Post by ihatepizza on Nov 14, 2016 12:04:00 GMT -5
I'm not sure if people will be able to answer this but I've had a large amount of abdominal surgeries (>5) and am so worried that it's going to be painful as my scar tissue stretches or that my scar tissue will get "stuck".
Me: 29 DH: 35 NTNP since May 2013 charting since June 2014 dx: Graves disease (radioactive iodine), Crohns disease (abdominal surgeries) MMC October 2015 (9 weeks) Severe MFI diagnosis July 2015
1. I didn't think think the glucose test was bad at all.
2. I had a 9lb 1oz baby vaginally and it sucked. I had only a 2nd degree tear but a lot of internal "sidewall" tears. OB was sewing me up for about an hour after delivery and I was warned I would be very sore. I kinda didn't want to sit for almost a month. I hoarded the ice packs from the nurses in my suitcase and cried when I used my last one at home. H found more online thank goodness. Eventually it got better but the first month was rough.
-My level of modesty and giving a shit about what my lady bits look like since having a kid have gone out the window. Your OB is still going to be up in your business for a while after baby comes and things won't be pretty no matter how pretty it was when you went in.
-The IV was no big deal to me. It's just a thin plastic catheter once it's put in so it's not a needle sitting in your arm. You may feel some irritation when certain things infuse but mine never bothered me at all.
- Every labor is different. Every mama is different. Educate yourself on some things to expect but go with the flow. Trust your OB/Midwife. In the end you really have no control over how your labor goes down and the goal is to get your baby here safe. My 2 cents. 🙂
I agree with honda13 on the c-section part. I was up and moving as soon as they took out the catheter. And remember to take your pain meds on time! After I got home and started healing I was able to skip doses but it wasn't until the end of the week.
2. I had a 9lb 1oz baby vaginally and it sucked. I had only a 2nd degree tear but a lot of internal "sidewall" tears. OB was sewing me up for about an hour after delivery and I was warned I would be very sore. I kinda didn't want to sit for almost a month. I hoarded the ice packs from the nurses in my suitcase and cried when I used my last one at home. H found more online thank goodness. Eventually it got better but the first month was rough.
- Every labor is different. Every mama is different. Educate yourself on some things to expect but go with the flow. Trust your OB/Midwife. In the end you really have no control over how your labor goes down and the goal is to get your baby here safe. My 2 cents. 🙂
omg yes. so much misery. i'm pretty sure i would have given up on life without dermoplast! i don't remember the timeline all that well, but i'm with you...sitting was awful.
also, i forgot to mention this in terms of a drug-free birth: if you tear, getting stitched up without meds is super lame. they do numb the area with some kind of injection, but um...it's not really numb. ha. thankfully cuddling with a brand new baby is just about the best distraction there is.
also agree big time with the last point. you can prepare until you're blue in the face, but curve balls are pretty much guaranteed!
Okay, I'll play. I was trying to think of something more relevant to first tri, but came up with nothing.
1. Glucose Test - How gross is it really? I've heard nightmare tales about an orange drink. Read somewhere you might be able to request a non-flavored version and it might go down easier?
2. How bad do you really feel the first 24 hours after a vaginal birth? After a c-section? How about the first week? Two weeks? I know birth is rough on your body and of course a c-section is major surgery, it just seems everyone I know who has given birth looks pretty good when I've seen them in the first two weeks. Is it just adrenaline and the good hormones?
1. I didn't find the glucose drink or test to be that gross. I did kind of "crash" though mid-afternoon afterward. Felt a little weird but it was only temporary. I recommend the orange - it's like Fanta.
2. I had two intervention-free/med-free vaginal births. I think a lot of how you handle it is so individual to your body/genetics probably, but I felt pretty fabulous afterward both times. In my experience, I think that not having an epi/pain meds meant that I did not push so hard that there were big tears. I had one stitch both times. I was up and moving immediately and had nothing but Tylenol after. Besides a lot of bleeding/stuff coming out for awhile that requires a big pad, I felt pretty great. Yes, I do think your hormones and adrenaline make everything easier during labor and after birth.
Another one: I hate needles. Really hate them. My veins are small, deep, and at weird angles (according to all the phlebotomists I've seen). I ALWAYS feel the needle. I've had an IV a couple times (for a CT scan and for an MRI) and I was told I shouldn't feel it but I always do and it makes me queasy and anxious. I'm extremely tempted to ask my midwife to not keep an IV in me, even a hep-lock, unless they are actively giving me something. If I need antibiotics for GBS, I want them to give them and then pull the needle back out. From what I've read it's preferred to keep one in you in case you need something urgently. Is this crazy? In the throes of labor am I going to actually not care about the needle?
We did a hep lock, which was not attached to anything. I think they will insist on at least doing a hep lock in case you need something urgently. I did not want to be attached to an IV so that it was easier to move around. It was in my birth preferences both times.
To follow up my needle question, if you had or were planning on a natural labor with minimal interventions, what preparation actually helped? Any specific labor methods, exercises, breathing?
We did a hypnobirthing class. I was not set on hypnobirthing, I just googled for the highest rated intervention-free/med-free birth classes in my area and the instructor got great reviews and was right around the corner. They focused a lot on birth being a normal process, that your body knows how to do it, and it does not have to be the screaming and punching your husband scenario that you see on TV.
She also went through every single possible hospital procedure, and talked about what she recommended and why. That made us feel really empowered and like we were involved in the process.
Another major point of hers was not to go to the hospital until absolutely necessary, because you are much more relaxed and likely to progress quickly and not get caught up in needing interventions if you're in your own comfortable space. With both births I was in the hospital about 45 min-an hour before baby arrived and it was the perfect amount of time.
I know they're not for everyone, but I had pretty detailed birth preferences (on one page), and they worked great for us. I also live in crunchy Coastal San Diego so there were lots of resources around here for the type of birth we wanted. I should also say that I was not super anti-epidural - I told my husband that I would be getting the epi if I needed it to help me relax. I did hope to avoid a C-section, just in terms of the recovery and then likely needing to do that again for future births.
Also I think reading the responses in this thread to the birth question is so great because of everyone's varied experiences. I think you never know how you're going to progress or how your body is going to handle it until you're there. But I think it still makes sense to think about your preferences - just be willing to modify them in the moment.
For those of you that are STMs, I highly recommend going to the hospital quicker with the second baby. Most of my friends have two kids and most of us barely made it to the hospital with #2. One of my friends had her baby in her bathroom
Post by trebletrouble13 on Nov 14, 2016 14:16:04 GMT -5
I had the lemon-lime version of the sugar drink. It tasted okay, but I felt like I was drinking sugar. I felt a little nauseated after drinking it, but I combined the appointment with an ultrasound, so I was plenty distracted. I had an induced vaginal birth with all the meds (IV narcotics so I could still walk/take a bath between doses if desired, then the epi). My labor was going full tilt at 2:30 am, but I was slow to dilate and DS was born at 10:38 pm. Meds did not slow me down, but did allow me to rest. I had a few small tears which the doc stitched up; it was definitely uncomfortable as the epi faded. I took the nice pills for a day and a half before switching to Tylenol. My peri bottle and tucks pads were my best friends for a few weeks. Take a gentle laxative to ease your #2s for a little while. +1 for walking soon after delivery. I walked with DS when they took him to get his hearing tested, and while I was uncomfortable, I think it helped my healing. +1 for having a plan, but being flexible in case something changes.
Also I think reading the responses in this thread to the birth question is so great because of everyone's varied experiences. I think you never know how you're going to progress or how your body is going to handle it until you're there. But I think it still makes sense to think about your preferences - just be willing to modify them in the moment.
For those of you that are STMs, I highly recommend going to the hospital quicker with the second baby. Most of my friends have two kids and most of us barely made it to the hospital with #2. One of my friends had her baby in her bathroom
These responses are all so great. I second sdlaura's comment about loving the variety. I completely understand my body will labor how it does and all I can really do is prepare as much as I can and be ready for whatever comes. My plan is to have a doula so I have someone there who not only has multiple experiences with different births and can explain what's going on, but is also my advocate. I want to try as much as possible to avoid a c-section. Preferably without an epidural as well, but if it's needed, so be it. Whatever it takes to get baby here with both of us healthy, that will work!
marshian, three of us in my circle had babies within a few months. We each had a very different experience (but we all ended up with c sections oddly enough). So I always say it's good to have a plan, but be ready for anything. You have the right attitude.
honda13 - Every birth story I've heard so far is unique. While I love to plan and love even more to stick to the plan, from everything I've read and heard (here and elsewhere), it will be much smoother to have preferences but be flexible and make decisions as-needed based on what actually goes down. So I'm trying to make that my mindset as early as possible!
Okay, I'll play. I was trying to think of something more relevant to first tri, but came up with nothing.
1. Glucose Test - How gross is it really? I've heard nightmare tales about an orange drink. Read somewhere you might be able to request a non-flavored version and it might go down easier?
2. How bad do you really feel the first 24 hours after a vaginal birth? After a c-section? How about the first week? Two weeks? I know birth is rough on your body and of course a c-section is major surgery, it just seems everyone I know who has given birth looks pretty good when I've seen them in the first two weeks. Is it just adrenaline and the good hormones?
1. Even with HG I was able to keep mine down. I was petrified, but my meds did their job and I felt fine. I did the lemon lime flavor because sour helps keep my nausea under control. I don't remember thinking it was awful, but I definitely wouldn't choose to drink it.
2. DD was stuck sunnyside up with her head slightly twisted. I pushed for three hours and couldn't get her out without help. Because of the way her head was turned they had to use forceps. My epi was turned into a full spinal block so I didn't feel a thing. However I did get a 2nd degree tear and a bruised tailbone. Doc was shocked it was only a 2nd degree because forceps usually are 3rd or 4th. I'm a puker while pregnant and in labor, so that sucked. I'm told that it's common if you're puking past first tri that you will also puke during labor.
I probably felt like I could sit like a normal person and walk longer than 10 minutes about 4 weeks pp. The first 24 were awful between the tear and my tailbone to be honest.
I'm not the norm though. My body apparently really hates being pregnant.
Also I think reading the responses in this thread to the birth question is so great because of everyone's varied experiences. I think you never know how you're going to progress or how your body is going to handle it until you're there. But I think it still makes sense to think about your preferences - just be willing to modify them in the moment.
For those of you that are STMs, I highly recommend going to the hospital quicker with the second baby. Most of my friends have two kids and most of us barely made it to the hospital with #2. One of my friends had her baby in her bathroom
well this is terrifying. lol.
Luckily she is a nurse and the paramedics/ambulance arrived a few minutes later. All was fine
It's such a contradiction that most women go to the hospital too early with their first, but second babies tend to come so much faster. I guess our bodies just know the drill by that point!
marshian, I recommend talking to women that have had the type of birth you'd like to have, and get their tips. Of course your body may react completely differently, but I think that really helped me.
Okay, I'll play. I was trying to think of something more relevant to first tri, but came up with nothing.
1. Glucose Test - How gross is it really? I've heard nightmare tales about an orange drink. Read somewhere you might be able to request a non-flavored version and it might go down easier?
2. How bad do you really feel the first 24 hours after a vaginal birth? After a c-section? How about the first week? Two weeks? I know birth is rough on your body and of course a c-section is major surgery, it just seems everyone I know who has given birth looks pretty good when I've seen them in the first two weeks. Is it just adrenaline and the good hormones?
1. The 1 hour is gross. The 3 hour is torture. It's not just that the drink is nasty; it's that you can't eat or drink anything, including water. I sat across from the water fountain during the 3 hour test and almost cried. This time, if I fail the 1 hour we will skip the 3 hour and just act as though I have GD again.
2. I don't know about a C-Section. 24 hours after my vaginal birth I felt pretty good. I was still on a bit of a high. (48 hours after all the muscles in my body were aching like I had done some kind of intense work out. I was still pretty tired so it took a while to realize that in fact I had done an intense work out called giving birth. This is also when I finally started feeling some of the pain from my second degree tear) Two weeks out I was feeling fine.
To follow up my needle question, if you had or were planning on a natural labor with minimal interventions, what preparation actually helped? Any specific labor methods, exercises, breathing?
We had planned a med free delivery, but were loosy goosy if things changed and I needed meds. I also hired a doula because I knew that DH would break the second I asked for drugs. She helped me work through pain and find positions to be in.
My labor was nothing like I expected, and I had awful back labor. I truly thought that pregnancy had sucked so bad, my labor would be a breeze. Then I started puking at the top of each contraction due to my back labor. I wasn't getting a break from the pain and puking just wiped me out. The epi most likely preserved my strength to push. Between IV Zofran and an epi labor was tolerable.
I highly suggest getting a doula. Mine was amazing. I'd totally give you her name, but I think we have the same due date and I'd cry if you snagged her from me!
dsp2013 - Yes, we plan to hire a doula. Everything I read said they can increase the chances of having a med-free birth, which would be my optimal situation. I'll do anything to put the odds in my favor! We're also seeing a midwife for the same reason. They're part of a hospital group so there are OBs if needed, but the midwifes have a lower rate of c-sections and interventions.
I won't steal your doula (at least not knowingly)! I plan to ask my midwife at the next appointment if she has any she's worked with who she would recommend. Then do interviews, etc.
How do you keep your lady part maintained when a belly gets in the way? I refuse to wax but keep it well maintained with shaving and am worried for when I can't see it any more.
i shaved it myself anyways. I mostly just tried to feel my way through it, but occasionally missed spots.
Another one: I hate needles. Really hate them. My veins are small, deep, and at weird angles (according to all the phlebotomists I've seen). I ALWAYS feel the needle. I've had an IV a couple times (for a CT scan and for an MRI) and I was told I shouldn't feel it but I always do and it makes me queasy and anxious. I'm extremely tempted to ask my midwife to not keep an IV in me, even a hep-lock, unless they are actively giving me something. If I need antibiotics for GBS, I want them to give them and then pull the needle back out. From what I've read it's preferred to keep one in you in case you need something urgently. Is this crazy? In the throes of labor am I going to actually not care about the needle?
You will still care about the needle and it will drive you nuts. Avoid it if you can.
To follow up my needle question, if you had or were planning on a natural labor with minimal interventions, what preparation actually helped? Any specific labor methods, exercises, breathing?
I planned one for my first, but was induced a week early due to gestational diabetes. They started the induction on a Friday night and by Sunday morning I hit my wall and got an epidural. I am planning a home birth this time and am really aiming to avoid the induction since I did not react well to the pitocin.
I did find that my prenatal yoga helped a lot, my husband took my natural child birth classes with me so he was a HUGE help and my doula was worth her weight in gold. Also, I strongly believe if I could have gotten in the tub that would have made all the difference.
sdlaura one of the first things my mom said after I told her I was pregnant was "go to the hospital sooner this time!" I don't have a sister but both my mom and her sister had very quick labours and do did I. My younger brother was born in the hallway at the hospital after almost coming in the car, and my cousin was born 20 minutes after my aunt got there. I do not want a car baby so I will be taking her advice!
I was definitely nervous about being the FTM who shows up too early and wanted to labour as long as possible at home, but I did cut it a little close.
Also I think reading the responses in this thread to the birth question is so great because of everyone's varied experiences. I think you never know how you're going to progress or how your body is going to handle it until you're there. But I think it still makes sense to think about your preferences - just be willing to modify them in the moment.
For those of you that are STMs, I highly recommend going to the hospital quicker with the second baby. Most of my friends have two kids and most of us barely made it to the hospital with #2. One of my friends had her baby in her bathroom
well this is terrifying. lol.
DD was a 36 hour induction at 41 weeks. I'll do anything to get this one here faster.
Those of you who used doulas why did you decide you wanted one? What benefits do you feel they offered you that you wouldn't have had otherwise?
We wanted one because we wanted a med-free birth. Having someone there supporting me and my husband, who had actually been through it was important to us. DH was very involved and supportive the whole time, but she was able to suggest different positions and recommended techniques that he would have had no clue about
teachermomtobe , I wanted a doula to help when DW needed a break, to help labor at home before going to the hospital/birth center, and to help keep us grounded more or less. We found out fairly early on, due to placenta previa, that I was most likely going to need a c-section so we didn't hire one. I do wish we would have gone with a post-partum doula instead though.
I think a lot of it depends on how much support you have other than your SO, and how much you want their support/help. We didn't have much help and support from friends and family so that's one of the main reasons why we wanted a doula.
ITA with this. We decided not to go the doula route even though we wanted a med-free birth. We felt educated enough after our hypnobirthing classes and my husband felt comfortable playing that role. A question I asked him to gauge his comfort level was "So, if our assigned nurse is not being supportive of the birth we want, are you comfortable going to the head nurse and asking that they assign us someone else?" and he said that he was. He is also a really good "student" and took everything we learned really seriously. A lot of people told me he'd freak out when it was actually happening and want to go to the hospital immediately, but he didn't. He used all the relaxation methods we learned and when I told him it was time to go when my contractions were 2 minutes apart for an hour, he questioned me some more to make sure it was really time
We don't have any family within 3,000 miles and that actually worked fine for us. We intentionally didn't have family visit until DD was two weeks old so that we could spend time bonding as a family. Because we live so far away, and had for like 5+ years at that point, I think it would have been weirder having a bunch of family around who we don't see often. Of course, with #2, we needed family around to help with our daughter, but it was really nice to be just the three of us with #1.
As redrock says, I think whether a doula is necessary or not totally depends on your personality, relationship, support, etc. We were also lucky that we didn't have to make any decisions around the birth and that is where a doula would have really come in handy.
2. I had a 9lb 1oz baby vaginally and it sucked. I had only a 2nd degree tear but a lot of internal "sidewall" tears. OB was sewing me up for about an hour after delivery and I was warned I would be very sore. I kinda didn't want to sit for almost a month. I hoarded the ice packs from the nurses in my suitcase and cried when I used my last one at home. H found more online thank goodness. Eventually it got better but the first month was rough.
- Every labor is different. Every mama is different. Educate yourself on some things to expect but go with the flow. Trust your OB/Midwife. In the end you really have no control over how your labor goes down and the goal is to get your baby here safe. My 2 cents. 🙂
omg yes. so much misery. i'm pretty sure i would have given up on life without dermoplast! i don't remember the timeline all that well, but i'm with you...sitting was awful.
also, i forgot to mention this in terms of a drug-free birth: if you tear, getting stitched up without meds is super lame. they do numb the area with some kind of injection, but um...it's not really numb. ha. thankfully cuddling with a brand new baby is just about the best distraction there is.
also agree big time with the last point. you can prepare until you're blue in the face, but curve balls are pretty much guaranteed!
OMG I completely forgot about getting stitched up after a drug free birth. That was horrible and the injection hurt and didn't do anything! But you're right- cuddling a new baby definitely helps
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