I wish I would have realized that every woman, labor, and birth is different. I'd heard that as a FTM labor is usually really long, but mine was only 4 hours start to finish. I guess my advice would just be to pay more attention to your body than to what you've heard from others and what you've read in books. And don't let any of this scare you- having and caring for a baby is tough and scary, but you got this!!!
@rawarr Yes! With my first baby, I read everything online. Why did I think that was a
good idea? Everyone has a different experience. I only bled PP 2 weeks
and I thought it would last for 6 weeks because that's what I read
everywhere.
I just want to echo some of the advice from @rosebud332 about c-sections because I feel like there is a lot of fear about them among FTMs. I ended up with a scheduled CS at 38.5 weeks due to preeclampsia but I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing. My husband and I were goofing around on instagram five minutes before our son was born and either me or my husband were holding him until he went to have his first bath an hour or two later. It couldn't have been a calmer process. Btw, the entire procedure is about 45min but the baby is out in 5-10min. The closing up takes much longer than the opening up.
Embrace the meds, make sure to get up and walk in the first few hours, and don't push yourself physically until the incision is healing up. If you do all of that, a CS is really nothing to worry about.
That said, I do believe the recovery is a very different story if you've gone through labor and THEN had to have a c-section. My heart goes out to those moms, that's like recovering from two types of birth at the same time. When they diagnosed me with preeclampsia, they gave me the option of inducing or going straight to c-section. I know everyone will make different choices but I'm glad I went straight to c-section.
Oh, I thought of a really great one! If you're planning on flying anywhere later in your pregnancy, make sure you ask for a pre-boarding pass, especially if you're on an airline like Southwest that doesn't have assigned seats. I flew quite a bit last pregnancy, and having easy access to the bathroom from the aisle makes all the difference.
And babies don't sleep in, generally. I don't know how I missed that the first time. They just...they don't.
@BumpAdmin This thread somehow became un-sticky. Sticky it again please????
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
Thank you everyone for sharing all of your stories and suggestions. I, personally, like to have as much information as possible. I know my experience won't mirror anyone else's, but I feel better knowing what's possible in the realm of pregnancy, labor and birth, postpartem, and parenting.
I do have one question about early pregnancy. I know constipation is pretty common. I'm already starting to struggle with that...I'm finding that when I can go, it's making me feel really crampy (in the uterus) and my stomach even starts cramping. Is this something anyone else has experienced? I'm not sure if it's general population normal or because of my endometriosis (everything in there is probably all connected to the wrong things. I always imagine it looking like cob webs with things getting pulled on in there.)
Thank you everyone for sharing all of your stories and suggestions. I, personally, like to have as much information as possible. I know my experience won't mirror anyone else's, but I feel better knowing what's possible in the realm of pregnancy, labor and birth, postpartem, and parenting.
I do have one question about early pregnancy. I know constipation is pretty common. I'm already starting to struggle with that...I'm finding that when I can go, it's making me feel really crampy (in the uterus) and my stomach even starts cramping. Is this something anyone else has experienced? I'm not sure if it's general population normal or because of my endometriosis (everything in there is probably all connected to the wrong things. I always imagine it looking like cob webs with things getting pulled on in there.)
(Edited for spelling.)
Cramping is super normal. It’s your uterus expanding and growing. I typically take it as a good sign. To help with constipation, keep your water intake up and that should get things moving!
DD1 | Jan 2009 DD2 | June 2011 DS1 | Oct 2013 ADD3 | Oct 2014 (April 2001) DS2 | June 2016 DS3 | Dec 2018
Also on the water point, drink a ton. I had to down 100oz/day most of my first pregnancy to keep from getting dehydration headaches. I got two of these from amazon, one for work and one for home. It’s much easier to drink that much through a straw than a regular cup.
Cramping is super normal. It’s your uterus expanding and growing. I typically take it as a good sign. To help with constipation, keep your water intake up and that should get things moving!
Thanks for the info. I figured it was pretty normal, just thought it odd that I don't really notice it until I try and use the toilet.
@PensiveCrayon So right. I’ve been having them for a few months again. Maybe because I was planning on getting pregnant again? But all of a sudden every gas bubble felt like a kick and I had to remind myself there was nothing in there.
@rosebud332 I’ve been experiencing them recently since I’ve been KU and have to tell myself that the baby is not nearly big enough for me to feel kicks!
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
@rosebud332 I’ve been experiencing them recently since I’ve been KU and have to tell myself that the baby is not nearly big enough for me to feel kicks!
For constipation, Colace is safe during pregnancy, and taking a prenatal with less iron (or no iron) can help, too (assuming you're getting enough iron anyway and you don't have issues that require you to supplement it).
For constipation, Colace is safe during pregnancy, and taking a prenatal with less iron (or no iron) can help, too (assuming you're getting enough iron anyway and you don't have issues that require you to supplement it).
Thorn puts out an incredible food based iron that doesn’t constipate you!
DD1 | Jan 2009 DD2 | June 2011 DS1 | Oct 2013 ADD3 | Oct 2014 (April 2001) DS2 | June 2016 DS3 | Dec 2018
I wouldn't do a prenatal without iron, I was taking a prenatal with iron last time around and still ended up severely anemic. Your body is making 50% more blood, you definitely need it. Keep in mind calcium blocks absorption of iron (and vitamin C helps absorb it) so a prenatal with little or no calcium is ideal. If you think you need calcium you can take it as a separate supplement at a different time than you take your prenatal.
Me: 35 H: 35 Married: 4/5/13 "You know that place between sleep and awake, that place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I will always love you. That's where I'll be waiting." ~Peter Pan
*TW*
BFP #1: 11/12/12 EDD 7/25/13 Baby boy: 7/27/13 BFP #2: 10/29/17 MMC dx @ 9 weeks BFP #3: 2/2/18 MC 2/7/18 BFP #4: 3/2/18 MC 3/9/18 RPL testing and hysteroscopy: all normal BFP #5: 4/1/18 MMC dx @ 14 weeks ----> genetically normal girl Hysteroscopy to remove scar tissue 9/28 BFP #6 11/5/18 EDD 7/20/19 Rainbow baby girl born 7/23/19 BFP #7 12/8/2021 EDD 8/22/2022
To pitch into the iron thing, I was just remembering today that my midwife had me taking a liquid supplement called Floradix during my last pregnancy. Guys, it was delicious. It tasted like fruit with a teeny bit of metallic aftertaste. I would take a couple shots each day.
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
@rosebud332 I’ve been experiencing them recently since I’ve been KU and have to tell myself that the baby is not nearly big enough for me to feel kicks!
Me too, lol
Idk if mine ever stopped after DS lol. Not all the time, but occasionally I'd feel something!
As far as the iron thing...I take chewable prenatals that don't have iron and managed to be okay throughout my last pregnancy. I supplemented at one point, but then my iron count jumped way high, so my MW thinks the first (low) reading was done incorrectly.
I honestly haven't chimed in much here, I think most of these ladies covered everything I'd have to say.
I did plan to try med-free birth. Started out on the peanut ball, it didn't help much because it was so big compared to me that it pushed against my belly and was uncomfortable. I gave in and got an IV drug, phentenol or however it's spelled, and it didn't do a thing for me. It didn't feel like they gave me anything, but I guess I was already in transition which is why. I managed to get the epidural right as I became 9 centimeters, and then got a nice two hour nap in before needing to push. I think I only ended up pushing about 30 minutes, but my epidural had worn off on my left side, so I still felt a lot of pain.
Also, I totally did not want a mirror to see what was going on, but then the one on the wall ended up being perfect placement anyways, and it was actually super helpful to be able to see the progress I was making as I was pushing! I'll probably ask for one this time if it doesn't end up being perfectly placed again.
oh, and I think someone else mentioned this, but water during labor is amazing. I took so many showers and a couple baths during my pre-labor contractions before my water broke. Showers, the water spraying on your back, seriously feels amazing.
And yes, pre labor contractions are a thing. I had irregular contractions for nearly 24 hours before my water broke on it's own (which doesn't happen for all moms!). They were annoying, but in the grand scheme of things, so much easier than true labor contractions lol.
Once baby was here...we did bed sharing. I know some people don't agree with it, but it worked for us. Baby slept in our bed, and I'm a super light sleeper so I was comfortable knowing I'd wake up if something happened. I was able to breastfeed, so it was easier for me to just wake up and slide him over to my breast rather than having to get out of bed or have DH get up.
Also, I'm a total believer in coconut oil! It worked great for us as a "rash cream", and it was cloth diaper safe which was huge. My DS didn't have hardly any rashes though, so we didn't need heavy duty cream. I know coconut oil doesn't work for everyone, but it did for us.
Heres my input on baby items...you do not need a bouncer, and a rock n play, and a swing. I say get a bouncer or rock n play. We only used a bouncer with DS and it was plenty.
Oh, and tummy time doesn't HAVE to be on the floor. DS got most of his tummy time while laying on our chests. That way our heart beats soothed him and he didn't fight tummy time. Plus whoever had him had an excuse to lay on the couch and do nothing lol.
And, when it comes time for our babies to start whole food (so 6 months +), we did baby led weaning, so I can be super helpful with that if anyone decides to go that route!
I'll stop there for now, I'm sure I'll think of something else later!
I didn’t take iron with either previous pregnancy and someone survived. My count is low enough regularly that I can’t donate blood either, so probably not the wisest move. This time I’ve got iron as a separate supplement. The thing is - I know it’s really really important for me to take my prenatal, and one of the only ways I remember is if it’s a gummy. If I forget the iron pill later, nabd. If I get prenatal pills so that they have iron in them, I’d forget all the time.
Yeah, I should clarify: worth clearing the whole no-iron thing with your OB if that's the route you think you'd go. Your first trimester blood work will probably include checking your iron levels, so your doc should be able to help you make the right decision.
1.Make a birth plan 2.Throw it in the garbage 3.Trust your instincts 4.Dont let anyone get in your head about whats right for you and baby 5.Remember that all of this is going to fly by so fast so try to soak in their tiny stage as much as possible
I was wrong, it’s not Thorne. This is the iron I take and it’s food based. Last time I told my MW I wouldn’t take it because I didn’t want to be constapated. She assured me that it’s food based and wouldn’t. It didn’t at all!
DD1 | Jan 2009 DD2 | June 2011 DS1 | Oct 2013 ADD3 | Oct 2014 (April 2001) DS2 | June 2016 DS3 | Dec 2018
There is so much great advice here, and I love hearing everyone's stories! So much has been covered so I'll just bounce off of what others have said:
1. Definitely get the snoogle in your second trimester. It's a little expensive for a body pillow that you're only going to use for a few months, but it is worth every penny!
2. TAKE THE STOOL SOFTENERS! Especially if you have a c-section. Honestly, based on my last experience I will probably opt for the laxative this time around. I also ended up taking stool softeners for a few week post partum, so it might be a bad idea to buy a bottle for the medicine cabinet.
I'm a FTM and I feel like vaginal birth scares me more than a c-section. I figure a bunch of trained medical professionals can get a baby out of me way better than little ol' me. How the heck am I supposed to shove a bowling ball out of there? Okay, definitely going to stop thinking about that for awhile
@binxybaby Last go around Iwas at 4 centimeters and having back labor through my epidural and wondering how I could undo the pregnancy I ended up not progressing past a 4 and had a c section. To this day I have no idea how a woman can push a baby out her hooha.
@binxybaby my first was a emergency c section and I am looking into VBAC (Vaginal birth aftrer cesarean) this time around so I'm in the same boat as you with being scared but I also try to keep in mind that a womans body was made to birth a baby, things somehow all chamge and widen and stretch for that baby to come out also I found watching birthing videos so empowering.
And C sections are no joke. Recovering from major surgery while tending to a newborn is very tough.
Every mama is a tough mama no matter what way they bring their baby into the world.
@binxybaby some women are able to push baby out in just a couple pushes, some take hours (most I've heard is 3...). Personally, probably about 30 minutes or so. It wasn't easy, but you just push thru the pain because you know at the end you'll have a beautiful baby and the pain will be gone. I swear it's sheer will-power, hahaha.
Have preferences, not plans. I had big plans for what my fourth trimester would look like, and when it didn't go according to plan I was disappointed in myself and felt like a failure. I have since found that preferences allow me greater flexibility when things go sideways - and they often do!
Postpartum sitz baths are amazing. Just take that 10-15 minutes of you-time. Do it. It will feel amazing.
This one is not for everyone, but it was super helpful for me. Before giving birth, take a little looky-loo at your vag with a mirror. Do the same postpartum - maybe wait a day or two. It's not going to be pretty, but it can help you figure out whether or not you are healing properly. I still couldn't sit-down, stand-up, walk around without searing pain six week after giving birth. So I finally took a gander to see what the hell was going on. Turns out I had granulated tissue - or the much grosser "proud flesh" - at the site of my tear (basically the body over-heals and grows new tissue. Good job, body! It's raw and very painful). After a super easy fix at the doctor's office, I felt better IMMEDIATELY.
Which leads me to my last piece of advice, don't be a hero! If something doesn't feel right at any point in pregnancy, birth, or postpartum - ask your doctor, call the nurse line, seek out help and never be afraid or ashamed to advocate for yourself.
@ay-eff Oh god, how had I forgotten about granulated tissue! I had a stubborn spot of it that would not go away and I had to do *three* rounds of silver nitrate at the OB's office. The third round was at like, 16 weeks postpartum! So it took a while for mine to heal. Wow, I had completely blocked that all out, lol.
And re: fears of vaginal birth, in my experience, weirdly, I did not find the pushing part bad at all? I had an epidural, obviously, or I probably would not be saying that, haha, but the pushing was my favorite part of labor because I got to actually DO something and I was so close to the goal and getting closer with every push. And after over 20 odd hours leading up to the pushing, my epidural had worn off to the point that I could feel all of the pressure but none of the pain (which was PERFECT) so I knew and could feel exactly when to push, but it didn't hurt. I did throw up during pushing, but even that didn't matter because I was so close to the end. I basically hated all of labor *except* the pushing a baby out of my vagina part, lol.
@maureenmce sorry for reminding you! I would block out three rounds of silver nitrate, too. Eep. For the record, when I said it was an easy fix and that I felt better immediately, I didn't mean the fix itself was painless... You are a champ.
Oh no worries @ay-eff ! And for anyone else worried about any part of this whole pregnancy/labor experience in particular, I will say it is CRAZY how much you forget. So even if things feel bad in the moment (even *really* bad) by the time your LO is 1 or 2 it will be a very faint memory, so that's something I plan to use to comfort myself in tough times this pregnancy.
Yeah, pushing isnt as bad as transition. Transition is the killer.
Make sure you have someone who can talk for you. It can be a partner or a doula or a relative, but someone other than you to advocate for you. You’re in a mindset that doesn’t lend itself well to complex thought, even if your epidural is working great and you don’t have any pain.
So, the pushing thing varies from person to person. I heard that even before I had my baby. Me? I haaaaated it. I hated the way my body felt each push. I literally screamed myself hoarse for 3 hours. But also my kid was stuck and it was an unmedicated labor, so take that with a grain of salt.
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
@maureenmce I mean maybe the 3 hours was in my head, I’ve never really asked. But yeah, he had a short umbilical cord, shoulder dystocia, and weighed 9 lbs 4 oz. And had a truly gnarly case of meconium aspiration. It’s still tough for me to think about doing another birth sometimes.
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
I also hated pushing and I only pushed for 30 Mins. My biggest problem was I didn't feel I could catch my breath between pushes. I felt like no one cared that I wasn't breathing. I also was SO hot. But that was most likely the mag drip. I felt like I was on fire. I remember 2 things I yelled at the Dr 1. This kid better be fucking cute and 2. I'm never doing this again,, I'll adopt!
Re: The Great Birth and Postpartum Advice Thread
Stay away from Dr. Google.
Listsn to your gut.
Save your peri bottle.
Tucks pads are great for healing stitches.
Im happy to answer any questions. It’s all still fresh.
Embrace the meds, make sure to get up and walk in the first few hours, and don't push yourself physically until the incision is healing up. If you do all of that, a CS is really nothing to worry about.
That said, I do believe the recovery is a very different story if you've gone through labor and THEN had to have a c-section. My heart goes out to those moms, that's like recovering from two types of birth at the same time. When they diagnosed me with preeclampsia, they gave me the option of inducing or going straight to c-section. I know everyone will make different choices but I'm glad I went straight to c-section.
And babies don't sleep in, generally. I don't know how I missed that the first time. They just...they don't.
@BumpAdmin This thread somehow became un-sticky. Sticky it again please????
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
I do have one question about early pregnancy. I know constipation is pretty common. I'm already starting to struggle with that...I'm finding that when I can go, it's making me feel really crampy (in the uterus) and my stomach even starts cramping. Is this something anyone else has experienced? I'm not sure if it's general population normal or because of my endometriosis (everything in there is probably all connected to the wrong things. I always imagine it looking like cob webs with things getting pulled on in there.)
(Edited for spelling.)
DD2 | June 2011
DS1 | Oct 2013
ADD3 | Oct 2014 (April 2001)
DS2 | June 2016
DS3 | Dec 2018
Due with baby blob August 2021
Phantom baby kicks. It's a thing, and it's weird. So don't be surprised when it happens to you after the baby is out.
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
DD2 | June 2011
DS1 | Oct 2013
ADD3 | Oct 2014 (April 2001)
DS2 | June 2016
DS3 | Dec 2018
Due with baby blob August 2021
Married: 4/5/13
"You know that place between sleep and awake,
that place where you can still remember dreaming?
That's where I will always love you.
That's where I'll be waiting."
~Peter Pan
*TW*
BFP #2: 10/29/17 MMC dx @ 9 weeks
BFP #3: 2/2/18 MC 2/7/18
BFP #4: 3/2/18 MC 3/9/18
RPL testing and hysteroscopy: all normal
BFP #5: 4/1/18 MMC dx @ 14 weeks ----> genetically normal girl
Hysteroscopy to remove scar tissue 9/28
BFP #6 11/5/18 EDD 7/20/19
BFP #7 12/8/2021 EDD 8/22/2022
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
As far as the iron thing...I take chewable prenatals that don't have iron and managed to be okay throughout my last pregnancy. I supplemented at one point, but then my iron count jumped way high, so my MW thinks the first (low) reading was done incorrectly.
I honestly haven't chimed in much here, I think most of these ladies covered everything I'd have to say.
I did plan to try med-free birth. Started out on the peanut ball, it didn't help much because it was so big compared to me that it pushed against my belly and was uncomfortable. I gave in and got an IV drug, phentenol or however it's spelled, and it didn't do a thing for me. It didn't feel like they gave me anything, but I guess I was already in transition which is why. I managed to get the epidural right as I became 9 centimeters, and then got a nice two hour nap in before needing to push. I think I only ended up pushing about 30 minutes, but my epidural had worn off on my left side, so I still felt a lot of pain.
Also, I totally did not want a mirror to see what was going on, but then the one on the wall ended up being perfect placement anyways, and it was actually super helpful to be able to see the progress I was making as I was pushing! I'll probably ask for one this time if it doesn't end up being perfectly placed again.
oh, and I think someone else mentioned this, but water during labor is amazing. I took so many showers and a couple baths during my pre-labor contractions before my water broke. Showers, the water spraying on your back, seriously feels amazing.
And yes, pre labor contractions are a thing. I had irregular contractions for nearly 24 hours before my water broke on it's own (which doesn't happen for all moms!). They were annoying, but in the grand scheme of things, so much easier than true labor contractions lol.
Once baby was here...we did bed sharing. I know some people don't agree with it, but it worked for us. Baby slept in our bed, and I'm a super light sleeper so I was comfortable knowing I'd wake up if something happened. I was able to breastfeed, so it was easier for me to just wake up and slide him over to my breast rather than having to get out of bed or have DH get up.
Also, I'm a total believer in coconut oil! It worked great for us as a "rash cream", and it was cloth diaper safe which was huge. My DS didn't have hardly any rashes though, so we didn't need heavy duty cream. I know coconut oil doesn't work for everyone, but it did for us.
Heres my input on baby items...you do not need a bouncer, and a rock n play, and a swing. I say get a bouncer or rock n play. We only used a bouncer with DS and it was plenty.
Oh, and tummy time doesn't HAVE to be on the floor. DS got most of his tummy time while laying on our chests. That way our heart beats soothed him and he didn't fight tummy time. Plus whoever had him had an excuse to lay on the couch and do nothing lol.
And, when it comes time for our babies to start whole food (so 6 months +), we did baby led weaning, so I can be super helpful with that if anyone decides to go that route!
I'll stop there for now, I'm sure I'll think of something else later!
DS2 due 12/12/18
2.Throw it in the garbage
3.Trust your instincts
4.Dont let anyone get in your head about whats right for you and baby
5.Remember that all of this is going to fly by so fast so try to soak in their tiny stage as much as possible
DD2 | June 2011
DS1 | Oct 2013
ADD3 | Oct 2014 (April 2001)
DS2 | June 2016
DS3 | Dec 2018
Due with baby blob August 2021
There is so much great advice here, and I love hearing everyone's stories! So much has been covered so I'll just bounce off of what others have said:
1. Definitely get the snoogle in your second trimester. It's a little expensive for a body pillow that you're only going to use for a few months, but it is worth every penny!
2. TAKE THE STOOL SOFTENERS! Especially if you have a c-section. Honestly, based on my last experience I will probably opt for the laxative this time around. I also ended up taking stool softeners for a few week post partum, so it might be a bad idea to buy a bottle for the medicine cabinet.
*Rainbow 8/2015*
*Expected Rainbows 12/2018*
*Loss of Twin 5/2018*
(Vaginal birth aftrer cesarean) this time around so I'm in the same boat as you with being scared but I also try to keep in mind that a womans body was made to birth a baby, things somehow all chamge and widen and stretch for that baby to come out
And C sections are no joke. Recovering from major surgery while tending to a newborn is very tough.
Every mama is a tough mama no matter what way they bring their baby into the world.
DS2 due 12/12/18
Postpartum sitz baths are amazing. Just take that 10-15 minutes of you-time. Do it. It will feel amazing.
This one is not for everyone, but it was super helpful for me. Before giving birth, take a little looky-loo at your vag with a mirror. Do the same postpartum - maybe wait a day or two. It's not going to be pretty, but it can help you figure out whether or not you are healing properly. I still couldn't sit-down, stand-up, walk around without searing pain six week after giving birth. So I finally took a gander to see what the hell was going on. Turns out I had granulated tissue - or the much grosser "proud flesh" - at the site of my tear (basically the body over-heals and grows new tissue. Good job, body! It's raw and very painful). After a super easy fix at the doctor's office, I felt better IMMEDIATELY.
Which leads me to my last piece of advice, don't be a hero! If something doesn't feel right at any point in pregnancy, birth, or postpartum - ask your doctor, call the nurse line, seek out help and never be afraid or ashamed to advocate for yourself.
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
And re: fears of vaginal birth, in my experience, weirdly, I did not find the pushing part bad at all? I had an epidural, obviously, or I probably would not be saying that, haha, but the pushing was my favorite part of labor because I got to actually DO something and I was so close to the goal and getting closer with every push. And after over 20 odd hours leading up to the pushing, my epidural had worn off to the point that I could feel all of the pressure but none of the pain (which was PERFECT) so I knew and could feel exactly when to push, but it didn't hurt. I did throw up during pushing, but even that didn't matter because I was so close to the end. I basically hated all of labor *except* the pushing a baby out of my vagina part, lol.
Make sure you have someone who can talk for you. It can be a partner or a doula or a relative, but someone other than you to advocate for you. You’re in a mindset that doesn’t lend itself well to complex thought, even if your epidural is working great and you don’t have any pain.
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018