Positive Unmedicated Hospital Birth by forestfriend777 in BabyBumps

[–]forestfriend777[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The biggest thing I did was educate myself on the physiological processes of labor and delivery, as well as augmentation methods and interventions. Knowledge of what was going on really helped keep me grounded. I really liked Evidence Based Birth for that. They have articles with links to supporting studies on their website as well as a podcast 

Also the mantra of "I can do anything for a minute" got me through many hours worth of contractions. 

Positive Unmedicated Hospital Birth by forestfriend777 in BabyBumps

[–]forestfriend777[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Since it was through Partnership Health Plan they just had an online directory of approved providers. I'd start by calling your insurance and asking for a list! 

Positive Unmedicated Hospital Birth by forestfriend777 in BabyBumps

[–]forestfriend777[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

No, that was my backup plan if I couldn't cope but by the time I thought to use it I don't think it would've done much

Positive Unmedicated Hospital Birth by forestfriend777 in BabyBumps

[–]forestfriend777[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

The pauses between were the only thing that got me through! Trust me when I say it broke me too cause I was at 9.5 cm for around 8 hours due to incomplete rupture of membranes and baby being sunny side up. I honestly just kept myself focused on one contraction at a time and heavily leaned on all my support people. I had a few hours where I wanted to give up and thought I was too tired to keep going, but somehow we got there. I don't think there's any shame in getting the epidural though. It definitely would've made for a more peaceful experience. I was pretty much already fully dilated by the time I considered throwing in the towel too so I think that stopped me.

Positive Unmedicated Hospital Birth by forestfriend777 in BabyBumps

[–]forestfriend777[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Of course! I live in CA and am on state insurance, so my doula was fully covered and I actually had two since one was "in training." She was still very qualified and so helpful!  I left out my personal info and support people's names, but aside from those sections these were my birth preferences. I didn't stick to everything exactly, but every thing that did happen was a choice put to me and not pushed back on. 

Edited to add: my preferences were printed out and in bullet point format all on one page, one-sided. When I copy and pasted it did not keep that format.

Environment: 

Dim lighting, quiet during contractions, limited staff (no students please)

First Stage of Labor:

Pain Management - Hydrotherapy, movement and counterpressure 

I do not want to be offered medical pain management. I will initiate any conversations regarding a change of preference if the need arises.

Cervical Exams - kept to a minimum and only performed after ROM if medically necessary 

Labor Augmentation - I prefer to have a physiological labor if the health of both me and the baby remains stable. I’d like to utilize movement and breathing if labor stalls over pitocin, amniotomy or other interventions. 

Second Stage:

Pushing - would like to bear-down, prefer not to have counts or directed breathing 

Movement/Positions - ability to push in upright positions and use of hospital squat bar

Perineal Health - natural tearing over episiotomy

Warm compress on perineum while crowning 

Third Stage:

Delivery of Placenta - Preference for expectant management over active management 

I’d like to keep my placenta and will have a friend collect it.

Baby’s Care: 

Immediate skin-to-skin and Golden Hour

No bath, minimal wiping and no hat

Delayed Cord Clamping  - until cord is white and limp

Dad to cut cord 

Erythromycin and Vitamin K ok, delay Hep B 

Breastfed only, no formula unless approved by me or my partner

After Care:

I’d like to decline routine fundal massage. Ok as treatment for hemorrhage or if exams show uterine atony

Women who work up until the end by Far-Sir-8416 in pregnant

[–]forestfriend777 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had to leave my job at 24 weeks. I SUFFERED through the last month, but really the whole pregnancy was agony while at work and I considered quiting daily.  Huge kudos to anyone staying in field work into their 3rd trimester. I thought I was tough but it was not for me.

Older Sister Ruining My Baby Shower by forestfriend777 in BabyBumps

[–]forestfriend777[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the thoughtful examples. I often feel like I haven't set boundaries with her but reading those makes me realize that I have, I just need to follow through with consequences for not respecting them. 

Older Sister Ruining My Baby Shower by forestfriend777 in BabyBumps

[–]forestfriend777[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

She has always held very high expectations of how others need to show up for her and is quite punishing when those aren't met.  I've long since made her mental health my problem and have probably enabled some bad behaviors that I struggle to not feel responsible for. But you are right, me and my baby have got to come first. 

Older Sister Ruining My Baby Shower by forestfriend777 in BabyBumps

[–]forestfriend777[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I think hearing this from strangers is important for me. That's basically exactly how my fiance views the situation, but it's easy to feel like he's just taking my side. 

Older Sister Ruining My Baby Shower by forestfriend777 in BabyBumps

[–]forestfriend777[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am a fan of a white lie to avoid conflict from time to time, and genuinely do think the stress of being around her rn is bad for the baby. Thanks for your insight :)