This post is making me wondering how many people had successful epidural experiences. Mine was amazing, but doesn't seem like everyone was as lucky. Seems like I am in the minority.
Mine was great, too. But now I'm nervous about this time around because I really want one again!
This post is making me wondering how many people had successful epidural experiences. Mine was amazing, but doesn't seem like everyone was as lucky. Seems like I am in the minority.
It's making me wonder the same thing... in a slightly horrified way, lol.
-snip- Either way, thank you everyone for sharing your birth stories. I'll be honest, some of yall's stories are straight horrifying/scary as a FTM, but thanks for the reality check.
That is all.
This exactly.
Really, though, thank you all for sharing!
I tried to make mine positive so as not to freak anybody out, although my experience was pretty good and positive anyways.
@labby18 Honestly, I'm hoping that most of the birth stories don't come across as horrifying/ scary. A lot of times, especially as a FTM, all you hear about are the horror stories. My birth, while not what I expected, overall went well, and could have gone so much worse. The bad part, for me, came afterwards, when I had time to process emotionally what happened. Having a doctor tell you that your child's heart rate is decelerating so rapidly that you don't have any time, it's so hard. No time for an epidural, for full dilation, for anything except pushing immediately. I'm sure the PP hormones didn't help, either. The part that surprised me the most was that afterwards, when the midwives spent weeks asking me about PPD symptoms, I didn't have anything considered not normal. But if they had asked me how I felt about my birth, I would have been on the floor in a ball, crying my eyes out. It's so strange, the way your mind reacts when it's all said and done.
@sugarrush I was mean to the nurse trying to get my placenta out. They had just whisked away DS, I was chugging on an oxygen mask, and ready to just pass out, and I feel a tugging sensation. I looked down, and said, "What the hell are you doing?" She was like, "I'm trying to get your placenta out, do you feel like pushing?" very meekly. She probably thought I was going to rip her face off. I was tired of people messing with my nether regions, and I felt terrible afterwards when I regained my senses!
I was on hospital bedrest and scheduled for a csection at 37w due to positioning. At 36w4d I woke up at 4 AM with some pain and was unable to catch my breath. They did some blood work and determined that my preeclampsia was progressing. My blood pressure was really high and I was also having contractions. My night nurse Sandra was amazing and helped me argue with the doctors about what we were going to do. My DH slept on the uncomfortable chair next to me every night I was in the hospital so he was already there as well. Finally they wheeled me down to labor and delivery. They gave me the meds and did the csection. I did not feel a thing. They took baby A out first and she cried right away and then they took baby B out. I got to do some skin to skin with them after I was stitched up. I got moved downstairs and put on magnesium for 24hrs. My babes could not be with me so that was really hard. Although that evening Ohio State won the National Championship against Oregon so that was amazing.
After my magnesium I could be with the ladies. Baby B had some issues with her heart called bradycardia and had to go into the NICU. They found the issue during her car seat test. She had lost some weight and was under 5lbs so in the state of VA they do a car seat test before they can leave the hospital. Her sister and I went home and she stayed in the NICU for about a week or so. My DH and I visited her a few times a day. It was really sad having to leave her there alone at night. She finally came home and is a crazy gal these days.
I have a question, if anyone is willing to answer, lol. What specifically do you wish YOU had done differently, if anything? I know these things can't be completely controlled/planned, but looking back... what do you wish you had known more about/spoken up for/done, etc?
Ok. I created a poll about the epidurals since several of us are curious now.
@HollyGolightly09 I wish I would have done more research on the benefits of vacuum vs C-Section. By the time I had to make the decision, I was exhausted and couldn't think correctly. I'm not sure if I would have picked differently, but it would have been nice to have an answer ready. I also never took birthing classes. I figured I didn't need them. I'm still not sure if I would have wanted to go to the birthing classes, but it would have been nice to have better ways to focus my pain in the beginning. Instead I was just a fountain of cuss words.
@DPandMB mine was also amazing! I loved every second of my epidural and will absolutely do it again. But you're definitely right, it seems like so many people had trouble. Between mine and my sister's 3 (all with epidurals) they were all successful. I'm so surprised to hear so many of you ladies had issues with them!
@HollyGolightly09 I would have refused the induction, and let him come on his own terms. Or, I would have requested the "emergency" csection several hours sooner, since that's where I was headed anyway.
FTMs, don't be horrified or scared. Birth is raw and shameless. It's the most vulnerable you may ever be. Women have been having babies for centuries, it's not something you can't do. Truly, I think doctors/hospitals/nurses/drugs make the whole thing more complicated and more frustrating than it really should be.
I have a question, if anyone is willing to answer, lol. What specifically do you wish YOU had done differently, if anything? I know these things can't be completely controlled/planned, but looking back... what do you wish you had known more about/spoken up for/done, etc?
I wish I hadn't asked for an epidural. I couldn't have known it would ruin the rest of the birth but if I could go back, I would tell myself to not to! My sister had two completely wonderful epidurals, to clarify. She's had two fairly normal, fairly quick vaginal births. I wish I had decided to try other things first like more walking or different positions or the tub or something.
All of my friends who had epidurals were very happy they had them, and had no side effects. A lot of it has to do with the skill of anesthesiologist who is placing the needle, I think. In the end, even though I wanted an epidural, I'm really glad that I didn't. I was able to get up and move around immediately, and didn't need a catheter.
I honestly wouldn't have done very much differently. I trusted the medical team at my hospital to do whatever it took to get my son born, and both of us healthy afterwards. Ignoring my emotional response to birth, I want to let the FTMs know that it really was a positive experience. However, I would have pushed more for the formula to be brought to my son sooner. I had to ask again maybe 5 hours after DS was born for it, even though I told the nurses immediately that I wanted him to have it until my milk came in. It's part of the down side of the baby friendly hospitals, IMO. Moms who can't/ don't want to BF can have a very rough time of it.
Ohh @ColoradoHikerreminded me of something. Not with the birth, but with taking care of my LO after delivery. DD ended up with bad jaundice, and had to be admitted to spend time under the light. Only after the admission, did they tell me that I needed to be feeding every two hours, supplementing with formula, and watching the output. Looking back at pictures, I can see how yellow she was. I didn't force the every 2 hour feedings until she was admitted. If I had started that sooner, we might have been able to avoid the admission.
@DPandMB My DS came close to being admitted after we went home. I think if we hadn't taken him home on a Friday night (we had our follow up visit on Mon or Tues of the next week), and he'd been seen sooner, they would have admitted him again. I didn't realize how orange he was until a few days later! This was over a week after he was born, and this was an improvement! My pale arm, for comparison's sake.
I am due with Baby #2 so my last delivery I was. FTM. I will say that labor was probably the part of pregnancy I was most nervous about. I have never had to deal with pain and thought for sure I would just die. If you ask DH he will say it was terrible but I think it was better than I expected. I was contracting all Saturday night and Sunday morning had DH take me to the hospital only to leave at the elevator because I was certain they were going to send me home. Contractions calmed down, then Sunday evening they returned and worsened. Went to the hospital around 2:30 AM Monday to be told I was only 1 cm and they monitored me for 2 hrs (doctor never came and saw me.) Monday morning had a doctor apt (was 40 w 5 days) and my OB checked me was 3 cm and BP borderline high so they sent me back to hospital. The admitting OB started pitocin which I didn't need. They told me I could get an epidural and then at shift change the new doc on said stop pitocin and no epidural until 5 cm. My BP started creeping up due to pain so they gave me something to bring it down which dropped babies HB so they then had to give some epinephrine to bring it up which was somewhat scary but not too serious. Finally at 4.5cm (and hours later) I made the nurse call anesthesia. Got my epidural which was amazing but very strong and dilated to 9cm in like 45 minutes. They had to turn my epidural off for actual delivery because I was having trouble feeling the contractions. Delivered my sweet boy Tuesday AM after about 17 hrs of actual labor. My OB was not on call so the midwife delivered him and it went well. We were surprised to find out he was missing 2 digits on his L hand that was not seen on any ultrasounds but he is otherwise totally healthy. He has a thumb, index and ring finger and had to have surgery at 6 months. It has not limited him whatsoever.
Rants: I was set on hiring a birth photographer and am so glad we did. The photos are tasteful and some of my absolute favorites and allowed my husband to be completely present for the birth and not worried about capturing pictures. It also gives you the opportunity to look back and enjoy some things that you may have missed in the blur of labor and delivery.
Definitely bring comfortable clothes that are loose, most are still swollen and not down to pre-pregnancy size. Trial size shampoo, conditioner and body wash/face wash. Hospital products are not good and you want to feel fresh after all of the hard work!
Wow! Some of these stories are making me feel like my two births were easy, and I admit that I thought they were pretty tough. I had both my son and daughter at a birth center that is in a hospital. They let you eat, drink, move around however you want during labor, and you can use the birthing tub to labor or give birth. If you decide you want an epidural, you have to be moved to the regular part of the hospital and go through normal procedures and monitoring. I was 40 weeks and 2 days when I went into labor with my son. I had been cleaning all day and having braxton hicks type contractions that were not painful. I was 1 centimeter dilated at my check up that afternoon. About 11:00 pm I had my first sharp painful contraction and they became regular pretty quickly. I took a bath and then headed to the hospital about 12:30 am. I was 4 centimeters when I arrived. I labored by walking around, bouncing on a birth ball and taking a shower. My pain was pretty manageable. Around 8 am, I was 8 centimeters and still pretty comfortable. At that point, my labor started to stall and by 2 pm I was still 8 centimeters but I was pretty comfortable. I was getting exhausted though and I wish I had tried to sleep at this point, because looking back I think my body was trying to give me a break. We decided to break my water, and my contractions began to pick up immediately. I stayed in the birthing tub from that point on to cope. About 4 pm, I was fully dilated but really didn't have a big urge to push. I was so ready to be done that I started pushing even though I really didn't feel like it. When I started pushing, I had to get out of the tub because the group of OB's I worked with did not allow water deliveries. Pushing was long, hard and pretty much miserable. My son was born face up which made pushing really hard. He was born at 6 pm. I was able to nurse and hold him right away which was great, but when the nurse tried to have me stand up after delivering the placenta I fainted. I had a really bad tear. I felt like I had been hit by a truck the next day, but recovery was not too bad. I went into labor with daughter at 39 weeks and 6 days. I had my check up that afternoon and was dilated to a 5. I had been 3-4 centimeters for a few weeks. The Dr stripped my membranes and pretty much convinced me that I would be in labor that night. This was my first time meeting her and she was new to the practice. This was a new practice that I switched to specifically so I could have a water birth. The Dr basically told me that since this was baby #2 I should come right to the hospital if I was having contractions. I did started contracting pretty regularly after my appointment, so I decided to go to the hospital about 6 pm that evening. I was 6 centimeters when I arrived at the birth center. I walked for a while and I felt like my contractions were slowing down. At 9 pm, my Dr arrived and broke my water and things picked up from there. I got in the birth tub pretty much immediately after my water broke and my contractions were very strong. My Dr went home after breaking my water and instructed the nurses to call her when I got close. It was pretty clear to my mom, sister and husband that I was in transition. They asked the nurse to call the Dr to tell her to come. The nurse told us that the Dr said that I seemed way too calm and was not yelling/screaming, so I couldn't be close. I am very calm naturally and I try to relax through contractions, so this was very frustrating. I do remember a point when I was in so much pain and I questioned why in the world I was doing this again without meds. Finally I said that I had to poop, and I got out of the tub and sat on the toilet. I immediately felt a contraction coming and got back in the water asap, because I realized that I needed to push and not poop! I told my mom that I was pushing, and the nurse ran in to see if I was dilated. The babies head was already right there, so she hurried to get a resident since my Dr was not there. A resident ( who was not comfortable/ familiar with water births) came running in and I pushed my daughters head out in 1 push. I was on my knees when I was pushing. Then the resident freaked out because she thought the baby's shoulders were stuck. In reality, I was no longer contracting so that is why she wasn't coming out. I knew this but in the moment she was so panicked and started yelling at me to push the baby out, so I pushed as hard as I could without a contraction. That was the most painful part and I felt myself tear. When a contraction came, she came flying out and I picked her up out of the water and held her. She was born at 12:05 am. This all happened in a matter of moments and really freaked my family out. I was really disappointed that the nice calm water birth that I planned was spoiled by my Dr not showing up. She was born face down which made pushing a lot easier! All in all, both of my babies were born very healthy. They were both almost 9 lbs.They monitored their heart rates throughout labor, and they always sounded good. I was able to nurse and hold them both right away. My births were painful but worth it. @HollyGolightly09 Looking back I would never push before I felt like I had to. I would listen to my body more and rest instead of trying to speed labor up when there really is no need. I also switched to a new group of Ob's/midwives and I am hoping that one of them shows up for my birth!
TTC #1 January 2009 January 2010 SA results: Count 16 million, Motility 40%, Morphology 2% January 2010- Surprise BFP! DS born 10/1/2010 January 2013 TTC #2 September 2013 Repeat SA: Count= 1.7 million, Motility= 24%, Morphology= 2% November 6th 1st Appointment with RE: diagnosed with severe MFI Testing to try to determine a cause & possible treatment for MFI CD 3 blood work for me. RE does not want to repeat my HSG/lap at this point, but may want to before moving forward with any fertility treatments. After seeing the uro, DH is currently taking lots of supplements and clomid to try to boost his count. We will have a repeat SA in February to see if it works. Follow up SA numbers are: Count= 4 million, Motility= 40%, Morphology= 1% Uro wants us to have another follow up SA 5/9 to see if we see further improvement than we are back to the RE to make a game plan.
SA 5/9/2014 Count: 12 Million, Motility: 60%, and Morphology 2%. We will be doing iui #1 in late June
IUI #1 6/28 clomid + ovidrel, post wash count 3 million total sperm= BFN
IUI # 2 7/21 clomid+ ovidrel. post wash count 900,000 total sperm= BFN
IVF planned for early November- cancelled due to cyst
I don't want to spell out my whole birth story because it sucks and I don't want to scare any FTM's. But in the end I was able to deliver a healthy baby girl and that's all that matters.
Rants/Raves?
I had to be induced due to low amniotic fluid, so I wasn't given the option to let DD come on her own terms.
Was it similar to what you expected?
Not at all.
What things might you try to do differently?
All bets are off this time. With twins I am not going to be closed minded. I literally have to expect that anything can happen.
Necessities to bring to the hospital?
Chapstick. Lotion. Entertainment.
Was it your doctor who delivered?
Nope, I never met the doctor that delivered her. But I really liked her, so I wasn't too torn up about that. I felt like I was in capable hands with her.
How did your SO/DH do?
Great. Although it made me mad seeing him walk around and eating and doing normal things while I was stuck in that crummy bed.
Any advice for the other SOs/DHs out there?
Don't say anything stupid.
Other advice you might want to share?
Be an advocate for yourself. If you need something, ask for it. I had a terrible nurse that didn't hold my leg when I was pushing and I straight up yelled at her. She also started threatening me that I would have to have a csection if I didn't try harder. Are you kidding me woman? So she was on my poopoo list.
Here goes. DS- I was induced at 36 weeks due to low fluid and baby not growing. They did cervadil in the evening and we slept until the started Pitocin the next morning around 7. The Dr broke my water and I got my epidural. I felt no pain but felt a little pressure during my contractions. His heart rate was dropping a little so they gave me oxygen and switched my position often. I did get a nap and was complete around noon. I pushed 3 times and he was here. All 3lbs 15 oz of him. Overall nothing scary about the experience. DD-1: I was induced at 39 weeks because my doctor was going out of town for 2 weeks. Same story of Cervidil at night then Pitocin in the morning. Again I got an epidural as soon as they broke my water. It worked beautifully, took a nap was complete around 11 and only pushed 3 times. She was 6lbs 9 oz. DD-2: I was induced at 39 weeks for borderline high blood pressure. Went in for cervadil but I was too far dilated so they did not do it. I just slept at the hospital and they started Pitocin around 7 AM. Doctor broke my water around 8AM and I got an epidural shortly after that. But this time it did not work. I had pain with every contraction which I was not prepared to deal with since my prior epidurals were so good. The anesteologist came back several times trying to get it to work. My legs were numb and I could not move them myself but still felt every contraction. Baby was in a bad position and would not come down so dilating took forever! Finally the doctor came in after office hours and checked me and decided I could try to push even though I was not completely dilated. Thankfully I pushed once and baby got in a better position. I pushed a few more times and she was here. 8lbs 0 oz.
I would recommend child birth classes so you go in prepared and with a little information about several scenarios. That way you are not caught completely off guard if your plan changes while you are in labor.
I delivered DS two weeks early. I had some pain in my back when I woke up about 6 a.m. that morning, so I called my doctor asking for a drop-in appointment to help with back pain. I drove myself to my doctor's office and lo and behold I was already 5 centimeters dilated and in labor. My husband was working about 45 minutes away from the doctor's office and since I had driven myself there they were concerned about how to transport me to the hospital. Since the hospital is so conveniently close to my doctor's office, the nurses put me in a wheelchair and pushed me a couple blocks down the street to the hospital. They sure seemed to get a kick out of it. I was admitted to the hospital about noon that day. My husband came shortly after and was the only one with me for the whole time. I preferred it that way and I will most definitely be going that route again. I labored until about 5 o'clock walking around as often as possible, using a medicine ball, a rocking chair, listening to music etcetera. The doctor on duty who was not my doctor suggested that we break my water in an attempt to speed things up. I was about eight centimeters at that point and felt like I was able to manage the pain well. I had been doing this med and epi free,so the nurse advised me not to break my water as some women report having more pain after their water breaks. We listened to the nurse and I labored for about another hour or two until my doctor came on duty. I was about nine centimeters, but she had to go do a C-section. I was happy to see her leave. I knew I could handle the pain of contractions by focusing on my breathing, finding a focal point in the room,etc but I was and am nervous about pushing. There was no real good way to prepare myself for it. But I couldn't put pushing off forever. I started pushing at about 8 pm, and my son was born at 9:55 pm. I had several tears that required stitching but no further complications. Whew. Didn't meant for this to be as lengthy!
Wow! Some of these stories are making me feel like my two births were easy, and I admit that I thought they were pretty tough. I had both my son and daughter at a birth center that is in a hospital. They let you eat, drink, move around however you want during labor, and you can use the birthing tub to labor or give birth. If you decide you want an epidural, you have to be moved to the regular part of the hospital and go through normal procedures and monitoring. I was 40 weeks and 2 days when I went into labor with my son. I had been cleaning all day and having braxton hicks type contractions that were not painful. I was 1 centimeter dilated at my check up that afternoon. About 11:00 pm I had my first sharp painful contraction and they became regular pretty quickly. I took a bath and then headed to the hospital about 12:30 am. I was 4 centimeters when I arrived. I labored by walking around, bouncing on a birth ball and taking a shower. My pain was pretty manageable. Around 8 am, I was 8 centimeters and still pretty comfortable. At that point, my labor started to stall and by 2 pm I was still 8 centimeters but I was pretty comfortable. I was getting exhausted though and I wish I had tried to sleep at this point, because looking back I think my body was trying to give me a break. We decided to break my water, and my contractions began to pick up immediately. I stayed in the birthing tub from that point on to cope. About 4 pm, I was fully dilated but really didn't have a big urge to push. I was so ready to be done that I started pushing even though I really didn't feel like it. When I started pushing, I had to get out of the tub because the group of OB's I worked with did not allow water deliveries. Pushing was long, hard and pretty much miserable. My son was born face up which made pushing really hard. He was born at 6 pm. I was able to nurse and hold him right away which was great, but when the nurse tried to have me stand up after delivering the placenta I fainted. I had a really bad tear. I felt like I had been hit by a truck the next day, but recovery was not too bad. I went into labor with daughter at 39 weeks and 6 days. I had my check up that afternoon and was dilated to a 5. I had been 3-4 centimeters for a few weeks. The Dr stripped my membranes and pretty much convinced me that I would be in labor that night. This was my first time meeting her and she was new to the practice. This was a new practice that I switched to specifically so I could have a water birth. The Dr basically told me that since this was baby #2 I should come right to the hospital if I was having contractions. I did started contracting pretty regularly after my appointment, so I decided to go to the hospital about 6 pm that evening. I was 6 centimeters when I arrived at the birth center. I walked for a while and I felt like my contractions were slowing down. At 9 pm, my Dr arrived and broke my water and things picked up from there. I got in the birth tub pretty much immediately after my water broke and my contractions were very strong. My Dr went home after breaking my water and instructed the nurses to call her when I got close. It was pretty clear to my mom, sister and husband that I was in transition. They asked the nurse to call the Dr to tell her to come. The nurse told us that the Dr said that I seemed way too calm and was not yelling/screaming, so I couldn't be close. I am very calm naturally and I try to relax through contractions, so this was very frustrating. I do remember a point when I was in so much pain and I questioned why in the world I was doing this again without meds. Finally I said that I had to poop, and I got out of the tub and sat on the toilet. I immediately felt a contraction coming and got back in the water asap, because I realized that I needed to push and not poop! I told my mom that I was pushing, and the nurse ran in to see if I was dilated. The babies head was already right there, so she hurried to get a resident since my Dr was not there. A resident ( who was not comfortable/ familiar with water births) came running in and I pushed my daughters head out in 1 push. I was on my knees when I was pushing. Then the resident freaked out because she thought the baby's shoulders were stuck. In reality, I was no longer contracting so that is why she wasn't coming out. I knew this but in the moment she was so panicked and started yelling at me to push the baby out, so I pushed as hard as I could without a contraction. That was the most painful part and I felt myself tear. When a contraction came, she came flying out and I picked her up out of the water and held her. She was born at 12:05 am. This all happened in a matter of moments and really freaked my family out. I was really disappointed that the nice calm water birth that I planned was spoiled by my Dr not showing up. She was born face down which made pushing a lot easier! All in all, both of my babies were born very healthy. They were both almost 9 lbs.They monitored their heart rates throughout labor, and they always sounded good. I was able to nurse and hold them both right away. My births were painful but worth it. @HollyGolightly09 Looking back I would never push before I felt like I had to. I would listen to my body more and rest instead of trying to speed labor up when there really is no need. I also switched to a new group of Ob's/midwives and I am hoping that one of them shows up for my birth!
I can definitely relate to some of this. My nurse said that she had never seen anyone as calm as I was in transition. In reality I was in a lot of pain, but I had to manage it with a calm exterior to get through it.
I really appreciate your advice not to push until you feel like you need to. I didn't feel like I had to push probably for the first hour that I pushed. It was only at the end when contractions were really intense that I felt the need to. Starting to push before I really wanted/needed to damaged my confidence because it didn't feel right. I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. I'm hoping for an easier time pushing this go around.
I have a question, if anyone is willing to answer, lol. What specifically do you wish YOU had done differently, if anything? I know these things can't be completely controlled/planned, but looking back... what do you wish you had known more about/spoken up for/done, etc?
I would have not let the nurse talk me into pushing for 2 hours flat on my back. And I would have argued more for no episiotomy. The OB said I needed to or I would tear worse, but I had a horrible time healing from it and it required cauterizing scar tissue and topical estrogen and finally after 8 months it felt normal. I would have also pushed for more skin to skin time before they took DS away for blood work and assessments. I have hired a doula this time to make sure I have another voice. As a nurse practitioner I was shocked how passive I became, but this wasn't my territory and I was so exhausted at that point you will almost do anything. My epidural worked until I started pushed and I felt everything, including my OB trying to stitch me up. I was like whoa!! I need some lidocaine there. I was induced at 41w2 and had my son 9-10 hours later.
edit: there was a CRNA student who asked to place my epidural and I said nope, sorry. Luckily my OB doesn't allow students to place them but I thought you can go practice on someone else tonight!
LosAngelesMama Yoga Girl is my spirit animal. That woman is a warrior. I only discovered her recently but it's been so neat to go back through her instagram and see baby's debut in reverse.
@TLooney17@CoastalMomma I remember during our birthing classes we were told there are two types of mamas - there are the screamers like we always see on tv, and there are the ones who are so calm that you wonder if they are secretly plotting to kill you after delivery.
Rants/Raves? I chose midwifery care and delivery at a birthing center. I was 41+3 weeks and had an appointment to discuss a plan for possible transfer to an OB/hospital. During the appointment they were convinced I would go into labor within 24 hours - I was dilated to 4 cm and lost my mucus plug during my exam. They did do a membrane sweep because I was so close to 42 weeks. Almost 3 days later (a day shy of 42 weeks) I had my first ever contraction around midnight. I labored at home for a little more than 24 hours before heading to the birthing center. I think we jumped the gun on going in, actually, but DH was super stressed and the midwives were kind enough to indulge him. After a few hours they drew a bath which I happily accepted - it was heavenly. At one point I had to take a massive poo - also heavenly (tmi?). Then, my labor stalled We tried several homeopathic methods to kickstart labor again (tinctures, hot shower, nipple stimulation, walked around a lot, spinning babies techniques). We were finally able to break my water by doing an abdominal lift and I immediately went into transition. I'm not sure how long I was in transition or active labor. It sure felt like forever because by that time I had been awake for almost 48 hours and was just exhausted. I tried birthing on a stool but eventually moved to the bed because I was so very tired. I'm actually really happy with where we ended up - DH was straddling me from behind to offer physical support and it was a really beautiful intimate experience between us. I had very light tearing, it took just 3 stitches. I took a nice long bath while DH held baby and we were sent home within 4 hours of delivery. Recovery was a breeze. DH had to keep reminding me to take it easy and slow down.
Was it similar to what you expected? I foolishly expected my birth story to be similar to my mom's 3. Her active labor was all of 30 minutes each time and she only had to push a handful of times before we came. She also said she went numb from the waist down so never really experienced pain during transition and active labor. My experience was quite long and painful in comparison. Also, I was told that since I've passed kidney stones, delivery would be a breeze. I don't remember who said it (probably my mom), but they are an idiot. Overall, though, it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. Initially my contractions were so not a big deal. I even slept through them for a while. Once transition hit, it was probably the most painful thing I've ever experienced, but I was still able to handle it without meds. In the end, one second all I felt was unbearable pressure and then all of a sudden baby was here and everything was complete calm. It was the strangest thing I've ever experienced.
What things might you try to do differently? My parents were with us at the birthing center and while I don't regret their presence for a minute, I will totally have just me and DH there this time. I also want to labor longer at home - just be comfortable in my own space as long as possible.
Necessities to bring to the hospital? I know it's not an option for everyone, but if it is for you - bring food. We had some Luna bars and nuts and things, but I was there for 24 hours and could have used something more substantial. Beyond grannie panties, I brought full on adult diapers. Best decision ever. I didn't have to mess with pads or worry about leakage. Also, comfy maternity yoga pants are the best.
Was it your doctor who delivered? The midwifery center has a rotating practice so they make a point of giving you the chance to meet every midwife. I started laboring during one shift and delivered during another. I'm actually quite happy that the midwife who was there with me in the beginning was not the one who delivered. She was super sweet and I liked her, but I needed someone a little less sweet with me during actual delivery.
How did your SO/DH do? He was, and is, amazeballs. I'm so very lucky to have him. The midwives were all about skin to skin with mama right away, but I really wanted him to hold baby before anyone (including me because I figured I got to hold baby for 9 months and now it was his turn), so I made him take of his shirt and cuddle up with baby between us so that he could have that immediate skin to skin too. He thought I was a lunatic, but I know he appreciates it in hindsight.
Any advice for the other SOs/DHs out there? Like others have said, just be there and be present. You may feel like a waste of space, but just your presence can be all that's needed. That being said, if you're told to GTFO, you probably should for just a few seconds while things settle down. Maybe just stand right outside the door so when you hear us screaming "hey a$$ hat, where are you" you can pop right back in. It's a joke - based on real events (sorry not sorry DH).
Other advice you might want to share? We were told to take full advantage of the opportunity to sleep that first night because baby would actually sleep through the night. He did, which was great, but he also kept spitting up all night (babies have a lot of fluid they have to cough up) and we were convinced he was going to choke and die so I'm pretty sure we didn't sleep at all.
I'm so glad we went to a birthing center where their philosophy was fully in line with my own. I didn't really have to advocate much for myself. They were so in tune with what I needed/wanted it's crazy. That being said, please make sure that you have someone with you who knows what you want and who you can trust to advocate for you. If you are too tired/stressed/in your head to advocate for yourself, you need someone else who will do it for you.
TLDR: I had a nice, but very long, birth experience. It was painful but not as bad as I thought it would be. SOs - do as you're told. Ladies - make sure you have a good advocate!
**TW**
Me & DH: 32 Married 2013 Kiddo #1: Sept 2015 BFP: 1/19, EDD: 9/30
"I'm having fruit salad for dinner. Well, it's mostly just grapes, actually. Ok all grapes. Fermented grapes. Fine, I'm having wine for dinner."
@Lizlann my DS missed this memo of sleeping the first night lol, or any night for the first 13 months I couldn't sleep well in the hospital either. I should have napped during the day when the baby was sleeping. I'm doing that this time! No toddler to chase around in there.
This is my third baby. The first was delivered at a teaching hospital and I was not a fan of having what felt like twenty people in the room. Pregnancy and labor were fairly normal. Started laboring at 4:45 in the morning, was 5 cm when I got to the hospital, got an epidural at 8 cm, water broke about an hour later. I think I offered to marry the anesthesiologist. My contractions were double which apparently isn't unusual. One would start and the next came with no break, then there would be a pause. Start to finish labor was about 10 hours. I had a third degree tear and broke my coccyx. Good times. Unfortunately my blood pressure kept crashing when I tried to stand up and I passed out several times so they ended up doing a pelvic exam to make sure i wasn't bleeding internally. That was the worst part. But she was healthy and happy, 7lbs 13 oz.
Second child my water broke at 8:30 in the morning. He was born at 5:17 in the afternoon. I much preferred the birthing center in this hospital (not a teaching facility). I had a midwife and was able to labor in a tub and on a yoga ball. I still ended up with an epidural around 8 cm but pushed for much less time with this one, about 20 min versus 70 or so. Anesthesiologist was not great this time, took several tries before getting the epidural in. I had a third degree tear again but fewer blood pressure issues. Instead a combination of how large he was (9.6 lbs, I am 5'1" and 110 non pregnant), the angle he came out at, and the epidural meant that I couldn't feel my right leg for almost two days. There is still, 2.5 yrs later, a spot about an inch around that doesn't feel the same.
I am honestly terrified at the thought that this baby, another boy, might be a similar size. However, I think a fair amount of my recovery issues may have been related to how my body tolerated the epidural. I plan to try to go without it this time, especially since they now offer laughing gas. I felt both times that at 8 cm I should have just held out and not gotten it but my husband, bless his heart, hated seeing me go through labor. With the first child he practically chanted "Do you want the epidural?" As each contraction hit. With the second I had told him how unhelpful that was so instead he said "Are you ready for the E word?" I get where he was coming from but all I really wanted was someone to rub my back and tell me what a great job I was doing.
Bring (or have someone bring) treats for the nurses, like muffins or something. Depending on where the hospital is and how good their food is bring take out menus. Yoga pants or a loose dress are good for going home. Definitely bring your own entertainment- tablet, music, laptop, whatever.
@HollyGolightly09 I would have refused the induction, and let him come on his own terms. Or, I would have requested the "emergency" csection several hours sooner, since that's where I was headed anyway.
@Sprite2012 This. I don't know how much longer I could have gone, but I wish I would have waited to see. I was comfortable at 41 weeks and wasn't itching for DD to arrive, I wish I would have given it some more time to see what would have happened and gone into labor on my own.
@CoastalMomma Honestly pushing was totally different when I felt I had to versus being coached to push because I was 10 centimeters. I think I assumed when you are complete that you have to push when in reality I was probably fully dilated for a long time and not pushing right away let the baby naturally come down until I truly had to push her out.
TTC #1 January 2009 January 2010 SA results: Count 16 million, Motility 40%, Morphology 2% January 2010- Surprise BFP! DS born 10/1/2010 January 2013 TTC #2 September 2013 Repeat SA: Count= 1.7 million, Motility= 24%, Morphology= 2% November 6th 1st Appointment with RE: diagnosed with severe MFI Testing to try to determine a cause & possible treatment for MFI CD 3 blood work for me. RE does not want to repeat my HSG/lap at this point, but may want to before moving forward with any fertility treatments. After seeing the uro, DH is currently taking lots of supplements and clomid to try to boost his count. We will have a repeat SA in February to see if it works. Follow up SA numbers are: Count= 4 million, Motility= 40%, Morphology= 1% Uro wants us to have another follow up SA 5/9 to see if we see further improvement than we are back to the RE to make a game plan.
SA 5/9/2014 Count: 12 Million, Motility: 60%, and Morphology 2%. We will be doing iui #1 in late June
IUI #1 6/28 clomid + ovidrel, post wash count 3 million total sperm= BFN
IUI # 2 7/21 clomid+ ovidrel. post wash count 900,000 total sperm= BFN
IVF planned for early November- cancelled due to cyst
My first daughter was breach so I had a scheduled c-section. No real complaints I got a full nights sleep woke up and had a baby. The only thing I did not expect was after recover they made me move myself from the recovery bed to the bed in my room, that was quite painful. The other thing is to make sure you get up an moving I got some gas bubbles that rested in my shoulder blades that hurt. My mom had freaked me out about getting the staples removed saying it was really painful but it didn't hurt at all I could not even feel it. Over all I had a pretty easy recovery getting up off the chair/bed was uncomfortable but once I was up I was fine. Just follow the rules, do not over do it accept the help when offered!
My second was completely different. I really wanted a VBAC and was considered a good candidate by my doctor as I had three years between my pregnancies. I did have the complication of my baby having a heart condition which would require surgery right after birth. I was worried that they would not want me to try for the vbac but its so good for babies lungs to be delivered vaginally they were very supportive. I never had contracts with my oldest so for me it was my first experience with labor. I was headed to my sister in laws for dinner around 5:00 PM and thought I had a contraction I remember asking her what contractions felt like when I got there. Maybe on other one while I was there but nothing to it. I felt a little off when we got home so went to be when my three year old did around 8:00 PM.
I woke up at 10:30 with contractions. And moved to the couch so my husband could get some sleep. I used an app to time my contractions they stayed regular and progressively lasted longer, got closer together and more intense. I found my exercise ball very comfortable to bounce/roll on to get through the contractions. My water broke around 2:00 AM. Called the hospital given my babies heart condition they had me come in. I called my sister to come stay with my daughter, finished packing, took a shower etc. We got to the hospital around 4:00 AM. When I got there I was dilated to not even a 3. I decided to continue laboring and spent most of the time in the bathroom, my body was cleaning itself out. My mom and poor husband just sat in the corner I really was not in the mood to be touched. At 7:00 I asked for an epidural it took them until about 8:00 AM to get to me. I had only progressed to a 4 so I was a little discouraged. The epidural is the BEST THING EVER!!! After the epidural I was able to take a little nap, relax, watch tv. Around 10:30 I mentioned to my mom that my epidural was wearing off as I was starting to feel pressure again they came and checked me I was at a 10. My body just needed to relax to finish opening up. I pushed for 20 minutes or so but they were making me push more often then I felt the need to my epidural was still pretty strong. Then this man came in (not sure his role) and started counting through my contractions that was a game changer for me two pushes and she was out. I tore very little they did one stitch. I had never met the doc that delivered my daughter but when I did my follow up appt with my doc at six weeks she told me I had a text book vbac. Overall my labor lasted 13 hours.
@Msashley2010 I did have nitrous at the very end of my labor and I researched it pretty heavily beforehand. It didn't really reduce the pain, but it made me aloof to it so I didn't care as much - so for me it was more about my perception than it was about physical relief. The dose is low (the safety standard is 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen), so it's not going to work as an anesthetic, and mama is in complete control of the mask so there were plenty of instances where I wouldn't use it and instead I worked through the contractions on my own. Research shows that it is safe for baby because the effects are so short lived that it doesn't really have time to travel through your system to baby - so no groggy baby like you might have with an epidural - and it doesn't impact breastfeeding if you want to attempt a latch right away (to the extent a successful latch is even possible - but that's a rant for another day). Of course there are side effects. Some people can't tolerate nitrous in general, and it can cause things like dizziness and vomiting. Women who have a vitamin B12 deficiency are advised not to use it. I've also seen some research that suggests there may be a link between nitrous during labor and amphetamine addiction later in life if the nitrous ratio is higher than the recommended 50%.
**TW**
Me & DH: 32 Married 2013 Kiddo #1: Sept 2015 BFP: 1/19, EDD: 9/30
"I'm having fruit salad for dinner. Well, it's mostly just grapes, actually. Ok all grapes. Fermented grapes. Fine, I'm having wine for dinner."
Bring (or have someone bring) treats for the nurses, like muffins or something. Depending on where the hospital is and how good their food is bring take out menus.
I second this. I never did bring anything, during or after my stay there, and I wish I would have. I will make a point of it for sure this time. They do what they do because they love to bring little lives into the world, but everyone appreciates a little food as a thank you.
**TW**
Me & DH: 32 Married 2013 Kiddo #1: Sept 2015 BFP: 1/19, EDD: 9/30
"I'm having fruit salad for dinner. Well, it's mostly just grapes, actually. Ok all grapes. Fermented grapes. Fine, I'm having wine for dinner."
@CoastalMomma Honestly pushing was totally different when I felt I had to versus being coached to push because I was 10 centimeters. I think I assumed when you are complete that you have to push when in reality I was probably fully dilated for a long time and not pushing right away let the baby naturally come down until I truly had to push her out.
Yes, I will definitely keep this in mind this September. That and I'd like to try a different pushing position, but I don't quite know what that would be. Somehow I don't think I'll have the physical stamina to squat. Does anyone have experience pushing in non-traditional positions?
Bring (or have someone bring) treats for the nurses, like muffins or something. Depending on where the hospital is and how good their food is bring take out menus.
I second this. I never did bring anything, during or after my stay there, and I wish I would have. I will make a point of it for sure this time. They do what they do because they love to bring little lives into the world, but everyone appreciates a little food as a thank you.
I wouldn't bring anything homemade (who has time for that anyways). Im in the nursing profession and I didn't bring anything. I won't this time either. Being nice and appreciative of the care is enough for me from a caregivers perspective!
Did anyone use a TENS unit to help with contractions?
Anyone use Bradley/Hypnobabies? I know NOTHING and I feel so unprepared. Even though I will probably get an epidural because I'm being induced, I feel like I should KNOW options to deal with contractions until I choose to get the epidural. I wish laboring in different positions was an option for me.. super bummed at how much I feel is taken away from me.
Me: 27 years old DH: 27 years old Type 1 Diabetes since 2001, MTHFR hetero A1298T Dogs: Raider 4 yrs, Dex 4 yrs
Married in July 2014
TTC #1 since late Feb 2016
BFP #1 3/29/16 MMC: 5/5/16 BFP #2 7/6/16 SCH, D&C 8/4/16 BFP #3 12/26/16 EDD: 9/6/17 My Chart / My Diabetes/Pregnancy Blog My Type 1/TTC/Pregnancy Podcast: Juicebox Podcast Episode 118 A1Cs: 1/12/16 6.7% 5/25/16 6.0% 11/2/16 6.1% 3/22/16 5.8% 4/27/17 5.4% 6/13/17 5.3% "Sugar Fancy Tutu"
Did anyone use a TENS unit to help with contractions?
Anyone use Bradley/Hypnobabies? I know NOTHING and I feel so unprepared. Even though I will probably get an epidural because I'm being induced, I feel like I should KNOW options to deal with contractions until I choose to get the epidural. I wish laboring in different positions was an option for me.. super bummed at how much I feel is taken away from me.
Since a TENS unit sends electrical pulses making the muscles contract, how does it help with pain relief? Curious FTM also...
@CoastalMomma What worked for me was pushing in a yoga position (called Cobbler's Pose). I had an epidural and couldn't move my legs on my own, so my DH and the nurse each took a leg and held them upright. With each push, I side a mini-crunch and pushed my abdomen/chest up towards my legs.
***TW*** RAD born 6/2015 | mc at 7 weeks 9/2016 | rainbow baby RHD born 9/2017
Did anyone use a TENS unit to help with contractions?
Anyone use Bradley/Hypnobabies? I know NOTHING and I feel so unprepared. Even though I will probably get an epidural because I'm being induced, I feel like I should KNOW options to deal with contractions until I choose to get the epidural. I wish laboring in different positions was an option for me.. super bummed at how much I feel is taken away from me.
My doula is a hypnobabies instructor so I plan on doing the self study. I read the Bradley book, but it all went out the window when I was induced ha.
Re: Previous Birth Stories
@sugarrush I was mean to the nurse trying to get my placenta out. They had just whisked away DS, I was chugging on an oxygen mask, and ready to just pass out, and I feel a tugging sensation. I looked down, and said, "What the hell are you doing?" She was like, "I'm trying to get your placenta out, do you feel like pushing?" very meekly. She probably thought I was going to rip her face off. I was tired of people messing with my nether regions, and I felt terrible afterwards when I regained my senses!
DS2: EDD- 09.08.17
@DPandMB I am glad to hear you had a good epidural experience. I want one, but so many ladies here had bad experiences that it's kind of scaring me!
Thank you all for sharing your stories. You are all tough as nails and I am glad to hear some honest accounts of labor!
Me: 34 | DH: 31
Married: Nov. 7, 2015
TTC Since: February, 2016
BFP: December 20, 2016
After my magnesium I could be with the ladies. Baby B had some issues with her heart called bradycardia and had to go into the NICU. They found the issue during her car seat test. She had lost some weight and was under 5lbs so in the state of VA they do a car seat test before they can leave the hospital. Her sister and I went home and she stayed in the NICU for about a week or so. My DH and I visited her a few times a day. It was really sad having to leave her there alone at night.
@HollyGolightly09 I wish I would have done more research on the benefits of vacuum vs C-Section. By the time I had to make the decision, I was exhausted and couldn't think correctly. I'm not sure if I would have picked differently, but it would have been nice to have an answer ready. I also never took birthing classes. I figured I didn't need them. I'm still not sure if I would have wanted to go to the birthing classes, but it would have been nice to have better ways to focus my pain in the beginning. Instead I was just a fountain of cuss words.
I honestly wouldn't have done very much differently. I trusted the medical team at my hospital to do whatever it took to get my son born, and both of us healthy afterwards. Ignoring my emotional response to birth, I want to let the FTMs know that it really was a positive experience. However, I would have pushed more for the formula to be brought to my son sooner. I had to ask again maybe 5 hours after DS was born for it, even though I told the nurses immediately that I wanted him to have it until my milk came in. It's part of the down side of the baby friendly hospitals, IMO. Moms who can't/ don't want to BF can have a very rough time of it.
DS2: EDD- 09.08.17
DS2: EDD- 09.08.17
Rants: I was set on hiring a birth photographer and am so glad we did. The photos are tasteful and some of my absolute favorites and allowed my husband to be completely present for the birth and not worried about capturing pictures. It also gives you the opportunity to look back and enjoy some things that you may have missed in the blur of labor and delivery.
Definitely bring comfortable clothes that are loose, most are still swollen and not down to pre-pregnancy size. Trial size shampoo, conditioner and body wash/face wash. Hospital products are not good and you want to feel fresh after all of the hard work!
Sorry for the novel!
I had both my son and daughter at a birth center that is in a hospital. They let you eat, drink, move around however you want during labor, and you can use the birthing tub to labor or give birth. If you decide you want an epidural, you have to be moved to the regular part of the hospital and go through normal procedures and monitoring.
I was 40 weeks and 2 days when I went into labor with my son. I had been cleaning all day and having braxton hicks type contractions that were not painful. I was 1 centimeter dilated at my check up that afternoon. About 11:00 pm I had my first sharp painful contraction and they became regular pretty quickly. I took a bath and then headed to the hospital about 12:30 am. I was 4 centimeters when I arrived. I labored by walking around, bouncing on a birth ball and taking a shower. My pain was pretty manageable. Around 8 am, I was 8 centimeters and still pretty comfortable. At that point, my labor started to stall and by 2 pm I was still 8 centimeters but I was pretty comfortable. I was getting exhausted though and I wish I had tried to sleep at this point, because looking back I think my body was trying to give me a break. We decided to break my water, and my contractions began to pick up immediately. I stayed in the birthing tub from that point on to cope. About 4 pm, I was fully dilated but really didn't have a big urge to push. I was so ready to be done that I started pushing even though I really didn't feel like it. When I started pushing, I had to get out of the tub because the group of OB's I worked with did not allow water deliveries. Pushing was long, hard and pretty much miserable. My son was born face up which made pushing really hard. He was born at 6 pm. I was able to nurse and hold him right away which was great, but when the nurse tried to have me stand up after delivering the placenta I fainted. I had a really bad tear. I felt like I had been hit by a truck the next day, but recovery was not too bad.
I went into labor with daughter at 39 weeks and 6 days. I had my check up that afternoon and was dilated to a 5. I had been 3-4 centimeters for a few weeks. The Dr stripped my membranes and pretty much convinced me that I would be in labor that night. This was my first time meeting her and she was new to the practice. This was a new practice that I switched to specifically so I could have a water birth. The Dr basically told me that since this was baby #2 I should come right to the hospital if I was having contractions. I did started contracting pretty regularly after my appointment, so I decided to go to the hospital about 6 pm that evening. I was 6 centimeters when I arrived at the birth center. I walked for a while and I felt like my contractions were slowing down. At 9 pm, my Dr arrived and broke my water and things picked up from there. I got in the birth tub pretty much immediately after my water broke and my contractions were very strong. My Dr went home after breaking my water and instructed the nurses to call her when I got close. It was pretty clear to my mom, sister and husband that I was in transition. They asked the nurse to call the Dr to tell her to come. The nurse told us that the Dr said that I seemed way too calm and was not yelling/screaming, so I couldn't be close. I am very calm naturally and I try to relax through contractions, so this was very frustrating. I do remember a point when I was in so much pain and I questioned why in the world I was doing this again without meds. Finally I said that I had to poop, and I got out of the tub and sat on the toilet. I immediately felt a contraction coming and got back in the water asap, because I realized that I needed to push and not poop! I told my mom that I was pushing, and the nurse ran in to see if I was dilated. The babies head was already right there, so she hurried to get a resident since my Dr was not there. A resident ( who was not comfortable/ familiar with water births) came running in and I pushed my daughters head out in 1 push. I was on my knees when I was pushing. Then the resident freaked out because she thought the baby's shoulders were stuck. In reality, I was no longer contracting so that is why she wasn't coming out. I knew this but in the moment she was so panicked and started yelling at me to push the baby out, so I pushed as hard as I could without a contraction. That was the most painful part and I felt myself tear. When a contraction came, she came flying out and I picked her up out of the water and held her. She was born at 12:05 am. This all happened in a matter of moments and really freaked my family out. I was really disappointed that the nice calm water birth that I planned was spoiled by my Dr not showing up. She was born face down which made pushing a lot easier!
All in all, both of my babies were born very healthy. They were both almost 9 lbs.They monitored their heart rates throughout labor, and they always sounded good. I was able to nurse and hold them both right away. My births were painful but worth it.
@HollyGolightly09 Looking back I would never push before I felt like I had to. I would listen to my body more and rest instead of trying to speed labor up when there really is no need. I also switched to a new group of Ob's/midwives and I am hoping that one of them shows up for my birth!
TTC #1 January 2009
January 2010 SA results: Count 16 million, Motility 40%, Morphology 2%
January 2010- Surprise BFP! DS born 10/1/2010
January 2013 TTC #2
September 2013 Repeat SA: Count= 1.7 million, Motility= 24%, Morphology= 2%
November 6th 1st Appointment with RE: diagnosed with severe MFI
Testing to try to determine a cause & possible treatment for MFI
CD 3 blood work for me. RE does not want to repeat my HSG/lap at this point,
but may want to before moving forward with any fertility treatments.
After seeing the uro, DH is currently taking lots of supplements and clomid to try to boost his count. We will have a repeat SA in February to see if it works.
Follow up SA numbers are: Count= 4 million, Motility= 40%, Morphology= 1%
Uro wants us to have another follow up SA 5/9 to see if we see further improvement than we are back to the RE to make a game plan.
SA 5/9/2014 Count: 12 Million, Motility: 60%, and Morphology 2%. We will be doing iui #1 in late June
IUI #1 6/28 clomid + ovidrel, post wash count 3 million total sperm= BFN
IUI # 2 7/21 clomid+ ovidrel. post wash count 900,000 total sperm= BFN
IVF planned for early November- cancelled due to cyst
December IVF #1- 22 eggs, 20 mature,16 fertilized
12/9 Transferred 1 4AA Blast, 6 frosties
*****Everyone is welcome******
Rants/Raves?
I had to be induced due to low amniotic fluid, so I wasn't given the option to let DD come on her own terms.
Was it similar to what you expected?
Not at all.
What things might you try to do differently?
All bets are off this time. With twins I am not going to be closed minded. I literally have to expect that anything can happen.
Necessities to bring to the hospital?
Chapstick. Lotion. Entertainment.
Was it your doctor who delivered?
Nope, I never met the doctor that delivered her. But I really liked her, so I wasn't too torn up about that. I felt like I was in capable hands with her.
How did your SO/DH do?
Great. Although it made me mad seeing him walk around and eating and doing normal things while I was stuck in that crummy bed.
Any advice for the other SOs/DHs out there?
Don't say anything stupid.
Other advice you might want to share?
Be an advocate for yourself. If you need something, ask for it. I had a terrible nurse that didn't hold my leg when I was pushing and I straight up yelled at her. She also started threatening me that I would have to have a csection if I didn't try harder. Are you kidding me woman? So she was on my poopoo list.
DS- I was induced at 36 weeks due to low fluid and baby not growing. They did cervadil in the evening and we slept until the started Pitocin the next morning around 7. The Dr broke my water and I got my epidural. I felt no pain but felt a little pressure during my contractions. His heart rate was dropping a little so they gave me oxygen and switched my position often. I did get a nap and was complete around noon. I pushed 3 times and he was here. All 3lbs 15 oz of him. Overall nothing scary about the experience.
DD-1: I was induced at 39 weeks because my doctor was going out of town for 2 weeks. Same story of Cervidil at night then Pitocin in the morning. Again I got an epidural as soon as they broke my water. It worked beautifully, took a nap was complete around 11 and only pushed 3 times. She was 6lbs 9 oz.
DD-2: I was induced at 39 weeks for borderline high blood pressure. Went in for cervadil but I was too far dilated so they did not do it. I just slept at the hospital and they started Pitocin around 7 AM. Doctor broke my water around 8AM and I got an epidural shortly after that. But this time it did not work. I had pain with every contraction which I was not prepared to deal with since my prior epidurals were so good. The anesteologist came back several times trying to get it to work. My legs were numb and I could not move them myself but still felt every contraction. Baby was in a bad position and would not come down so dilating took forever! Finally the doctor came in after office hours and checked me and decided I could try to push even though I was not completely dilated. Thankfully I pushed once and baby got in a better position. I pushed a few more times and she was here. 8lbs 0 oz.
I would recommend child birth classes so you go in prepared and with a little information about several scenarios. That way you are not caught completely off guard if your plan changes while you are in labor.
I was admitted to the hospital about noon that day. My husband came shortly after and was the only one with me for the whole time. I preferred it that way and I will most definitely be going that route again. I labored until about 5 o'clock walking around as often as possible, using a medicine ball, a rocking chair, listening to music etcetera. The doctor on duty who was not my doctor suggested that we break my water in an attempt to speed things up. I was about eight centimeters at that point and felt like I was able to manage the pain well. I had been doing this med and epi free,so the nurse advised me not to break my water as some women report having more pain after their water breaks. We listened to the nurse and I labored for about another hour or two until my doctor came on duty. I was about nine centimeters, but she had to go do a C-section. I was happy to see her leave. I knew I could handle the pain of contractions by focusing on my breathing, finding a focal point in the room,etc but I was and am nervous about pushing. There was no real good way to prepare myself for it. But I couldn't put pushing off forever. I started pushing at about 8 pm, and my son was born at 9:55 pm. I had several tears that required stitching but no further complications.
Whew. Didn't meant for this to be as lengthy!
I really appreciate your advice not to push until you feel like you need to. I didn't feel like I had to push probably for the first hour that I pushed. It was only at the end when contractions were really intense that I felt the need to. Starting to push before I really wanted/needed to damaged my confidence because it didn't feel right. I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. I'm hoping for an easier time pushing this go around.
I have hired a doula this time to make sure I have another voice. As a nurse practitioner I was shocked how passive I became, but this wasn't my territory and I was so exhausted at that point you will almost do anything.
My epidural worked until I started pushed and I felt everything, including my OB trying to stitch me up. I was like whoa!! I need some lidocaine there.
I was induced at 41w2 and had my son 9-10 hours later.
edit: there was a CRNA student who asked to place my epidural and I said nope, sorry. Luckily my OB doesn't allow students to place them but I thought you can go practice on someone else tonight!
@TLooney17 @CoastalMomma I remember during our birthing classes we were told there are two types of mamas - there are the screamers like we always see on tv, and there are the ones who are so calm that you wonder if they are secretly plotting to kill you after delivery.
Rants/Raves? I chose midwifery care and delivery at a birthing center. I was 41+3 weeks and had an appointment to discuss a plan for possible transfer to an OB/hospital. During the appointment they were convinced I would go into labor within 24 hours - I was dilated to 4 cm and lost my mucus plug during my exam. They did do a membrane sweep because I was so close to 42 weeks. Almost 3 days later (a day shy of 42 weeks) I had my first ever contraction around midnight. I labored at home for a little more than 24 hours before heading to the birthing center. I think we jumped the gun on going in, actually, but DH was super stressed and the midwives were kind enough to indulge him. After a few hours they drew a bath which I happily accepted - it was heavenly. At one point I had to take a massive poo - also heavenly (tmi?). Then, my labor stalled
Was it similar to what you expected? I foolishly expected my birth story to be similar to my mom's 3. Her active labor was all of 30 minutes each time and she only had to push a handful of times before we came. She also said she went numb from the waist down so never really experienced pain during transition and active labor. My experience was quite long and painful in comparison. Also, I was told that since I've passed kidney stones, delivery would be a breeze. I don't remember who said it (probably my mom), but they are an idiot. Overall, though, it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. Initially my contractions were so not a big deal. I even slept through them for a while. Once transition hit, it was probably the most painful thing I've ever experienced, but I was still able to handle it without meds. In the end, one second all I felt was unbearable pressure and then all of a sudden baby was here and everything was complete calm. It was the strangest thing I've ever experienced.
What things might you try to do differently? My parents were with us at the birthing center and while I don't regret their presence for a minute, I will totally have just me and DH there this time. I also want to labor longer at home - just be comfortable in my own space as long as possible.
Necessities to bring to the hospital? I know it's not an option for everyone, but if it is for you - bring food. We had some Luna bars and nuts and things, but I was there for 24 hours and could have used something more substantial. Beyond grannie panties, I brought full on adult diapers. Best decision ever. I didn't have to mess with pads or worry about leakage. Also, comfy maternity yoga pants are the best.
Was it your doctor who delivered? The midwifery center has a rotating practice so they make a point of giving you the chance to meet every midwife. I started laboring during one shift and delivered during another. I'm actually quite happy that the midwife who was there with me in the beginning was not the one who delivered. She was super sweet and I liked her, but I needed someone a little less sweet with me during actual delivery.
How did your SO/DH do? He was, and is, amazeballs. I'm so very lucky to have him. The midwives were all about skin to skin with mama right away, but I really wanted him to hold baby before anyone (including me because I figured I got to hold baby for 9 months and now it was his turn), so I made him take of his shirt and cuddle up with baby between us so that he could have that immediate skin to skin too. He thought I was a lunatic, but I know he appreciates it in hindsight.
Any advice for the other SOs/DHs out there? Like others have said, just be there and be present. You may feel like a waste of space, but just your presence can be all that's needed. That being said, if you're told to GTFO, you probably should for just a few seconds while things settle down. Maybe just stand right outside the door so when you hear us screaming "hey a$$ hat, where are you" you can pop right back in. It's a joke - based on real events (sorry not sorry DH).
Other advice you might want to share? We were told to take full advantage of the opportunity to sleep that first night because baby would actually sleep through the night. He did, which was great, but he also kept spitting up all night (babies have a lot of fluid they have to cough up) and we were convinced he was going to choke and die so I'm pretty sure we didn't sleep at all.
I'm so glad we went to a birthing center where their philosophy was fully in line with my own. I didn't really have to advocate much for myself. They were so in tune with what I needed/wanted it's crazy. That being said, please make sure that you have someone with you who knows what you want and who you can trust to advocate for you. If you are too tired/stressed/in your head to advocate for yourself, you need someone else who will do it for you.
TLDR: I had a nice, but very long, birth experience. It was painful but not as bad as I thought it would be. SOs - do as you're told. Ladies - make sure you have a good advocate!
Married 2013
Kiddo #1: Sept 2015
BFP: 1/19, EDD: 9/30
"I'm having fruit salad for dinner. Well, it's mostly just grapes, actually. Ok all grapes. Fermented grapes. Fine, I'm having wine for dinner."
Second child my water broke at 8:30 in the morning. He was born at 5:17 in the afternoon. I much preferred the birthing center in this hospital (not a teaching facility). I had a midwife and was able to labor in a tub and on a yoga ball. I still ended up with an epidural around 8 cm but pushed for much less time with this one, about 20 min versus 70 or so. Anesthesiologist was not great this time, took several tries before getting the epidural in. I had a third degree tear again but fewer blood pressure issues. Instead a combination of how large he was (9.6 lbs, I am 5'1" and 110 non pregnant), the angle he came out at, and the epidural meant that I couldn't feel my right leg for almost two days. There is still, 2.5 yrs later, a spot about an inch around that doesn't feel the same.
I am honestly terrified at the thought that this baby, another boy, might be a similar size. However, I think a fair amount of my recovery issues may have been related to how my body tolerated the epidural. I plan to try to go without it this time, especially since they now offer laughing gas. I felt both times that at 8 cm I should have just held out and not gotten it but my husband, bless his heart, hated seeing me go through labor. With the first child he practically chanted "Do you want the epidural?" As each contraction hit. With the second I had told him how unhelpful that was so instead he said "Are you ready for the E word?" I get where he was coming from but all I really wanted was someone to rub my back and tell me what a great job I was doing.
Bring (or have someone bring) treats for the nurses, like muffins or something. Depending on where the hospital is and how good their food is bring take out menus. Yoga pants or a loose dress are good for going home. Definitely bring your own entertainment- tablet, music, laptop, whatever.
TTC #1 January 2009
January 2010 SA results: Count 16 million, Motility 40%, Morphology 2%
January 2010- Surprise BFP! DS born 10/1/2010
January 2013 TTC #2
September 2013 Repeat SA: Count= 1.7 million, Motility= 24%, Morphology= 2%
November 6th 1st Appointment with RE: diagnosed with severe MFI
Testing to try to determine a cause & possible treatment for MFI
CD 3 blood work for me. RE does not want to repeat my HSG/lap at this point,
but may want to before moving forward with any fertility treatments.
After seeing the uro, DH is currently taking lots of supplements and clomid to try to boost his count. We will have a repeat SA in February to see if it works.
Follow up SA numbers are: Count= 4 million, Motility= 40%, Morphology= 1%
Uro wants us to have another follow up SA 5/9 to see if we see further improvement than we are back to the RE to make a game plan.
SA 5/9/2014 Count: 12 Million, Motility: 60%, and Morphology 2%. We will be doing iui #1 in late June
IUI #1 6/28 clomid + ovidrel, post wash count 3 million total sperm= BFN
IUI # 2 7/21 clomid+ ovidrel. post wash count 900,000 total sperm= BFN
IVF planned for early November- cancelled due to cyst
December IVF #1- 22 eggs, 20 mature,16 fertilized
12/9 Transferred 1 4AA Blast, 6 frosties
*****Everyone is welcome******
My second was completely different. I really wanted a VBAC and was considered a good candidate by my doctor as I had three years between my pregnancies. I did have the complication of my baby having a heart condition which would require surgery right after birth. I was worried that they would not want me to try for the vbac but its so good for babies lungs to be delivered vaginally they were very supportive. I never had contracts with my oldest so for me it was my first experience with labor. I was headed to my sister in laws for dinner around 5:00 PM and thought I had a contraction I remember asking her what contractions felt like when I got there. Maybe on other one while I was there but nothing to it. I felt a little off when we got home so went to be when my three year old did around 8:00 PM.
I woke up at 10:30 with contractions. And moved to the couch so my husband could get some sleep. I used an app to time my contractions they stayed regular and progressively lasted longer, got closer together and more intense. I found my exercise ball very comfortable to bounce/roll on to get through the contractions. My water broke around 2:00 AM. Called the hospital given my babies heart condition they had me come in. I called my sister to come stay with my daughter, finished packing, took a shower etc. We got to the hospital around 4:00 AM. When I got there I was dilated to not even a 3. I decided to continue laboring and spent most of the time in the bathroom, my body was cleaning itself out. My mom and poor husband just sat in the corner I really was not in the mood to be touched. At 7:00 I asked for an epidural it took them until about 8:00 AM to get to me. I had only progressed to a 4 so I was a little discouraged. The epidural is the BEST THING EVER!!! After the epidural I was able to take a little nap, relax, watch tv. Around 10:30 I mentioned to my mom that my epidural was wearing off as I was starting to feel pressure again they came and checked me I was at a 10. My body just needed to relax to finish opening up. I pushed for 20 minutes or so but they were making me push more often then I felt the need to my epidural was still pretty strong. Then this man came in (not sure his role) and started counting through my contractions that was a game changer for me two pushes and she was out. I tore very little they did one stitch. I had never met the doc that delivered my daughter but when I did my follow up appt with my doc at six weeks she told me I had a text book vbac. Overall my labor lasted 13 hours.
Married 2013
Kiddo #1: Sept 2015
BFP: 1/19, EDD: 9/30
"I'm having fruit salad for dinner. Well, it's mostly just grapes, actually. Ok all grapes. Fermented grapes. Fine, I'm having wine for dinner."
Married 2013
Kiddo #1: Sept 2015
BFP: 1/19, EDD: 9/30
"I'm having fruit salad for dinner. Well, it's mostly just grapes, actually. Ok all grapes. Fermented grapes. Fine, I'm having wine for dinner."
Anyone use Bradley/Hypnobabies? I know NOTHING and I feel so unprepared. Even though I will probably get an epidural because I'm being induced, I feel like I should KNOW options to deal with contractions until I choose to get the epidural. I wish laboring in different positions was an option for me.. super bummed at how much I feel is taken away from me.
Type 1 Diabetes since 2001, MTHFR hetero A1298T
Dogs: Raider 4 yrs, Dex 4 yrs
BFP #2 7/6/16 SCH, D&C 8/4/16
BFP #3 12/26/16 EDD: 9/6/17
My Chart / My Diabetes/Pregnancy Blog
My Type 1/TTC/Pregnancy Podcast:
Juicebox Podcast Episode 118
A1Cs:
1/12/16 6.7%
5/25/16 6.0%
11/2/16 6.1%
3/22/16 5.8%
4/27/17 5.4%
6/13/17 5.3%
"Sugar Fancy Tutu"
RAD born 6/2015 | mc at 7 weeks 9/2016 | rainbow baby RHD born 9/2017