Courtneylub
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,485
Calling all the Pregnant PS''ers
- Thread starter Kaleigh
- Start date
robbie3982
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2006
- Messages
- 3,960
Date: 4/8/2009 11:18:42 AM
Author: ladyciel
Congrats, Blen! You''re an inspiration, and George is just beautiful.
I''m an occasional lurker here, and Blen''s home birth story hit me with some uncanny timing. I watched the documentary Ricki Lake made on birth in America - ''The Business of Being Born'' - just days ago, and the movie really struck a chord with me. I''ve never been a talk-show and/or Ricki Lake fan - I watched the film on the recommendation of a friend. Anyway, I''m wondering if anyone here has seen it and what your reaction was. I''m especially curious to hear thoughts from those of you outside the States. For those who haven''t seen it, you can watch the trailer at http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/. It gives a better synopsis of their main points than I could quickly write here. If you haven''t seen it but would like to, I know Netflix has it both for DVD delivery and online streaming (and they always offer a free trial).
DH and I watched it and it''s what made us decide we want to have a birth with no medicine and as little intervention as is safely possible. We''re not brave enough to try a home birth (hospital isn''t close), but depending on how this birth goes we might try a birthing center next time around.
robbie3982
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2006
- Messages
- 3,960
ljmorgan
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2006
- Messages
- 1,037
Hoping for some contraction information from the been there, done that ladies! Of all of the reading that I''ve done, I never touched on contractions much because up until now I''ve felt absolutely none, plus I knew very early on that I was having a scheduled C-section.
Up until today I was confused about what contractions felt like, but now I know! But I don''t know how to interpret them because they don''t match up with anything I have seen online. I''m feeling intense, period like cramps in my pelvis, and I can also feel my belly tightening. But I read online that contractions are typically 30-70 seconds long. Well these aren''t -- they take my breath away, but I only feel pain for maybe 5-10 seconds... then again in another minute or so, and this continues. I''ll have a period like this for maybe 5-10 minutes, and it goes away and starts all over 20 minutes later. So are these just really weirdo BH contractions? Been going on for the last 4 hours or so.
Up until today I was confused about what contractions felt like, but now I know! But I don''t know how to interpret them because they don''t match up with anything I have seen online. I''m feeling intense, period like cramps in my pelvis, and I can also feel my belly tightening. But I read online that contractions are typically 30-70 seconds long. Well these aren''t -- they take my breath away, but I only feel pain for maybe 5-10 seconds... then again in another minute or so, and this continues. I''ll have a period like this for maybe 5-10 minutes, and it goes away and starts all over 20 minutes later. So are these just really weirdo BH contractions? Been going on for the last 4 hours or so.
Sabine
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,445
Wow, blen, your story really blew me away! George is just precious! Congratulations!
Lindsay, I''m not able to help with your questions, but you might want to put a call in to your dr. just to see what they say.
NYC, it''s exciting if your body is starting to get you ready!
I had a fun experience yesterday. My friend with a 1 month old got herself in a jam and needed to be somewhere right before her husband got home from work, so she dropped him off with me until her husband could get there. It was my first time alone with an infant! He basically just slept in his car seat for the half hour he was here, but I was soooo unnerved. He had some gas and was getting a bit fussy, but was still asleep, but I could smell something coming from him. I wasn''t sure if he had pooped or it was just the gas, and I wasn''t sure if I should try to change him if he was still sleeping. Plus, I''ve never really changed a diaper! It was a reality check on just how clueless I am, so thank goodness I''ll be taking an infant care class! Although, I don''t think I''d be quite as hesitant on what to do if it''s my own kid.
It was also funny because my dog definitely didn''t know what to do. She kept running upstairs, creeping back down, sniffing him, then hiding behind me. I''ve attached a pic of her sitting on the chair looking at little Gabe like, is that thing really alive?
Lindsay, I''m not able to help with your questions, but you might want to put a call in to your dr. just to see what they say.
NYC, it''s exciting if your body is starting to get you ready!
I had a fun experience yesterday. My friend with a 1 month old got herself in a jam and needed to be somewhere right before her husband got home from work, so she dropped him off with me until her husband could get there. It was my first time alone with an infant! He basically just slept in his car seat for the half hour he was here, but I was soooo unnerved. He had some gas and was getting a bit fussy, but was still asleep, but I could smell something coming from him. I wasn''t sure if he had pooped or it was just the gas, and I wasn''t sure if I should try to change him if he was still sleeping. Plus, I''ve never really changed a diaper! It was a reality check on just how clueless I am, so thank goodness I''ll be taking an infant care class! Although, I don''t think I''d be quite as hesitant on what to do if it''s my own kid.
It was also funny because my dog definitely didn''t know what to do. She kept running upstairs, creeping back down, sniffing him, then hiding behind me. I''ve attached a pic of her sitting on the chair looking at little Gabe like, is that thing really alive?
Sabine
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,445
Courtneylub
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,485
I've only had a few contractions that feel like what you described. I've had plenty of the BH's with just the tightening of the uterus, but lately they come with the cramping. I know they're not intense enough to be the real thing though. I hope someone with experience answers so I can get a better idea too!
ETA:That is too funny, Sabine!! I took a childcare class and the only thing they covered that really seemed useful was how to get a baby to stop crying! They taught the 5 steps from the book "The Happiest Baby on the Block" and they seem to work amazingly. We'll see! Good question about whether or not to change the diaper while they're sleeping. Anyone???
nycbkgirl
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2008
- Messages
- 1,176
Court- I looked in google images when blen told us about her plug..and let me tell u those things were like huge masses ..pretty nasty..really nothing like this looked..so I jus duno..hopefully make it til tues and ask doc.
Robbie- will check out that site when I hope on desktop..thanks.
Sabine- not really exciting bc I wanted to hold out for another 2-4 weeks..(wishful thinking again)..so if it is an indicator then that sucks bc its too early still but hey held out for this long.
Robbie- will check out that site when I hope on desktop..thanks.
Sabine- not really exciting bc I wanted to hold out for another 2-4 weeks..(wishful thinking again)..so if it is an indicator then that sucks bc its too early still but hey held out for this long.
Courtneylub
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,485
nycbkgirl
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2008
- Messages
- 1,176
fieryred33143
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- May 18, 2008
- Messages
- 6,689
Sabine-Gabe is adorable!!!
I would think you''d want to change the diaper even if the baby is sleeping to prevent diaper rashes. I know that when I would change my cousin''s baby''s diaper while she was asleep she would scream bloody murder and after a little soothing she''d pass right out again lol
I would think you''d want to change the diaper even if the baby is sleeping to prevent diaper rashes. I know that when I would change my cousin''s baby''s diaper while she was asleep she would scream bloody murder and after a little soothing she''d pass right out again lol
Mandarine
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2006
- Messages
- 3,786
I everyone, I haven''t been on for a while!!! (really bad cold + travelling DO NOT MIX!). I''ve been sucking it up like a Champ and relied on saline nasal sprays only. When I landed 2 days ago I almost cried in the plane, felt like my ears were going to explode. They are STILL clogged (this was 2 days ago!) but a little better and at least not sore. I''m a little nervous about getting back on a plane tomorrow, but at least this time I''m headed home.
Anyway, enough about me...
BLEN, YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wowwww!!! I can''t believe that story!. I read it form my blackberry as soon as you posted, but didn''t have a chance to post until today!. CONGRATULATIONS!!!. God Bless George, he is SUCH a cutie!
I hope everyone is doing good!!!
M~
Anyway, enough about me...
BLEN, YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wowwww!!! I can''t believe that story!. I read it form my blackberry as soon as you posted, but didn''t have a chance to post until today!. CONGRATULATIONS!!!. God Bless George, he is SUCH a cutie!
I hope everyone is doing good!!!
M~
ChinaCat
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2007
- Messages
- 1,829
Hi ladies. Work has been busy, plus my internet keeps going out at home.
Just wanted to chime in on the talk about identity/losing yourself that Natalina, Vizla and Amber were discussing. It''s totally normal to feel that way. I had a really hard time with it for the first 12 weeks or so- mostly just getting used to the idea in general, but it has been hard the way that you become only associated with being pregnant. And you feel bad, because you know what a huge miracle this is and how many people that are having a hard time getting pregnant would trade places with you instantly, so it''s kind of a guilt circle. I am beyond overjoyed and being preggo has been WAY cooler than I ever could have imagined. I do love it, and I love how it''s brought DH and I even closer together. However, it totally messes with your emotions and identity. And I think we have to be honest about it. At first, I felt like I was replacing myself, generation-wise, which was a weird concept. I will be the "mother" generation. And people do treat you differently, and that''s ALL they want to talk about. I went to my first prenatal yoga class and it felt cool to be in a room with all preggos- like I wasn''t standing out and the ONLY one. I am the only pregnant woman at work, and I don''t want to be the "pregnant" associate, I want to be an associate who happens to be pregnant. People seem to think it''s strange that I don''t want to call attention to it.
Anyways, I read something that Amy Poehler said recently about the difference between being preggo and having the baby:
“[Being pregnant] is really nice. You make people happy. There’s a reason why Santa Claus and Buddha both have big bellies. But as soon as you have your baby, nobody cares about you anymore. They just want to make sure you don’t sit next to them on the plane.”
Ha! So I guess we should enjoy being in the spotlight!
Just wanted to chime in on the talk about identity/losing yourself that Natalina, Vizla and Amber were discussing. It''s totally normal to feel that way. I had a really hard time with it for the first 12 weeks or so- mostly just getting used to the idea in general, but it has been hard the way that you become only associated with being pregnant. And you feel bad, because you know what a huge miracle this is and how many people that are having a hard time getting pregnant would trade places with you instantly, so it''s kind of a guilt circle. I am beyond overjoyed and being preggo has been WAY cooler than I ever could have imagined. I do love it, and I love how it''s brought DH and I even closer together. However, it totally messes with your emotions and identity. And I think we have to be honest about it. At first, I felt like I was replacing myself, generation-wise, which was a weird concept. I will be the "mother" generation. And people do treat you differently, and that''s ALL they want to talk about. I went to my first prenatal yoga class and it felt cool to be in a room with all preggos- like I wasn''t standing out and the ONLY one. I am the only pregnant woman at work, and I don''t want to be the "pregnant" associate, I want to be an associate who happens to be pregnant. People seem to think it''s strange that I don''t want to call attention to it.
Anyways, I read something that Amy Poehler said recently about the difference between being preggo and having the baby:
“[Being pregnant] is really nice. You make people happy. There’s a reason why Santa Claus and Buddha both have big bellies. But as soon as you have your baby, nobody cares about you anymore. They just want to make sure you don’t sit next to them on the plane.”
Ha! So I guess we should enjoy being in the spotlight!
neatfreak
Super_Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2007
- Messages
- 14,173
Sabine, Courtney, and Fiery You will soon learn this but NEVER wake a sleeping baby! I promise if you do you will regret it 99% of the time! If they are sleeping and not crying they are fairly comfortable so just let them be. Then change them as soon as they wake up.
You will all soon know how precious those moments are when they are asleep!
You will all soon know how precious those moments are when they are asleep!
fieryred33143
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- May 18, 2008
- Messages
- 6,689
Courtneylub
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,485
Glad to know that I guessed correctly, NeatFreak! Maybe I am ready for a baby after all!
Mandarine, I am so sorry you went through that with your ears. I know EXACTLY how that feels. When I was about 3 months along, I had a horrible cold and flew on our small company plane. The pressure was even worse than commercial and my ears got so clogged. I actually cursed in front of co-workers while flying home. It was seriously the most painful thing ever. I''ll never forget that day. I went through 2 boxes of kleenex and got pulled over for speeding while on my drive home from the airport. That cop probably thought I was nuts, but luckily he didn''t give me a ticket because we have a Lifetime 100 club sticker on the back of our cars.
China, that is so funny what Amy Poehler said. So true, I''m sure!!
Mandarine, I am so sorry you went through that with your ears. I know EXACTLY how that feels. When I was about 3 months along, I had a horrible cold and flew on our small company plane. The pressure was even worse than commercial and my ears got so clogged. I actually cursed in front of co-workers while flying home. It was seriously the most painful thing ever. I''ll never forget that day. I went through 2 boxes of kleenex and got pulled over for speeding while on my drive home from the airport. That cop probably thought I was nuts, but luckily he didn''t give me a ticket because we have a Lifetime 100 club sticker on the back of our cars.
China, that is so funny what Amy Poehler said. So true, I''m sure!!
Mandarine
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2006
- Messages
- 3,786
Dreamer_D
Super_Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2007
- Messages
- 27,245
Mandarine
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2006
- Messages
- 3,786
Thank you!. It really is a horrible feeling. I swear I couldn''t hear a thing for the next 6 hours or so. When I got in the cab I had to repeat myself like 3 times. Apparently I wasn''t speaking loud enough so the cab driver couldn''t hear me (obviosuly in my head I was really loud since that was the only thing I could hear!!!).
Being sick in a hotel room is just nto fun at all...oh well, just ONE MORE night and then I''ll be coming home.
I got ear plugs for the plane...I read you put them on an hour before landing. Not sure that would help but I''m willing to give it a try. It''s just so painful
mela lu
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2006
- Messages
- 2,481
Hi girls!
Just back from the middie! All is well - baby is head down and measuring perfectly! Yippee Skippee!
While I was there, I asked her about (NYC) mucous, and (Lindsay) the contractions.
She said:
NYC -Mucous bits are nothing to really ''freak'' about, since your fluids can change so much over the course of weeks. It doesn''t mean labour is imminant. Fluid, on the other hand, is something to be concerned with. Any leaky fluids (that soak your undies or a pad) should be brought to your Dr''s attention right away.
Linds -Contractions. She defined "labour" as having contractions that are longer than 45 seconds, and come every 5 mins, for close to an hour. THAT would be true labour. I think you were having either (Tony)Braxton-(Taylor)Hicks or maybe just some pre-labour warm-ups
. I would keep your eye on them. If they start lasting long (like closer to 45 seconds) and come at regular intervals; then call you dr.
Blen - If it''s okay with you, I''m not done beating the sh!# out of your birthstory. I just keep thinking about you! Like, were you scared? Was there ever a point were you felt you were in over your head (or were you totally confident)? Also, would you have another natural birth? Also also, do you think that a ''normal'' presentation would be A LOT different (less painful) than your breach experience?
I have SO many other questions, but I don''t want to overwhelm you. Or come across like a psycho. I''m just SO into labour stories right now knowing that mine is around the corner.
Middie told me to sit in a squat (childs pose), or on a big ball, whenever I''m chillin'' to help get the baby''s head even lower in my pelvis. She said she''s happy with the baby''s position, but would like to see the head further down in my pelvis.
Aye yay Captain!
Mela 33w5d
Just back from the middie! All is well - baby is head down and measuring perfectly! Yippee Skippee!
While I was there, I asked her about (NYC) mucous, and (Lindsay) the contractions.
She said:
NYC -Mucous bits are nothing to really ''freak'' about, since your fluids can change so much over the course of weeks. It doesn''t mean labour is imminant. Fluid, on the other hand, is something to be concerned with. Any leaky fluids (that soak your undies or a pad) should be brought to your Dr''s attention right away.
Linds -Contractions. She defined "labour" as having contractions that are longer than 45 seconds, and come every 5 mins, for close to an hour. THAT would be true labour. I think you were having either (Tony)Braxton-(Taylor)Hicks or maybe just some pre-labour warm-ups
Blen - If it''s okay with you, I''m not done beating the sh!# out of your birthstory. I just keep thinking about you! Like, were you scared? Was there ever a point were you felt you were in over your head (or were you totally confident)? Also, would you have another natural birth? Also also, do you think that a ''normal'' presentation would be A LOT different (less painful) than your breach experience?
I have SO many other questions, but I don''t want to overwhelm you. Or come across like a psycho. I''m just SO into labour stories right now knowing that mine is around the corner.
Middie told me to sit in a squat (childs pose), or on a big ball, whenever I''m chillin'' to help get the baby''s head even lower in my pelvis. She said she''s happy with the baby''s position, but would like to see the head further down in my pelvis.
Aye yay Captain!
Mela 33w5d
Courtneylub
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,485
Hey Mela...all good questions for Blen!
I''m glad baby''s head is down and all looks good. Question though: why does your OB want the head further down in your pelvis at 33 weeks? Don''t they usually drop around 36-37 weeks? Alila has really seemed to drop lower in the past 2 days and it is not very comfortable! I wonder if I''ll be dialated or effaced at all at my appointment tomorrow.
I''m glad baby''s head is down and all looks good. Question though: why does your OB want the head further down in your pelvis at 33 weeks? Don''t they usually drop around 36-37 weeks? Alila has really seemed to drop lower in the past 2 days and it is not very comfortable! I wonder if I''ll be dialated or effaced at all at my appointment tomorrow.
mela lu
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2006
- Messages
- 2,481
Hey Court, I hope you''re starting to dialate and efface
As for your Q. I mentioned my concern for the baby turning breech. Middie told me to get squatting to get the baby''s head a little lower to eliminate the possibility of it turning. I guess. She said that mine was "floating" head down. I guess that not ideal?! She said she would like to see it lower
Next appt I get to test my poop-shoot for Strep B.
littlelysser
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2005
- Messages
- 1,862
Hi ladies!
Got the results from my AFP test today...all is normal! Looks like the kid is doing well! Went to the OB and I''m still down about 7 lbs, which is okay...trust me, I''ve got plenty of maternal fat stores already!
Going to schedule the big U/S for next week - and I must admit, I''m pretty excited about it. It has been a while since I''ve seen him and I''m looking forward to it!
Mandarine - Be careful flying with a head cold and stuffed up ears! The changes in pressure can cause your ear drum to burst! It happened to my mom and it was awful. They do make something called earplanes, (I believe that is the name) which you put in an hour before the flight takes off - and the help to equalize the pressure. It''ll make a HUGE difference in your comfort level too!
Amber - I love Pooh!
Sabine - I love the doggie pic! Our pups are both a big confuzzled by little babies as well! My guess is that they''ll get used to it soon enough!
CC - Hey girl! Glad you are doing well! I''m doing really well, actually. Anxiety is good, the kid seems to be doing well. I''m off the prenatals all together. Just taking flintstones and some folic acid, as per my doctor''s orders! How are you doing? When are you guys moving?
Courtney and NYC - Good luck and keep baking babies!
18w4d
Got the results from my AFP test today...all is normal! Looks like the kid is doing well! Went to the OB and I''m still down about 7 lbs, which is okay...trust me, I''ve got plenty of maternal fat stores already!
Going to schedule the big U/S for next week - and I must admit, I''m pretty excited about it. It has been a while since I''ve seen him and I''m looking forward to it!
Mandarine - Be careful flying with a head cold and stuffed up ears! The changes in pressure can cause your ear drum to burst! It happened to my mom and it was awful. They do make something called earplanes, (I believe that is the name) which you put in an hour before the flight takes off - and the help to equalize the pressure. It''ll make a HUGE difference in your comfort level too!
Amber - I love Pooh!
Sabine - I love the doggie pic! Our pups are both a big confuzzled by little babies as well! My guess is that they''ll get used to it soon enough!
CC - Hey girl! Glad you are doing well! I''m doing really well, actually. Anxiety is good, the kid seems to be doing well. I''m off the prenatals all together. Just taking flintstones and some folic acid, as per my doctor''s orders! How are you doing? When are you guys moving?
Courtney and NYC - Good luck and keep baking babies!
18w4d
nycbkgirl
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2008
- Messages
- 1,176
Blenheim
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2006
- Messages
- 3,136
Courtney - I have medium tanks, which is what I wear normally. The only nursing bras that I have are ones that are very stretchy and not size sensitive (sleep type bras) and hand-me-downs/freebies that may or may not fit. I decided to go ahead and wait until my milk comes in to figure out sizing for buying bras because I''m really not sure.
Peony - We''re in the US, just in a city that''s very homebirth friendly.
LadyCiel - Thanks so much! I just watched the trailer of the Business of Being Born and it had me bawling. As I had mentioned earlier, I would have automatically had a section in a hospital setting, and I think that it''s primarily for legal reasons/malpractice insurance requirements and not because it''s what was best for me, for George, and for my future children (there are additional risks to future pregnancies after a section).
It was actually a series of books that I read that lead me to want a homebirth, but the movie was great for getting DH on board with everything.
NYC - it''s also possible for it to be more mucus-like and less solid than the first picture that google pulls up. Mine was like largish yellow globbery pieces. Even if you are losing parts of your MP, it doesn''t mean that labor is eminent (I think that DD and I both started losing ours about 2 weeks beforehand or so) and it can regenerate.
Sabine - This morning, DH and I both did our first diaper changes ever.
I was scared to pick him up when he first came out because he was so slippery and seemed so fragile, but you seriously pick it up quickly. Two big recommendations that have helped us so far- the Happiest Baby on the Block (the DVD is a quick watch if you don''t have energy to read the book, and is available on Netflix I believe) and this bear. The bear noise is really comforting and it automatically activates if the baby starts crying, and it really helps to calm George down.
Mela - The only point at which I was truly scared was when I thought that I might have a cord prolapse situation on my hands. It scared the shit out of me. I felt a little in over my head with some of the contractions that, in retrospect, were during transition, but I was fine once I knew that there was a reason that they hurt so much! I also doubted my body''s ability to get the baby out for a while when I was pushing, because it was just so long and hard. I spent most of the pushing phase alternating between screaming profanities and napping. I wish I knew whether a vertex presentation would have been different, but this is the one birth that I''ve had, you know? I might ask my midwife about that the next time that I see her, because I''ve been wondering the same thing myself. I''d definitely have another natural birth.
More background, since I''m not sure if I''ve gone over it all here. My midwife was concerned about the possibility of breech around 38 weeks, and did another visit at 38.5 weeks to try to determine position. At that point, she decided that he was most likely vertex based on the position of his heartbeat, the fact that I was feeling hiccups down low (and I''m still not sure how that was possible, given what we now know), the position of his feet, and a couple of other factors. But because she wasn''t entirely sure, we talked extensively about our options. I could have had an ultrasound done if I wanted. Not that I needed her permission of course, but she told me that I was free to transfer my care to the OB if the baby did turn out to be breech. We talked a lot about all of the research that''s been done on breech births, her training with them, etc. I did some more reading and thinking on my own, and then told her that I''d be comfortable doing a homebirth with a frank breech. Since we knew where his feet were, and since the only major thing that would change about the birth plan was who was in attendance (adding the backup midwife), and we thought that she''d be able to verify that he was vertex once the baby dropped more, I opted to forego the ultrasound. Then, of course, my membranes ruptured and so we didn''t do any internals until late, and the first internal she did was with a bulging bag of waters so it was hard to feel details, so we verified the position much later than we had intended and getting the backup midwife here was a lot more precipitous than planned. But because we had done so much talking beforehand and I had done so much thinking about it, it wasn''t overwhelming when it happened. It just felt like, how many more surprises can we have in one day? She apologized profusely after the birth for misreading the position, but the surprise position was honestly just as much my fault as hers for opting not to do the ultrasound when the position was in question.
By the way, feel free to ask all of the questions that you want - you''re not going to overwhelm me. I was reading a ton of birth stories at the end, and actually spent most of Sunday doing that trying to prepare myself mentally. And I actually read a couple of Farm breech stories during that time, which turned out to be really reassuring! I can''t guarantee that I''ll have two free hands to type an answer in any decent amount of time though.
And you''re getting so close!
Ok, hungry baby gotta go.
Peony - We''re in the US, just in a city that''s very homebirth friendly.
LadyCiel - Thanks so much! I just watched the trailer of the Business of Being Born and it had me bawling. As I had mentioned earlier, I would have automatically had a section in a hospital setting, and I think that it''s primarily for legal reasons/malpractice insurance requirements and not because it''s what was best for me, for George, and for my future children (there are additional risks to future pregnancies after a section).
It was actually a series of books that I read that lead me to want a homebirth, but the movie was great for getting DH on board with everything.
NYC - it''s also possible for it to be more mucus-like and less solid than the first picture that google pulls up. Mine was like largish yellow globbery pieces. Even if you are losing parts of your MP, it doesn''t mean that labor is eminent (I think that DD and I both started losing ours about 2 weeks beforehand or so) and it can regenerate.
Sabine - This morning, DH and I both did our first diaper changes ever.
Mela - The only point at which I was truly scared was when I thought that I might have a cord prolapse situation on my hands. It scared the shit out of me. I felt a little in over my head with some of the contractions that, in retrospect, were during transition, but I was fine once I knew that there was a reason that they hurt so much! I also doubted my body''s ability to get the baby out for a while when I was pushing, because it was just so long and hard. I spent most of the pushing phase alternating between screaming profanities and napping. I wish I knew whether a vertex presentation would have been different, but this is the one birth that I''ve had, you know? I might ask my midwife about that the next time that I see her, because I''ve been wondering the same thing myself. I''d definitely have another natural birth.
More background, since I''m not sure if I''ve gone over it all here. My midwife was concerned about the possibility of breech around 38 weeks, and did another visit at 38.5 weeks to try to determine position. At that point, she decided that he was most likely vertex based on the position of his heartbeat, the fact that I was feeling hiccups down low (and I''m still not sure how that was possible, given what we now know), the position of his feet, and a couple of other factors. But because she wasn''t entirely sure, we talked extensively about our options. I could have had an ultrasound done if I wanted. Not that I needed her permission of course, but she told me that I was free to transfer my care to the OB if the baby did turn out to be breech. We talked a lot about all of the research that''s been done on breech births, her training with them, etc. I did some more reading and thinking on my own, and then told her that I''d be comfortable doing a homebirth with a frank breech. Since we knew where his feet were, and since the only major thing that would change about the birth plan was who was in attendance (adding the backup midwife), and we thought that she''d be able to verify that he was vertex once the baby dropped more, I opted to forego the ultrasound. Then, of course, my membranes ruptured and so we didn''t do any internals until late, and the first internal she did was with a bulging bag of waters so it was hard to feel details, so we verified the position much later than we had intended and getting the backup midwife here was a lot more precipitous than planned. But because we had done so much talking beforehand and I had done so much thinking about it, it wasn''t overwhelming when it happened. It just felt like, how many more surprises can we have in one day? She apologized profusely after the birth for misreading the position, but the surprise position was honestly just as much my fault as hers for opting not to do the ultrasound when the position was in question.
By the way, feel free to ask all of the questions that you want - you''re not going to overwhelm me. I was reading a ton of birth stories at the end, and actually spent most of Sunday doing that trying to prepare myself mentally. And I actually read a couple of Farm breech stories during that time, which turned out to be really reassuring! I can''t guarantee that I''ll have two free hands to type an answer in any decent amount of time though.
Ok, hungry baby gotta go.
neatfreak
Super_Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2007
- Messages
- 14,173
To add on this...the reason most people automatically get a c-section these days in the US if it's breech is that medical schools aren't actively training people to do breech births anymore! My OB said that if you have someone skilled in breech births attending that it can be very safe. But he was telling me that the number of docs who are trained AND have done a bunch is very small and dwindling fast. Basically they only teach it as an "emergency" situation type thing and instead are teaching that c-section is the way to go to minimize risk. Which I think is very interesting...because the reason they don't teach it anymore is that the risk of problems with a breech birth is slightly higher than the risk with a c-section. So of course hospitals and doctors do want to avoid getting sued, so they opt for the c-section because OVERALL the risk is less. Now of course there are so many things to consider...and really, the additional risk isn't much in most situations (twins are different which is why I opted for a c-section when I found out baby B was frank breech) so it is a shame that more women aren't given the choice to do what they want. I mean we are talking about a very small increase in risk here-so personally I think women should be given the choice...but obviously the medical system doesn't agree with me!
And Blen-I have to say you are amazing girl! Superwoman for sure!
Courtneylub
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,485
37 weeks today...officially full term!
I''m having a hard time getting around these past couple of days. My hips, groin, back....all screwed up! I wish I could go ahead and quit work. I have my appointment today at 4 and I''m hoping I''ve made at least a little progress since I know she''s dropped.
I''m having a hard time getting around these past couple of days. My hips, groin, back....all screwed up! I wish I could go ahead and quit work. I have my appointment today at 4 and I''m hoping I''ve made at least a little progress since I know she''s dropped.
Blenheim
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2006
- Messages
- 3,136
Courtneylub
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,485
I have one scheduled for tomorrow, Blen! It''s all I can think about! Let''s see more pics of George!
In our infant care class last weekend, we were taught those "Happiest Baby on the Block" 5 ways to stop a baby from crying and it seems like it works like a charm. Found a video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDvXhu_IaQk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDvXhu_IaQk&feature=related
I will have to purchase that bear!
In our infant care class last weekend, we were taught those "Happiest Baby on the Block" 5 ways to stop a baby from crying and it seems like it works like a charm. Found a video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDvXhu_IaQk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDvXhu_IaQk&feature=related
I will have to purchase that bear!
300x240.png)