@CecilB93 That’s so funny because I’m only 5’0 and I liked the peanut ball. Maybe it’s because I was laying down when I used it? Also, I’m super jealous of your shower. I could use one of those at home!
@CecilB93 That's interesting about the peanut. I've never used one. I should mention that my sister HATES the birthing ball. She sat on it once during labor with her now 7 year old and apparently it was not comfortable. She said even now, not pregnant she gets annoyed even seeing an exercise ball:). I love them so much...I've got one I sit on alot during the third trimester and in case the hospital isn't well stocked!
I also hated the birth ball. I tried using it for one contraction, couldn't figure out how to position myself, and gave up. I'm trying to practice more with it this time around so I can know how to use it when the time arrives.
Apparently the peanut balls at the hospital here are reserved for the moms who get epidurals. Not sure why!
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
@PensiveCrayon That’s dumb that they limit the use of the peanut balls like that.
I really liked the ball, last time. The problem was I had internal monitors that pulled every time I sat on it and DS’s heart rate would go wonky, so they kept making me get off and lay on my left side. The peanut ball was nice for when I was laying down, though.
I want to thank everyone for sharing so much valuable info!! I’ve been doing lots of research online and definitely will check out the books that have been recommended.
AFM- this will be my first baby and I don’t respond well to drugs in general. I’m a small person and it doesn’t take much for me to feel effects. I don’t even take anything for headaches or period cramps unless its like day 3 and unbearable so I think my pain tolerance is good. That being said I don’t want any drugs during labor - maybe something afterwards to help me rest. DH is on board though says if it were him he’d get an epidural! Haha. My first miscarriage was at 12 weeks and I could literally feel my cervix dialating. The NP had told me he would just feel like a very heavy period. Incorrect - I was having contractions and in so much pain, not to mention terrified as I was not mentally prepared for what was going on. I know delivering a full term baby will be MUCH more painful but I think that experience will help give me a small idea of what to expect.
@countrygirl624 so sorry you've had to go through that. I've never experienced a miscarriage but from what you describe I think you've got more of an idea than I did the first time. And I think that definitely helps...the fear and uncertainty made my first labor tougher than it needed to be. I actually remember that way more than the pain. It's really a mind game for me. Not sure who you're planning on having in the room with you, but I really appreciated having my mom. She had had two unmedicated births and was really supportive and good at reminding me what I had wanted. When I went through transition and said I couldnt do it anymore...she told the nurse to go slowly order an epidural:) Baby was out before I ever saw anesthesia. My husband is great, and all i need for a birth partner now, but that first baby he was just as scared as me:).
@countrygirl I’m so sorry about your miscarriage. This time, although the pain will be more intense, at least you will get a beautiful baby in the end.
Thanks everyone for sharing their experiences & information!
I am dabbling in the idea of attempting med-free. I had an epidural with DS and got it in a very text book manner - the nurses said to get it when you're getting too uncomfortable to talk through contractions. I wasn't even in that much pain, but was so afraid of the pain to come that I got it early (4cm at the time, but I'm basing 'early' as where I was at for pain). I ended up throwing up a lot and absolutely hated the effects of the epidural. It also slowed my progress and I didn't start pushing until 7 hours after receiving the epidural & then my son didn't come for three more hours. I hated not really feeling the contractions while pushing and felt like I had to look at the monitor to know when to push.
Anyway, I feel very uneducated in the matter, but am becoming more and more interested in trying to go to my limits this time instead of just planning for an epidural. I had a large baby & had an episiotomy - these comments are hilarious about tearing vs not
We are hoping for a home birth (4th kid, 2nd at home hopefully). With my first, I was induced at 37 weeks and had a very long labor (38+ hours after they started pitocin). But I’m stubborn as hell and refused an epidural. I did end up getting a dose of nubain at some point but it didn’t really do anything for me. My second was born at home and it was great.
The third ended up being a disaster (long story - detailed in the lurker thread). Had a spinal and c section. The sensation of not being able to move my legs was absolutely terrifying. I still have nightmares about it and have trouble laying on my back at all because I get panicky.
So this time around we are really hoping things go more smoothly and hopefully will be able to be med free and at home again. I have major anxiety about hospitals and any sort of intervention because of the last birth experience.
@ScootsMcG and @katy0990 Thanks ladies!! This experience will definitely be a more happy one. I was actually at my parents when I had that miscarriage and my Mom though attempting to be supportive was not much help. I was throwing up from pain and she was in the bathroom with me saying she was going to be sick .... sympathy pain? Lol. She also wanted to take me to the ER and I was like why? There’s nothing they can do and I’m not paying for it. I know she was trying but I was like really?? Hahaha. I just want my hubby ... I know he will be great!!
@runrinserepeat I did toward the end of pregnancy last time. It was okay — good pain management strategies but I felt like at that point it was too late to really practice any of them. But it doesn’t hurt to pick up the book and flip through!
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
@ab_canada lol When I said winter in Florida I just meant that all the Canadians and other Northern states people come down to our town. There's so many extra cars on the road it can literally double your time to get anywhere. I won't be stuck in the house because of snow but I won't want to drive anywhere!
@katy0990 I'm wondering if there are different sizes of peanut balls? I can't imagine laying down with the one I had! It was HUGE! So if you had a smaller size that could make a big difference lol.
@scaredunprepared That doesn't sound like a bad idea! Laboring at home seems like a nice in between especially for comfort but don't you worry about the length of your labor? Like what if you don't labor for long?
@CecilB93 wow I noticed the shower that'll be in my room, but didn't think it'd be much help during labor for pain relief. I did consider looking back into birthing balls though.
Also can anyone recommend books on natural birth? I'd love to hear your thoughts
@liathelight I'm anticipating a looooong labor, not from personal history (no other kids), but family history. Figure I'm close enough to the hospital to get there quickly if needed. I don't think I'm going to be one of the precipitous labors! If i feel like I need to go early, or if my OB recommends it, I will. Just would prefer to stay home as long as possible!
I just read through Audrey Roloff's birth story & am really encouraged to try med-free/go as long as I can. Just being able to labor in places other than hooked up to an iv in the bed with lifeless limbs sounds like a relief. Maaaaybe if I don't need gallons of pit this time, I could attempt. Her story also encouraged the idea of relaxing through contractions & labor as when we tense up, labor slows. (yeah, like relaxing will be remotely possible..)
Re: September Med-Free/Natural Birth Thread
Apparently the peanut balls at the hospital here are reserved for the moms who get epidurals. Not sure why!
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 really liked the ball, last time. The problem was I had internal monitors that pulled every time I sat on it and DS’s heart rate would go wonky, so they kept making me get off and lay on my left side. The peanut ball was nice for when I was laying down, though.
AFM- this will be my first baby and I don’t respond well to drugs in general. I’m a small person and it doesn’t take much for me to feel effects. I don’t even take anything for headaches or period cramps unless its like day 3 and unbearable so I think my pain tolerance is good. That being said I don’t want any drugs during labor - maybe something afterwards to help me rest. DH is on board though says if it were him he’d get an epidural! Haha. My first miscarriage was at 12 weeks and I could literally feel my cervix dialating. The NP had told me he would just feel like a very heavy period. Incorrect - I was having contractions and in so much pain, not to mention terrified as I was not mentally prepared for what was going on. I know delivering a full term baby will be MUCH more painful but I think that experience will help give me a small idea of what to expect.
I am dabbling in the idea of attempting med-free. I had an epidural with DS and got it in a very text book manner - the nurses said to get it when you're getting too uncomfortable to talk through contractions. I wasn't even in that much pain, but was so afraid of the pain to come that I got it early (4cm at the time, but I'm basing 'early' as where I was at for pain). I ended up throwing up a lot and absolutely hated the effects of the epidural. It also slowed my progress and I didn't start pushing until 7 hours after receiving the epidural & then my son didn't come for three more hours. I hated not really feeling the contractions while pushing and felt like I had to look at the monitor to know when to push.
Anyway, I feel very uneducated in the matter, but am becoming more and more interested in trying to go to my limits this time instead of just planning for an epidural. I had a large baby & had an episiotomy - these comments are hilarious about tearing vs not
DS: 12/20/16
EDD: 11/29/18
The third ended up being a disaster (long story - detailed in the lurker thread). Had a spinal and c section. The sensation of not being able to move my legs was absolutely terrifying. I still have nightmares about it and have trouble laying on my back at all because I get panicky.
So this time around we are really hoping things go more smoothly and hopefully will be able to be med free and at home again. I have major anxiety about hospitals and any sort of intervention because of the last birth experience.
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
DS2 due 12/12/18
@CecilB93 wow I noticed the shower that'll be in my room, but didn't think it'd be much help during labor for pain relief. I did consider looking back into birthing balls though.
Also can anyone recommend books on natural birth? I'd love to hear your thoughts
DS: 12/20/16
EDD: 11/29/18