Preparing for birth

[Cassagc]

Is anyone else getting nervous about the birth experience? It's coming up soon for all of us, sooner for some. :)

I've been looking at the lunar phases since more babies are born to a full moon. Mar 30, Apr 28 and May 27 are the next full moons. I fully expect Dustin to show on May 27th since he is definately more active during a full moon.

I've got my birth plan set out but I'm really nervous since I'm supposed to be moving to another state next month and haven't done more then talk to the OB who is supposed to deliver Dustin. This could get hairy. Other then that I'm good with my "whole natural/no drugs until something mandates a change" plan.

How about ya'll?

[karenjk12]

I have to say that I've felt a little anxiety setting in lately. I'm not sure if it's the labor and delivery that's causing it or the whole "OMG I'm about to have a baby to take care of" thought. Maybe a little of both...

I am going with the no pain meds/possible epidural plan for now. Hubby still hasn't committed 100% to staying for the birth but I'm positive he will.

I think I've come to terms with the fact that I have to go through labor/delivery so what's the point of getting upset about it before hand, it's not going to change it!

[Ombeline]

Oh my gosh, yes, I'm scared. I have to go through with this less than two months from now.

One part of my fear is just squeamishness and prudery. Let's face it, childbirth is a beautiful thing but also more disgusting than anything any of us has ever seen, and there will be a whole bunch of strangers watching, like 10 or 12! And I am the most uptight prude in the world. If the memory weren't wiped out by the intense experience of motherhood that follows it immediately, I think it would permanently traumatize me and crush my fragile sense of dignity.

Then there's the epidural. My OB insists on me having one because of the pretty high possibility of an unplanned c-s at the last minute, and also because Joseph is still transverse and as I mentioned the doc may be sticking his arm way up inside me to pull him out, and he doesn't like to do that sort of thing on an unmedicated patient. Kind of like what you may have seen on veterinary shows, where they chain a stuck calf's hooves to a tractor and pull away to get him out of the cow. The poor cow. OK, I've come to terms with possibly delivering like a farm animal. But I watched a little video clip of an epidural being put in place and I fainted. The idea of a humongous needle and a catheter in my spine, and not feeling normal sensations in the lower half of my body or being able to stand up...

For me, though, the scariest part by far is that something might go wrong with one of the babies and the medical team won't react fast enough. I'll happily put up with all the monitors and needles and tubes and wires they care to attach to my body if they can help keep the babies safe.

[RLTMommy]

Breathe ladies! :) When the time comes to give birth, you will know it's contractions vs something else. You will have several hours to get to the hospital. You will be ready to get rid of the indigestion, hemmeroids, roly-polyness of pregnancy. The only people in the room will be a nurse, the doctor (mostly at showtime) and whomever you invite. Your OB doctor will be whomever is on staff at that time---not necessarily your doctor. I didn't "tear" or have an episotomy (sorry if it's TMI). The pain of contractions is intense. A needle in your spine is NOTHING when you are contracting.---Hats off to the ladies who can do it without medications. You will have a monitor that tracks your contractions and the blood pressure of the baby around your belly. You will wear a blood pressure cuff. If you choose an epidural, they will give you an IV for fluids. Have some nursing pads and period pads lying around the house for your return. Your boobs will leak (whether you choose to breastfeed or not) and you will have a "period" for about 6 weeks after birth. Everytime you think you are scared of being the responsible party for a little tiny person, think of all the times you have been in public and seen dumb people with perfectly healthy kids. I was a nervous nelly before the birth of my first child. Your feelings are completely normal. Trust me, you can do this. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!!

[Jboz]

OM- you are so funny.. poor cow haha

For me ladies I am scared. I had a csection with my son 5 years ago (and a month) but I am still scared. My doc has schelduled mine for April 27th. So that will be the day unless I go before which scares me. If that happened and I had to have him vag. give me meds and then some... thats great for yall that can go with out any... but nooottt me! yikes contractions HURT.

[Jboz]

ombeline check the other thread we were talking in

[g0dd3ss13]

I have been following all the threads you ladies have been posting since the pee stick tests and I enjoy the sense of togetherness you have created coming to each other with your questions or concerns.

I haven't put much thought into the birth yet. My doctor is kind of the get in, everything looks fine, next appoinment is in four weeks, get out type. I am a military wife with no friends or family on this half of the US so any questions or advice you may want to pass on from this point will be helpful.

Time for another bathroom break ...

[Ombeline]

Jena, my doctor is the same way. My last visit lasted almost 10 minutes (I timed it!), and the longest part was where I struggled to tie my shoes after getting dressed again. He's not very helpful when it comes to the emotional preparedness aspect of pregnancy. What part of the US are you in? Like you, this is my first pregnancy, boy and girl twins, and I don't have any folks nearby (my husband is French and I'm living in France with him) so it's a lonely, scary experience. I've read all the pregnancy books and websites I could find, called/emailed my mom a lot, and talked to the ladies here for companionship.

Are you taking any birth prep classes? If not, I found that watching a series of classes on DVD was really helpful. It gave me concrete ideas about what to expect and I feel more ready to make decisions (if the doctor ever ends up discussing birth plans with me).

But all I've ever seen or heard about other people's birth experiences is that birth plans are a good idea but you rarely end up getting just what you planned. I'll try to stay relaxed and flexible about the actual details of how my babies are born (medications, birthing positions, interventions, all that stuff) because I trust the doctors will basically do what is necessary to keep all three of us alive and safe.

[g0dd3ss13]

I am from Southern Texas originally, but my husband and I are currently stationed in Northern California along the coastline.
I count myself lucky, 50-74 degree weather entire length of pregnancy.
Ah, fraternal twins(I think that is what you call it) that is what I wanted. First, last, and only pregnancy. One boy, one girl, one shot. Congratulations, I have been following your story through the threads and God Bless You!

Relatives do help by phone and the internet is a god send. I have my sister; who lives half way across the globe; on speed dial. Due to the time zone difference I can call her at 2 in the morning when the baby is 'ruff housing' and chat her up during her dinner hour the following day. [16hr diff] I have found a practical use for the webcam in that way. Sharing shots of my growing belly with her and unwrapping gifts in front of relatives so they can share in the reactions. Although it does make me feel slightly disconnected. [rant,...sorry]

I am not taking any birth prep classes, although I did take a class called 'healthy beginnings'. An experienced Doula was teaching the class I was 3 mo and the other 3 women were big and round like we all are now. It was informative, it is basically a prep class that showed videos of actual births(one women was actually yodeling during contractions), discussed the three stages of labor(can take up to 12 hours typically), and let you swaddle a doll for practice.

Also, as far as my birth plan goes I had some questions regarding forming one and I posted it on the May 2010 forum this morning [Military wife seeks Birth Plan...]. Cass gave a very informative birth plan and a couple of websites on how to write a flexible and detailed Birth Plan covering most situations. One website was fill in the blanks and get e-mailed the completed form.

I suppose I could be more prepared but I am trying to keep myself preoccupied with nursery, baby names, and crocheting(sp?) so as not to overly stress myself on something that may not be in my control when the time comes anyway.

As one woman put it...The only thing you get to control about your labor is what you put in your suitcase.

*She may or may not be right but it made me laugh

[g0dd3ss13]

OMG

I had a very long dream lasting all night (no pee breaks if you can believe it) dreaming about feng shui'ng my whole house. I spent the whole 'night' reorganizing every room to improve the energy flow. I woke up ravenous like I had been working all night.

I think the nesting may have just kicked in...

[Ombeline]

I actually reconsidered and signed up for a few group prep classes with a friend this week because she said the midwife giving them was great, but I can't go anymore. Even without classes, I feel much better about giving birth now that both twins are head down, ready for takeoff. We would still probably have tried a vaginal birth even if little man had stayed transverse but this means an even better chance of avoiding a c-s. They just seem to be in a hurry to get out and it's not time yet, so the mothership (that's what my husband calls me now) has to lie around on the couch from now on. I really want to get to 36 weeks. But 6 weeks of bedrest? Ugh. My body has already created a groove on the couch cushions and it's only been 2 days.

[g0dd3ss13]

well, I am sorry to hear about the banishment to the couch. Although, the news about your little bundles turning head down is great. I am happy for you.

My little one has 2 more days to go before I get to see him again. I am hopeful to get a clear view of fingers and toes. Time to get breakfast on the table before my husband shoos off to work.

[Ombeline]

2 days, cool! Let us know how it goes. Don't you love those ultrasound dates? My husband and I are always so excited. He's especially eager, in fact, I guess because I get a lot more contact with them on a daily basis and this gives him a peek into the kicks and squirms I feel. He's usually uptight about his work schedule but he somehow always makes time to come with me for those. We get to see our "twinlets" on Friday morning for a 1-hour growth u/s. I'm doubly happy about going because it'll be my next authorized outing. I miss going outside. It's so sunny and spring-like all of a sudden.

I know the babies are doing well so because the OB had a quick look at them the other day, so no real anxiety about their growth, just pure fun! The radiologist is really nice and always prints us out an amazing 4D portrait of each baby to take home. However, she'll also measure my cervix afterwards and if it's changed again I'm supposed to go straight to the hospital from her office.

[g0dd3ss13]

Thanks I will, and hopefully I will have a picture to post to share as well.

*fingers crossed
Here's hoping you get to go home and lay up comfortably.

Yes, I love the Ultrasound dates. It is awesome when you get to see your little guy, girl or in your case 'twinlets' ;), squirming around. I have only done the basic u/s but it is still amazing.

1 Hour huh? I am very jealous. :) I would love to be able to stare at him for an hour. Like the rest of the ladies here, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my bundle. I can't wait to look into those beautiful eyes. Although, I am relishing the extra hours of sleep in the morning right now. *smirk
My husband and I went to the gardening store yesterday to get a few flowers for me and a Barbeque pit for him to welcome Spring. I think he is really looking forward to grilling for the relatives that are planning to visit after the birth.
I am grateful for the gardening oportunity. Things grow well in California.

Wow, I have been ranting for awhile. I think I will call my sister.

[Ombeline]

It's getting closer and closer, everyone. Soon our babies will be here.

Since I might get stuck in the hospital with no internet any day now, I'm making up a list of email addresses for my husband. He'll add them to the list of family and friends to notify when the babies are born, for example, or to explain what's up if I just disappear for 3 or 4 weeks. Cass, I tried to send you a PM but you can't receive them. :(

What you do think, gals? I changed my user preferences so I can receive private messages, so any of you who would like to exchange email addresses with me can contact me (don't forget to change your own settings to be able to send & receive messages).

[Cassagc]

Wierd, I thought I had enabled messages. I'll have to go back in and see what I can do...

[anikalucy]

Hi. I am expecting my 4th (possibly last) baby on May 23, 2010. Until yesterday I felt great, calm, pain-free. My baby is moving constantly, but up until yesterday it did not bother me, just the opposite - I am thrilled to feel her kicks and know that she is alive and growing. Well, yesterday (a day after my regular OB checkup) I started having contractions. 30 minutes apart, but very intense. I got scared. So I called the OB and he suggested some bed rest and a glass of wine to calm down the contractions. Luckily, they went away on its own a little after I went to bed. I would have loved to carry my baby girl to term and am very scared of pre-term delivery. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to avoid a pre-term?

[Ombeline]

Anikalucy, if you're worried about preterm labor you should take it easy, really rest for a few days--I mean spend as much time lying on your side as possible, not doing any of the stuff that provokes contractions, like sitting up a lot (puts the same pressure on the cervix as standing), standing or lifting things. And drink lots and lots of water. It's a good sign that it went away after you went to bed. I'm still having contractions every 10-15 minutes while on bedrest and meds and it's definitely scary. If it comes back and you are having strong and regular contractions despite resting like this, then I'd call the doctor again, at least to keep him aware. It's too early to have your baby right now!

[anikalucy]

It'll be my fourth, but the thought of labor still makes me anxious. I feel huge, now at 212 lbs (normally around 160). That's a lot of gain just for one baby. With prior labors lasting less than 2 hours (longer if epidural), I fear there may not be time to get to the hospital (30 min. from home). Plus, I don't drive anymore, so have to wait for hubby to come from work or a cab. Plus, if this happens at night, would have to worry about the 2 older kids going to a sitter. No extended family in town. My mom says, God never sends us a gift of life without the means to sustain it. I pray that I see these "means" when the need comes. You'd think by now I would recognize the diff between baby moves and contractions. Often time I don't. Seems like my baby girl is moving and stretching all the time. I get maybe couple braxton hicks during the day and maybe 1 at night. Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll recognize the real deal early enough to get to the hospital.

[g0dd3ss13]

My prayers are with you Anikalucy.
You look very happy in the picture.
I still don't know if I am experiencing Braxton Hicks or if Samuel is just stretching really hard. I have been told that women like myself who experience very painful menstral cramps often don't recognize labor pains until well into active labor. Do you have any advice on the first few minutes with my new bundle?