Med-Free Monday Check-in 2/15/15

[honeylemon]

Feb 16, 2015 14:16:41 GMT -5 brittneysandra said:

honeylemon Like exercises to help you during labor?
If so where can I learn how to do these?

Well, kind of. I'm doing pelvic tilts and inversions in an attempt to make sure baby is head down and anterior. My last baby had a lot of issues with positioning which resulting in a long and painful labor so I'll do anything to avoid that again! I have a bad feeling this little one is breech right now. If yes, I'll be talking to my chiro about when to start working on the Webster technique.

BUT, I do have a book called Active Birth that has some great exercises to prepare for labor. Speaking of which, I should really get that out and start reading through it again.

[brittneysandra]

Feb 16, 2015 14:22:29 GMT -5 CTri17 said:

Feb 16, 2015 14:16:41 GMT -5 brittneysandra said:

honeylemon Like exercises to help you during labor?
If so where can I learn how to do these?

spinningbabies.com 

spinningbabies.com/more-info/for-pregnancy/what-to-do-first


spinningbabies.com/more-info/for-pregnancy/daily-activities 

Thank you!!
I wish I could help you as much as you've helped me!!

[CTri17]

Feb 16, 2015 14:39:54 GMT -5 brittneysandra said:

Feb 16, 2015 14:22:29 GMT -5 CTri17 said:

spinningbabies.com 

spinningbabies.com/more-info/for-pregnancy/what-to-do-first


spinningbabies.com/more-info/for-pregnancy/daily-activities 

Thank you!!
I wish I could help you as much as you've helped me!!

aw you are sweet, I'm happy to help and I enjoy it, since I plan on becoming a midwife in the future this is my love/passion!

[mpiemont]

Feb 16, 2015 14:39:25 GMT -5 honeylemon said:

Feb 16, 2015 14:16:41 GMT -5 brittneysandra said:

honeylemon Like exercises to help you during labor?
If so where can I learn how to do these?

Well, kind of. I'm doing pelvic tilts and inversions in an attempt to make sure baby is head down and anterior. My last baby had a lot of issues with positioning which resulting in a long and painful labor so I'll do anything to avoid that again! I have a bad feeling this little one is breech right now. If yes, I'll be talking to my chiro about when to start working on the Webster technique.

BUT, I do have a book called Active Birth that has some great exercises to prepare for labor. Speaking of which, I should really get that out and start reading through it again.

honeylemon

Inversion question-

I started them in the early 30's (weeks) last time when my OB suggested that baby felt breech. I haven't had any indication one way or another yet, but should I start doing them just in case? Most of the movement I feel is belly button level or higher so I'm hoping that's kicks up there and the head is down. But I'm not great at determining position on my own. So I guess my ?, is it better to just start them now? Like will they do any harm or cause baby to flip breech is she is head down?

[honeylemon]

mpiemont I don't "think" there are any negatives to doing them. I also wondered if baby is already head down would inversions cause the baby to flip breech, but I haven't seen anything that has said that is true. Spinning Babies says inversions will get baby to move into or stay in the optimal position for birth.

[mpiemont]

Feb 16, 2015 15:08:52 GMT -5 honeylemon said:

mpiemont I don't "think" there are any negatives to doing them. I also wondered if baby is already head down would inversions cause the baby to flip breech, but I haven't seen anything that has said that is true. Spinning Babies says inversions will get baby to move into or stay in the optimal position for birth.

Ok, thanks. My last doula was like ok stop doing them now that baby is head down (I think it was at 36 weeks). Maybe I will see what my midwife thinks tomorrow about position (if she can tell) then go from there.

[CTri17]

mpiemont, honeylemon, my baby girl was also breech/slightly transverse like diagonal at my appt on saturday, maybe I'll start doing an inversion daily to encourage her, even though I know we have lots of time

[Ee]

Feb 16, 2015 10:20:19 GMT -5 Starbuck128 said:

I hit "the wall," as I believe it was viola mentioned, immediately before I started pushing. I had a very, very long labor that kept stalling for various reasons. At this point I had been stuck at 9.5 cm for almost a couple of hours waiting for swelling to do down so my MW could continue to manually slip the last bit of cervix out of the way. I was exhausted an mentally drained. 

I was at home, so my big question was whether or not to give up and go to the hospital. I figured once I hit 10 cm, I was stuck at home unless something out of my control made us call 911. I mentally went through all of my options and came up with a plan, with the goal of stopping the contractions and having a healthy baby. I won't go into details, because it was a crazy plan even though it seemed logical at the time. I was at over 40 hours of no sleep and single digit hours of sleep the 2 days before that. I was a little crazy. Once I made my decision, my body started pushing seconds later, like it had gotten the message and was going to get this baby out now!

Basically my decision meant I completely surrendered to the labor process, that I accepted it was all out of my control. I had to be willing to die, and it wasn't a point I could have artificially made myself reach. I had to really, truly mean it. If I could have, I sure as heck would have reached it before 80 hours of labor.

Awesome story! Stories like yours are what make me really want a natural childbirth- it just seems like such an amazingly intense experience. Thanks for sharing your story!!

[Ee]

CTri17, thanks for taking the lead on these weekly check-ins! Much appreciated!

29 + 1 weeks

Overall I have been feeling good lately, but today was my worst pregnancy day since first tri and I've been indulging in an all-day pity party today basically. I had a normal checkup appointment this morning, which was good, but then afterwards I had to go for my glucose test. I do not do well getting blood drawn, especially on an empty stomach, and after the first blood draw I went back to the (packed) waiting room and passed out and there was a whole big scene. By the time I came to everyone was staring and someone said "OMG is she having a seizure" and a couple nurses practically carried me to the back where I could lay down... so embarrassing! And then after I had to go back to my regular MW office to get the rhogam shot. The lab where I did the glucose test had called them and told them about the commotion I caused passing out so They were babying me there too which was nice of them but still kind of awkward. Then, I didn't realize the rhogam shot was going to be a butt shot, so that was an unpleasant surprise and plus it really hurt! so boo. And both of my elbows are still sore and so is my right butt cheek.

As far as prepping for birth, my doula is bringing over some books for me from her lending library for later this week, and I also got signed up for classes at the hospital- mat ward tour, infant CPR, breastfeeding, home with baby- not specifically med free birth focused, but all part of my general birth prep! The childbirth basics classes were all filled up though, so I'll be relying on my doula + books + talking to my MWs for getting my expectations set for the process of the birth I guess. I found out thought that the hospital I'm delivering at has some rooms with big jacuzzi tubs for laboring! I hope I get one of those rooms!!

Discussion topic suggestion: I will second the suggestion for discussion on positioning. My girl is still breech/transverse and I'm pretty sure she's sunny side up too (I know it's too early to be concerned really, but still...), and I'm really worried about her not getting in a good position and foiling my birth plans.

[corrys12]

CTri17 most instructors require 3 couples to start a class. One instructor does a 10 week course because she said 2 weeks are dedicated to the partner and she incorporates that information into every class.
A good friend of mine went thru 2 med free births and said she just did a lot of self study. She recommended a few books. I may go that route. I just really wanted the benefit of a course and meet other couples going thru the same. I also wanted my husband to participate and get really involved.

Just whining now. But thanks for the suggestions. I will keep trying to find someone!!!

[Starbuck128]

Feb 16, 2015 13:09:36 GMT -5 CTri17 said:

Feb 16, 2015 1:55:45 GMT -5 Starbuck128 said:

30 weeks

I can't breathe without coughing, but pregnancy wise I'm great.

Not much. I did rewatch TBoBB last week. I'm disappointed it's not on Hulu or Netflix anymore, but I found it on YouTube. Seeing those births really inspired me last time, and they did again this time. But holy cow, that movie is more offensive than I remembered.

I'm curious if other STM+ moms realized what stage of labor they were in when they were in labor. I'm familiar with the stages and the signs, but I had no clue where I was in labor. Looking back I still have no idea when transition started.

ugh I hope you and DS are feeling better soon. 

I've only watched TBoBB once and while it is biased what did you find more offensive than you remembered?

I understand the cascade of interventions, but it doesn't always happen that way. They take worst case scenarios and make is sound like that is what happens as soon as you agree to one intervention. At no time do they say that just because a mom agrees to an epidural, or for some reason has to have pitocin, that doesn't mean her baby will go into distress. The implications that moms who receive epidurals or have c/s don't get the same natural oxytocin rush as a med free labor, and when that happens to monkeys, those moms don't love their babies...ugh. It's offensive.

[CTri17]

Feb 16, 2015 16:38:16 GMT -5 Starbuck128 said:

Feb 16, 2015 13:09:36 GMT -5 CTri17 said:

ugh I hope you and DS are feeling better soon. 

I've only watched TBoBB once and while it is biased what did you find more offensive than you remembered?

I understand the cascade of interventions, but it doesn't always happen that way. They take worst case scenarios and make is sound like that is what happens as soon as you agree to one intervention. At no time do they say that just because a mom agrees to an epidural, or for some reason has to have pitocin, that doesn't mean her baby will go into distress. The implications that moms who receive epidurals or have c/s don't get the same natural oxytocin rush as a med free labor, and when that happens to monkeys, those moms don't love their babies...ugh. It's offensive.

Yeah thatis offensive, we know that the cascade of interventions CANhappen but that doesnt mean it will, lots of women have vaginal births with epidurals with no other issues

[Starbuck128]

veenie

I'm trying to catch up, so I apologize if this isn't what you meant and you clarified later in the thread.

At around 7-8 cm DS started turning. They noticed when they went to check the HB that his head was by the top of my hip. I wanted to die. I thought for sure it meant a c/s. They had me get on all fours and they looped the rebozo under my belly. The MWs took turns sifting the rebozo back and forth over my bump, like polishing a bowling ball. I'd have to check the records, but I think it only took about 15 minutes for DS to move back into place and I continued dilating.

My theory is he moved out of place because he had both hands by his face and was getting frustrated that he couldn't drop down because there wasn't enough room, and he wanted to move his hands down. He came out with only one hand cupping his face.

[yianna]

How many weeks are you? - 28w2d

How are you feeling? - Pretty good.  I guess I really can't complain, but I'm just waiting for the super fatigue to hit.

What are you currently working on for your prep towards going Med-free? - Honestly, this time around (my 3rd time), I'm all about supporting those who want to be med-free for their first time. I don't really think I can prep anymore at this point!

QOTW: what is one topic you would like to see covered? - I'm not sure.. But I have answers for some of the posts!

I do need to start my raspberry leaf tea - I usually don't start that until 34 weeks, but I don't think there is any harm starting it earlier, is there?  I can't remember and things have changed.  I also will do Evening Primrose Oil, starting at 36 weeks, orally, and 38 weeks vaginally.. I did this with my last two, so I really don't want to change things.


And I can't remember who asked - so I'll answer and go back and tag those who did ask:


Starbuck128 and j3nnyb3nny,, As for knowing the different times in labor - yes.  I specifically remember active labor, then transition.  Pretty much, for me, when I feel like I just can't any more, I'm in transition and knowing that feeling, is intense, but you also know, it's going to be done soon.  Transition for me as a STM was about 45 minutes from 7cm to complete.  

robotpcr, Perineal Massage - I tore badly with my first (3rd degree tear, mostly internal, it took 45 minutes to stitch me up), so I did some reading on perineal health for my second.  I also knew how to push effectively and I knew in the back of my head that when it came to push that time, I need to go slow.. and feel myself stretch instead of pushing through the ring of fire.  A couple of things I did at home were:  I didn't soap up there every day - I read that most soaps have drying properties to them, so the worst thing you can do is to dry out the skin in that area even more than it already is.  You can use something gentle, too (like Dove sensitive is probably okay), I also would lotion up down there - I know, it sounds weird, but hey, I figured that was better than olive oil and a massage.. so I used something that was super thick like shea butter after my shower.  I ended up needing 2 stitches and my 'tear' wasn't even given a 'degree' label. 

veenie, Rebozo - I didn't use this, but those who have had longer labors, especially with back pain, SWEAR by rebozo.  This is also quite effective if you have a breech baby, prior to labor.  You just need someone to help you, bc obviously, you can't pull the fabric up over your belly to let your belly hang right, if that makes sense.  You won't know you have back labor until you go into labor AND just because you haven't had back labor doesn't mean you won't ever have back labor - so it is a good technique to hold on too and practice at home.

Let's see - Hospital monitoring - for me, with my first, since my water broke at home, I was confined to the bed - on constant monitoring and it was not fun and that was not my coping mechanism for pain.  I wanted to be up, walking and just ignoring the contractions by keeping busy... I was tied to an IV as well.  They were worried about cord prolapse, so I understand, but ugh, it was not fun.  I remember laboring a ton with my legs tucked under me, like criss cross/indian style.  I did as much swaying as I could in that position.

With my second, I got a heplock, got be on my feet, walk, do whatever I wanted to cope.  It wasn't until they had to break my water, did I get an IV fluids, and monitoring for 10 minutes every hour.. other than that, I could do as I pleased in my birth room.  

I can't find who requested the hospital monitoring...-- so hopefully that helps!!

[Deleted]

How many weeks are you?
29 weeks, 3 days

How are you feeling?
Fine, except for the diastasis and the heartburn

What are you currently working on for your prep towards going Med-free?
Had a long conversation with a long-time labor and delivery nurse today who gave me tons of information about what goes into decisions about interventions. She said L&D staff often aren't used to having highly educated women in delivery so they kind of default to simplistic or no explanations, but if we ask to have all the information and explanations for things they want to do, they should give it (and if they don't, or act patronizing, we should ask for a different nurse.)

QOTW: what is one topic you would like to see covered?
All the pain-coping strategies for in the hospital!

[hotcoconuts82]

Feb 16, 2015 13:19:06 GMT -5 mpiemont said:

Feb 16, 2015 9:50:22 GMT -5 hotcoconuts82 said:

How many weeks are you? 27 weeks
How are you feeling? like my pelvis has been shattered
What are you currently working on for your prep towards going Med-free? Going to a doula meet and greet on Friday
QOTW: what is one topic you would like to see covered? Good tips for laboring in bed if you end up getting stuck in the hospital bed for whatever reason.

Will you get to meet several doulas at this event? That sounds pretty cool.

I labored in bed the last hour-ish with my 2nd because I was literally too exhausted to do anything else and I needed the rest between contractions even though it was a minute or less. I just relaxed my body as much as I could, made my low humming sound, made sure to breathe, and knew that eventually I'd get a (short) break.

Yep, I think there are 4 or 5 doulas in this group and I should be able to meet all of them there.  I'm pretty excited about it. 

[mpiemont]

CTri17 This is what's in my tea. What did you say alfalfa was good for again?

[Ee]

Feb 16, 2015 19:22:43 GMT -5 CatLady said:

Ee I'm sorry you had such a bad experience! That sounds embarrassing and scary. I hope you're feeling better now

Aw, thanks! I took a nice bath and rested all day and I'm feeling much better. If I failed the glucose test though....    I don't even know what I'm going to do.

[yianna]

Feb 16, 2015 19:47:20 GMT -5 mpiemont said:

CTri17 This is what's in my tea. What did you say alfalfa was good for again?


I hope this quote works - but alfalfa is supposed to be good for breast growth/health. I'm not sure what else..

[viola]

Feb 16, 2015 13:46:07 GMT -5 mpiemont said:

Feb 16, 2015 11:17:31 GMT -5 viola said:

Hey everyone!
26 weeks today and only four more until I get my placenta rechecked to confirm if I can have a birth center delivery or not. I'm very excited realizing this.

Topic I'd like to discuss: Birth plans.

What was the trouble with your placenta- low lying?

I was diagnosed with previa at my anatomy scan. It's common in IVF patients. 
Luckily, I have a 90% likelihood that it will move (2012 study about resolution of previa)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 

[CTri17]

Feb 16, 2015 19:47:20 GMT -5 mpiemont said:

CTri17 This is what's in my tea. What did you say alfalfa was good for again?

my m/w has us use it because it is high in iron and also in Vit K and can help with limiting post partum bleeding (and bleeding directly after labor)

here is a good website that describes it's benefits wellnessmama.com/188/alfalfa-herb-profile/

[CTri17]

and now I'm making tea, trying to get a cup a day in!

[smilz4782]

mpiemont my midwives said alfalfa "builds the blood"
Like CTri17 said
And it also is a known galactagogue (helps you make milk)
I take the pills and they help things exit smoothly as well

[CTri17]

Feb 16, 2015 21:20:51 GMT -5 smilz4782 said:

mpiemont my midwives said alfalfa "builds the blood"
Like CTri17 said
And it also is a known galactagogue (helps you make milk)
I take the pills and they help things exit smoothly as well

yep I take 2 pills a night (when I can stomach them)

[CTri17]

Those interested in hypnobabies check out this thread on the NB board goodbyecb.proboards.com/thread/10768/hypnobabies

and they are doing a weekly check in if you want to participate
goodbyecb.proboards.com/thread/13607/hypnobabies-check-2-16

[CTri17]

mpiemont, I had a pretty decent post partum bleed with DD1, I had to take 2 doses of the herbal tincture and she would have done Pitocin if it had continued.

with dd2 my m/w had me take the alfalfa and I had so little bleeding during labor and post partum was so much shorter.

Now my m/w recommends it as part of her "daily herbs" for all clients

[copilot2012]

CTri17, I'm pretty sure it was natural child birth the Bradley method that I read.

CTri17, yianna, mpiemont ok so I see your alfalfa info but what's with the tea everyday?

[CTri17]

Feb 16, 2015 23:55:31 GMT -5 copilot2012 said:

CTri17, I'm pretty sure it was natural child birth the Bradley method that I read.

CTri17, yianna, mpiemont ok so I see your alfalfa info but what's with the tea everyday?

It is a pregnancy nourishing tea, so lots of vitamins and minerals that are important during pregancy.
Red raspberry leaf is a uterine toner so it helps you to have stronger, more useable contrax when you actually go into labor
Nettles helps your kidneys and provides vitamins ADCK as well as iron, potassium and calcium, can ease leg cramps
Rosehips is very high in vitamin C

[chailife34]

Hello! A little late, sorry, work has been crazy

How many weeks are you?
29w2d

How are you feeling?
Exhausted. Having a tough time keeping my energy level up and it's been affecting my mood for the past few days. Need more sleep!

What are you currently working on for your prep towards going Med-free?
Spent my last two days off reading and checking out a lot of the books recommended last week from this thread. Learned a lot. Also starting natural birth classes this week

QOTW: what is one topic you would like to see covered?
Methods of reassurance when times get tough and seemingly unbearable

[queenrichie]

CTri17 oh I will definitely check that book out! Thank you. I totally see what you mean. Very interesting topic.