another one I think we should talk about is CPD (cephalo pelvic disproportion)
I don't have a lot of knowledge about med-free births, so any topic would be good for me honestly.
Personally, I'd like to hear more about:
- Why keeping the bag of water intact can be helpful - How to avoid unnecessary interventions (I'll be at a hospital) - Birthing positions
I will research these on my own as well, but just trying to think of things that others might find helpful as well.
Advantages to Keeping the Bag of Waters Intact
It is best not to artificially rupture the membranes (AROM) because:
an intact bag allows for free movement of the baby: better likelihood of rotation and less likelihood of malpresentations such as Occiput Posterior
an intact bag offers protection against infection
an intact bag acts as a preventive against cord prolapse
an intact bag protects the baby- and the cord- from the compression of labor
when the bag is intact there is less stress on the baby: a baby can handle the stress of labor far better than one without that cushion of water
the cord and even the placenta itself recover better from the squeeze of contractions (often an amniotomy is done because it is thought to be a “harmless” way of speeding labor-something that has never been proven true… however, sometimes an amnioinfusion -putting water back into the uterus- becomes necessary in order to relieve cord compression and improve the fetal heart tones if the baby responds poorly to the amniotomy)
if there is meconium in the waters (a baby’s first stool), it is better to have lots of fluid in order to naturally dilute it; if the waters have been ruptured, the fluid becomes thicker and often more meconium stained than before possibly leading to more intervention upon delivery
an intact bag gives mom time to finish dilating, at her body’s pace, and the baby is more able to handle a longer labor if need be
shoulder dystocia may be less common if AROM isn't done- the extra body of fluid can allow for more movement and lubrication which might avoid malrotation of baby’s shoulders
in a hospital or birth center birth it protects you from ending up with a "times up" cesarean (or an augmented labor and extraction with vacuum or forceps) due to protocols prohibiting mothers from laboring 24 hours post
an intact bag is more respectful to the baby and the birthing woman, why introduce fingers and hooks into the womb, the baby’s home? (Reprinted with permission from http://www.birthlove.com)
Delivery Positions There is no right or wrong, best or worst position to give birth. It depends on where you're comfortable and what's happening. Most women do well lying on their side during labor. Others may feel better walking around, taking a shower, and pacing the hospital's hallways. Listen to your body to find the position that works best for you and helps labor progress. Always remember that whatever position you're in there are options: • Flat on your back: Generally uncomfortable. It can cause your uterus to press against the inferior vena cava blood vessel, decreasing the placenta blood supply, and it can push against your diaphragm making it hard to breathe. For extra comfort and support, put a pillow under your knees and bend them slightly, or sit in a semi-reclining position with your head and shoulders elevated and resting on a bunch of pillows. • On Your Side: Takes pressure off your perineum and keeps the weight of your uterus off the blood vessel called the vena cava, maximizing blood flow to your uterus and your baby. Have your partner hold your upper leg to widen the pelvic outlet and support the weight of the baby. • On your hands and knees: May ease back pains and give a poorly positioned baby a chance to turn around. May help a baby who appears to be stressed because it maximizes blood flow to the uterus and the placenta. This position can be difficult if you have an epidural, as you may not be able to move your legs well enough to support yourself. Upright Positions • Sitting during early labor: Makes your uterus move forward, taking pressure off your diaphragm and improving the blood supply to the contracting muscles. Try a birthing chair or stool if there is one handy, or a birthing ball. • Standing or walking during labor: Helps widen your pelvic opening and lets gravity do its job by pressing the baby's head against your cervix. Use a wall or ask to lean on your labor coach during contractions. • Squatting during delivery: Opens your pelvis even wider so the baby has more room to move down into the birth canal. Use a bed with a squatting bar or two extra bodies to help support you and sustain this position. • Kneeling during delivery: Lets you maintain an upright position without straining your back. Just kneel on a pillow, lean forward against your bed, a chair, or a wall, and rest your arms and upper body on or against the prop. It's important to realize that upright positions can be difficult if you have an epidural, because your legs may be too numb to support you or balance in an upright position. It's important to breathe through each contraction and keep an open mind. If you have to be restricted to bed because of medical equipment, anesthesia or fetal monitoring, stay focused on your goal: your baby. And whether you're lying down or standing up, changing positions is key.
Review Date: January 14, 2005 Reviewed By: Alison M. Stuebe, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Post by rocksforludo on Feb 10, 2015 21:42:03 GMT -5
Have any of the STM+s done a water birth in a hospital setting? Did you actually give birth in the tub or were you just in the tub for a portion of your labor?
My hospital offers them and I was on board last time but then was induced, so that went out the window. Since then, one of the other larger hospitals in my metro area stopped offering water births - you can labor in the tub but not actually give birth anymore. It seems like there is more controversy surrounding this lately than there was when I was pregnant last time, so I'd like to hear from anyone with input. I haven't seen anything so far that would change my mind about attempting a water birth.
I will be talking to my midwife about this at my appointment next week too.
Last Edit: Feb 10, 2015 22:27:39 GMT -5 by honeylemon
#1 - 10/10 | #2 - lost but not forgotten 10/12 | #3 - 7/13 | #4 - 5/15 Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer 12/19/16 Finished with chemo 4/27/17! Double mastectomy summer 17 Radiation fall 17
Have any of the STM+s done a water birth in a hospital setting? Did you actually give birth in the tub or were you just in the tub for a portion of your labor?
My hospital offers them and I was on board last time but then was induced, so that went out the window. Since then, one of the other larger hospitals in my metro area stopped offering water births - you can labor in the tub but not actually give birth anymore. It seems like there is more controversy surrounding this lately than there was when I was pregnant last time, so I'd like to hear from anyone with input. I haven't seen anything so far that would change my mind about attempting a water birth.
I will be talking to my midwife about this at my appointment next week too.
I labored in the birthing tub during my last birth. I wanted to birth in the water, but ended up getting out so we could work on getting the baby in a better position. If that hadn't happened, I would have been allowed to deliver the baby in the water.
I'm hoping for a complete water birth this time.
Do they have reasons for not allowing births in the water?
#1 - 10/10 | #2 - lost but not forgotten 10/12 | #3 - 7/13 | #4 - 5/15 Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer 12/19/16 Finished with chemo 4/27/17! Double mastectomy summer 17 Radiation fall 17
Have any of the STM+s done a water birth in a hospital setting? Did you actually give birth in the tub or were you just in the tub for a portion of your labor?
My hospital offers them and I was on board last time but then was induced, so that went out the window. Since then, one of the other larger hospitals in my metro area stopped offering water births - you can labor in the tub but not actually give birth anymore. It seems like there is more controversy surrounding this lately than there was when I was pregnant last time, so I'd like to hear from anyone with input. I haven't seen anything so far that would change my mind about attempting a water birth.
I will be talking to my midwife about this at my appointment next week too.
I labored in the birthing tub during my last birth. I wanted to birth in the water, but ended up getting out so we could work on getting the baby in a better position. If that hadn't happened, I would have been allowed to deliver the baby in the water.
I'm hoping for a complete water birth this time.
Do they have reasons for not allowing births in the water?
Again, this isn't the hospital I'll be at, and my hospital still allows water births. But it is the other hospital that my midwife group practices at and one of the major hospitals in the metro area, so I'm trying to do my homework before my appointment next week. I was just wondering if this is a larger trend that's come about since I had DD.
rocksforludo, many of them here allow laboring in the birth tub but not actually giving birth. So yes, it is dependent on the hospital. I'd say 95% of them here do NOT allow it
rocksforludo, many of them here allow laboring in the birth tub but not actually giving birth. So yes, it is dependent on the hospital. I'd say 95% of them here do NOT allow it
Interesting...I'm happy I asked as the newspaper articles I read made it seem like the hospital's decision was pretty unique, especially as most of the other hospitals in the area still allow it. I'm looking forward to talking to my midwife about this.
Not sure what happened to the quote, but it was about being nervous after your MW leaves.
They leave after 2-3 hours I think and I just get a little paniky thinking about us being left alone with a newborn. I know it sounds silly, but I've never been alone with an infant that small. I know that everything will be fine and natual instincts will kick in, but it's still a bit frightening.
Post by brittneysandra on Feb 12, 2015 10:20:13 GMT -5
So I went to the meeting where I met the midwives at the hospital I'm delivering at! Learned a lot of good information I needed. They were talking about pain management saying they have a new besides the normal, Nitrious Oxide , like when you go to the dentist They said you apply the mask yourself and its not as strong as the one at the dentist and supposed to make contractions more manageable .. Im going natural med free childbirth but I was wondering have people heard of this? I just hadnt personally
OTHERWISE : they have a labor tub ball, stool, bar ect the midwives are great with low intervention intermittent fetal monitoring recommended a doula, looking further into that
So I went to the meeting where I met the midwives at the hospital I'm delivering at! Learned a lot of good information I needed. They were talking about pain management saying they have a new besides the normal, Nitrious Oxide , like when you go to the dentist They said you apply the mask yourself and its not as strong as the one at the dentist and supposed to make contractions more manageable .. Im going natural med free childbirth but I was wondering have people heard of this? I just hadnt personally
OTHERWISE : they have a labor tub ball, stool, bar ect the midwives are great with low intervention intermittent fetal monitoring recommended a doula, looking further into that
Awesome, Ive seen some artice on NO but dont know much about it, but it is nice to have that option, they use it overseas a lot
Not sure what happened to the quote, but it was about being nervous after your MW leaves.
They leave after 2-3 hours I think and I just get a little paniky thinking about us being left alone with a newborn. I know it sounds silly, but I've never been alone with an infant that small. I know that everything will be fine and natual instincts will kick in, but it's still a bit frightening.
I get it, my mw's leave around the same time with our hb's if all is well, you will do great though, you coukd take a newborn prep class if you want and ask your mw any questions you have
Not sure what happened to the quote, but it was about being nervous after your MW leaves.
They leave after 2-3 hours I think and I just get a little paniky thinking about us being left alone with a newborn. I know it sounds silly, but I've never been alone with an infant that small. I know that everything will be fine and natual instincts will kick in, but it's still a bit frightening.
They will walk you through the important baby care things before they leave. They won't leave until you know how to get a good BF latch, they'll help you put on the first diaper and clothes, and probably offer to help with a bath. Other than those skills, you just need to hold your baby.
I also had never been around and infant before, and never changed a diaper. I didn't know how to dress him. They handed me the clothes I had set out for him, but WTF? His arms were all bent and he was holding them close to his body. I didn't know how to get the sleeves on him, and I didn't want to break him. DH didn't know what to do either, but the student MW showed us.
You'll get through it. Babies are intimidating, but actually really simple. 90% of the time they just want to be held.
So I went to the meeting where I met the midwives at the hospital I'm delivering at! Learned a lot of good information I needed. They were talking about pain management saying they have a new besides the normal, Nitrious Oxide , like when you go to the dentist They said you apply the mask yourself and its not as strong as the one at the dentist and supposed to make contractions more manageable .. Im going natural med free childbirth but I was wondering have people heard of this? I just hadnt personally
OTHERWISE : they have a labor tub ball, stool, bar ect the midwives are great with low intervention intermittent fetal monitoring recommended a doula, looking further into that
This all sounds excellent! I hope you can find a doula you love.
I wish they offered the gas here. I would have loved to have it once or twice during my last birth when I was really feeling defeated towards the end. I think it would have helped me deal with it a lot better.
#1 - 10/10 | #2 - lost but not forgotten 10/12 | #3 - 7/13 | #4 - 5/15 Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer 12/19/16 Finished with chemo 4/27/17! Double mastectomy summer 17 Radiation fall 17
Post by rocksforludo on Feb 12, 2015 11:29:41 GMT -5
Thanks to all the ladies here for the recommendations on Penny Simkin's The Birth Partner! I got it from the library last night and started reading it.
Please introduce yourself, any previous births/experiences you want to share. Hello, I am a FTM expecting a little girl :-)
How many weeks are you? 27 weeks tommorrow.
What have you done so far in your prep for a med-free birth? I have researched, read books, and bought a birthing ball.
What do you WANT to do? I want to take a low intervention birthing class, however, there are none in my area until late april. At times point i am unsure.
Please introduce yourself, any previous births/experiences you want to share. Hello, I am a FTM expecting a little girl :-)
How many weeks are you? 27 weeks tommorrow.
What have you done so far in your prep for a med-free birth? I have researched, read books, and bought a birthing ball.
What do you WANT to do? I want to take a low intervention birthing class, however, there are none in my area until late april. At times point i am unsure.
Any Questions/Comments? Not really.
have you thought about a doula? and if not, and you don't want one, some doula's do childbirth classes. Or if you have a birth center close they usually do them fairly often, it might be worth calling around if you really want to take a class vs just reading.But if you are reading (and prepping on your own) you will do great!
Joining in here. I plan on going med free, but realistically don't know if I will make it. My first birth has scared me a little and my DH is my support person and this is not really his strong suit. I ended up being stuck in a bed with my first birth because my placenta ripped a little when my water broke and I ended up getting an epidural after a few hours. This is a VBAC for me. I am going to see about the books recommended here.
welcome, I'd check out vbacfacts on FB and possibly look into a doula if you don't think your DH would be able to handle helping you through it. I'm sorry your first birth was scary but that doesn't mean that this one will be! good luck
Post by brittneysandra on Feb 12, 2015 14:46:52 GMT -5
CTri17 They have 2 m/w working at all times.. I think theres like 20 or something in the hospital I'm not sure!
honeylemon I hope to find a doula that I love too!! They said sometimes people use the gas to deliver the placenta I guess also. Im glad they have it as an option just incase!
Post by chailife34 on Feb 12, 2015 18:52:03 GMT -5
My birth center also offers NO that you administer yourself but I think I'll hold off until I'm desperate.
After all of the great book recommendations here, I have spent the past two days in the local bookshop reading - THANK YOU for the recommendations!! Here's another that really was helpful: "Pregnancy and Childbirth Secrets" by Gail Dahl. So good!
Post by brittneysandra on Feb 14, 2015 12:16:08 GMT -5
CTri17honeylemon Is 800 a normal or good price for a Doula? Consists of 3 of more prenatal appointments, Whole labor and one hour after birth to initiate BFing One postpartum?
CTri17honeylemon Is 800 a normal or good price for a Doula? Consists of 3 of more prenatal appointments, Whole labor and one hour after birth to initiate BFing One postpartum?
Sorry to butt in but, I think doula prices vary from city to city. I've gotten a couple recs where I live. The price seems to be more in the $500-600 range with 2 prenatal appts.
CTri17honeylemon Is 800 a normal or good price for a Doula? Consists of 3 of more prenatal appointments, Whole labor and one hour after birth to initiate BFing One postpartum?
Sorry to butt in but, I think doula prices vary from city to city. I've gotten a couple recs where I live. The price seems to be more in the $500-600 range with 2 prenatal appts.
Feel free to butt in!! Thank You! I just needed an idea so I would figure out if she was overpriced or not ! Have you picked a Doula or are you still looking?
Sorry to butt in but, I think doula prices vary from city to city. I've gotten a couple recs where I live. The price seems to be more in the $500-600 range with 2 prenatal appts.
Feel free to butt in!! Thank You! I just needed an idea so I would figure out if she was overpriced or not ! Have you picked a Doula or are you still looking?
Also butting in here: the doulas in my area vary in price, but the price corresponds to their level of experience. It can be as low as $350 for doulas who have accompanied fewer than 5 births, up to $750 for doulas who have done 5-20 births, $1000 for 20-50 births, and so on. So maybe you could find out how much experience she has?
Then Comes Family, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising
program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.