@vflux33 my doctor told me it didn't really matter until I was too uncomfortable to lay on my stomach ((which was second trimester for me)). I also used my pregnancy pillow to prop myself up so that I kind of leaned into and felt like I was still sleeping on my stomach. And it's not like you can't change positions ever. It's just encouraged. Also I found that I was getting up often enough to pee that I was shifting positions a lot anyway.
@mdfarmchick ok so this is (another!) one of those things where people over-scare you about something that's usually not a problem.... sensing a theme here.
Question for STMs: how do you stay on your left side all night without getting bed sores and/or very uncomfortable. I move around throughout the night and I just don't get how this is possible. I know, I'll get one of the special pillows, but it seems like even with those 6-9 hours in the same position is going to hurt.
Girl please. I asked my doctor this with my first pregnancy and she said sleep HOWEVER is comfortable. On your back, on your side, on your stomach. However. If YOURE comfortable, baby is comfortable. Your body knows what it's doing and if you're in a position that isn't good for you, you'll move. I slept on my stomach up until my third tri with my daughter, and then primarily slept on my back. And I move a lot in my sleep. Don't stress it!
@vflux33 You don't have to sleep on your side until you physically can't sleep any other way, and then it is the most comfortable option. (And left will be more comfortable because of heart burn.) Pillows help. I'm still firmly sleeping on my stomach and will do so as long as I can. As for not sleeping on your back because of it cutting off circulation, if you roll onto your back in your sleep, your body will definitely wake you up if something bad starts to happen.
Thank you @ShawnnaO and @wisewitch222! I'm sure you guys remember when you were FTMs and everything you read scared the shit out of you. It's so nice to come here and have you guys to help me weed through the BS.
@vflux33 unfortunately people's like to scare first time moms a lot by telling them they know better no worries, you'll be a pro in no time, and when in doubt, ask your doctor.
@vflux33 I'm actually trying to think of really critical health advice I've gotten during pregnancy and I'm having a hard time coming up with a lot of "must-dos." I guess the folic acid supplement early on is a big one.
Ooh, and if you're looking for some wonderful laughs on a "must-do" to prepare yourself for labor check out the infamous fisting thread...I want to say it was Dec. '15 but maybe someone else can confirm...
@vflux33 I'm actually trying to think of really critical health advice I've gotten during pregnancy and I'm having a hard time coming up with a lot of "must-dos." I guess the folic acid supplement early on is a big one.
Ooh, and if you're looking for some wonderful laughs on a "must-do" to prepare yourself for labor check out the infamous fisting thread...I want to say it was Dec. '15 but maybe someone else can confirm...
@vflux33 Of course! I was really lucky to have a pregnant doctor during my first pregnancy and she gave me advice first as a doctor and then as a pregnant STM. It was great.
@vflux33 Like most people said, it typically doesn't matter how you sleep if you're comfortable. I know the back thing is because it causes problems for some people, like low blood flow, something like that? But you would notice some lightheadedness from lying on your back for a while if you were in that category...so as long as your not experiencing that, you're prob fine. I didn't have a problem with that last time and slept on my back almost the entire way through the pregnancy.
@vflux33 I'm actually trying to think of really critical health advice I've gotten during pregnancy and I'm having a hard time coming up with a lot of "must-dos." I guess the folic acid supplement early on is a big one.
Ooh, and if you're looking for some wonderful laughs on a "must-do" to prepare yourself for labor check out the infamous fisting thread...I want to say it was Dec. '15 but maybe someone else can confirm...
I'm running a margarita 5k next weekend with a friend :-/ :-/ :-/ I'm not ready to spill the beans yet. What excuse can I give for not drinking at an event that is specifically about drinking?! I was thinking about saying I have a UTI I'm trying to clear up. Is that believable? Any other suggestions? Should I just swear this one friend to secrecy for a couple weeks?? Hmmm
Adrian 7.6.07 - ADHD, Disruptive Behavior Disorder, Learning Disability-NOS Cam 6.6.10 - Autism, Global Developmental Delay, Mixed Receptive/Expressive Communication Disorder
Question. I know we should be avoiding raw sprouts. Today I had a noodle bowl that had sprouts in it but the whole dish was pipeing hot !! The sprouts were not sprinkled on top they were mixed into the dish before it was served. So I would consider them to have been cooked is this ok? i didn't even think till I had already eaten
@mountain_girl I'm using a midwife! I like her a lot, not because she's a hippy, but because she delivers sound evidence-based medical advice to me in calm, firm, reassuring tones that calm my wild stallion nerves ("no, you don't have to quit coffee, and I'll tell you about a few studies so you'll believe me!"). Full disclosure: I'm a nurse! Doctors are wonderful, but I like us!
All providers, regardless of their license, are more themselves than they are their title, but I think midwives are statistically less likely to jump to c-section and other interventions (induction, etc) before they are necessary, if that's a game plan you're into. Nurses, philosophically, tend to take a "holistic" (whole person) approach more often than MDs, who are in turn more likely to make decisions in the name of efficiency (consciously or not) cos they're busy. Just my two cents. I would figure out what you (and your partner) are looking for in pregnancy/birth and then interview your provider early on to make sure you're on the same page.
ETA I'm referring to midwives as nurses here, because they are!, but to be clear they complete a rigorous Masters-level training and are the equivalent of Nurse Practitioners (NPs).
@KLmyz don't worry about the sprouts! The only reason you shouldn't eat them is because they could contain bacteria but the likelihood that something would happen is so small plus they were cooked in the broth. We have so many rules these days because something happened once and doctors want to cover themselves. Our parents ate lunch meat without any issues to their kids.
@mountain_girl I'm actually desperately hoping for a midwife check in or a vbac check in or something like that!!
My husband kind of thinks a midwife is a little hippie, too, but I think he is in shock that I hit him up for a home vbac with a midwife.
I shared with him why I wanted a midwife this pregnancy and shared my feelings, not just my thoughts. He really appreciated hearing that. While he still isn't 100% sold, he is very open to it now.
@mountain_girl I'm actually desperately hoping for a midwife check in or a vbac check in or something like that!!
My husband kind of thinks a midwife is a little hippie, too, but I think he is in shock that I hit him up for a home vbac with a midwife.
I shared with him why I wanted a midwife this pregnancy and shared my feelings, not just my thoughts. He really appreciated hearing that. While he still isn't 100% sold, he is very open to it now.
If you want a check-in for something you should start it. I don't think a VBAC check in is unreasonable. I will warn you that in this forum a VBAC outside of a hospital setting is frowned upon, but ultimately it is your decision what is best for you and your baby. I feel that you will definitely not get all the information you need on this forum to make a truly informed decision, but I think there are probably members here that can help provoke the right questions to warrant more research.
@DDRRT1982 Thanks for the info. This might be a dumb question, so bear with me, but are you saying TB frowns upon on HBACs or that the majority of women here frown upon them? Just want to know so I don't overstep.
I do know it's a sensitive subject. I guess I'm seeking the support as I've done grueling research to get me to this point. The negative has been so prevalent and I could use some positive stories, bc I know they are out there!
I have a midwife who specializes in HBAC and is very well known in my area, but she can only refer me to her previous clients, which I guess is a good start.
I guess what I'm saying is this is a pretty well thought out plan with safety measures in place. That being said, all labor needs support, regardless of the type.
VBAC are typically not frowned upon as long as they are performed in a hospital setting because you are moments away from life saving technology. In this community, I feel that most issues are approached with logic, science, and reason. So, while I would say you are not overstepping boundaries by questioning whether this an option for you, you might come up against some resistance because there are ladies here that question whether you will truly have access to life saving technology trying to have a HBAC. I think it reasonable to listen to opposition and support in this case, because these comments could provoke questions that would be in your best interest to further research.
**had edit to say VBAC bc we are obviously not talking about ventilation system.
@barrelocarol what kind of safety measures can you put in place for a home VBAC (genuinely wondering)? I know that if you rupture it is life or death for you and baby, what can a midwife put into place at home?
@DDRRT1982 Just want to say kudos on presenting a different point of view in a respectful way. I appreciate that.
One note: I understood what you're saying, but sometimes, other people hear "logic, science and reason" as saying their research is bogus, or their decisions are bogus when those decisions are just a little out of the norm and have a lot of fear associated with them. Just a heads up in other convos.
But yes, you bring up very good points.
@heatherdubrow My husband had this same question (and many, many others). I have an appt with my midwife today (so excited!) and plan on getting very clear on this. It was explained to me and we felt very comfortable, but I don't know it well enough to communicate it at this point without sounding off.
I say that with full knowledge that women rupture and it is instant.
Most home birth midwives have some emergency processes and tools/medications in place for certain situations like excessive bleeding, etc. However in many serious cases, hospital transfer is the only solution.
@DDRRT1982 Just want to say kudos on presenting a different point of view in a respectful way. I appreciate that.
One note: I understood what you're saying, but sometimes, other people hear "logic, science and reason" as saying their research is bogus, or their decisions are bogus when those decisions are just a little out of the norm and have a lot of fear associated with them. Just a heads up in other convos.
But yes, you bring up very good points.
@heatherdubrow My husband had this same question (and many, many others). I have an appt with my midwife today (so excited!) and plan on getting very clear on this. It was explained to me and we felt very comfortable, but I don't know it well enough to communicate it at this point without sounding off.
I say that with full knowledge that women rupture and it is instant.
I hope you know that I was not at all challenging any of your research by saying "logic, science, and reason". I have just seen many of the more controversial conversations be presented on TB with actual peer reviewed articles, followed by logic that comes with accurately interpreting the data. My use of the words above are about a broad range of subjects and not necessarily about HBAC. I hope you don't take my comments personally.
I am actually pretty eager to hear more about what you learn for my own personal learning. I am a healthcare professional and have watched the aftermath of a rupture, so even thought I would strongly not encourage a HBAC, I am looking to learn. I really just want to encourage you to engage other like minded mothers and seek out as much information as you can, because I really think an informed decision is the best one.
I think that the point is basically, brace yourself.
As for a check in, I think it's fine to start one but since so many are still pretty firmly first trimester, I'm not sure that a check in is going to get a lot of traction. I would bet that the response would be better if, for now, there was a "Hospital or Home Birth" or something thread and/or a "Repeat C-Section or VBAC" thread and then later, probably at least mid to late second tri a more frequent check in. For now, I think a check in would work the first time and then crickets. There's only so much you can talk about on the topic at this point, KWIM? Kind of the same thing with a midwife check in. How much is there to talk about at this point? Especially on a weekly basis. "I have a midwife. S/he does midwife things."? Is there something I'm missing?
Me: 34 DH: 38 Married: June 2011 TTC since Feb 2016 BFP#1: 7/7/16 MMC: 8/16/16 BFP#2: 5/8/17 - CP BFP#3: 6/27/17 EDD: 3/10/18
@KLmyz I wouldn't worry about the sprouts. I used to work in a Chinese restaurant ages ago, and the sprouts were cooked in a metal bowl with boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
I think that the point is basically, brace yourself.
As for a check in, I think it's fine to start one but since so many are still pretty firmly first trimester, I'm not sure that a check in is going to get a lot of traction. I would bet that the response would be better if, for now, there was a "Hospital or Home Birth" or something thread and/or a "Repeat C-Section or VBAC" thread and then later, probably at least mid to late second tri a more frequent check in. For now, I think a check in would work the first time and then crickets. There's only so much you can talk about on the topic at this point, KWIM? Kind of the same thing with a midwife check in. How much is there to talk about at this point? Especially on a weekly basis. "I have a midwife. S/he does midwife things."? Is there something I'm missing?
Yes, "brace yourself". Sometimes other people are way better at getting to the point.
I did chuckle at the comment "S/he does midwife things."
Midwives do carry pitocin as well as oxygen in the case of emergencies. The pitocin is used to stop or slow rapid bleeding - it's the same thing they do in the hospital prior to emergency surgery.
Not sure if you would be interested or if it's available in your area, but I'm going to a midwife practice that delivers in a hospital. No doctors are involved at any time except in the case of an emergency. They get tons of VBACs and are really supportive of them. They post their stats every month and the vast majority of women who go in for a VBAC get what they want, but there are always 10-15% each month that needed a repeat c section. Not saying this to convince you of anything at all or challenge you or anything like that. Just sharing some food for thought.
Devils advocate @antoto but all the pitocin and oxygen in the world won't save you during a uterine rupture. So I still question what emergency measures a midwife has in place for an hbac. Not trying to be difficult, just expressing genuine concern.
Devils advocate @antoto but all the pitocin and oxygen in the world won't save you during a uterine rupture. So I still question what emergency measures a midwife has in place for an hbac. Not trying to be difficult, just expressing genuine concern.
Nope this is totally real and the reason I wouldn't personally go through with a HBAC. I was just answering with what a midwife would do. They would have someone call 911 and they would do pit and O2. If it was a massive rupture (uterine ruptures actually do vary in size and seriousness) then that woman would likely die.
ETA - but I also totally understand the desire for VBAC in general because repeated Csections also have serious consequences and risks.
@antoto agreed. And I fully support a woman's right to vbac. I think it's just the nurse in me that shudders at the thought of doing that anywhere but a hospital with a lot of qualified health professionals ready to run in if needed.
Re: Weekly questions 7/30
Ooh, and if you're looking for some wonderful laughs on a "must-do" to prepare yourself for labor check out the infamous fisting thread...I want to say it was Dec. '15 but maybe someone else can confirm...
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/7560789/preparing-for-child-birth/p1
You're welcome.
DS born October 13, 2014
Baby #3 due March 2018
BFP #2 7/11/17 | EDD 3/24/18
BFP #1 5/2/17 | EDD 1/12/18 | MC 5/18/17
Cam 6.6.10 - Autism, Global Developmental Delay, Mixed Receptive/Expressive Communication Disorder
All providers, regardless of their license, are more themselves than they are their title, but I think midwives are statistically less likely to jump to c-section and other interventions (induction, etc) before they are necessary, if that's a game plan you're into. Nurses, philosophically, tend to take a "holistic" (whole person) approach more often than MDs, who are in turn more likely to make decisions in the name of efficiency (consciously or not) cos they're busy. Just my two cents. I would figure out what you (and your partner) are looking for in pregnancy/birth and then interview your provider early on to make sure you're on the same page.
ETA I'm referring to midwives as nurses here, because they are!, but to be clear they complete a rigorous Masters-level training and are the equivalent of Nurse Practitioners (NPs).
My husband kind of thinks a midwife is a little hippie, too, but I think he is in shock that I hit him up for a home vbac with a midwife.
I shared with him why I wanted a midwife this pregnancy and shared my feelings, not just my thoughts. He really appreciated hearing that. While he still isn't 100% sold, he is very open to it now.
Second point - love everything @orbmaker said!
I do know it's a sensitive subject. I guess I'm seeking the support as I've done grueling research to get me to this point. The negative has been so prevalent and I could use some positive stories, bc I know they are out there!
I have a midwife who specializes in HBAC and is very well known in my area, but she can only refer me to her previous clients, which I guess is a good start.
I guess what I'm saying is this is a pretty well thought out plan with safety measures in place. That being said, all labor needs support, regardless of the type.
Sorry for derailing!
Edited: typos
**had edit to say VBAC bc we are obviously not talking about ventilation system.
One note: I understood what you're saying, but sometimes, other people hear "logic, science and reason" as saying their research is bogus, or their decisions are bogus when those decisions are just a little out of the norm and have a lot of fear associated with them. Just a heads up in other convos.
But yes, you bring up very good points.
@heatherdubrow My husband had this same question (and many, many others). I have an appt with my midwife today (so excited!) and plan on getting very clear on this. It was explained to me and we felt very comfortable, but I don't know it well enough to communicate it at this point without sounding off.
I say that with full knowledge that women rupture and it is instant.
I am actually pretty eager to hear more about what you learn for my own personal learning. I am a healthcare professional and have watched the aftermath of a rupture, so even thought I would strongly not encourage a HBAC, I am looking to learn. I really just want to encourage you to engage other like minded mothers and seek out as much information as you can, because I really think an informed decision is the best one.
As for a check in, I think it's fine to start one but since so many are still pretty firmly first trimester, I'm not sure that a check in is going to get a lot of traction. I would bet that the response would be better if, for now, there was a "Hospital or Home Birth" or something thread and/or a "Repeat C-Section or VBAC" thread and then later, probably at least mid to late second tri a more frequent check in. For now, I think a check in would work the first time and then crickets. There's only so much you can talk about on the topic at this point, KWIM? Kind of the same thing with a midwife check in. How much is there to talk about at this point? Especially on a weekly basis. "I have a midwife. S/he does midwife things."? Is there something I'm missing?
Married: June 2011
TTC since Feb 2016
BFP#1: 7/7/16 MMC: 8/16/16
BFP#2: 5/8/17 - CP
BFP#3: 6/27/17 EDD: 3/10/18
I did chuckle at the comment "S/he does midwife things."
Not sure if you would be interested or if it's available in your area, but I'm going to a midwife practice that delivers in a hospital. No doctors are involved at any time except in the case of an emergency. They get tons of VBACs and are really supportive of them. They post their stats every month and the vast majority of women who go in for a VBAC get what they want, but there are always 10-15% each month that needed a repeat c section. Not saying this to convince you of anything at all or challenge you or anything like that. Just sharing some food for thought.
Thank you for all of the discussion, ladies. I think you're right that it's probably too early for the check in now so I'll hold off.
Also, laughed at the "she does midwife stuff" comment
ETA - but I also totally understand the desire for VBAC in general because repeated Csections also have serious consequences and risks.