Seekign Labor and Delivery Advice

I am exactly the person you want to talk to. I had three children, all three with absolutely NO DRUGS!! I just feared that huge needle in my back, and that gave me the strength to do it. To be honest, the pushing hurts way more than the contractions, and the epidural doesn't even help that pain so it really only would help ease the contractions. Yes, they are very uncomfortable, like bad gas, but we all know they don't last forever, and the result is a very alert and healthy baby!
I would not think you will need a breast pump as you do not really fully get in your milk until a few days after delivery, in the beginning it's just the colostrum (sp) that the baby will get, and don't feel bad if you have to supplement a little in the first few days, it's fine! Take the rest when you can get it while you are recovering in the hospital, it will be the last time you get rest like that for a very looooooong time!
Congratulations on becoming a parent, it's the greatest job in this entire world!!!!!

If you plan on pumping the hospital has breast pumps. I suggest trying really hard to get the baby to latch on. The hospital will usually have a Lactation Nurse there and they can come in and help you with the latching. I had a natural delivery....I had a nubain shot but I still call that natural because all that really did was allow me to close my eyes for about 10-20 minutes, but believe me, I felt every last drop of pain and I would do it again. I was up and showering within 2 hours of delivery.

Bringing your pump with you is your choice, but the best thing is to breast feed the baby which brings a bond between you and your child.Also breastfeeding is the best gift you could ever give to your baby. Birthing is the most wonderful and blessed experiance in your life. No matter how you do it with an epidural or natural its gonna be the best feeling that you will ever feel when you look into your babies eyes and hold your baby. Good luck and enjoy your little one hold and love him/her with your love. They will be your best friend you will ever have. And they are the best listiners.
Mother of 4,
K. W

Hi C.,
I would leave the breast pump at home... your hospital will hook you up with an industrial breast pump while there! But I would bring breast pads, your nursing bra (or maternity camisoles with built in bra/shelf) because when your milk comes in, your going to need the support. Also, use the breast pads and breast cream (Purlan 100 or Lansinoh are great!) religiously from the first time you begin to nurse (and every single time you do!) and even though your nipples will get sore when the babe latches on, it'll be much better than if you don't use anything. Other than that... just bring what makes you happy and comfortable... your favorite lip gloss, armomatherapy candles or plug-in, your favorite body lotion. You'll want some comforting things during this wonderful but crazy time when you're not sleeping much and full of awe at the new life you created!

Enjoy it... it's an amazing, amazing experience!
K.

I had two babies Naturally. Be prepared to be tested to limit and wanting to quit. Make sure your doctor and husband are their to support you and know that you want to do it natural. With a lot of encouragement you can do it. The pain is hard to deal with but what helped was focusing on an objection and thinking about something else. I thought about my daughter and swinging with her in a hammock and it really helped. I was ok and able to joke around until I was 8 centermeters with the second one. You will not need a breast pump. You need to establish good breast feeding before you introduce a bottle and that will take a few weeks. in the hospital you will be working on trying to get the baby to latch on ok and how to breast feed. Good luck and congratulations!

you won't need your breast pump until your milk comes in( which can take 3 days to a week)...I had my daughter all natural well from what I can remember that is...My husband was working on the computer and it felt like I had to go pee and so I went to the bathroom and hurried to do my thing( when you get close to the end you'll know what I'm talking about) and nothing came out...but when I stood up water came out but only a very little so I thought nothing of it and went back and sat down.then 15 mins. later a little bit of water came out again but I had remembered everyone telling me that when your water breaks you'll know it cuz water will just come pouring out...well my water had broke and I didn't know.I had called my mother in law and asked her what to do( since this is my first child) and then I called my mom and they both told me to go to the hospital and I told my husband that we should just go to the doctor to make sure that everything was ok but I did it so that it didn't make him think anything was wrong(since he was driving and I wanted to get there in 1 piece).I got to the hospital and the nursing staff was very nice to me and told me that my water had broke( if you can try to stay at home for as long as you can...but if your water breaks like mine did go to the hospital asap. I remember tossing and turning a lot and then the next morning about at 5 am I couldn't hold anything down and the nurse gave me thin a gram and all I did was sleep sleep and sleep some mire!!!the doc had to come and wake me up so that I could delivery and in the middle of everything I was so tired from the meds that she allowed me to take a nap so everything will work out for you... congrads and good luck

C.,
First of all...Congratulations! You mentioned that you are hoping to have a natural delivery. If its vaginal, it's natural. That seems to be a misconception - women who use drugs don't have a natural delivery. I had an epidural with my daughter (I was in labor for at least 24 hours) and wouldn't have survived without it. The anticipation of a needle that big going into your back is more scary than the actual thing. I was so uncomfortable from the contractions that I didn't really feel the needle going in. After the epidural, I no longer felt pain from the contractions, with the exception of a hotspot - an area where the epidural doesn't take. Not all women get hotspots. Mine was in my lower left back and I could feel everything there. But when I pushed the pain went away. I pushed for two hours and not once felt pain from that. The epidural worked so well that I didn't even know I had an episodomy until I heard my husband and the nurse talking about it.

Getting an epidural is a personal choice. You don't have to get one, but you should have that pink card with you just in case you need it.

As for your breast pump, your milk won't come in for at least 2-3 days after giving birth and you should be home by then. But if you want to practice and have the breast feeding coach (supplied by the hospital) to come work with you, by all means bring it.

The epidural had no affect on my daughter (now 4 1/2). She is happy, healthy and very smart. I however did feel the effects of it for the rest of the day. I good thing though, since I didn't feel pain.

Good luck! Hope you let us know how it goes.
J.

Congratulations, C.! I don't know if this is the inspiring story you wanted to hear but when I had my son, I had it naturally. I had not went to any child birthing classes due to school and work conflicts and I chose not to have any pain medication unless I absolutely needed it. I wanted to experience it all! My doctor had planned to induce my labor when it got close due to problems with my blood pressure so I was able to pack and arrive at the hospital without any pain. However, shortly after arriving at the hospital, I started having contractions. A friend had told me exactly what to expect. She said when it feels like you're stomach is cramping like you have to go to the bathroom then that's a contraction. That's exactly what mine felt like! I was okay until the contractions started coming pretty much back to back. Then that was tough! I remember yelling at my husband and crying to my mom to make it stop. lol But when it got to that point that's when it was time. So I was pretty good until the last several minutes. Granted every labor is different so you have to do what is best for you but I think what got me through it is my dad told me what he always tells me when I'm going through a major medical procedure...Don't go in there and act like a big baby! Now that would probably piss off a lot of women but my dad is a stand-up guy and that was his way of trying to be funny. But what his did for me was remind me that I'm so much like my dad. I've always been the tough one and the one who could handle any situation that's thrown at me and I like that about myself. I also had it set in my mind that the only way to stop the pain was to get that thing out of me!!! These women who scream "Put it back in!"...that's just crazy. So I was determined to get that baby out as quickly and as safely as possible so the pain would go away. I guess it was all a mind-set on my part. I don't know if that helps any but maybe it gave you a little chuckle anyway. :)

I don't think it would hurt to take your pump...but I don't know why you would use it right away...just let that baby nurse away! :)

You can listen to my first baby's birthstory at thebarefootmoms.com under the episode entitled...Happy Birthday Lydia and America! I would definitely be willing to share the other three too..if you want to pm me.

Just believe in yourself and your body...and of course that baby and you'll do great!

Giving birth is an amazing experience. Yes, it hurts - but not in a way that you can't handle. A natural birth is awesome - my first birth was with an epidural though. It was still just as amazing. Go with your instincts and don't be upset if you decide you need medication. A healthy, happy baby is your ultimate goal. I liked my second birth better with no meds, but both were great experiences.

Try to take a natural childbirth class before delivery. (Lamaze, Bradley...) The class gives you an idea of what to expect, and "tools" to use (breathing, focal point, etc.) during delivery. If you can't go to a class check your local library for a video on the childbirth method you choose. If they don't have it they will usually get it from another library in your county for you.

Wishing you a happy and healthy delivery. :)

Congratulations!! It's getting close for you! My nephew is due Sept 1st.

Anyways, I had 2 natural child births. No pain meds - I had pitocin the 2nd time around. My first labor was 6 hours after my water broke & 2nd was 3 hours after the dr broke my water to start my labor. :) If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message, I love talking about babies being born!! :D

My best advice is to stay home (once you start having contractions) as long as possible. Your better off at being uncomfortable at home vs. the hospital for hours. Also try not to over do it those two days in the hospital. Take the help while you can, and be sure to turn away company when you feel its too much. My mistake was trying to entertain while I was in the hospital, feeling as if I had an obligation to everyone else. I wish I would have rested more. But it is an amazing and beautiful experience. The best of luck!!

Hi C.,

We went all-natural, no pain meds whatsoever, and I had pitocin pumping into me (not my choice!). The breast pump wouldn't be necessary as you'll need baby to be practicing his/her latch.

My advice - learn how to zone out, don't think with any of your higher brain, use instinct, state what you need as soon as you perceive it, know your boundaries (what you'll allow the hospital to do), and have advocates who clearly know this too. We used a doula as my advocate and it was the best thing we could've chosen. My husband was able to focus on becoming a dad instead of stating our plans to the staff.

Best of luck!

You shouldn't need your pump. Your baby will be all you'll need in the hospital.

If you're hoping for an unmedicated birth, then you'll want to be well prepared for the work ahead. I've had both of my girls without medication, and I prepared by practicing deep relaxation every evening before I went to bed. Also, I highly recommend reading _Ina May's Guide to Childbirth_. There are lots of great birth stories in there that will help to inspire you, as well as some tips for a smoother labor.

Finally, every woman should have a doula. If you haven't considered one, you really should, especially if you desire an unmedicated birth. Your doula, regardless of your birth goals, is there for you and only you, to provide you with physical, emotional, and informational support. If you're in Jax, feel free to contact me.

I hope you have taken a birthing class. If not sign up for one right away. But just remember to breathe through contractions and be strong. Make sure you have your partner there with you from the begining because it helps when you get further along in delivery that you are already focused with your partner. Either your hubby, mom, whoever. I had a all natural birth and it was tough sometimes but I am glad I did it cuz my baby was alert, I was able to get up and move around if I wanted etc... Good Luck!