I was induced with all three of mine, and I would LOVE to not be induced this go round, but I'm not counting on it. I've had an ITN with my first, an unmediated birth with my second, and with my last had an epidural. Because my recovery was the easiest with the unmediated birth, that's what I'm leaning towards, but when it starts to feel like someone is wringing out my insides again, I'll likely change my mind.
@fatmonica Aside from a healthy baby and healthy mom, my biggest hope for delivery is to go into labor naturally because I've also only been induced. I'd really like the excitement of it happening instead of being like "Yes I'm scheduled for a 7am get-this-baby-out appt" check-in.
@peachy13 I wasn't really trying not to poop, I just wasn't going to try TO poop, because I didn't see what good that was to anyone. They just didn't tell me what I was feeling.
For all the FTMs - while it’s likely you will poop, it’s also possible you won’t. I went into it 100% thinking I would poop. I pushed REAL hard trying to get DS out. No poop. I had a mirror the whole time so I know no one was lying to me but I wouldn’t have been embarrassed anyway bc whatever. I bled so much, poop was the least of my worries.
@DuchessOfCambridge ugh. I pooped...a freaking lot. Pretty sure my first like half hour of pushing was just shitting myself 🙈😂. The vaginal birth I got to witness as a student was unmedicated and FAST and she didn't poop. If she did, honestly we wouldn't have noticed because the baby was halfway out after the first push. And baby was STILL IN THE SAC. It was the coolest thing I've ever experienced. The only en caul births I've heard of were csections. It was pretty amazing. That whole experience. She made birth look easy.
@fatmonica@imrachellea at what point were you induced? My doctor today said she only lets moms go a week past their due date and that seems a bit ridiculous to me.
My first C-section came after almost 2 days of early labor at home, 16 hours at the hospital, and eventual fetal distress. I had history of fistula, so I kept checking with my OB. Are we sure it's ok to give birth vaginally? Is this gonna mess anything up? They gave me the green light, but I was unsuccessful in my attempts to push a baby out of my vagina :lol I had a huge flare a few weeks after delivery, and ended up being diagnosed with Crohn's, so it may have been a blessing that I didn't have a vaginal birth.
I wanted to VBAC, but my colorectal surgeon, GI doc, and MFM all suggest that a RCS is the way to go for me. There's nothing wrong with a vaginal birth per se, for Crohn's patients. But any complicated tearing and I could end up with a diverting ileostomy (worst case scenario). And since we can't guarantee that I will have a unicorn vaginal birth, the risks are perhaps too great. But dang, I'm not looking forward to C-section recovery with a toddler this time around. Although, maybe without the days of labor beforehand, I won't be so destroyed.
So my hope is that, as discussed with OB, I'm allowed to schedule my RCS on a wait and see basis. i.e. No set in stone at 39 weeks eviction date. Wait until 40 weeks, or perhaps even wait until my body starts to show signs of labor. They would let me do this because I live 2 minutes from the hospital.
@eatinwatermelonseeds. I was 40+5, 41, and 39+6. With my first, they thought she was over 9 lbs (she was 8lb11oz). With the second, they had a 41 week policy. With my third, we had just moved across the state and when doc offered to induce (probably for her own convenience) I didn't argue because I didn't know what we would do with DD and DS if labor was spontaneous.
@eatinwatermelonseeds So my first I was induced the day after my due date (EDD was a Sunday) because the policy of my practice was that moms who had extra monitoring during pregnancy (mine was basically CYA as the high risk doctor cleared me) got induced on their due dates. As a FTM I didn't realize I had the right to say no to that (especially as the extra monitoring was for a theoretical minor thing). I wish I had let her come on her own, or at least later when she may have just needed a gentle nudge rather than forceful shoving out. With DD2 I was induced at 41 weeks exactly which, while I was devastated for another induction after the way the first went, I was also terrified of stories I heard of complications going towards 42 weeks. DD2 went perfectly.
@fatmonica@imrachellea thank you both for sharing your experiences. My son came at 40w5d on his own. My last clinic I delivered with didn't schedule induction any earlier than 42 weeks unless medically necessary (or in my case, I cried enough that they moved it 😂). I was due October 29 and my first induction was scheduled for November 9, but I was terrified because we kept getting NSTs where he wasn't moving enough. So, I called my midwife crying and she scheduled it for November 5, he came November 3. This time around as long as all feels safe, I am hoping to just let baby come out on its own (now that I know it will 😂). I feel a little uneasy about 1 week. My son was 8.5lbs. which I guess is kind of big? But for 5 days over due it doesn't seem that big to me, he must've needed that time.
@eatinwatermelonseeds I make small babies, apparently, because past their respective due dates they were 7.4 and 7.11. If this one goes to 41 weeks maybe I'd ask for a growth scan before going to an induction...
@imrachellea growth scans are so notorious for being wrong, so I'd be careful with that. I've asked not to have any. But mine won't unless it's medically necessary.
1) Make it to the hospital in time. 2) Hopefully DH won't miss the birth again.
My first labor lasted forever and I finally got an epidural right before my water broke and it was time to push.
Now, special note for the STM out there, even though my first labor was really long, the second time around I did not have time for any meds. I got to the hospital within a half hour of my first contraction and was already 9cm and told it was too late for an epidural. I was never pro or anti epidural, more let's see how it goes, but since I had never experienced pushing without meds I was terrified of that aspect. Actually, the pushing is not as bad as contractions, and it's almost a relief. I'm not going to say natural birth was anything but extremely painful, but I will say this... I felt like a million freaking bucks right after I gave birth. For that reason, I would actually prefer to deliver that way again this time.
I'm hoping to have my parents come stay with us a little before my due date because last time the baby came so fast I actually gave birth in the 15 min or so my husband took my son for a walk in the hospital hallway. He still feels just awful that he missed it.
I’m also hoping for my body to naturally go into labor this go around. I was induced at 37 weeks due to having GD. The doctor stripped my membranes a couple days before which did nothing but make me lose my mucus plug, it did not help dilate me. She gave me 1 second warning she was doing it and I had no idea what it meant or how painful it would be. I really don’t want to have that done again.
@thebobloblaw did she actually get your consent first?!? She should definitely have given you more of a warning. And you can definitely decline such a procedure.
DD1: June 2014 - VBM4lyfe DD2: October 2016 DC3: coming May 2019
@eatinwatermelonseeds I had so much diarrhea and vomiting during labor that I don’t think there was anything left 😂 I threw up Gatorade, saltines, and a freaking popsicle! It was water only after that.
@thebobloblaw I can’t believe she didn’t warn you. That’s not standard for care where I am, I specifically had to request mine be stripped. It was uncomfortable but I wouldn’t call it painful. I’ve heard they only help if you are already ready for labor and will be beginning it soon. If you’re not, they do nothing. Looking back I realize I started laboring pretty much immediately but it was super early labor and I was still able to finish out my work day and go home, have dinner, and clean everything. That was more info than you needed but I’m so sorry that happened, I’d be really angry if it was done without my consent.
So, I had a very traumatic birth experience with my first 3 years ago. I was 41+2 and I had the whole shabang—failed induction, 36 hours of pitocin labor, TWO failed epidurals, a fever which resulted in a NICU stay for my 10lb baby, an emergency c section and a blood patch (a third epidural with my own blood).
I’m praying for a healthy baby, no NICU, and a smooth planned c section.
I hope my labor (and delivery) go as smooth as last time, but I realllly hope we make it to the hospital. And I don’t want my water to break at home, I don’t want to worry about that mess needing cleaned up! My first pregnancy labor was about 2 and a half hours. We are about a half hour from the hospital... so I’ll be crossing my legs very tightly I didn’t have time to get an epidural last time which was scary but also a good thing (for me). Leading up to birth I had kind of a wait and see attitude about the epidural, I had no idea what to expect in regards to pain, so I figured if it was really terrible I would get one, if I could handle it then I wouldn’t, but the giant needle terrified me as much as pushing out a baby, so I could have gone either way. It was nice that the baby made the decision for me!
@k2k2tog and @DuchessOfCambridge there is a chance maybe she discussed it during an appointment at some point and I just didn’t receive it. SO constantly made fun of me because I was in such a fog or pregnancy brain that I didn’t process most of what was said during appointments. I actually thought they were going to let me go home after putting in a Foley catheter the night before inducing with Pitocin. He made me call and double check and I was sooooo sure I was right that the nurse had to tell me TWICE I was being admitted that night 😂
But from what I recall she was just like I’m gonna do this now during a cervical exam, and did it. I had no idea it was a thing or what was actually going to happen. I was at 2cm at the time. She might have warned me it would be uncomfortable... but that is an understatement.
@thebobloblaw yeah, that doesn’t sound like proper consent to me. But I know what you mean about being fuzzy during appointments. After DD1 was born, they had to do some extra tests because I had a fever during labour. At some point, I thought they said they were doing a fecal occult blood test which makes nooooo sense at all and my on was so confused when I told her about it. I’m terrible at processing medical information at the best of times, even worse when my brain is on baby.
DD1: June 2014 - VBM4lyfe DD2: October 2016 DC3: coming May 2019
@k2k2tog I hope you get the uncomplicated home birth you want. I love the idea of giving birth at home, but at the same time I feel like it would really stress me out. I'm particular about lots of things, and it bugs me when most people go through my house. I feel like the clean up after the birth would ruin things for me because I would be wanting to do it myself, but also really not wanting to do it at all.
@eatinwatermelonseeds I'm strongly considering a birth centre this time around as well. I didn't have the option with my last two, but they were both born in a small rural hospital. I feel like I got a pretty intimate experience and overall feel good about both births, although I was much happier with my second than my first. I didn't speak up enough for myself, DH was just stressed out because he was convinced I was in unsurmountable pain so he also didn't speak up as much. He let the nurses take the lead because he really didn't know how to help. An epidural wasn't an option the night I went in, but they did give me a small dose of fentanyl when I was really panicking and asked for something. It did absolutely nothing for me, except maybe make me more edgy. All in all, I think I listened to the nurses and doctor more than I listened to my own body because the way my body was feeling scared the heck out of me. With DD2 I was so much calmer. I don't think it hurt any less, but I could channel my energy so much better with her because I just knew how to. I feel pretty confident that, barring major complications, I can manage my pain on my own now. The birth centre I'm looking into is less than 5 min away from the hospital so I feel like I'd be close enough should any complications arise, but I really would rather have a calm and intimate birth experience which I don't think I can get as easily at one of the city hospitals (from what I have heard in comparison to what I experienced at our previous rural hospital).
@wishiwaspreggo my reasons for wanting an unmedicated birth are similar to what has been mentioned about a faster recovery and moving freely during labour. I felt that way prior to having either of my girls, but now having been through labour twice I feel even more strongly about it. My #1 priority is obviously a healthy baby at the end, but my experience in my previous labours was the times that I was the most uncomfortable and felt the least in control was when I was in a bed and especially when I was hooked up to the monitors. As long as I can move as my body wants to I have always felt better. I fully support any type of delivery, every woman is different. For me, this works so that's what I plan to continue to do.
@DuchessOfCambridge it sounds like you are little bit conflicted. I haven't been where you are, but I think I understand your fears as much I can not having been through it myself. One of my close girlfriends delivered her son about 2 weeks after my DD1. He also suffered a brain injury during birth. He's completely fine now (5 years old and smart as heck) but it was super scary in the beginning. There were complications with her delivery that could have been avoided, and likely led to the brain injury as well. I hope that you are able to work through all the factors that may have contributed and can come up with the plan that makes you the most comfortable.
The only thing I'm really hoping for is an epidural. My labors last too long and my kids are too big for me to even humor the idea of a natural birth.
Biggest fear would be a C-section. But if its what needs done to get a baby out safe then so be it.
Pregnancy #1 DD 08.30.2007 Pregnancy #2 Natural Miscarriage at 6 weeks 03/2014 Due date 11/9/2014 Pregnancy #3 DS 02.23.2015 Pregnancy #4 Missed Miscarriage at 11 weeks 11/2018 Due date 5/22/2019 Pregnancy #5 Positive test 12/11/2019 Due Date 8/17/2020
I mentioned this in another thread already, but I want a water birth. My hospital offers water birth rooms as well as birth center rooms with a birthing tub in it. I have decided it will just be DH and I in the room, with parents at the hospital and available upon request. No one will be allowed to visit during the first 12 hours outside of our parents to allow us time to bond with our little one. After that, only siblings and nieces and nephews will be allowed to visit us in the hospital. I really want that time for DH and I to bond with baby and connect as a family. Someone said above (don’t remember who) about no tests, paperwork, shots, etc. for the first few hours and I totally agree! I know things must be done, but i want nothing more than time with DH and LO first and foremost. Also, I hope I go a little late. One of DHs friends from college is staying with us April 1-May 10 for a residency. I’m due May 8. I just want him gone before baby arrives for his own sanity. He is not married and not planning on kids anytime soon, although he’s amazing with his nieces and nephews. We just said yes to him staying before we got pregnant and he didn’t seem to mind that I’ll be giant when he’s with us. 🤷🏽♀️
I'm so glad to hear other stories and thoughts on birth plans. I'm a FTM so mine is going to sound idealistic but I'm reminding myself that anything can happen and I will have to be open to change if necessary.
I live in Canada and there isn't a birth center local to me. So in that case, I've decided to have midwives and a doula and give birth in our local hospital 5 minutes away. The midwives have an agreement with that hospital and they can use some rooms without interference from hospital staff unless requested. The comfort of being at the hospital in case anything goes wrong is important to DH and I. My own mother lives out of province and might not make it in time for the birth, so I'm hiring a doula to give me that extra support through labour. DH is a firefighter and has training in l&d but the deliveries he has done have all been life threating/something going wrong and very high stress. Because of this, he's more nervous than I am about the birth and the doula is partly to help guide and reassure him too. 😊
When it comes to actual birth plan: I requested to labour at home for as long as possible. Thinking of getting a pool as well. I'm wanting a natural unmedicated labour but will not hesitate to ask for help if it gets beyond me. Only stickler - NO epidural. None whatsoever. My friend got paralyzed by one that went horribly wrong and I don't think the benefits of epidural out weight the risk and side effects in my mind. I am hoping for birth at hospital and then to come home when feeling strong enough.
I had not thought of all the paperwork and other things that happen after the birth, so thanks to you all for that. I will request some bonding time too!
@mcewen3 I can totally understand that. I didn’t have a home birth with my first because our house was tiny and were kind of messy people, so I was certain I wouldn’t be able to have the house clean enough to feel comfortable having midwives there. And I didn’t get in with the midwives because I was in a large city with not enough midwifery practices. Now, we’re in a much bigger house I feel like the mess is easier to ignore. A birthing centre is an excellent alternative. They can be just like giving birth at home without the added stress of worrying about your house.
Though, I will add, I didn’t see the clean up at all. Mostly because I was transferred to the hospital, so I actually wasn’t there. But I think even if I had been, I would have been too absorbed in the baby to notice. They did leave one blood smeared bowl in the bathtub that I think just got over looked. DH took care of it for me. 😄
@mrskoz428 that is really impressive that your hospital will allow you to birth in the tub. When I gave birth to DD1, the hospital had tubs in some of the rooms that you could labour in, but they would not actually allow you to give birth in the tub.
DD1: June 2014 - VBM4lyfe DD2: October 2016 DC3: coming May 2019
From a Canadian perspective, I was not bombarded with procedures and paperwork after DD1 was born. We didn’t see any paperwork at all until we were settled in our postpartum room , about 2-3 hours after the birth. They did leave me to bond, skin to skin, and try to breast feed for at least an hour (I think? Things are actually kind of fuzzy. Can’t imagine why) before they weighed her and put the vitK stuff on her eyes. They didn’t do much in terms of tests and things until the next morning, so we had 12 hours mostly uninterrupted. With midwives, depending on where you are, they will only require you to stay for 3 hours after the birth, and all that postpartum testing can be done at home.
DD1: June 2014 - VBM4lyfe DD2: October 2016 DC3: coming May 2019
My biggest concern at the moment is that baby comes before 39+1 because I reach an anniversary at work that takes STD pay from 6weeks at 60% to 100%. I had to be induced with my son at 41weeks, so if things are similar I should go full term!
@k2k2tog its more the mess from the actual birth that I worry would stress me out having it in my own home afterwards. I agree, I think the Birth Centre is the closest alternative and I'm kind of excited to be able to use it this time. The only thing I want to check with the midwife about is how early I can check in. I'm pretty sure I don't want to labour at home as long this time as I did with DD2. A) because a lot of how I deal with contractions is me needing to be kind of on my own, in my zone and I don't really want to have to try and keep face for the kids if they're around. b) If I labour at home until almost the end like DD2 we will arrive just in time to push and then have only a few hours afterwards in the room. As much as I don't like the idea of a big city hospital birth, $600 for a pushing room also doesn't seem super worth it.
@thebobloblaw I’ve heard for some women it can be quite painful. I was expecting it to hurt really terribly and then it was just kind of uncomfortable. But since they only work if you’re already about to be in labor, maybe that’s why mine didn’t hurt - I went into very early labor like immediately after 😂 I would still be so mad if I wasn’t warned. I asked for mine and still my OB was like okay, I’m going to do this now and I had time to brace myself. It would be so painful and surprising if I wasn’t expecting it!
@mcewen3 thank you. My DS’s injury has led to lifelong issues which is why I’m sooooo anxious and can’t stop talking about everything. I need this to not happen to #2. Luckily he is doing great and developing at the same rate other babies his age are but we put in tons of therapy work.
@DuchessOfCambridge I would be so anxious too, I totally understand why you keep going over it. Out of curiosity, if the theory is that your pelvic bone didn't have the clearance to get baby past, why does your OB think you would be a good candidate for a VBAC? This is just be being curious, if you don't feel comfortable answering I totally get it.
Also, it sounds like you are doing an amazing job with your YS, he's very lucky to have you
@k2k2tog yes! That was my fear because I know a lot of places don’t allow it. My clinic has OBs, NPs, CM, and CNM all available for a women’s care, depending on her preference. I used to see NPs but preferby experience withmy CNM now. I think that’s why they still offer water births because they hire a lot of CNM. I’m seriously so thankful andcannot wait to start planning with my midwife in two weeks. I register for my hospital stay at my next appointment so I wanted to have my plans together before then.
I didn't consider this when writing mine, but reading through has made me think of things. Last time it was only me and my husband in the room. This time I am actually considering hiring a doula (and still considering the birthing center even). We still won't allow anyone in while I'm laboring or delivering (last time my in laws didn't show up until 15 minutes before he was born because they were certain this would be an all day affair when we called them 5 hours earlier 😂). My son will be with a friend, and his visit will depend on the timing of birth. I want us to have a little time to rest and bond with baby alone but it really wasn't a bother having my in laws there, I just think my son will require more attention. In laws basically just stood on the side lines and watched their son become a parent. It was sweet. If I have another morning baby (he was 0630), then I'll likely have her bring him by after lunch. And bring me a sandwich 😂
It would be cool to have my mom here. She didn't come last time and while she made it about money I think it was because we told her she wouldn't be in the delivery room and she saw no point in coming. This time we'd need her to watch our kid and she wouldn't be there anyway.
As far as immunizations and assessments, my hospital put that baby on my chest the minute he was out and I don't think they tried to take him off of me for at least half an hour. You only get 2 hours in the delivery room, so they just need to get it all done during that time. Immunizations can wait, but they do need to get an initial assessment before you transfer. My son had a birth defect, and I'm trying to remember how soon the doctor took him over and discovered that. I really feel like we got a lot of time with him.
For those who mentioned laboring in water, it's such a great option. I stayed in the tub a looong time while laboring with my first and it was so much more relaxing and, at least for me, easier to manage the pain. Like others said, at my hospital you had to get out to actually give birth (if you wanted water birth there was a birthing center across the street for that), but I was so glad to have the tub while they let me stay in there.
@mcewen3 that is exactly what I need to talk to her about. We only discussed it once at my preconception appointment and it caught me off guard! She initially said I healed well so she’d be comfortable with a VBAC and mentioned since I want more children, that’s just a lot of C-sections. We were also discussing why what happened with DS happened and she had many theories, one of which was the bone. It’s so frustrating they don’t know. My main question for her now is if we can measure that clearance and see if it’ll be another issue. DS was quite small so I’m not feeling good about my chances! I see her on Nov 13 and until then I just need to wait and not bore you all by saying the same thing over and over and over again (sorry!)
@DuchessOfCambridge I hope your conversation with her on the 13th goes well. I know in my girlfriend's case the problem was that she was told to push WAY too early which resulted in hours un unsuccessful straining and pressure on her DS. At least the good news is that you still have many months to discuss and research your options. Don't ever worry about boring us, I'm sure the others would agree that we are happy to be your sounding board as you work through the reasons for/against to figure out which one will be best for you.
Just thinking about the many comments on paperwork...if you can make it happen, have your baby in the middle of the night Saturday or Sunday. Paperwork and testing won’t show up at your doorstep until 10 am or later then giving you a solid 8-10 hours of baby time! 😂 That was the one good thing about having DS late at night. Minimal people doing those admin duties until mid-morning on a weekend!
Re: Hopes and fears for labour and delivery
I wanted to VBAC, but my colorectal surgeon, GI doc, and MFM all suggest that a RCS is the way to go for me. There's nothing wrong with a vaginal birth per se, for Crohn's patients. But any complicated tearing and I could end up with a diverting ileostomy (worst case scenario). And since we can't guarantee that I will have a unicorn vaginal birth, the risks are perhaps too great. But dang, I'm not looking forward to C-section recovery with a toddler this time around. Although, maybe without the days of labor beforehand, I won't be so destroyed.
So my hope is that, as discussed with OB, I'm allowed to schedule my RCS on a wait and see basis. i.e. No set in stone at 39 weeks eviction date. Wait until 40 weeks, or perhaps even wait until my body starts to show signs of labor. They would let me do this because I live 2 minutes from the hospital.
BFP: 8/20/2018 - EDD 5/4/2019
1) Make it to the hospital in time.
2) Hopefully DH won't miss the birth again.
My first labor lasted forever and I finally got an epidural right before my water broke and it was time to push.
Now, special note for the STM out there, even though my first labor was really long, the second time around I did not have time for any meds. I got to the hospital within a half hour of my first contraction and was already 9cm and told it was too late for an epidural. I was never pro or anti epidural, more let's see how it goes, but since I had never experienced pushing without meds I was terrified of that aspect. Actually, the pushing is not as bad as contractions, and it's almost a relief. I'm not going to say natural birth was anything but extremely painful, but I will say this... I felt like a million freaking bucks right after I gave birth. For that reason, I would actually prefer to deliver that way again this time.
I'm hoping to have my parents come stay with us a little before my due date because last time the baby came so fast I actually gave birth in the 15 min or so my husband took my son for a walk in the hospital hallway. He still feels just awful that he missed it.
DD1: June 2014 - VBM4lyfe
DD2: October 2016
DC3: coming May 2019
@thebobloblaw I can’t believe she didn’t warn you. That’s not standard for care where I am, I specifically had to request mine be stripped. It was uncomfortable but I wouldn’t call it painful. I’ve heard they only help if you are already ready for labor and will be beginning it soon. If you’re not, they do nothing. Looking back I realize I started laboring pretty much immediately but it was super early labor and I was still able to finish out my work day and go home, have dinner, and clean everything. That was more info than you needed but I’m so sorry that happened, I’d be really angry if it was done without my consent.
I’m praying for a healthy baby, no NICU, and a smooth planned c section.
But from what I recall she was just like I’m gonna do this now during a cervical exam, and did it. I had no idea it was a thing or what was actually going to happen. I was at 2cm at the time. She might have warned me it would be uncomfortable... but that is an understatement.
DD1: June 2014 - VBM4lyfe
DD2: October 2016
DC3: coming May 2019
@eatinwatermelonseeds I'm strongly considering a birth centre this time around as well. I didn't have the option with my last two, but they were both born in a small rural hospital. I feel like I got a pretty intimate experience and overall feel good about both births, although I was much happier with my second than my first. I didn't speak up enough for myself, DH was just stressed out because he was convinced I was in unsurmountable pain so he also didn't speak up as much. He let the nurses take the lead because he really didn't know how to help. An epidural wasn't an option the night I went in, but they did give me a small dose of fentanyl when I was really panicking and asked for something. It did absolutely nothing for me, except maybe make me more edgy. All in all, I think I listened to the nurses and doctor more than I listened to my own body because the way my body was feeling scared the heck out of me. With DD2 I was so much calmer. I don't think it hurt any less, but I could channel my energy so much better with her because I just knew how to. I feel pretty confident that, barring major complications, I can manage my pain on my own now. The birth centre I'm looking into is less than 5 min away from the hospital so I feel like I'd be close enough should any complications arise, but I really would rather have a calm and intimate birth experience which I don't think I can get as easily at one of the city hospitals (from what I have heard in comparison to what I experienced at our previous rural hospital).
@wishiwaspreggo my reasons for wanting an unmedicated birth are similar to what has been mentioned about a faster recovery and moving freely during labour. I felt that way prior to having either of my girls, but now having been through labour twice I feel even more strongly about it. My #1 priority is obviously a healthy baby at the end, but my experience in my previous labours was the times that I was the most uncomfortable and felt the least in control was when I was in a bed and especially when I was hooked up to the monitors. As long as I can move as my body wants to I have always felt better. I fully support any type of delivery, every woman is different. For me, this works so that's what I plan to continue to do.
Biggest fear would be a C-section. But if its what needs done to get a baby out safe then so be it.
Pregnancy #2 Natural Miscarriage at 6 weeks 03/2014 Due date 11/9/2014
Pregnancy #3 DS 02.23.2015
Pregnancy #4 Missed Miscarriage at 11 weeks 11/2018 Due date 5/22/2019
Pregnancy #5 Positive test 12/11/2019 Due Date 8/17/2020
Edited tonadd additional thoughts.
I live in Canada and there isn't a birth center local to me. So in that case, I've decided to have midwives and a doula and give birth in our local hospital 5 minutes away. The midwives have an agreement with that hospital and they can use some rooms without interference from hospital staff unless requested. The comfort of being at the hospital in case anything goes wrong is important to DH and I. My own mother lives out of province and might not make it in time for the birth, so I'm hiring a doula to give me that extra support through labour. DH is a firefighter and has training in l&d but the deliveries he has done have all been life threating/something going wrong and very high stress. Because of this, he's more nervous than I am about the birth and the doula is partly to help guide and reassure him too. 😊
When it comes to actual birth plan: I requested to labour at home for as long as possible. Thinking of getting a pool as well. I'm wanting a natural unmedicated labour but will not hesitate to ask for help if it gets beyond me. Only stickler - NO epidural. None whatsoever. My friend got paralyzed by one that went horribly wrong and I don't think the benefits of epidural out weight the risk and side effects in my mind. I am hoping for birth at hospital and then to come home when feeling strong enough.
I had not thought of all the paperwork and other things that happen after the birth, so thanks to you all for that. I will request some bonding time too!
Though, I will add, I didn’t see the clean up at all. Mostly because I was transferred to the hospital, so I actually wasn’t there. But I think even if I had been, I would have been too absorbed in the baby to notice. They did leave one blood smeared bowl in the bathtub that I think just got over looked. DH took care of it for me. 😄
@mrskoz428 that is really impressive that your hospital will allow you to birth in the tub. When I gave birth to DD1, the hospital had tubs in some of the rooms that you could labour in, but they would not actually allow you to give birth in the tub.
DD1: June 2014 - VBM4lyfe
DD2: October 2016
DC3: coming May 2019
From a Canadian perspective, I was not bombarded with procedures and paperwork after DD1 was born. We didn’t see any paperwork at all until we were settled in our postpartum room , about 2-3 hours after the birth. They did leave me to bond, skin to skin, and try to breast feed for at least an hour (I think? Things are actually kind of fuzzy. Can’t imagine why) before they weighed her and put the vitK stuff on her eyes. They didn’t do much in terms of tests and things until the next morning, so we had 12 hours mostly uninterrupted. With midwives, depending on where you are, they will only require you to stay for 3 hours after the birth, and all that postpartum testing can be done at home.
DD1: June 2014 - VBM4lyfe
DD2: October 2016
DC3: coming May 2019
@mcewen3 thank you. My DS’s injury has led to lifelong issues which is why I’m sooooo anxious and can’t stop talking about everything. I need this to not happen to #2. Luckily he is doing great and developing at the same rate other babies his age are but we put in tons of therapy work.
Also, it sounds like you are doing an amazing job with your YS, he's very lucky to have you
Oh and I'm banning visitors on Day 1 this time if I can help it. My inlaws were very intrusive and it made establishing BFing difficult initially.
DD2- EDD 5/12/2019
It would be cool to have my mom here. She didn't come last time and while she made it about money I think it was because we told her she wouldn't be in the delivery room and she saw no point in coming. This time we'd need her to watch our kid and she wouldn't be there anyway.
As far as immunizations and assessments, my hospital put that baby on my chest the minute he was out and I don't think they tried to take him off of me for at least half an hour. You only get 2 hours in the delivery room, so they just need to get it all done during that time. Immunizations can wait, but they do need to get an initial assessment before you transfer. My son had a birth defect, and I'm trying to remember how soon the doctor took him over and discovered that. I really feel like we got a lot of time with him.