Birth Stories: Past or Present

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #30 on: August 06, 2007, 01:18:35 PM » by grocerygetter

Quote from: ClassiclyAmber on August 05, 2007, 09:50:10 AM

Ethan's Birth:
Unnecessary Routine Interventions Lead to Chaos, Pain and ultimately Enlightenment

I thought of this…all through pregnancy, your doctor tells you about certain things. Don’t take unnecessary drugs because everything you ingest goes to the baby, too. Halfway through your pregnancy, they tell you not to lie on your back because baby doesn’t get as much oxygen that way and it is dangerous. Yet what are the two main things that most doctors and hospitals do to a laboring woman when she checks in? They plop her on her back and give her TONS of drugs…stating to the woman that all of this is okay for both Mom and baby, when REALLY – that is a LIE.

Very interesting isn't it?!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #31 on: August 06, 2007, 02:28:42 PM » by lotsaboys

Quote from: Wing on August 06, 2007, 02:09:29 AM

My hubby got to catch all 3!
Three babies in less than three years!
And no tearing ever! My midwives are awesome!

I believe that the cohosh capsules caused this last delivery to be much speedier, as after taking them, my body would immediately do strong Braxton Hicks, so I felt like much of the work was done BEFORE I went into labor. Has anyone else tried this?

Yes, and I feel it was the key to my first good birth- pushing for only 5 minutes as opposed to to 1/2 hr.- 2 hrs. with my other 8 babies.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #32 on: August 06, 2007, 02:30:12 PM » by MamaSong

Baby #1 - I was ready for birth to be an easy and natural thing. My grandma popped out seven babies with little effort, as did my mom with her three. I expected to have minimal intervention and a c-section was the farthest thing from my mind.

I was due to give birth while my husband was deployed, so my in-laws came up about a month before my due date to help out. My MIL gave birth well before her due dates, so she was concerned that they wouldn't be there in time. My mom and sister (less than 2 hours away) came up on weekends and as they could with work and school. My due date came and went. I was about 2 cm and slightly effaced, but I just wouldn't go into true labor. At my first non-stress test, I was told that I was having contractions about every 4 minutes or so (latent labor). I felt a little tension in my back if I paid attention, but otherwise I didn't really notice. Everyone was convinced that I'd go into full labor at any moment.

Finally at 10 days past due, while getting my 2nd non-stress test, my doctor (a friend from church and the head of the OB clinic at the naval hospital) told me that there was hardly anyone in the labor ward and since I was at about 3 cm and already in latent labor, he'd give me a little pitocin to get things started, if I wanted. I was already scheduled for an induction for a few days later and my MIL and mom, who were both with me REALLY wanted me to get that baby out. So, we went home to fetch my suitcase and came back to check in. If my husband was there, we likely would have waited, but if we had, I would likely have been sent to another hospital or have had to "double up" with another mom as the maternity ward was overflowing by the end of the week, so it's probably just as well we did it then.

I checked in early to mid afternoon, but by the time I did paperwork and they did the antibiotics for GBS, it was late afternoon to early evening by the time they started the pitocin. Nothing happened. They upped the dose. Nothing. Upped it again. I could see on the monitor that I was still having regular contractions, but I could barely feel them. At some point they broke my water and continued with the pitocin. At about 9:20 that evening I suddenly started feeling them, and boy did I feel them! It was mostly nasty back labor and it was quite intense. I was stuck at 4 cm, and in a lot of pain, so after an hour or two I agreed to some Stadol to "take the edge off". Well, it was a nice idea, but it didn't help with the pain. Instead I felt drunk and would just about doze off between contractions, only to feel every bit of each one. My poor husband was calling periodically via satelite phone from his ship in the Mediterranean to check on my progress and I know I sounded crazy. I would forget what I was saying mid-sentence! To make things worse, I was stuck at 4 and would not dilate.

At about 2:30am, I had had enough and agreed to an epidural. That was what my body needed. I feel asleep and relaxed enough, so that when I woke up several hours later, I was fulling dilated and ready to go. All we had to do was get my husband back on the phone, so he could listen in via speaker phone. At about 8:00, we were ready to go. I pushed and pushed, but she was stuck. We had some humorous moments as my husband tried to help me with the counting as I pushed. Between the satelite delay and the fact that he wasn't there for any of the classes, he started out, "1....2....3....", to which I quickly cut in, "No, we're on 7, 8, 9!!! You've gotta keep up with us!"

At some point, they asked if I wanted to get rid of the epidural so I could work with contractions. I agreed, but it didn't help. I felt the violent urge to push with each contraction, but that baby was stuck. She was face up and she couldn't get under my pelvic bone, no matter what we tried. As we approached the 4 hour mark, my doctor said that she was starting to show signs of distress and recommended a c-section. He brought in another doctor for a second opinion and my husband and I agreed to the procedure. They told me I could stop pushing, but I HAD to keep pushing until they got that epidural going again (I was SO very grateful to my anesthesiologist for the 2nd time that day!)

So, I had a c-section. She was so wedged in there, they had some difficulty getting her out. She had quite the ring around the top of her head. My doctor told us afterward that the way my pelvic bone was, it would have been difficult to get her out, even if she hadn't been "sunny side up". Maybe if I had little 6 lb babies, it would be possible, but my first was 8lbs, 14oz.

With baby #2, we waited until 2 days after her due date to schedule the c-section, just in case she came on her own. I would have loved to have a VBAC, but she was already big, so I proceeded with the c-section. They wouldn't induce me after having a c-section and it seemed unlikely that I would go into labor on my own.

Baby #3...VBAC was not an option, so we scheduled the c-section for a week before her due date. Again, Daddy was overseas, so it was nice to have a set date for the family to know when to come help.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #33 on: August 06, 2007, 03:27:03 PM » by mamaofangels

I am loving the stories. But was wondering what does VBAC mean??? I know when I learn the answer I will feel like an idiot but just can't figure it out Huh

My own children were born in reletivly short labors. Both in Hospital. Baby 1 was 6 hours and very easy. Had episotimy which I will never do again. Was not happy about it because Dr. did not ask me just did it. Needless to say had different Dr. for baby 2
Baby 2 was longer and harder. Labor was 8 hours but hard. With both my babies my water broke first then contrations started (got accused of peeing my pants both times) But with second baby contrations didn't start till about 3 hours later and when they did they were close together and hard!! She was ready!!! Had contrations straight through for 5 hours. (Those contrations that are hard and long and all seem to run together right at the end.) Then baby came when I was only dialated to a 8. she was not waiting!!
I thought the second baby was supposted to be easier? Roll Eyes

Grateful for my girls...
Jenny

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #34 on: August 06, 2007, 03:27:49 PM » by heatheronthehill

VBAC = vaginal birth after caesarean

I just love birth stories! I'm due with my first in October and I'm a little intimidated by not knowing what my body will do, but reading all of these stories gives me greater confidence! We're planning a home birth with a CNM and will have a water birthing tub available if I feel like going that route. We pray everyday that all goes well in the labor and delivery and that we have a healthy baby!

« Last Edit: August 06, 2007, 03:30:31 PM by heatheronthehill »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #35 on: August 06, 2007, 03:29:02 PM » by mamaofangels

Yep that was a DUH moment Cheesy

Jenny

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #36 on: August 06, 2007, 03:59:40 PM » by bzymom

Isn't it funny how all us mommas love to listen to and share birth stories? Cheesy

#1 Other that being sick for 3 months pregnancy was fine. Woke up at midnight the day before my due date with contractions. Took a shower, and walked around before waking dh to help me concentrate. He didn't quite believe me, and asked me to come back to bed and see if they got better. The first ctx after laying down broke my water so it was off to the hospital. Baby boy was born 4 hours after getting there. Pushed for 3-4 ctx and the big guy was here. 8lb 14oz and 24 inches long.
#2 water started leaking 3 days before d date, but I went to bed thinking if it really did happen I would know. Never did happen, but fluid kept leaking, so I called hubby told him not to worry, I was going to call my mom to take me in and get checked. Bratty nurse tells me if my water HAD broken it would have been a gush, and rolls her eyes at me and basically tells me I was wasting her time. After they did the swab to check for amniotic fluid, I was all but out of bed and dressed ready to go home when the same nurse came in and told me that didn't I KNOW that as SOON as my water broke I was supposed to come right in! Huh

Then another nurse walks in with the pit drip to get things going as we were "on the 24 hr clock". I had to call hubby to rush up as I was pretty emotional about having to be induced. Spent the afternoon waiting for things to happen, but the ctx didn't hurt and no dilation. About 4 Dr. came in and said we were getting close to having to make a decision about whether to keep going with the pit. After she left hubby prayed over me and asked for peace. The lord told me that at 8 it would all be over. I just kept looking at the clock KNOWING how much time i had left. Baby girl was born at 7:57. By 8 it was over!
#3 Was very upset with being over due. Cried all the way home from church that night thinking God had forgotten about me. Dh'd parents were out of town, my parents were going out of town, sister who was supposed to be with me during delivery was going out of town. Sister that had been staying with us to watch kids went home to sleep in her own bed. But I should have KNOW God's hand was in it all for his ultimate glory! Woke up at 2 knowing it was finally happening. By 5 I was calling my sister to come back, and other sister not to go out of town just yet. Everyone got there, and then it all stalled a little. Every 30 minutes I would have a huge ctx, and I would think ok one more and I'm going in. But then they would be small. Sister who was coming to the hospital with me got a call from her hubby telling her they couldn't wait to leave anymore and she had to get home. So to make it possible for her to stay we went to the hospital to get checked out. I walked in at an 8. Joked around for a little while, I had a big one and asked for drugs, Dr came in and checked and I was ready to have a baby! 2-3 pushes later I had a very chubby little girl. I walked out of the delivery room and I felt sooo wonderful! Best labor and delivery by far! If my sister's hubby hadn't wanted her to leave I would have delivered in the car on the side of the road. Ctx didn't get bad until I was ready to push.
#4 I had a list of things I needed to get done before baby came. I had one thing left. The kids needed summer clothes, it was getting really warm out and they didn't have anything other than winter stuff. Woke up 10 days before dd,at 2 and knew this was it. I laid on the couch so I wouldn't wake hubby. He got up at 5 and found me, and he knew it was time already. But by 7 the ctx had really petered out. He stayed home anyway. and we took the kids to his parents while we went shopping for the kids clothes. While we were eating lunch I had a really big ctx. and decided to run to the clinic and see if I was dilating at all. Dr. checked me and I was at a 4. We finished our shopping and went home to rest. Went up to the hospital and delivered a beautiful baby boy. God let me get all the things on my list done!
I just love seeing His hand in everything! It makes me fell so loved and cared for by Him! And it also builds up my faith to know He cares about the little things.
Ok this was WAY longer than I had anticipated! But you get a momma going on her birth stories and look out! Cheesy

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #37 on: August 06, 2007, 04:17:47 PM » by lotsaboys

Quote from: bzymom on August 06, 2007, 03:59:40 PM

Ok this was WAY longer than I had anticipated! But you get a momma going on her birth stories and look out! Cheesy

Yeah, I know. Same here. Undecided

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #38 on: August 06, 2007, 04:18:01 PM » by lotsaboys

I SO enjoyed reading these stories!

andeebeth and Amber, our firstborn is Ethan also!

I'm not a good writer, but I'll try:

1993- First boy! We had basically never heard of home birth. The only people that did THAT were weird! But in the area where we lived right after we were married, there was an excellent midwife and most of the moms in the church we attended had home births. So I loaded up with books from the library and had positive, high ideals!! Which was good, because had I known how difficult my first birth would be I would've been scared. Tongue

Labor was long and slow (15hrs.) but with intense contractions most of the time. I vomited like 8 times and was SO exhausted by the time it came to push that my midwife actually gave me some oxygen to get me through pushes (1 1/2 hr). I was SO ecstatic about seeing and holding my baby (7lbs. 14 oz) that I was oblivious to the fact that I was hemorrhaging and the midwife was hustling and bustling to try to get it stopped.

Even with being completely worn out I was totally thrilled and looking forward to the next one- after all it only gets easier, right?!

1995-Another boy at home! Wanted to try water birth this time, so more trips to the library.

10 days overdue and after another long slow labor, pushing for over an hour, and a hang up when cervix got pinched (excruciating pain!) we had a 8lb 2 oz baby. The water helped me manage the pain better, but didn't seem to speed dilation at all... surely next time!

1997- Boy #3! Had to drive to midwife's birthing center at her home this time. I was over 2 weeks late so took castor oil with blue cohosh and had a faster birth- 8 hrs. and birthed on birthing stool- really helped! Pushed about an hr.and had a 8lb 7 oz baby.

1999- Boy#4! I had a mixture of feelings -high expectations because the last one had been pretty good and a little bit of dread for the pushing part. Again had a water birth at home after 14 hrs. of labor and pushing for 1 1/2 hrs, I had an 8 lb 4 oz baby in my arms! He had wide shoulders and was 2 weeks late.

2001- Twin boys! Of course we planned to have the twins at home- just like all the others.

I did a lot of reading and planning and entered into labor in a positive frame of mind again. Labor started at 5 am. Both babies were head down and after 5 hrs. of good, hard ctxs, #1 wasn't descending well so after trying different positions and pushing for 1 hr 15 min. he was finally in our arms! When the midwife checked baby #2, she felt a shoulder! The contractions were SO intense, but they couldn't move baby down and I thought I was gonna pass out from pain. Midwife tried to turn baby, and I changed positions, but was in so much pain we decided to transport to hospital. Right before hubby carried me down to the vehicle, midwife said she would check one more time and this time she said he was frank breech- do we want to try to deliver at home? Yes! It took some hard work and I'm convinced God gave me supernatural strength at the last to get baby out. He was born 2 hrs. after his brother and they weighed 7lb 8 and 7lb 61/2.

2003- A girl! A week overdue- 13 hrs. of labor in the pool and she was here after pushing for an hour. The cord was around her neck so I went on hands and knees for last couple pushes and that really felt "right"! By now I just really want a birth where I don't have to push for so long.

2005- Boy #7! Labor started a 5 am and when midwife arrived 5 hrs. later I was 7cm so I got in pool and relaxed. Perhaps I relaxed too much and stayed in 1 position too long, because a thick anterior lip developed which the midwife, in spite of trying different ways, could not get to move. Contractions were hard and close (but not hard enough to budge the lip) and baby's heart rate was dropping very low unless I was lying on my right side. Finally since nothing was happening and baby seemed in danger, we transported. I was given a small amount of pit (or so they said) at the hospital which made the contrax SO hard and close together, I could not get my breath in between! I had a great team though, patient and thoughtful, and after being there 4 hrs. I pushed out a 9lb 9 oz baby with only a few, but very agonizing pushes.

2007- Boy # 8! (And SOOO different from all the other births)This time I had WTM! Reading birth stories on here (I particularly remember Beka's about positioning the uterus) really gave me a fresh vision and some new ideas to try. For one thing, I was healthier over all and took tons of EPO the last couple months. After being overdue for 2 weeks, I tried castor oil but it didn't do a thing. On my last check-up the midwife was able to strip the membranes and I went into labor the next day. My waters broke around 4:30pm and then the contractions got very intense. The power they had reminded me of when I was on pitocin, but they were much more bearable and enough breaks in between for me to manage fine. After laboring in the tub 3 hrs. I had to get out to use the toilet, so the midwife checked me before I got back in. She said I was at 9cm, and when I entered the water, a HUGE contraction overcame me and I felt like pushing! It was really the first time I can say that I ever had a true pushing urge! (I feel it was the blue cohosh and keeping my pelvis lined up.) I pushed for a mere 5 min. and our little 8lb 2 oz baby was born! Here is an excerpt from what I posted on the birth announcements thread:
I must mention yet that I attribute the success of this birth first of all to the wonderful grace of our Lord Who answered our prayers and secondly to the things I have learned here on WTM! Such as Evening Primrose Oil (from Beeyoutiful), Gentle Birth Formula (from Mountain Meadow Herbs), Red Raspberry Brew (Bulk Herb Store), and blue cohosh approx. 16 hrs. prior to labor, and of course, it was a waterbirth! Then during labor I did Becca's exercise thing she mentioned where you put your hands above your head against a wall and swing your hips to line up pelvis. I also went to hands and knees position often during contractions and delivered in that position. This is all very significant to me because I normally stay in pretty much a sitting position for labor and delivery in the pool. I feel it was helpful this time to focus on keeping the pelvis lined up, trying a variety of positions to avoid a swollen anterior lip, which is what happened at the previous birth.

An interesting side note- Each of our boys measured 20 1/2 in. long and our girl was 20 in. Go figure! Undecided

« Last Edit: August 10, 2007, 04:27:37 PM by lotsaboys »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #39 on: August 06, 2007, 07:25:13 PM » by mauimom

I have really enjoyed reading all the birth stories. I remember when I was pregnant I would spend hours on the internet reading all the birth stories I could. These stories are much better!!

Here's mine

#1 girl Typical pregnancy. I was 10 days overdue when I went in for a stress test. They discovered a few very light contractions and decided to do their thing and induce me. Of course I couldn't take the pitocin contractions so got an epidural which worked just fine, but when it came time to push couldn't feel a thing. I pushed for two hours and finally baby girl was born. Had minor tearing, few stitches, but didn't get to see my baby girl for hours. I was quite annoyed. The worst part was, due to the epidural, I couldn't feel my bladder and had no idea it was very full and about to burst! Shocked

So, in went a catheter and I went home with a bag attached to my leg, for a whole week!!! We were so naive back then.

#2 girl Also typical pregnancy. I was four days before my due date and we were putting a new roof on our house, ourselves! We did have help and I stayed on the ground Grin

, but I had to feed all those men who were helping us. Of course I over did it, started feeling contractions, doctor wanted to see me and monitor me. Same thing, a few minor contractions and they decided to induce, couldn't take the pitocin contractions and ended up with an epidural. I was so exhausted from our roofing, that I had no energy to labor and push. When it came time to push, I told the doctor I was just too tired. She was very rude and said, "Fine, your body will do it for you, I'll be back in 6-8 hours!!" I was soooo mad, which turned out to be good, b/c it got me pushing!! Grin

But I promised myself I would never see her again. Again, I had the bladder problem, so I had to go home again with a bag on my leg. How I hated that bag!! Angry

It was so embarrassing when people came over to see the baby.

#3 boy This was the pregnancy that changed everything for us. I was not happy with my two previous labors so I started looking around. My best friend had just had her third baby at a birth center and I was slightly interested. I was terrified of pain. Seriously terrified. And the birth center had NO pain meds at all. If you couldn't make it you had to transfer to the hospital. That thought scared me. I mean, if you know you aren't going to be able to handle it, why bother? But I also had the bladder problem, which I really hated. So after much discussion, thinking, and worrying, I decided to go for the birth center. Unfortunately, I wasn't as close to the Lord at that time and didn't even think of praying about my concerns. My dh let the decision up to me. This is also the pregnancy that my thyroid was acting up. The midwives would take me on the condition that I would see an endocrinologist every month. This was the worst part of every month. I had to get a blood test before I saw her so she would have the results at my appt. I was not taking any meds for my hyperthyroid and refused to take any. I was seeing an ND for my thyroid. The endo did not like this and every month she would yell and threaten me with what could happen to my baby and myself. It got to the point that I had to take my dh with me just to deal with her. She created more stress for me than anything else the whole pregnancy. But I had to do the appts or the midwives would not see me. Then the endo insisted that I see a genetic counselor. More stress and worry. But the genetic counselor turned out to be very nice and understanding and even tolerated my ND. Which was amazing considering she was the top doc of her department at a top hospital downtown Philadelphia!! We had to see her 3 times, I think. So, one day before my due date, I started into labor. Now remember, I had never really felt a real labor b/c of the epidurals. When we got to the birth center I was in lots of pain and was convinced I was almost done! Grin

I was sooo upset to find I was only 3 cm!! I was crying and getting really worried I wouldn't make it. The midwife put me in the tub. This helped a great deal although I couldn't take the jets when I had a contraction. So my dh had the job of turning off the jets with each contraction. In PA they didn't allow waterbirths, so I had to get out of the tub to push. I was in so much pain and instead of letting go, I fought every pain and tried to get away from it. I was literally inching my way up the bed trying to get away. My head kept jamming up against the headboard!! Sad

What I know now, I would say the midwife was inexperienced. She could have moved me, changed my position, etc. Finally, my baby was born, our first son. Once it was all over, I was so amazed that I actually did it. I felt so powerful as a woman and knowing that, yes, my body could have a baby without medical intervention. And no more catheter bag. My bladder worked just fine, I was so excited! I was so worried about my bladder that right after giving birth I asked if I could try to pee to see if my bladder worked! Grin

No problems with my thyroid, by the way. And prior to my getting pregnant, my thyroid numbers were through the roof. Our God is truly amazing!!

In between baby #3 and 4 I had a miscarriage. This is really interesting. A week before the baby died I didn't feel quite right, but couldn't put my finger on it. I noticed the sides of my face were swollen, but I didn't even give it another thought. Then I started spotting, which I had never done before. Hospital confirmed the baby had died. Had to have a D & C. It was terrible, in the recovery room, they put me next to a woman who had just had an abortion and as she was coming to, she was crying and moaning, "Why did I do it?" Here I was mourning for my baby when she was crying b/c she had just killed her baby!! I think they could have been a little more understanding and put me away from her. Sad

Anyway, after I healed from the miscarriage, I went to see my ND, who was a 10 hour drive away. He said according to his testing, it was mumps that caused the baby to die. And I had not told him about my swollen face, b/c I didn't think it meant anything! I was immunized as a child.

#4 girl This time we were living in Ohio, Dayton. I knew I wanted midwives again, so I began searching. I found a birth center in Cincinnati which was an hour away. They were great. Very laid back, didn't panic about my thyroid, actually didn't even make me get a test. They said they trusted me to know when there was a problem, which was exactly the way I wanted it. By then I knew all the signs when my thyroid was over acting. They even left the glucose test up to me. Of course I didn't do it!! Cheesy

It was such a relief to have these wonderful relaxed ladies after the stressed out midwives in PA. Pregnancy was fine. This time I took Dr. Christophers prenatal tea during the last trimester. I wanted to see if I could shorten my labors, make them easier and also see if I could speed things along. I know, we are not to mess with God's timeline, but during the last 2 months of all my pregnancies, I am so miserable. I have hernias, weak legs, I'm very short waisted, so there is NO room for the baby at that point which makes me so uncomfortable I can't sleep or hardly eat. So, I was hopeful that Dr. Christopher could help. Lo and behold, two weeks to the day of my due date I go into labor. I was so happy!! On the way to the birth center, there was a horrible spring thunderstorm!! We finally made it and got checked in. I immediately went into the tub. I was so afraid I would be electrocuted!! The lightening was intense!! But I willed myself not to think about it and left it in God's hands. I labored the whole time in the tub and had a wonderful waterbirth. I was now hooked on waterbirths!! The warm water eases the labor pains and makes them more bearable. She was born about 7 in the morning and we were home by 2 in the afternoon! It was wonderful.

#5 another girl!! By now we were so into midwives, there was no question about this labor. But when I visited the birth center, I didn't feel like it was the right place for me. I didn't have the peace I had the last time. SOOOOO, I started thinking about a homebirth. I searched for the midwife who had caught my last baby and found out she no longer worked for the birth center, but that she sometimes assisted in homebirths!! What direction from the Lord! It turns out, by the time I had the baby, the birth center had closed its doors!! Some disagreement with the state, or something like that. Anyway, the midwife agreed to be there for the birth, and she was in favor of waterbirths. And she agreed to our terms for payment. She also was very laid back and didn't insist on test after test, even for my thyroid. We bought an octagonal kiddie pool that, when filled up covered my shoulders, could support an adult sitting on the edge and was also large enough for two adults to sit in. Because it was a February birth, we had to be extra sure we would have the water warm enough, long enough. Here's where my wonderful dh came in handy. He rigged up a system with hoses, a hot water tank element, a pump and an extra tub (small) to heat the water in, then pump it back to my pool. He did an awesome job, and it kept him busy in the beginning of labor when he wasn't quite needed yet. Grin

This pregnancy I took Dr. Christophers prenatal tea again. However, this time, it kind of backfired on me. At 35 weeks, I started with contractions. Needless to say, I stopped the prenatal tea and was put on bedrest for a week. The midwife was not allowed to deliver me at home before 37 weeks. So, I rested and took it easy for two weeks. Then I started the tea up again and did every thing I could think of to bring on that baby. It was not happening!! Nothing worked. So, was bedrest really necessary?? Anyway, exactly two weeks before my due date, I lost my mucous plug, and finally things were under way. I labored early by walking around the house. Packed the kids up to go over to the neighbors, called the midwife and dh got busy with the pool. Once I got into the pool, I was so relaxed. It still hurt very much, but I knew I could do it. I started labor about 11pm, so I figured I would have this baby in a few hours. But she was not descending like she should have been. So I got out of the water to see if I could pee. Big mistake!! The pain was so much worse, I thought I would die. But I think the change in position was good, it got things moving. When it was time for me to push, I felt like I had a lot of pushing to do, more than should be for a 5th baby. Turns out, she had the very short cord wrapped around her neck which kept her high in the uterus til I started pushing. This was the first time I remembered to feel the baby as I pushed her out. So amazing. When she was finally out, she just floated there under the water with her eyes open, looking at us. As we pulled her to the surface, she took a big gulp of water, and came out choking and sputtering. No problem trying to get her breathing!! It was so great just to sit there with her while waiting for the placenta. After, I simply got in bed with my baby and had no worries about nurses taking temperatures all hours of the day. And I didn't have to go home, I was home!!

God is good!

mauimom

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #40 on: August 06, 2007, 09:23:51 PM » by Kitty

Well, since my Man got paged for work and won't be back 'til the middle of the night...I have some time to post!

I think I'll have to break these up...

Birth #1 (1999): Pre-Eclampsia, 2 Failed Inductions: C/S
We were living in MT, newly married w/ my Man in graduate school, when I first became pregnant @ 25. I had grown up not knowing anything about parenting…never changed a diaper (only had one sibling), never saw someone breastfeeding a baby. Sad

I graduated from high school ready to pursue a career in law, & had no interest in having children (until, of course, I met my Man & we were married! Cheesy

). I was due on our 2nd anniversary (8/9).

Being ignorant & miles away from the support of family or friends, I clung to “What to Expect…” & followed every suggestion from my young female Dr. Roll Eyes

I did water aerobics, alternated b/w trail mix & Whoppers, & went to Lamaze class. When the instructor mentioned that 3 out of 10 of the women present would likely have a Cesarean Birth, I had an unsettling feeling that I would be one of them. Undecided

After undergoing a successful external version for a frank breech baby around 36 weeks, I began exhibiting signs of pre-eclampsia…sudden water weight gain, increased BP, protein in urine…the doctor wanted to induce me, saying that the only cure for PE was delivery of the baby. We went in on a Tuesday (I think) & they applied Cytotech (spelling?). Of course , we expected to have a baby that night. Nothing happened (I don’t think I was dilated past 1). I was sent home the next day, & returned Thursday to monitor things. No change & the doctor wanted to try inducing again, this time w/ Pitocin (which I had been afraid of). We went ahead & not much happened. I was bored, swollen, & uncomfortable, being hooked up to everything. Everyone was more interested in the monitor readings than me, & they certainly paid no attention to my husband. Angry

I was on a liquid diet & so hungry. I dilated to “maybe” a 2 (I think w/ some help…ouch!). Angry

So, after laboring unsuccessfully for over 60 hours (2 different trips to the hospital), we nervously (& naively) consented to do a Cesarean Birth.

~~The surgery wasn’t bad at all~~ (I was in denial when I wrote that post-partum). Getting the spinal intrathecal in my lower back was the worst part. I was so swollen with water, & needles make me queasy. It took awhile to get the needle into the right part of my spinal cavity—I was lying on my side, curled up, trying to stay still. I was so anxious—I wish my husband would’ve been allowed in the operating room then. He was great when he did appear, & he kept me from hyperventilating. The mask on my face was confining & the morphine made my eyes itch! Poor hubby—he was trying to scratch my eyes for me, because my arms were strapped down. The doctor who performed the Cesarean Section was sprayed all over with water when he made the incision! Shocked

He used forceps (which had later health implications), but all was well w/ our dear daughter (8 pounds, 10 oz). I saw her briefly after she was cleaned up, & then not for almost 3 hours Cry

. I was in recovery, she was bathed, tested, etc…at least my Man was with her… Undecided

Official reason for the C/S? CPD (Cephalopelvic Disproportion) Roll Eyes

She was sunny side up, hadn’t really dropped, 23” long, & her head/chest were too large (14 ½”). (They couldn’t foresee our 2nd son’s birth, LOL Cheesy

)

The recovery was OK (read: Painkillers), and I was so entranced w/ our daughter and w/ becoming a mom that I didn't really evaluate the birth experience for quite awhile. That part is next...

« Last Edit: October 19, 2007, 05:22:07 PM by Yooper »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #41 on: August 06, 2007, 09:36:41 PM » by Kitty

Birth #2 (2001): Much wiser…aiming for a VBAC…
When our dd was 18 months old, we became pregnant w/ #2. We moved back to MI during this PG…to the sticks of the U.P. Cheesy

Enough time had passed for me to begin to grieve the loss of a natural birth, & to consider pursuing a VBAC (you really do have to chase one down up here to get one!). I read books (Born in Zion, VBAC Companion, Silent Knife—not the best books, but they helped) to learn about what went wrong & how to have a VBAC.

I started walking & doing exercise videos—more importantly, I started watching what I ate: “Good thing we were in the sticks,” I’d say, ”No pizza delivery, no BK for many miles! Cheesy

We opted to drive 1 3/4 hours to meet w/ a female OB-GYN & her Certified Nurse Midwives for our pre-natal appointments, planning to move in w/ my friends or family that lived near the hospital as the due date drew closer.

Hired a doula at 37 weeks—one of the best decisions we had ever made!

My water broke at 39 weeks (9:30 at night), so we piled into our car & raced to the hospital (100 miles away), expecting to have the baby w/i the “24 hours” everyone speaks of. Nothing really happened all day Wednesday, & by Thursday AM we were quite frustrated, being hooked up to an IV. We refused Pitocin b/c it didn't work w/ my 1st child...and we knew that one intervention would lead to another...I wasn't able to walk much or get in the tub...so we CHECKED OUT OF THE HOSPITAL. Grin

Our decision to check out was totally based on our faith in an all-powerful, trustworthy God, certainly not in worldly wisdom. [My water was broken about 55 hours before our son was born--as you know, most Drs won't let you go 24 hours w/o intervening.] We went to a good friend's house nearby & walked & did laundry...just relaxed. Labor kicked in that night & we went in around 9 pm (contractions were 5 minutes apart).

I labored there pretty steadily—not really getting any breaks. I hated the birthing ball, & labored standing up/leaning on my husband. Knowing it was available (but not in my birthing plan) I begged for, & eventually received, a shot of Stadol. I complained that it wasn’t enough to sedate a skunk. Embarrassed

It did help me relax in transition, in retrospect. DS was born at 5 AM after about an hour & 20 minutes of pushing (7#, 7 oz). We watched him arrive, being semi-reclined on a bed that broke down. It was amazing--what a triumph! When it came time to deliver the placenta, the mirror was still in place. I thought I was delivering another baby! Shocked

So that was about 8 hours of active labor, after not really laboring w/ dd.

Unfortunately, I started running a fever & he ended up needing IV antibiotics for a week in the NICU. I was able to stay w/ him & nurse, but we were not thrilled. We attributed it to being repeatedly examined in a hospital full of germs after my water was broken...never should have allowed that. But at the point we had never considered a home birth. Although, people asked us if we were doing that when we told them that we were working w/ a midwife...

Additionally, the recovery was way worse than it was w/ a C/S. I was sitting on a doughnut cushion, still, weeks after the birth (I had a small tear that they opted not to stitch). It became infected & I was on anti-biotics for much of the 6 weeks post-partum. We were just learning about acidophilus then…

Next up: A warrior is born! Grin

« Last Edit: October 19, 2007, 05:25:20 PM by Yooper »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #42 on: August 06, 2007, 10:03:19 PM » by Kitty

Birth #3 (2003): Our warrior arrives!

Right after I weaned ds #1 (18 months), we conceived ds #2 (name means "bold, warrior"). I was now 2 hours away from the OB/CNM practice that we planned to use again because our local (rural) hospitals had a very high rate of C/Ss (they soon afterwards “prohibited” VBACs due to malpractice risks...they don't have anesthesiologists around the clock). I was reading "Birthing from Within" to assist w/ VBAC preparation & the idea of a home birth kind of grew on me.

I was getting healthier/more natural & but the area we lived in “only” had a lay midwife—that was a little scary for me—“No certification/degree? The hospital won’t let you deliver?”. Shocked

After consulting w/ her, we decided to consider home birth more seriously. My DH researched it & we found many reasons that it was better/safer, etc. I guess that my main compulsion was that God had designed my body to deliver children, & I wanted to trust in that design. Plus, we met some good friends who were the 1st people we had ever known to have their children at home. We talked w/ them a lot. I think, too, that I was attracted to the novelty of it, & wanted to be the 1st of my known circle of friends & family to do a home birth. Roll Eyes

My concerns about rupture were allayed by books like “Birthing from Within” & “The Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife”. "Birthing from Within" can get New-Agey, but it had helpful chapters on natural childbirth. The Bradley book was invaluable for knowing the emotional signposts of labor. God greatly gave us peace & faith, concerning His ways--He really delivered us from a lot of fear.

Baby was due on 12/19. My water broke on the 20th, and again, nothing happened. Roll Eyes

I'm guess I'm just a PROM girl after all Cool

. We monitored for signs of infection through Christmas...we waited...castor oil = nothing. Then we did evening primrose & blue cohosh on Friday night--the 5th day w/ my water broken. I went into labor 1 1/2 hours later at 11 PM. It was very relaxed...not quite consistent. I called the midwife & her assistant at 4 AM...they came & chatted & knitted & washed dishes. My husband helped me labor until it was 7 AM--the other children woke up & I stalled in labor. I was able to do many positions...many baths/showers & wear/eat/drink whatever (Coke, bagels, yogurt, hamburger Shocked

--I know, it was terrible, but I ate what I craved...I never threw up). They went for breakfast at 10; I napped & started up when they returned, after 11 AM. Things got intense & from 11-2 I was in active labor (during their nap time!). My water broke a second time on my hardwood floor of my bedroom & I went through that stage that Bradley notes as "you think you can't do it--that you're going to DIE!"...AKA transition. Cheesy

Without the Stadol to settle me, I was really getting upset. She gave me Bach Rescue Remedy (a flower essence), which is funny b/c that's a family name, & I swear I went from being soo wild to soo cooperative. Grin

I went on the bed finally (I had wanted to deliver squatting, but my body knew better) & delivered on hands on the headboard & knees (the past position I wanted to be in)...which was good, b/c ds was 10 # 2 oz! A good position to avoid tearing. His hand came out w/ his head, but she reached in to pull his arm out--that was the only scary moment. I had pushed on & off for an hour or so & he was born at the time the children wake up--3 PM. Grin

Afterwards, she gave me shepherd's purse & cayenne for the shakes, bleeding & to deliver the placenta. We had a glorious hot garlic/herb bath & I recovered so quickly. We didn't have to worry about who watched the children, what we all ate, packing stuff up, etc. It was so convenient & so relaxing.

After all of that variety...I wonder what's next? Cheesy

I know that we will never let anyone know when our water breaks again...it means NOTHING to me! Grin

« Last Edit: October 19, 2007, 05:31:44 PM by Yooper »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #43 on: August 07, 2007, 09:12:37 AM » by *MommaJo*

I stayed up way too late catching up on all of these stories.
Wow, what an aray of experiences. I'm so sorry to all of you who had bad experiences. I had a wonderful hospital experience. And, still, you've all encouraged me to take a more active role in my labor & deliveries. I just might have to stretch and massage myself if no one else will! (I had one episiotomy and one tear) Imagine the doctors face if she walked in on me pouring olive oil on my 'who who'.... Shocked

I think I'm going to look around for a midwife in my area today. I'm confident I'll have a good experience even if I don't have one, but I'm still going to check. I don't have a desire for a large family, but I look forward to and LOVE my birthing experiences. It's tempting to consider surrogate. I just don't think I could give up a baby after carrying it for 9 months. Undecided

Dh would like 4, so after this one (I'm pg, due Jan) I'll, Lord willing, get to do it one more time!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #44 on: August 07, 2007, 01:13:56 PM » by Jemima

My first birth: March 2007

Early on we considered a midwife. I had studied midwifery some in highschool, and had always thought that would be a good possibility for me. But our options were pretty limited, and I began to feel like it might be best for me to use the hospital for the first one, anyway, since I had never given birth before, and didn't know how my body would handle it. It felt "safer", I could have an excellent female doctor (which I wanted), and besides, I wasn't totally sure I could make it through with no pain meds.

I was went 13 days overdue. That was really hard, emotionally, and finally my doctor scheduled me for an induction on a Tuesday. The weekend came, I was kind of scared of being induced, yet so sick of being pregnant, I tried the castor oil trick. I had been having ctx off and on all day, the night before, etc... but this was typical of the last 2 weeks. The c.oil really cleaned me out, and that's all I know for sure that it did. I took this on Sunday morning, early. Sunday was normal, but Sunday night, around 6 pm, coming home from eating out, my water started leaking. It was the real thing. It just leaked a little, off and on. Then the ctx started picking up and by 7:30-8, they were coming steadily, 3-5-7 minutes apart. They didn't hurt at all, but felt like intense pressure, not across my belly as I had been told, but through my groin, and into my legs. I had to stand up when they came, but that was all. My parents were staying with us, waiting for the "birth day", and that night my dh was working. I kept him posted, but didn't think he needed to be home yet. My mom told me I should try to go to sleep, but I was excited, and after laying down through 3 or 4 ctx, and feeling a lot worse, I gave up. I got up, made sure I had everything in my hospital bag, and then went on the computer for a bit. My mom got up to check on me, and gave me a foot massage. For some reason, I started getting a little shaky, the ctx were still coming frequently, with more intensity, so I called my dh home around 11 pm. Mom went back to bed, he showered, and I just rested on the couch, trying to sleep. We both napped a bit, but by 3 am, I wasn't comfortable lying down at all, and we decide to head to the hospital.

We got all checked in and they checked my dilation. I was only at 3, and a little disappointed since I had been at 2, almost 3 at my last checkup. So, we got up and walked the floors. We walked and walked and walked! I knew that activity on my part was my greatest help in moving things along, so I stayed as active as possible the whole way through. Morning came and went, noon... the ctx were much stronger now; I had to pause in our walks and breathe through them. But I still felt like this "wasn't so bad". Wink

Ha. Was I naive! Tongue

Thankfully I was very well fed there, was allowed to do pretty much anything I wanted, and had no contraptions attached to me. I was GBS positive, but I had declined antibiotics after researching it. We watched a movie, called my parents with updates, and got bored. The dr came in a couple times, but had nothing very new or exciting to say. Around 6 or 7 pm I was 5 cm, and very happy! The dr. said it could very well go quickly now! I was in the hot tub a lot, as it helped so much, and it was the one place I could really relax- I even nodded off a few times. My dear husband was an awesome support, talking me through ctx, massaging my throbbing back, and praying with me. They were pretty bad now, but I still managed them alright, without crying out, etc. The nurses were amazed how "tough" I was.

11 pm. - I don't remember how far dilated I was, but it was quite a bit more. I was encouraged to re-think my stand on the antibiotics, as 24 hours had passed since my water first broke. I still said no, but my dh and I talked about it, and prayed for the right decision. We finally agreed that the risks for baby weren't worth the trouble antibiotics might cause. But when the nurse came in to give me the IV, it hurt so horribly, it made me cry, and then she said she had to re-do the poke, since she didn't get a good vein! Shocked

I said, oh no. That's enough. A ctx wasn't so bad compared that horrid needle! (and I'm usually fine with blood draws, etc!?) I begged hard enough, and the doctor finally gave me the meds orally! They said it wasn't as good, but at least we had some protection.

Not long after this, the dr checked me and said there was still a part of the bag of waters blocking the opening, and that was making things take so long. I agreed to her breaking it, which she did. I didn't know what pain was till then! I was absolutely miserable, and, the worst part of the whole birth, I felt like I had absolutely no control over myself. I tried breathing through the ctx, but I had no breath it seemed. I couldn't breathe, couldn't do anything but feel pain strangling me. I had previously requested to be drug-free, but if someone would have (graciously!) offered me something then, I would have gladly taken it. The nurse was quietly sitting there, with her notes, the doctor nodding off in the corner, and I felt like "somebody please DO something!" Embarrassed

It was way worse than I ever thought it could be.
It musth have been around 2:30 when I started feeling the urge to push. But the dr checked me and said I had a cervical lip, and to try not to yet. I still don't know what that means, but it was painful. I tried waiting, but couldn't help myself, and pushed anyway. Maybe 1/2 hour later she checked again, and told me it was gone, and I could push. That was the turning point. Once I could really push, that horrible "out of control" feeling was gone. It was actually an awesome feeling to be pushing, working on getting a baby out! I don't remember feeling the "crowning". It maybe burned a little, but hardly enough to notice. The dr. gave me a shot of something to numb the area, which I am grateful for.
After 1 hr. and 45 minutes, at 4:59 am- after being in labor for 23 hours -our beautiful, healthy son was born! Oh the joy! The amazement!

And all the pain just vanished. I had a 2nd degree tear, but it was sewed up, and it never bothered me afterwards. I just laid back in bed, with my 7# 8oz. Joseph in my arms, and looked him over again and again. He nursed right away, and was a little pro right off the bat!
I feel that my birth experience was not the very best, yet I am so thankful for my dr and terrific nurses who did their best to let me go as naturally as I wanted. I wonder if there was some reason things took so long, other than being a first timer. If any moms out there have any insight into my birth, feel free to share with me! I am hoping to do what I can to make the next one easier.

*Sorry this is so long. I've been wanting to write up my birth story for a long time, and this was a good incentive! (if any of you are still reading... Cheesy

)

« Last Edit: August 07, 2007, 02:09:38 PM by Jaena »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #45 on: August 07, 2007, 04:38:52 PM » by *MommaJo*

I assume that GBS is what I call Beta Strep. (?) I tested postive also, and opted for the antibiotics. I, however, haven't educated myself and will do so this pregnancy and get other opinions about what to do. My sil had a little girl who got some fluid in her lungs at birth because she came out so quickly that contractions didn't have time to clear her lungs. The staff was apparently unaware that there was fluid in her lungs and the strep must've caused an infection. Thank God they caught it in time. She was in NICU for a few weeks. This was back before they tested for Beta Strep. (*I'm not sure if I have the whole story, but this is basiclly what I remember of it*)
And, as far as your loooooong labor. I don't know if I can offer any advice. I will tell you though, what I'm POSITIVE worked for me. When I felt a contraction coming I would take as big of a breath as I could hold. Then, let it out as slooooowly as possible while dh counted. We practiced this weeks before so we'd know how many counts it'd take for the average contraction to be over. I was encouraged that if dh counted to 28 two times (2 of my breaths), for example, my contraction would be over.
Then, you know how you just want to tense up your WHOLE body when you have a contraction? My dad was there and would gently remind me to relax and it really, really helped. I was most comfortable laboring on my side (I know, unusual, huh?). So I just breathed through those contractions and invisioned a red ribbon in front of me and I pictured it waving as I 'blew' at it. And, most importantly, relaxed my whole body as much as possible. I would encourage you to have someone there just for the sole purpose of reminding you to relax. We were pretty much left alone by the nurses because we totally had it under control.
I swear by this method. My labors were very short and I only pushed once with my second and for about 10 minutes with my first.
Sorry to go on so much, I'm just really passionate about the method I used. I know this thread is for birth stories, but hopefully what I had to say will really help someone.

« Last Edit: August 07, 2007, 04:42:11 PM by ~mshelson~ »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #46 on: August 07, 2007, 05:16:01 PM » by MamaSong

Quote from: ~mshelson~ on August 07, 2007, 04:38:52 PM

I assume that GBS is what I call Beta Strep. (?)

Yes, GBS = Group Beta Strep

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #47 on: August 07, 2007, 06:08:12 PM » by Jemima

That's awesome advice to store away for next time, mshelson! Thanks for sharing it! Kiss

It really is amazing how different birth can be from one woman to another.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #48 on: August 07, 2007, 07:14:13 PM » by diaperswyper

Baby #1
If it really hurt that bad people wouldn't keep in having babies, right? Right. Roll Eyes

Sunday evening, 6 days before my due date, i started having mild cramping and lost my mucous plug. Wasn't sure it was the real thing so told dh. to go to bed. Realized sometime around midnight that it was labor. So i proudly and calmly rocked on the rocking chair til 4 in the morning when my dh came down to leave for work. His eyes got huge and he's like "what are you doing?" and i said "i'm in labor." He panics but i said i have it all under control so he goes to get his backup driver (he was a truck driver) to cover for him. He also threw up from nerves. Meanwhile i'm thinking "not to bad."
Well, we go in to the birth center at 6:00 a.m. with me positive that i'm ready to deliver. After all, by that time i'm in major pain. They check me and say to go home. I'm all of one centimeter. I was devastated. By 11:00 i'm throwing up so back we go. By that time i looked like i had gone through a tornado. Hair standing on end and wishing i could die. Little did i know.......
I remember lying in bed longing to hear the words, "lets give this poor girl a csection."( no drugs at the birth center) I was a complete wimp with zero pain tolerance. I told my dh at one point that he can have the baby, i don't really want it anymore. He grinned and said, sure. ( i was also dramatic)
Finally at 4:00 they said i can push so i started. 2 hrs. later the tornado was going through my bottom instead of through my hair but out he came. When his head came through he was yelling for all he was worth. And did we ever fall in love. They laid that little wet bundle on my chest and i'm crying and laughing, "it's a baby." My dh was never crazy over kids until he met his own. I never saw a man fall so hard.

And our son showed his love by pooping all over me, which i thot was the cutest thing i'd ever seen. Shocked

Looking back, i wasn't saved, so i didn't know how to cry out to God except, "oh, God i can't do this." It also made me grow up.
Baby # 2
A yr and a half later i was 3 days before my due date when i decided to take castor oil. It worked and i went into labor. I was dreading it, knowing what lay ahead, but i was kind of stuck. We were at a car show when i realized i was probably in early labor so i pretended nothing was wrong. By the time we left the pizza shop i knew it was the real thing so i told our baby sitter. I think it was around midnight when we went in, with me planning on being their hrs. The first time was 18 hrs so i figured it'd be awhile.
We get there and i'm 6 centimeters so i go in the tub on my right side. 10 minutes later i let out a yell that came from deep inside and the midwife comes running in. I had gone from 6 to 9 1/2 cent. in 10 minutes. Woohoo. The midwife was running inbetween me and another lady who was pushing her baby out so she tells me to hang on just a second. Sure, not a problem. Roll Eyes

I push a couple times and out comes a very fat little girl who grunts instead of screaming. We were thrilled.
That's two of them and i'll share the other's later.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #49 on: August 07, 2007, 07:41:25 PM » by *MommaJo*

Quote from: Jaena on August 07, 2007, 06:08:12 PM

That's awesome advice to store away for next time, mshelson! Thanks for sharing it! Kiss

It really is amazing how different birth can be from one woman to another.

Thanks, I hope it works for someone else as well as it worked for me. It was given that tip from a friends mom who was in hard labor for at least 3 days. This was probably 35 years ago. Her water had broken and it was a long, dry delivery when the baby was finally born. She FOUGHT her contractions for all those days. Needless to say, she waited several years to have another baby and did much better that time! Shocked

And, I know about how different birthing can be for women. Right down to the labor positions. I was so much happier on my side and the thought of getting up out of bed was out of the question. I didn't want to move.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #50 on: August 07, 2007, 08:11:59 PM » by ~esposita~

Quote from: diaperswyper on August 07, 2007, 07:14:13 PM

That's two of them and i'll share the other's later.

diaperswyper, you are a great writer! I laughed at your descriptions. And do hurry on the other stories! I can't wait to read those (if you don't hurry, I may come find you! Wink

)!

(And I pray this next one is the best yet!)

As for my birth stories, lets just say "horror" Undecided

I do so wish things had gone differently - 2 home birth attempts which ended with c-sections. Cry

BUT - I've 2 beautiful babies and I'm glad to be alive to enjoy them! Grin

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #51 on: August 07, 2007, 08:15:43 PM » by lotsaboys

Quote from: bajusabroad on August 07, 2007, 08:11:59 PM

Quote from: diaperswyper on August 07, 2007, 07:14:13 PM

That's two of them and i'll share the other's later.

diaperswyper, you are a great writer! I laughed at your descriptions. And do hurry on the other stories! I can't wait to read those (if you don't hurry, I may come find you! Wink

Me too.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #52 on: August 07, 2007, 08:23:29 PM » by seeker

I just have to say that when I started reading this thread I thought, "Well, as much as I LOVE birth stories, there is no way I'm going to be able to read all of these. There are just too many." Well, I have read EVERY single one and have enjoyed it very much!

Can't wait to hear more! Thanks for sharing, ladies.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #53 on: August 07, 2007, 08:27:21 PM » by tiffanyjwi

Quote from: seeker on August 07, 2007, 08:23:29 PM

Can't wait to hear more! Thanks for sharing, ladies.

Me too!

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #54 on: August 07, 2007, 08:35:39 PM » by Kitty

This has been wonderful. So many good suggestions...examples...I didn't think I'd get to read through them all either, but I have.

It's fun to see everyone's personality come out in their stor(y)ies. WellTellers have the best birth stories Grin

I can't wait to have a WTM baby someday...but I'll probably drive you all nuts from Day 1 to delivery, w/ posts and questions... Roll Eyes

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #55 on: August 07, 2007, 08:38:59 PM » by lotsaboys

Quote from: Yooper Kitty on August 07, 2007, 08:35:39 PM

Well said, Yooper. I thought the same thing! Wink

« Last Edit: August 07, 2007, 08:43:38 PM by lotsaboys »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #56 on: August 07, 2007, 09:26:06 PM » by tiffanyjwi

Baby #1 11/2002
Wonderful pregnancy hardly any morning sickness and I was really happy that I could buy a bigger bra! Grin

Towards the end I was measuring big so they did another U/S and it looked like it was going to be about a 10# baby so the doctor wanted to induce me (I was 1 day over my due date). Went home and got my gear and went back to the hospital. She started pit and it was very slow, but not to bad of contractions yet! Around 11pm, I think, she decided to break my water and up the pit. That is when it got interesting Shocked

! Very bad contractions, one after the other. Tried the tub, didn't help, tried walking, didn't help so I went for the epidural. My doctor's call shift ended so it was on to the next doctor. I labored until about 10ish and got stuck at 9 cm and then they said they were worried that the baby might start to become stressed so they wanted to do a c/section, we agreed. So our dd was born by c/section at 12:59 I hardly got to see her before they rushed her out of the room because she wasn't breathing well. She was in NICU for a week and they never did find anything wrong with her to make her have breathing trouble. She was 9# 4oz and 21" long, the biggest baby in the NICU. If I knew then what I know now I would have done things differently, I am sure I wouldn't have had to have a c/section had I not been induced. Sad

Baby #2 10/2004
Again easy pregnancy. Was scheduled for another c/section at the advice of my doctor, but baby had other plans. I went into labor 3 weeks early, at a wedding no less, over an hour away from my doctor. We went to the closest hospital and they said yes I was in labor, but it was early so they said I could leave and head into my doctor. So we did. Got there at about 8ish on Friday night. I was only dilated 1-2cm and in very early labor and they were going to send me home. I didn't want to be sent home, so I begged them to let me stay and they did(wish now that I would have gone home). I decided that I didn't want to do another c/section and wanted to try for a VBAC so they broke my water. Contractions were strong, but not strong enough apparently, because by Saturday evening I was only at around 5-6 cm. So the third doctor I saw decided to give me a little pit. Remembering the last time I had pit and have no sleep for 24hrs I decided to have an epidural. I sent hubby home to sleep and I went to sleep. Finally at around 6am I was at 10 cm

so I called hubby to let him know he should come back and at 8am sunday morning I had our ds he was a lot smaller than dd. He was 7# and 20 1/2" long.
Baby #3 4/2006
This time I was determined to not have an epidural or any other drugs and I wanted to do most of my labor at home. A friend of mine was training to be a doula and so she was my doula (for free!) Pregnancy was great. About 2 weeks before my due date I had an appt with my doctor and she stripped my membranes, that was on Monday. I had lots of mild contractions all that day and the next. About 8pm on Wednesday the contractions started to get stronger and closer together. I took a bath and shaved my legs, just in case. I laid down on the couch to rest a while, wasn't able to sleep, but was able to relax and breathe through the contractions. Hubby went to bed at around 11. I decided to take a shower to try and relieve the back pains I was having. I went into the bedroom and told hubby that I thought we should head in about midnight. He asked if I could thought I could wait until morning Shocked

, I said fine I will drive myself Cheesy

and went to get dressed and pack. He got up and called his mom to come watch the kids and called my doula. She got here at 1am or so and that is when I had bloody show and she said we needed to get going. Well, hubby is driving like 80mph, we are 30 minuets from the hospital, while I am trying to breathe through contractions. He asks how I am doing and I said fine except I fell like I need to push, so he steps on it and that is when my water brakes, in the van, (I forgot to bring a towel so hubby got to clean the van seat with hospital towels) When they checked me I was at 8cm but quickly went to 10, the hospital was packed and I had to hold off on pushing until the doctor got there from the room next door Angry

. Anyway, after about 30minuets of pushing we had dd, smallest baby yet at 6# 11 oz and 20" long. No meds YEAH! My best birth yet.
An interesting thing to add, my doctor that I saw for all three of my pregnancies has yet to deliver any of my babies. You get whoever is on call. I have had a different doctor evey delivery, I really hate that. I love my doctor, but I think if we have anymore I will be going to a midwife. Our youngest is now 15 months and we have been debating on having one more, my hubby is going to be 40 this year and didn't want to have any after 40, but now he is not sure. After reading all these birth stories it makes me really want to have another baby Cheesy

. I have really enjoyed reading these stories the last few nights. Thanks to whoever started the thread!

« Last Edit: August 07, 2007, 09:32:04 PM by tiffanyjwi »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #57 on: August 08, 2007, 04:33:13 PM » by joshs_rebekah

Ruth Elisabeth - the Hurricane Baby

Ruth was conceived some time between Katrina and Rita in '05. Pretty good pregnancy, except losing Thanksgiving dinner within 15 minutes of finishing!

Contractions started on June 15th, 2006 at 4:37am. I had been up several times that night having to use the toilet, and I remember telling God, "I can't keep doing this for the rest of this pregnancy!" Anyway, I felt achy in my groin and a burning in my thighs that came and went in intervals of 8 minutes, then 5 minutes, finally ending up at 4 minutes...within half an hour. So I told Josh that we would be having a Baby today, then called my Mom to see if this was it. However, I told her she could only tell my Dad I was in labor, because I didn't want to have to tell a ton of people if it was false!

I had many plans for my "early labor." I was going to braid my hair in two french braids, because my hair wouldn't get so messed up during labor that way. I guess I wanted to be in control the whole time. I also didn't want to go in too early, so I told Josh "we would go in at 8, no make that 7:15...Josh, we need to go now!"

We got to the hospital, and went straight to labor and delivery, only to be sent back downstairs because we hadn't gone through admitting. We had to walk around the main floor two or three times trying to find someone to admit me. By then I was NOT happy! By the time I made it into a bed, and was checked by my Dr, I was 5 cm - so the walking was a good thing!

Between 8 and 10am, I dilated fast, but was at 9 for two hours. The dr. broke my water, and I remember losing it BIG TIME I was laboring in the hot tub, and my nose went under water one too many times, and Josh told me to get out. By this time I was ready to push, but they wouldn't let me. Finally when I could push (11a), I remember looking at the clock, and giving myself till noon to have the Baby because I was hungry! Well, I ended up pushing for two hours...the wrong way! Finally what helped was Josh holding the ends of a towel, and I held the middle and we pulled against each other with all of our might.

Then came the ring of fire, and my doctor ordering me to "push through the pain." Pushing through the pain not only gave me a my little baby girl, but it also gave me many little cuts all over down there. A recovery nurse actually said she had never seen anyone look so bad, and that I looked like raw hamburger.

But, I did have my Ruthie-Bear! 7lb. 6 oz and 20 in. long. Labor was 8 1/2 hours long from start to finish

« Last Edit: August 08, 2007, 05:12:09 PM by joshs_rebekah »
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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #58 on: August 08, 2007, 05:02:15 PM » by wyomama3

Quote from: ~mshelson~ on August 07, 2007, 04:38:52 PM

So I just breathed through those contractions and invisioned a red ribbon in front of me and I pictured it waving as I 'blew' at it. And, most importantly, relaxed my whole body as much as possible.

I had advice from an elderly lady to envision each contraction like riding a wave. When you felt the wave peak and break the contraciton was over. I also told my whole body to relax from my head down and out to my fingers, and down and to my toes. I went limp noodle. The wave riding worked until transition, then I used the head to toe relax more. I did this while sitting on a big excercise/therapy ball, the counterpressure was wonderful.

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Re: Birth Stories: Past or Present
« Reply #59 on: August 08, 2007, 05:10:51 PM » by joshs_rebekah

Shalom Elkanah - Peace God Has Obtained

I had an amazing pregnancy with Shalom. Ruth's was easy, this one was just short of amazing! God is SO good!

One night, two weeks before Shalom was due, I woke up in the middle of the night to strange cramping, so I got up and started counting. After three hours, I went back to bed...the cramping disappeared, however, I went from 3 cm and high, to 4cm and 80% effaced.

On the 16th of July, 2007, I went to the dr, and he swiped my membranes for a second time at 11am, and sent me for another non-stress test. When we left his office, I was tired, and needing to eat NOW. After the non-stress test, I felt some mild cramping, and laid down to take my nap with Ruth. However, the cramps were enough to keep me awake and counting. I was able to ignore them, but told Josh that interesting things were happening. We also let the babysitter know that we might need them tonight. I was able to work - sweep, mop, clean toilets - and ignore what was happening in my gut. This confused me greatly which made me quite irritable. At 8:30 pm, the cramping vanished completely. Talk about infuriating. However, I was able to bathe Ruth and get everything in order should anything happen! We were all in bed and mostly asleep by 10:30...a record for us!

Up to this time, Shalom was "sunny-side up," and I was praying she would turn over, because I was SUPER scared of back pain! A little after 10:30, I felt the baby flip over, and then there was no use me staying in bed. I started counting contractions and realized I was counting WAY TOO SLOW! What I had counted as 4 minutes was actually 1 1/2 to 2 minutes apart! Anyway, I got Josh up, and told him what was happening, and he started dragging his feet saying, "let's make sure this is it...keep counting, etc." I was mad at him for that!

Anyway, we got to the hospital at 11:30. The hot tub was in use, so I was stuck laboring in a bed...and that scared me. I knew I could handle the pain in the tub, but not w/o pain meds for who knows how long! The first good bit of time, I was asking Josh repeatedly for pain meds (and actually, after reading on here about the Demerol, etc...I am glad I didn't have any!), and he would tell me no. We both wanted to do this naturally, I just had to WANT to do it. Again, my anger flared, and I put it into my breathing. Josh was watching the monitors, and actually getting nervous (found that out later). The contractions were really hard, and he intentionally downplayed them for me...but he was scared about us doing this for hours on end. I was in labor with Ruth for 8 1/2 hours...could I handle that without a tub or meds?

When they checked me in, I was at 5/6 cm. They started a saline IV on me...well, tried to. The nurse had only had her license since Dec...and my perfect veins would not cooperate. After three tries, and a bump on my hand full of saline, she got another nurse to do it in the side of my wrist, below my thumb. Thankfully, with all four sticks...the contractions seriously minimized the pain, so it didn't hurt so much.

At 1 am, I felt serious pressure, and an explosion. I told Josh, "Either I just seriously wet the bed, or my water broke." So a friend (in nursing school) went to get the nurse, she check, and my water had broke. At the same time, I felt the urge to push...which devastated me, because I had to wait so long to push last time (she had checked me and I was now at 9 cm). I told her I had to push, and she said, Go Ahead...with her hand still down there. I was immediately at 10, and ready to have this kid. But wait...

The nurse had to go wake up my doctor - he was AT HOME! Have you ever been told it was okay to push, but don't have the baby yet? Two nurses and an OB tech got the room ready to go. After a couple pushed, Josh could see Shalom's head, but when I stopped pushing she went back up. Finally the Dr arrived, and started putting on his gown. He sat down, and with one push the head was out...facing the floor! Second push brought out my second baby girl!!! I felt a tiny tug, when Shalom came out, and the doctor made a comment about how short her cord was. After they cut the cord, he laid her on me...what a joy I felt!

Now, I know most of you don't want to know about the placenta delivery, but I love sharing this part. It was time to deliver the placenta, and the doctor told me to push...well, I did - and splattered the front of his gown - and a spot here and there on his face with blood! I somehow felt like it was pay backs for the comments he would make about me gaining ONE POUND!!!

So, to sum up, not only was Shalom born within three hours, I gained NO weight with this pregnancy. I started out at 189...and on the 16th, I weighed 189! Shalom weighed 8lbs 1 oz ad was 20.5 inches long.

« Last Edit: August 10, 2007, 02:14:33 PM by joshs_rebekah »
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