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July 2017 Moms
tuxielove93
member
Med-free/Home/Birthing Center Birth Support Thread
tuxielove93
member
I've seen a couple other bump months have threads like this. They aren't extremely popular, but seem to be really helpful for the ladies in them. I'm not sure how many other July mamas are planning for a med free birth, or an out of hospital birth, but I'm starting this thread to see if anyone else is doing so, and is interested in a thread to support each other, talk about our birth plans, and check in with each other. I figured we could do a check in once a month for now, weekly when we get closer to our due dates, and anything that comes up we could just put in the thread for that month. If anyone is interested and has a better idea/other ideas on how to do this, let me know!
**DISCLAIMER** This is not in any way a judgement on women who are planning to use pain medication, be in the hospital, etc. etc. As a FTM who is trying for a med-free birth, I just think it would help me to have other moms who are also planning this to talk to. Everyone woman should be able to and deserves to birth in whatever way she wants to and is comfortable with. In fact, even if you are only thinking about going med free, but totally open to the pain medication if you need it, jump in!
INTRODUCTION: So this thread is for any July mamas who are planning for a med free birth (aka, no epidurals, pain meds, nitrous oxide, etc. etc.), moms who are birthing out of the hospital, either at home or in a birthing center (or somewhere else if I'm missing anything), or who are thinking about going without pain meds, but who are open to getting them if they decide they need them. Did I miss anything lol?
I thought it would be good to do a little check in, so here's the template:
Why have you chosen the birth plan that you have?
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth?
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before?
How is it going so far?
What are you doing to get ready?
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers?
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets)
**DISCLAIMER** This is not in any way a judgement on women who are planning to use pain medication, be in the hospital, etc. etc. As a FTM who is trying for a med-free birth, I just think it would help me to have other moms who are also planning this to talk to. Everyone woman should be able to and deserves to birth in whatever way she wants to and is comfortable with. In fact, even if you are only thinking about going med free, but totally open to the pain medication if you need it, jump in!
INTRODUCTION: So this thread is for any July mamas who are planning for a med free birth (aka, no epidurals, pain meds, nitrous oxide, etc. etc.), moms who are birthing out of the hospital, either at home or in a birthing center (or somewhere else if I'm missing anything), or who are thinking about going without pain meds, but who are open to getting them if they decide they need them. Did I miss anything lol?
I thought it would be good to do a little check in, so here's the template:
Why have you chosen the birth plan that you have?
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth?
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before?
How is it going so far?
What are you doing to get ready?
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers?
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets)
Hubby and Me
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Re: Med-free/Home/Birthing Center Birth Support Thread
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth? I am planning a birthing center birth, which will be pain med free (they don't even have anything there as an option). I would probably be most comfortable at home, but there really aren't providers in my area, I am scared of this being my first birth, it isn't my house, and I know my family feels 100 times better that we'll be at a birthing center. It's all midwives there, pretty relaxing environment, and I do really love their practice. So I'm decently comfortable there. It is nice to know that they have a bunch of equipment if needed, and that they are a two minute drive from the hospital, and associated with it (in fact owned by it).
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before? I'm not sure there even are other STMs who are planning for this in this month, but my big question right now is: What is labor really like? I know, but I can't seem to find anything actually describing contractions. I'm just now figuring out that it isn't constant pain?? Does it only hurt when there is a contraction, or what?
How is it going so far? Good! Except for the BP issue. Like I said, white coat syndrome. My BP was 144/62 at the doctor. The next day it was 118/78 at the grocery store. I could feel my heart pounding when they were taking it, and I told them I was just having anxiety and that's why it was so high. I have a home monitor, and taking it in the morning it is normally 100/70. Anyways, my midwife told me they won't let me birth out of hospital if my BP continues to run high, but then they called me and asked me to keep a log, and bring in my home monitor to calibrate it and make sure I'm using it right. I'm going to track it at least once a day at various times for the next month, and take it every time I go to the grocery store, which is like twice a week. I'm really hoping that even if it runs high when I'm at the doctor, they will look at the numbers that are actually normal and put those in my chart instead of the high ones so I don't end up having to go to the hospital.
What are you doing to get ready? Desperately waiting for it to get warm! I want to take daily walks to keep myself in shape and ready for labor, but it's so darn cold and damp! I also got a birthing ball, which I've been rocking on whenever I fold laundry. I need to start using it even more though to try to prevent baby from going (staying I guess?) breech. I adjusted my posture and am always trying to sit on my butt bones and not rolling on my tail bone so the baby has plenty of room and doesn't go breech on me either.
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers? DH has been awesome and very supportive. MIL (whom I am actually very close with) is a total worry wort, and very concerned, but has been keeping herself in check pretty well. She feels a bunch better since I will be in the birthing center, but she is always asking questions, and just recently had to make sure I was ok with a c-section if I needed it. We also said what we wanted to do as soon as we told everyone we were pregnant, so they have had plenty of time to get used to it! My grandmother is actually my biggest naysayer. She asked if I was going to see an OB, and then made comments like midwives aren't doctors. She is also convinced that I won't make it to the birthing center on time (it's two hours away).Unfortunately, that is the closest facility to me. But come one. In all likelihood, especially with this being my first baby, I will have PLENTY of time to get there.
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets) I'm a dog person actually, but I have a cat. She 100% chose us, we weren't even looking for a pet when she showed up at our door. I love her anyways, and she's super cuddly and more like a dog than a cat (although she definitely has the attitude of a cat)
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Will reply to actual thread topic topic when not on mobile - Med free last time with a doula - praying for the same this time!
@mamadcb - thank you for this description, it's the clearest one I've heard so far. I know it's probably hard to really get the feeling across, but this description makes a lot of sense and is somehow comforting.
@kerils - I'm sorry that some parts of your family have been less than supportive. Grandma sounds a bit harsh
Why have you chosen the birth plan that you have?
Probably need more time to research and decide on preferences. I’m mostly telling myself right now that I go in with a wishlist instead of a plan, I won’t be as stressed out if things change.
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth?
The idea to try for a water birth at the birthing center - which I'm lucky is only 20 minutes from me, and adjacent to the labour ward. Planning on a doula. We’re also taking hypnobirthing classes. I’m big into meditation and all that airy fair stuff so it felt like a good choice.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before?
Anybody else get a doula? Would you get one again? (Just caught your post @caribbeanmama - it sounds like you appreciated having one?)
What are you doing to get ready?
First doula interview tomorrow morning! In April we’ll start classes and visit the birthing centre.
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers?
My family hasn’t asked, so I have no idea how they feel! DH has been super encouraging.
Socially I’ve had the opposite of naysaying. Many people I’ve spoken to plan to go or went unmedicated, and seem to assume I’d do the same - which I found a bit weird in the early days.
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets)
I absolutely love dogs, but DH has hygiene issues with them. We’re also never home to walk or care for one - so it’s a battle I’ve yet to win. I’m hoping our kid might have better luck guilting him into one
Why have you chosen the birth plan that you have?
I had a close friend, the only pregnant person in our friend group several years ago, who had watch The Business of Being Born and read books by Ina May Gardner. We had weekly Friday walks and she would tell me all about what she'd read and learned, and that planted the seed in my mind. When husband and I started thinking about trying, we watched TBoBB and read some of the same books, and decided that was the route we wanted to go. The practice my gynecologist was from only delivers babies at this particular hospital in town that has a >40% C/S rate, so we were definitely up for a change.
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth?
We will hopefully be at the birth center with midwives and possibly a doula. The birthing suites are amazing and I love that they have a little living area where your loved ones can hang out and even make meals. They dim the lights, play your music, and have a little light machine that makes it look like there are stars on the ceiling. I plan on taking a hypnobabies course for pain management, but the birth center also offers nitrous, and I am open to it if things become too intense. There is a hospital 3 minutes away, so that makes me feel good about potential complications.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before?
Someone in an earlier thread mentioned that they'd had success with hypnobabies before, so that's good to know. Did anyone else plan to have a home/birth center birth and end up being transferred to the hospital? This happened to my SIL and I'm hoping it won't happen to me. Our family tends to have giant heads and she thinks that contributed to it.
How is it going so far?
Good, I think! I feel like I just started to look pregnant a couple weeks ago, and have been feeling tons of movement, so that makes things feel a bit more real.
What are you doing to get ready?
We have been buying things here and there. We will be moving overseas almost immediately after the birth, so we've been trying to be smart about buying and/or registering for everything we may need the first year, without going overboard. Just got a shipment of secondhand cloth diapers today! Other than buying things, I've been trying to stay semi-active and eat semi-healthy. We are going to a doula meet-and-green tomorrow... all the ones I've contacted so far are booked, moving, or due at the same time as me
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers?
Everyone has been very supportive. Both MIL and my mom had natural, med-free births in hospitals and I think they are very happy with our decision. I've had a couple of friends do a bit of naysaying or be like "just you wait," but meh.
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets)
I am an every-animal person! This is weird/terrible, but sometimes I look at my dog and my heart melts and I wonder how I could ever love my human baby more than I love him. I mean, I know I will, it's just hard to imagine. But I think most animals are cute, and if there is an animal in the vicinity I want to be near it. In addition to our dog, we have two cats. One is pretty dog-like (greets us at the door, comes when he's called), and the other is pretty shy.
ETA pet pics... From mobile so I hope they're not too big.
@Cait32 I'm glad to see you're still here! I don't really care how people choose to participate, if they participate at all. I'm admittedly home and bored so I end up on here a lot, but I know that most people have jobs and lives etc. etc. I have a cat who insists on sleeping on me for hours and trapping me under her.
@mamadcb That's the best explanation I have heard so far. Definitely helps me to mentally prep for it. I was just talking to my friend who just had her baby (5 days ago) and I asked her about it, and she ended up with an epidural, but your description was even better. It's definitely going to be hard for me to not push. I'm already anxious to get him out (although I obviously want him to be healthy and cook as long as he has to) so I'm not seeing me being super patient. Ah well. Just another way motherhood has already humbled me. Most people are like "it's indescribable" and "you'll know it when you feel it" which does nothing for my desire to prep as much as I can.
@LarkSparkle It was a bit harsh, but my grandmother is such a quiet, calm person, it almost didn't come across that way. Oh well. I don't put a ton of stock into her opinion. Different generations etc. etc. I think having other women who are going through it at the same time will do a lot to boost my confidence that I can do it. I've tried to stay pretty positive, and stay away from talks about hospitals and the need for epidurals. I'm hoping that when the time comes, everyone will just be rooting for me to get through it without the meds, not telling me that I should just get them. That's also why I want the birth center, and why my DH being supportive is so important. He won't ask/push me to get them, and it's not even an option at my place so they won't either
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
@kerils I wanted to add that I was super excited to see this thread. I've been wanting to participate more, but have been waiting for a conversation topic that resonated. It's nice to be able to chat about this, and to hear what you're all planning/going through.
I hear you on different generations, and of course the naysayers probably aren't intentionally trying to psych you out. It's just annoying how even these small little comments or implications about what we 'should' be doing can get into our heads.
I realised after posting that the people I've been talking to are from pregnancy yoga - so their tendency towards unmedicated birth could be a demographic thing. Also, I'm in the UK now and I’ve realised that epidurals are slightly less common here (guessing because of costs to public health care system.) I'm from the US and kindof assumed I could get one if I really wanted it and the timing was still OK. Needs research I guess. I imagine it’s more challenging, socially, if you don’t have other people to talk to around you who have made similar choices. But on that note, hurray again for this thread!
@rjoys8 How far are you? I'm at 26 and the midwife told me yesterday that they're still small and have plenty of space to move around, and still change position often. Here’s hoping your baby finds a nice downward position to hang out in soon
(Edited for over-use of emojis)
@rjoys8 My baby was breech at the 20 week AS too, but I don't think they even do turn down that early. They're still pretty tiny. Judging by the kicks today, it actually seems like baby might be head down. I'm getting what feels like kicks almost in my ribs, and then punches/head butts on my cervix. But I think they can wiggle around for quite awhile. FX that both of our babies get into a good birthing position! I am worried about the sunny side up thing thanks to my anterior placenta, which might have moved too since they didn't say anything about it at my AS. They told me about it at the 13 week scan (NT). I got a regular exercise ball (anti pop) for less than $20 at Target and I love it. You just have to make sure it's blown up to the right height (and is the right height for you in the first place, there is a chart on the back) otherwise it isn't comfy, and isn't effective. Also, OMG your pets are adorable. FFFC, I just did that GTKY so I could share a cute kitty pic, and because I'm kind of down today and seeing other adorable pets makes me feel better.
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth? We plan to give birth through Froedert Hospital at Children's Hospital. My current OB will be the one who delivers my baby (unless I go in early or later than expected and she is unavailable). I hope to do a vaginal birth instead of c-section and as of now, there's no reasons as to why I shouldn't be able to. *Note: I am NOT against c-section. I just prefer vaginal for me. I know everyone is different* I plan on getting an epidural but as far as any other meds, that will be decided at the time (depending on if I need them). The only person in the room (other than the necessary medical staff) will be my DH.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before? Not right now.
How is it going so far? Pretty good. Can't complain (much).
What are you doing to get ready? Not too much. Started on the nursery already but that's about it.
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers? DH is supportive and so are my parents. I haven't talked much with DH's side of the family or my extended family about our plan so they haven't really had the option to be a naysayer.
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets) I am a pet person lol but DH and I have cats. We want a dog when we get a house.
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
Married: 06-2024
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
BFP: 07/17/2024
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Highly monitored internet and no cell service in the office, so I'm postin' and ghostin' while I'm workin'
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
@LarkSparkle and @kerils I'm almost 24 weeks, so that makes sense that they'll still change position a lot! I was a little surprised when the ultrasound tech used the term breech, I had thought they only used that word about the position going into labor? Guess not. I have a hard time visualizing baby's position based on the kicks I'm feeling. I've mostly been feeling them really low in my pelvis, and a couple inches below my belly button on either side. Nothing above my belly button or even close to it... I also have an anterior placenta so maybe that's part of it. I'm sure our LOs will figure it out the best position at some point in the next few months
I'll have to go get one of those yoga balls at Target this weekend! Also I am pasting another adorable pup below to cheer you up (she belongs to a friend, but I go check on her at lunchtime while my friend is at work ... She was found in a dumpster but has an awesome life now). I hope the rest of the weekend is better!
@Cait32 my state also has a lot of laws about birth center births, so we're in the same position with BP, breech, etc.
Dumb question: what is a chiropractor appointment like? I've never been to one but have had several recommendations to see one during pregnancy... I know they "adjust" things, but what does that actually look like?
My last labor and delivery worked out for me to go med free and I really treasure the experience (even the pain). I'd like to be able to go that route again.
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth?
As before, I will give birth in the hospital. I already have permission from my OB to go without the standard IV during L&D unless it becomes medically necessary. I hope not to use any pain meds and do delayed cord clamping again. My DH will be there for sure. I do want a video this time (wishing I'd done one last time) so I have to decide if I'm okay with another person present or if I just want to set up a tripod.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before?
Since I am an STM, can I give some unsolicited advice on this topic? Scroll past if you don't want to hear it
How is it going so far?
Great!
What are you doing to get ready?
Nothing, really. Last time I took a general L&D class with DH. The best thing I took away was suggestions for how to relax between contractions. That made a world of difference for me mentally and physically. I don't think I'll do a class again this time.
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers?
All very supportive. Mostly they don't know/ask, but anyone who does is supportive and DH very much so.
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets)
I like cats but I'm allergic to them, so, dog. I shared this on the pets thread ages ago but it's one of my favorites.
So for the spine she taps different spots with this activator tool while I lay on my stomach. It's pretty much a light quick tap, not even as hard as the reflex thing your doctor would do on your knees.
For my RLP, I suppose she's starting the Webster thing, its more like a massage - she said she's stretching the ligament. I'm laying on the back for that part.
Highly monitored internet and no cell service in the office, so I'm postin' and ghostin' while I'm workin'
Hope that helps!
@LarkSparkle a doula was the only way I made it through with my first. They are so knowledgeable about the birth process! It is important to interview and do your research and choose a good one!
Why have you chosen the birth plan that you have?
My family has always used a mix of "traditional" and eastern medicine. My dad was sick for years when I was younger, and it was the non-traditional docs that finally figured out what was going on. As I said above, I love chiro and have found it to be helpful in avoiding and getting over maladies that traditional docs would prescribe meds about. My family also has weird reactions to some meds (not quite allergies, they just don't work on us the way they do everyone else). Plus, the thought of being numb or out-of-it, and bed-ridden, is anxiety provoking and I don't want my kids coming into the world in a haze.
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth?
Still working on details. We will be delivering in a hospital with an ob. The local birth centers aren't covered by my insurance and consider me to be too high risk for various reasons (age, things related to my pgal-status, etc). My doc is technically a DO and the practice is supportive of different birth plans, so long as they jive with your risk levels (they work with a lot of pgal, high-risk, and infertility cases). I know that we will aim for delayed cord clamping, rooming-in, golden-hour skin-to-skin, quick breastfeeding, and delayed bathing. I want to be able to walk around, labor in the water if it feels right, and push in whatever position works. And I want to avoid pitocin, vacuums/forceps, or an episiotomy.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before?
Not quite birth-related, but I feel like this is the same audience: Placenta encapsulation -- not sure how I feel about this. Anyone have thoughts?
How is it going so far?
Pgal brain has sucked. But it's been an easy pregnancy.
What are you doing to get ready?
I've skimmed through the Bradley book and just ordered the Ina May and Art of Breastfeeding books. We are registered for Hypnobabies starting in about a month and I plan to find a breastfeeding class/group. Plus visits to my chiropractor and generally trying to eat healthy and exercise.
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers?
DH is very good about letting me direct how these things will go. He's anxious about laboring/birth in general, so I think that the classes will be helpful for him learning what to expect. If I have done the research and written out the plan he will be a good advocate for making sure it goes through and keeping me motivated. My family is about 75% supportive (ie, "that sounds good; but I'm glad you will be in the hospital in case you change your mind...") Some friends are 100% supportive and some think I'm 100% crazy for doing this without meds!
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets)
I'm both. We have two cats b/c our schedules have been too irregular to manage a dog. The older cat is an 11yo fat orange boy who is in love with my belly. The younger one is about 2yo and tiny in comparison, lean and muscular, and white with brown/black spots and ears/tail. He's scared of the belly after baby kicked him one day, but constantly at my feet. We also joke that he's part-dog because he will come when called, plays fetch, and mews when anyone comes to the door.
I was induced with my first at 39 weeks and ended up with a c/s--in my opinion due to the cascade of interventions, including epidural.
My water broke with my second, and I received an epidural. The epidural barely work for each delivery, and I'd really like to try without it this time.
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth?
To have a med-free hospital birth. I want little to no interventions.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before?
No questions, really. I'm just trying to prepare.
How is it going so far?
I can't complain at this point. I feel pretty great.
What are you doing to get ready?
im doing research, and looking into a few classes by a local doula.
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers?
DH is hot and cold about the subject. I'm trying to get him on board by showing him articles, listening to birth stories (that I find helpful), etc. I dont want him telling me in the background that it's okay to get an epidural, because I feel like if I hear that, I will give it. Obviously I know it's okay to get one--I had two! But, they both only barely worked, even when they kept using bolus on me. I don't really have any other support, and I really wish I could hire a doula. But, we don't really have the extra $$ at this point.
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets)
I prefer cats, because they're less maintenance. We have two dogs and a cat.
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth? I don't ever really have a birth plan. My plan is to have a baby. There are things I'd like to do different this time I plan on focusing on my breathing, bringing earbuds so I can listen to music and keeping the room dim and quiet. I'll give birth in the hospital with my OB, but my hospital is VERY med-free friendly and I felt no pressure last time from them at all.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before?
How is it going so far? Good, so far no concerns. At my AS they mentioned she's breech so hoping she flips and there are no issues with that. I still have plenty of time...
What are you doing to get ready? I feel like nothing compared to last time. I worked out, did prenatal yoga, went to the chiro etc with DD, now chasing a toddler and working full time etc I have no time. But I do plan on starting yoga again. That helped me focus on my breathing and stretch for labor so I definitely want to get on that again.
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers? H is super supportive. With DD, I told him to not let me get an epidural and when I told him I wanted an epidural that I couldn't take it anymore, he encouraged me through it! So I am super lucky to have him. This time though he might not be there for the birth so I'm hoping I'm strong enough to do it on my own! My mom and sister will be in the room, and while supportive, if I told them I wanted it they would probably let me. But I feel like I have a much better handle on it this time and am a lot more confident in myself.
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets) Dog, but I love all animals. No photos cause my phone got reset and I lost all pictures
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
I highly recommend a doula for anyone going for a med-free birth. That is my biggest regret from last time- not having one.
I'll be having a hospital birth with a midwife and doula this time and I'm hoping to go med-free this time or use nitrous oxide (I've read mixed reviews on here but I think I'm going to give it a try). My midwife has a great relationship with the OB's at the hospital and sends me for consults. I have a lot of confidence that she would call an OB into the room if necessary so I'm really comfortable with this plan.
A few of her examples were if you're afraid of needles, then as soon as someone wheels an IV into your room, that's your bear. But if you know ahead of time that it might be coming, you won't necessarily be as afraid of it vs it being unexpected. She also talked about some people's "bear" being unprepared and not having their hospital bag, but that in the end, baby will still come, baby will still be fine, and everything else is just details.
We also talked a bit about people who have had extremely quick deliveries and ended up with an unplanned home birth. Specifically to call people to you instead of trying to get somewhere else if it's progressed that far and what I found most interesting was that she said not to cut the cord. She was at a birth where the paramedics were delayed and even though she's been attending births for 20 years, she didn't feel comfortable cutting the cord so baby just stayed attached to the delivered placenta for 25 mins until the paramedics actually arrived.
I haven't made a final decision yet where I stand on the idea of meds, but hearing all of this stuff gave me more confidence in at least trying to go med-free for as long as possible, and to strongly consider having the gas instead of epidural if I do decide I need something.
Why have you chosen the birth plan that you have? I would like a quick recovery, the thought of an epidural scares me. I’ve also heard that they are not always effective, so I would rather prepare for med-free.
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth? In a perfect world, I would like to have a pain-med free birth at a hospital. As a FTM, I would be more comfortable with doctors around in the event something goes wrong.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before? I would love to hear your experiences. How did you prepare, and were you able to handle the pain?
How is it going so far? So far, so good. Baby is very wiggly and healthy. I’ve been lucky enough to have a complication-free pregnancy. Some days I feel very confident in my decision to try med-free, but other days I get a little anxious.
What are you doing to get ready? Hubby and I will take a labor and delivery class at the hospital, and I also plan to take a hypo birth course online. I believe it’s five sessions long. I will also be starting some maternity yoga courses, which I am really excited for!
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers? Most are supportive. Hubby says to do what I feel comfortable with. Not a whole lot of people have asked though. I think my doctor thinks I’m crazy.
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets) Totally a crazy cat lady! Love my kitty, who I worry will be a bit jealous of baby.
Why have you chosen the birth plan that you have? Mainly because I did last time. I was on the fence and it happened due to lack of time. I hoped for it because I wanted freedom to move and didn't want to be numb and have a catheter and a needle in my spine. Also I really liked the sentiment of knowing what it really feels like. I can tolerate a lot of pain and I had an easy birth so it worked out for me.
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth? Same hospital, try to stay home as much as possible but not to the point of no return. I don't want a surprise home birth. Hopefully less hysteria in the delivery room. The nurses were so obnoxious and yelling numbers at me and the doctor was poking me. They were all so annoying. I told my new obgyn that I'd like it to be more calm.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before? STM here. Ask away
How is it going so far? First trimester was harder. But ok now. I think this baby is bigger.
What are you doing to get ready? Nothing but praying. I'm not religious just saying I hope things go well but mentally I know anything can happen. If I need to take the edge off I am not too proud to ask. If it's a CS, then it is what it is.
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers? Last time everyone said that I should not be a martyr and the epidural is amazing. My mom had it both ways and knew the difference and said it was wonderful with the epidural and horrible without. She didn't try to convince me but it was interesting to see a real comparison.
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets) I have a cat but animals are not a big thing for me tbh.
@glitterfish
@rjoys8
In terms of what they actually did: I had to strip down to my undies while they observed me making certain movements, and put me into positions and asked about the pain. After this screening they did treatments, like: yanking my leg, or massaging the hip while bending my arm and lower back.
All I can say is it worked!! The pain was almost instantly better after I started seeing them.
This will be my third child. With my first two, water broke, I was given pitocin and delivered without pain meds. I want to do that again, although skipping the pitocin would be great. Before my first, I was sure I'd have an epidural, but after my birth class, I learned it could slow things down and the thought of a needle in my back was scary! I may try nitrous oxide this time if transition is terrible, but I don't want anything else.
What is your birth plan, including where you will birth?
I'm doing a hospital delivery. Assuming my water breaks ahead of time, I'm expecting pitocin, like the first two. I want to be able to move around, use birth ball, take showers, etc. Hoping for intermittent monitoring and no IV if I can get away with it. I won't do an epidural, but might do nitrous oxide; I plan to delay cord cutting, do skin-to-skin, and nurse right away. Other than that, pretty standard "natural" hospital birth.
Any questions for STMs who have had this kind of birth before?
Nope, I'm one of those moms!
How is it going so far?
Well, my OB practice is great, they have midwives, and I think my hospital is pretty open to listening to mom. Otherwise, not much happening other than growing this baby.
What are you doing to get ready?
Nothing yet. When I get close, I'll take EPO and I'm going to try eating dates this time around. I read a study - actual medical study - that indicated it helped with labor.
Is your family/partner supportive/ have you had any naysayers?
My husband is very supportive. He kind of goes drill-sergeant in the delivery room, which works for me. I don't want to be touched or coddled ;-)
GTKY: Are you a dog or cat person? (bonus points for photos if you have any pets)
I like dogs, but I'm allergic :-)