Check-In 9/8
1 - How far along are you? 25+3
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week?
It's going fine, although I found out today that at minimum I will be induced at least a week before Ash's due date, but potentially sooner if my BP does not stabilize. Upped meds from 2x to 3x a day, and may increase next week too if there's not much improvement. Absorbing the new information and trying to have birth wishes that make sense at this point.
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind
Is it worth trying to fight through the pain of induction? I've read Pitocin makes contractions way harder and that is intimidating for me. Not sure what to do.
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? I have a lot of hip pain lately. Mostly at the end of the night walking up the stairs
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind? Hmm...I don't thinkI have any questions a right now.
@dmontgo I had to get pitocin with DD. I really wanted to go med free with her but once I started pitocin I pretty much knew I couldn't do it (not saying you won't be able to, I just know myself) I lasted 1 hour before I asked for an epidural.
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? ok. I'm tired, overemotional, anxious, and have a headache but I'm surviving
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind? Now that we are getting closer I am thinking about getting a book about taking care of baby/baby development. Anyone have any suggestions?
@dmontgo - I think you are right about the Pitocin, my SIL had to be induced and she said that the contractions were much stronger and she got an epidural. It's possible to have an unmedicated birth with Pitocin but it sounds much more challenging. I am so sorry you are having continued BP issues.
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
25+1
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week?
Good. Since we've moved back to our home town, I've gotten to see a lot of people for the first time since being pregnant. That "you're too small" comments are getting old real quick. But whatever.
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind?
Nope. Start our Bradley class this weekend so I'm excited about that.
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? This weeks has been good. I just had an appointment with a new endo and I feel better about getting my thyroid back on track. I really loved the new doctor.
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind?
@dmontgo If it's any consolation I've heard from a few friends that had to have pitocin for various reasons was that while the contractions were stronger right off the bat, they didn't necessarily continue to get worse as labor progressed.. For example, one's water broke but she wasn't dilating so they gave her pitocin and she completely planned on getting an epidural. At about 6 cm dilated she said she felt horrible and wanted the epi because "if I'm only at 6 and these keep getting worse I'm going not going to be able to do this". However, she missed the window to get it but said that it actually never got any worse, just kind of plateaued at "suck".
For some reason hearing this makes me feel a little better about still being able to go pain-med free even if it comes to induction, hopefully it helps someone else too.
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? Pretty good. I got some new shirts, so I'm happy about that. Hungry ALLLL the time though.
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind? Nothin' here.
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 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? merf. Well. I have had so many things pile up on me at work and home that it's sort of lifted me out of concentration on pregnancy discomforts.
3- @dmontgo - no personal advice but I've had friends go med-free after induction. And others opt for the epi. It's so hard not having any guarantees of what to be able to expect...
@leksiL - wonder weeks is a good supplemental book. So far the phases have all hit DS very close to what they show and it's SO SO comforting when you've got a tiny baby that you get in a groove with and then suddenly it's just NOT WORKING anymore to know that - oh, it's a wonder week. I didn't suddenly become totally inept at momming. Other than that, we really like this book as a resource: https://www.amazon.com/Caring-Your-Baby-Young-Child/dp/0553386301
It's just good, solid, info. Well researched. I think it's just inarguable. Which is nice in the world of newborns where everyone has a different take on every dang thing. This is just solid.
Married Jan 2008
DD Baby Bells born Dec 2016 5 lbs, 12 oz, 18"
Due with #2 Baby Arya EDD February 2020
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? pretty good. I got the okay to see the midwife I requested so I'll officially be switching over to her practice on October 3rd. Biggest symptom this week is pelvic pain. By the end of the work day it hurts to walk, sit, exist. Ha!
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind? What are some things you're planning on doing to help "work" thru labor without meds?
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? Decent - good energy levels but more pelvic pain and super emotional. But I've slept well this week which makes everything more bearable.
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind? Does anyone have experience with rejecting interventions? I'm less worried about this since I'm switching to a midwife soon who I think will be totally supportive, but I still feel like it would be hard for me to say no in the moment - I don't mean if baby's in any danger, but I read about Pitocin really being pushed on people if labor is stalling and I know that I want to try every alternative before that.
@ajstevenson I'm planning on using breathing, visualization, and some physical strategies that Ina May talks about (counterpressure on the hips, different positions, she even mentions having someone shake your thigh/butt area to prevent you from tensing up). I definitely need to practice breathing because I know it'll be helpful but I also know I'll forget in the moment if I'm not prepared...
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? This week hasn't been too bad. Baby's kicks are starting to feel more substantial. I can feel her in two places at once now, like she's stretching. Had my Glucose Test yesterday and felt pretty crappy the rest of the day, but I passed. Glad to have that over with.
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind?
@ajstevenson I've been thinking about the same question- I'm glad you mentioned it. I've suffered with migraines for years and am allergic to the prescription migraine meds. So I'm hoping to use some of the same techniques I use for pain management for that. Mostly breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation. We'll see.
@mysteryship I just started reading Ina May's childbirth book- it's been really encouraging. Hoping to find some more tools in there as I get farther in.
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? Meh. I had a really busy July/August so when I finally got some breathing room I realized there were a ton of decisions that needed to be made, such as whether or not to stay with my current OB. I went to an open house tonight with the midwives practice at a different area hospital, and I'm going to switch. I think I have a much higher likelihood of having no/low interventions there than with my current OB. So, that's a big decision out of the way. We also finally decided on a class as well. Other than that, hip pain is getting worse, particularly when I'm trying to sleep - having a hard time getting comfortable. Also, heartburn is kicking in. I think that it's happening when I don't eat frequently enough.
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind? Anyone else considering switching practices at such a late date? I'm a little worried, but I don't have any known complications so far so I'm thinking it should be fine. And any suggestions on how to break up with my current OB?
@mysteryship I do. The midwife wanted to induce with pitocin due to the circumstances. I didn't jump to yes or no, I talked through the needs and the risks and the options with her and we decided together to give it more time before revisiting. It was 100% the right call and then I didn't end up needing it anyway. So I guess that's my advice.
I would not feel right thinking "okay if they say I have to do this, then I'll have to tell them no" Instead, for me, it's "if they say I have to do this then I'll ask 'really? now? what if not? what if later?'" And DH was/is armed with that approach too. If it's really an emergency, there'll be no doubt about that. Otherwise it's fine to take a minute or two to step back and discuss rather than just accept a change in route.
done.
Eta to say that I just called my OBs office last week and asked them to transfer my files. They were very professional and understanding.
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? Fine, but it's getting harder to tie my shoelaces:)
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind? None this week.
@dmontgo I think it really depends on how your labor is progressing and the status of your baby. I was given Pitocin after two days of contractions and only 3cm of dilation. The Pitocin did increase the intensity of the contractions but I was able to manage the pain through breathing exercises and using the birthing ball.
Unfortunately, I ended up getting an epidural after 4 hours of laboring with Pitocin and only dilating 1 additional cm. However I think this was more because of exhaustion (I was so tired I was falling asleep between contractions and waking up delirious and unable to focus on breathing) and because the nurses told me I needed to stay in bed because the baby was showing signs of distress. Mobility and focus were my greatest allies to overcome pain, once I lost those the epidural was the best option for me.
I have a good friend who was induced for both of her pregnancies. The first proved to be too long with complications and she opted for the epidural. Her second however she was able to do without. She said like me, the birthing ball was her favorite pain management tool.
@ajstevenson Here are things that did and did not work for me during labor.
Breathing- I learned about all sorts of different breathing techniques and counts during our birthing classes and we tried them all. Ultimately, simple, deep, controlled yoga breaths worked the best for me to keep me relaxed and focused.
Baths - Nice in the beginning but too restricting later on (But I guess if you have a bigger tub it may be better)
Showers - We have a walk-in shower and I liked having the birthing ball in the shower with me.
Sex - On the second day of contractions I was so over it I would try anything. Sex is suppose to be a natural inducer and sperm is rumored to help efface the cervix, but it was terrible! There is nothing worse then trying to have sex through contractions. And I'm pretty sure we accomplished absolutely nothing.
Walking - Great in the beginning, later on extremely uncomfortable and more difficult to get into a good breathing position for contractions.
Birthing ball - My best friend. The motion of this allowed me to work through the contractions while still focusing on my breathing.
My advice, especially if you have a long labor (as most first time mom's do) keep mixing it up. Change positions, try walking, get into the shower or the tub. It may seem like more work but it makes the time go by faster. I also used a wave analogy that helped me "ride" out the contractions. The pain starts lighter, builds and then recedes. I always tried to hold on to the idea that no matter how big the wave, it would always recede eventually. Birthing classes helped tremendously with this.
@mysteryship Yes, my doctor showed up and immediately recommended a C-section because of the length of my labor.
Instead of agreeing to it, I asked if there was a safe window of time she would be comfortable letting me try to push. She gave me twenty minutes to get his head past my pubic bone. That was the most intense 20 minutes of my life. Holy hemorrhoids! But I was able to get him into position and deliver him vaginally (sunny side up) I'm so glad I stood up for myself, asked for alternative options, and avoided the more invasive procedure.
I think your decision to go with a midwife is smart. They will know when intervention is really necessary and when its just easier for the hospital schedule. All of my "Advocates" (my mom and my husband) were so tired and worried by the time the doctor showed up they were on board for whatever the doctor recommended. It will be an enormous advantage to have someone with you like a doula or midwife with the knowledge and experience that friends and family can't always provide.
2- Pretty good. Other than some hip pain when I'm sleeping I feel energized and good!
3- Nothing.
One of our co-workers just had a baby this week ... it's improving my mood about birth a bit. Getting to snuggle a new squishy wee baby gives perspective. Such sweetness!
Due December 27th with baby #7
We've only had one hospital birth, so I can't say I have a ton of experience with dealing with saying "no" and other than my one crappy midwife experience I've always had midwives that I trusted their judgement and also their desire to also keep me from having unneeded interventions.
With that one situation, she wasn't "allowing" me to get in the tub to labor/relax and I wasn't progressing... her reasoning was that I had a ruptured bag and I was only at 5 cm. She also said I might fully stall, which I've never experienced. My reasoning was that I don't ever progress outside of water and that my long labor was being caused by her "not allowing" me to relax. She also tried to manually reposition the baby (with her big fat hands) I will not allow that again in any other birth... I don't care if the baby is butt first... there is only a few presentations that warrant that kind of pain and stress (for the baby's safety) which wasn't our case. I should have said, "No, we will allow the contractions to properly position the baby..." (which they typically do over time).
In the end we flat out told her that I would get in (really my husband thankfully), against her will, and that if anything bad happened we would gladly transfer (out of her care) to the hospital... the baby was literally born within 15 minutes of being allowed into the water. She was casting doubt on me, telling me I wasn't actually complete (with out even checking me), being fear mongering and also being combative saying things like "What do you think they will do at the hospital for you?" Which is absurd... "Um... deliver my baby, give me an epidural, perform a c-section... the list is long!" We had been polite, asked many times to "allow" me to get in and had been compliant ... in hindsight, I should have asked for her to leave the room so I could "rest" or be alone for a time, and I should have just gotten in the tub on my own. I had every right to do what I wanted as I desired... I just didn't, because birth is very vulnerable and I'd like to trust the judgement of my care provider.
But, I think one place to start is knowing the common interventions and knowing what alternatives you have to them. For me, my most likely intervention is that I go overdue and would "risk out" of a homebirth/midwife care and be "required" to be induced... I have always been able to just wait it out and I go naturally before 42 weeks (barely) but I've also researched every other form of natural induction and know what I'd do in progression if I ever did go to near 42 weeks again... and what I'd try before that point of "risking out" of a homebirth. I would do those things prior to hospital/chemical induction because I think they are safer and tend to allow for a more normal/natural birth process... So, knowing your other options are important and also, showing your care provider that you know you stuff. Basically, own it... and tell your care provider or say something like, "I think that I may do such and such... do you have experience with that?" and if you get push back question them on it. If they pull stuff like, "You don't want your baby to die..." or "that has risks" I would point out that there are many risks to the alternatives they provided too... because what they are really saying is, "I won't get in trouble for chemically inducing you... but I could for letting you try castor oil..."
Oh, dear, written a book... just my two cents... take or leave as you feel comfortable.
This might help... as it gives alternatives to most interventions: https://www.mamanatural.com/labor-interventions/
This is also important... https://birthmonopoly.com/allowed/
And this... https://trimestertalk.com/childbirth-rights-say-nicely/
Due December 27th with baby #7
2 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? walking is definitely harder and I really have to try not to stand for too long. bending over is hard, thankfully DH is being very helpful, getting me things, reminding me not to overdo it and rubbing my back.
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind? i'm just having trouble getting into the right frame of mind lately. pain is real and I wish I had that ability to "turn it off" like in Limitless. has anyone done hypnobirthing? does it actually help or is it just overhyped relaxation techniques?
My Wedding Bio!
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 - Overall, how is pregnancy going this week? Pretty good! Sleeping is getting more and more difficult. I can't imagine that'll ease up any time soon.
3 - Free for all - any questions on anyone's mind? No questions really. We had our childbirth class yesterday and I came out of it with a lot of confidence. I feel like I can actually do it without an epidural haha. It helped that every time she gave suggestions on how to progress labor or turn the baby etc she was quick to mention that with the epidural you have to labor on your back or side. It was really eye opening to see how limiting the epidural can be, so I'm going to try my hardest to avoid it. I've also been going to prenatal yoga so I'm hoping that will help.
To some degree. But, I wasn't prepared for how things went down. I assumed she'd be like my previous midwives and want to HELP me ... not fight me. She had/s arbitrary rules like "you can't get in a tub before 7 cm" which she never shared with us, and if we had known we wouldn't have worked with her. Additionally, when she checked me she always said I was at 5cm when the assisting midwife had said I was at 6 or 7cm when she checked me. I don't know if she was lying or had big hands (which she did) or if I closed back up??? My husband told me they were fighting the whole time I was in labor, both about that and if i could use the tub. Then she started calling the hospital about transfering me, without ever talking to me or my husband because she thought I was failure to progress. That was the point my husband said, "You're going to let her in and if that doesn't work we will go to the hospital" ...
She is an older midwife (however my two befor that had been too) but she did act more overbearing with prenatal stuff and gave us less options.
But, from what I've heard the other midwives who had worked with her won't any longer due to these same issues with many mothers. She also told us that we needed to put our 3 year old in preschool and "let her grow up" which is just nosy and none of her business to comment on. I chose not to work with her again (obviously) but the midwife I had last time (4th birth) was great but she has started working with this midwife, she is the back up or assisting midwife for her... So I had to tell her I couldn't work with her because of that, because there is no way that I trust or what that midwife around me or while I birth again! So now I'm with the midwife who was the assisting midwife at my last birth.
Due December 27th with baby #7
Now I got goals.
oh yuck. I watched the thing splat out. gross it is, fascinating, well I guess it depends on what you find fascinating. it definitely made DH turn green. neither of us remembered there was an afterbirth, we were so fixated on getting baby out. I think he made me laugh and with that it just came out all alien like.
My Wedding Bio!
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
@gowenc YES. Terrified. I do attend fitness classes 3-5 days a week, and one of those days is yoga. It's just so hard to go into something I've never experienced before and know if I'll be able to do it or not.
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
But, yes... Walk, yoga, and be active! It helps!
Due December 27th with baby #7