Author Topic: No time for an epidural last labour... mental/emotional prep for 2nd birth?  (Read 14322 times)

MBot

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 506
We are pregnant with our second (hooray!) and the only part I am really unsure about is the second delivery. Slight details below, nothing graphic.

Although I like the idea of epidurals, I don't know if I'll have time for one. I do plan to make our wishes known with all care providers in advance, advocate strongly and have my husband also advocate strongly that I want one RIGHT AWAY given our past experience.

Our first came very quickly (I woke around midnight and figured it was Braxton-Hicks, got up at 3 and my water broke, went to the hospital and by the time they did checks I was dilated to 9.5 cm. Had our son before 7 am!) Without too much detail I had a lot of pelvic damage and surgery and physio to do after too... in all aspects,  the pain was awful through the short labour, delivery and recovery.

I had prepared as far as some pain relief options (tub, counter pressure; positions..)  and then my back labour meant I felt best flat on my back of all things, and couldn't go in the tub with a broken water.

This time, I want to mentally prepare better in case there is no time for an epidural; but I don't want to go with some system that finds unmedicated  birth the ONLY option. Any suggestions?

tthree

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 424
  • Location: Canada
Two quick, epidural-free deliveries here.  The first one was NOT pleasant, way too many stitches without an epidural=no fun.  Things I learned from the first one and did better the second time: 
  • Nitrous oxide, that stuff is pretty amazing.
  • Counter pressure did nothing for me from a pain relief perspective.  (It made me want to hit DH, but I don't think that is the intended outcome).  Instead I found calf raises during contractions to be a good distraction.
  • Sitting.  Worst. Idea. Ever.  Only amplified the pain.
  • Shower instead of bath.
I agree about the after pain.  I joke that I pushed so hard to get the baby out because I thought the pain was going to be over; however, the joke was on me, the pain after was probably worse.  The second time was so much better though.  I hope it is the same for you.

gooki

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2917
  • Location: NZ
    • My FIRE journal
FWIW, second birth is typically easier if the first was natural.

1967mama

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2164
  • Age: 57
  • Location: Canada
Second birth was much less traumatic for me too ... shower, ice pak, heat pak and counterpressure helped with back labour.  Large episiotomy and forceps with first (with no pain relief - failed epidural). Completely natural birth with the second (except for they broke my waters when I was 10cm).

I was really nervous about the 2nd birth and did A LOT of reading about natural childbirth (Penny Simkin, Ina May Gaskin and midwifery books). It went soooo much better than the first where I was so scared and it was so medicalized.

Another great thing we did with the 2nd birth was hire a doula ... WHAT a difference! My husband could focus on me and she would just help him help me. So great! Didn't take away from his role at all, but made him a much more effective birth partner. She was also able to clearly tell us what was happening throughout labour, and how close we were, encouraging us along the way. Can't say enough about Doulas! Interview till you find one you click with.

Anatidae V

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7626
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Fourecks
  • Nullus Anxietas
I've only had one labour, and it started with my waters breaking at 11:30 pm (flooding just like in the movies 😳) and baby was out 4.5 hours later at 4AM. One stitch, which I had a local anaesthetic for, but no medication for pain relief besides that. I did have a bit of panadol over the next few days.  Penny Simkin's "the birth partner" was fantastic, really gave us some good ideas on relief but mine was so intense we had my partner rubbing my back and I was chanting myself "up the mountain" for the rise of each contraction. That was actually really helpful, the midwives told us beforehand that "you only have to get through half of each contraction, then relax as it goes away". We also did a 2 hour course with a physio who basically went through the positioning and other techniques in Penny Simkin's book, which helped us as well. They were clear that these techniques were completely able to work WITH other pain relief. Also, look into a TENS machine. It sends a weak electric current which disrupts the nerves sending pain information. You can hire them from physios or hospitals, they have ones specific for labour and you'll need to have it and know how to use it prior to labour, and it's fine to test it before you go into labour :D anything that helps you with period cramps should help (heat packs etc).

At my hospital, even my quick labour would have been plenty of time for an epidural as they have an anaesthetist there at all times. I plan on starting to look for a doula before my next pregnancy (as soon as we're sure we'd like a second child), because another person to rub my back and coach us would have been great.

ETA: I had some pre-labour/ Braxton Hicks that were relieved by rocking my hips while on a large fitball. I don't remember any of the placenta contractions because I was absorbed by my baby, but the breastfeeding cramps were painful.
« Last Edit: July 15, 2017, 05:14:14 AM by Anatidae V »

1967mama

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2164
  • Age: 57
  • Location: Canada
I have heard great things about TENS in labour -- I liked it during physio for a shoulder injury and can imagine it would be nice in labour too.

Also, I just remembered that with my last baby, one of those little battery operated vibrating massagers reallllly helped with back labour ... birth partner just holds it firmly on your sore spot on your lower back.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/412DUKSWSPL.jpg

jeninco

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3997
  • Location: .... duh?
I also had back labor with my two, but as a counterpoint to above, counter pressure helped enormously. Our Doula was also a massage therapist, so she knew what she was doing, and I'm pretty sure she was putting ALL her body weight on two points on my back. I think I had bruises afterwards, but it was awesome -- 70+% of the pain went away when she did it.

Seconding the doula, just so someone else can bustle around and take care of things (and you, in an informed way). Also seconding that the second birth is typically easier.

Meditation helped me too, of all things. I got through several hours just sitting and breathing. Also delivering in a squatting position. (The hospital had "squat bars" and the doula knew where they were :^)  )

marion10

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 390
There was no time for an epidural with my first labor- by the time I asked for some pain relief it was too late. For a first birth- I had a pretty short labor- about 10 hours- six of it in hospital. For my second- no time for an epidural either- he was born 15 minutes after I got to the hospital! Total labor- 3 hours. Based on my damp,evsize of two- if you really want an epidural get to the hospital earlier. I chose to Labor at home as much as I could- we lived very near to the hospital. With my second I was at the movies with number 1 and finished the movie and drove home!

little_brown_dog

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 912
Given your history, I would work closely with your OB/midwife to come up with a plan that minimizes you getting caught off guard again (if possible). They may recommend that you immediately come to the hospital right when you start to feel frequent contractions, rather than wait for the contractions to get closer together. Experienced moms tend to dilate faster anyway.

As for pain relief, I had a normal unmed active labor with my first (baby got stuck while pushing, but that was a whole different kettle of fish). Most of my labor was textbook – 12 hours from water breaking spontaneously to 10cm, with steady increases in pain over time. If you experience this normal/typical labor pattern, I found that the hot bath really helped for transition. Given that you might not get the chance to get in the bath, I’d be prepared with a hot water bottle to at least ease some of the pain as you ride to the hospital or if you end up in bed again. No one told me that once you are in labor, it is 100% fine to use really hot bath/shower water to ease the pain. I only realized it once the nurse drew me a really hot bath. If I had known, I would have absolutely filled a hot water bottle to help me through the contractions I had on the way to the hospital and before getting in the tub. I used a hot water bottle to get through 2 miscarriages which were quite painful, and the heat really helped. You can move it around to your back or the underside of your belly, whichever feels better! I definitely plan on using the water bottle with this next baby. Worst case, it doesn't help much. Best case, it helps alot.
I'm actually surprised this pain relief method isn't used more - like, why aren't women offered hot bean bags or something? If it's perfectly fine to immerse the woman in steaming hot water, a bean bag or water bottle or two should be a great option for those who can't use the tub. Oddly, hot water bottles and bean bags are often recommended for women suffering severe menstrual cramps or miscarriages...

« Last Edit: July 15, 2017, 11:40:10 AM by little_brown_dog »

MayDay

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4953
2 unmedicated births here.

Both mine were super short (and the first included tv-style dramatic breaking of water).  First birth was 3 hours start to finish. Second birth was some early labor on a Ned off, then 3-4 hours of real labor.

Fast labor sounds good in theory but it hits you like a freight train.  A doula is definitely a must. A midwife who can put pressure on your cervix so you don't tear and coach you to slow down can also help. I tore less the second time and I attribute some of it to my midwife slowing me down (well, she tried lol, again with the freight train image) so the skin could stretch.

I don't have specific suggestions. I read a lot of natural birth stuff and my doula was hugely helpful. I've heard people rave about hypnobirthing but I've also heard it can be tough with fast births.

MBot

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 506
Wow, thank you for all the replies!

Several mentioned a doula... that's a good push to check out that option. I never thought about needing one last time,. Now I can 100% see the value there!

jeninco, how did you find a doula who was also a massage therapist? Did you find her on a list of doulas or was she primarily a massage therapist?
 That sounds freaking amazing. (I'm in a town of ~75k people and its the largest city for 3 hours each way... my options are a little limited).

little_brown_dog, the hot water bottle suggestion is genius! Very doable/scalable. I find heat really helps me and I was disappointed I couldn't go in the tub.

Anatidae V, the counter-pressure we did a little of, but I think we could have done better/more with it. I think it was out of The Birth Partner, but we more looked at that casually than really went through it. That course you did sounds like a good resource.. and if it can work WITH other things... everyone here seems so polarized between birth "must be all natural" (seemingly everrryoonnee) and "get you to the hospital" (the minority)

1967mama, The TENS machine is also a neat possibility!  I wonder if someone has one I can borrow. We already have one of those little back massagers too. Wow, good to know.

tthree that calf raises suggestion is so interesting! I never would have thought of that. and I'm glad to know that counter pressure didn't work for you that well, it's not like a magic bullet that is good for everyone.

Nitrous oxide helped a little for me but also took away the urge to push.. but also because I was so afraid of the pain to push or stop the nitrous. I wonder if with better mental preparation I could use the nitrous without being afraid.

If you don't mind a specific question, Has anyone done particular (online?) courses or books that were helpful? I think all I've seen here for in-person courses are Bradley Method and the super-basic health department prenatal courses.

I'm not sure if I'll just set myself up for failure with something like Hypnobirthing, and I don't think my pain relief goals are compatible with something like the Bradley Method. I have reserved a copy of Birthing From Within because I like working through my fears with exercises/I can handle things being a little artsy or out-there if it ends up being useful. And another completely medical book so I know exactly what's going on with the pelvic floor, areas of damage, healing and how the surgeries/physio work.

jeninco

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3997
  • Location: .... duh?
MBot,

I found my doula because she was co-teaching the class I took. (Which wasn't entirely just a "Birthing" class: they covered some other stuff as well, so I'm struggling to figure out what to call it.) Having someone who knew where to apply counter pressure and could do it hard enough for a long time was super-helpful.  Plus, she knew where everything was in the hospital room (they keep stuff like the squat pushing setup in a closet) and knew all the nurses.

I googled "find a doula" and immediately hit "findadoula.com", but I have no comment on who's listed, or even the reliability of the site. You should probably talk with a couple of people and see who makes you feel comfortable: the woo-woo can range from nonexistent to pretty intense.  If your preference is for no crystals (or for lots'o'crystals!) you should be able to find someone who feels right for you.

I last read Birthing from Within a while ago, and while I appreciate the general sentiment, their track record was so-so on outcomes. As a mathematician who sometimes works in statistics, my suggestion is to hold several grains of salt while you read books on birthing. Last time I looked there was a whole lot of what people believe masquerading as Important Medical Advice! (Then you get to read books on how to raise small children, and at least you're well prepared with the salt...)

Good luck! I'd actually suggest a doula, a class/some reading, and whatever techniques seem like they make sense to you -- and practice them! If nothing else, if gives you a focus while you're having contractions. And head in early, if you want to get there in time for the epidural.

Anatidae V

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7626
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Fourecks
  • Nullus Anxietas
I haven't watched it, but Penny Simkin has a couple of DVDs which looks like it covers aspects of her book:
https://www.pennysimkin.com/shop/
Worth seeing if you can find a copy.

BAM

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 113
Usually 2nd labors are easier, even if it's only because your body now knows how to push. Most moms I've talked to said they pushed for 1+ hours the first time and less than 30 minutes the second time. Mine was 1 hour first time, 2 contractions of pushing the second. That helped a ton!
Also, it seems that most of the tearing, etc happens the first time too.
My first birth was much more painful, recovery was much harder, etc than any of the following ones even though I was all over the board on how long labor went, etc.

Morning Glory

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4867
  • Location: The Garden Path
Following, currently pregnant with my second, had C-section the first time because of breech presentation. Midwife is encouraging me to try a VBAC. I assume it will be like a first birth because I didn't have any labor the first time, but recovery should be easier than C-section.

Trifle

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5902
  • Age: 57
  • Location: Outside, NC, US
    • In The Garden
Two natural deliveries here, and +6 on getting a doula.  I too had some massive tearing and recovery issues after delivery #1 and was very afraid for #2.  Another thing I did (in addition to hiring a doula) was to get an EpiNo.  It's a strengthening and stretching device, and it gave me confidence that I could get through the second delivery without a repeat of the physical damage. 

chaskavitch

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1029
  • Age: 38
  • Location: Fort Collins, CO
...
Anatidae V, the counter-pressure we did a little of, but I think we could have done better/more with it. I think it was out of The Birth Partner, but we more looked at that casually than really went through it. That course you did sounds like a good resource.. and if it can work WITH other things... everyone here seems so polarized between birth "must be all natural" (seemingly everrryoonnee) and "get you to the hospital" (the minority)

1967mama, The TENS machine is also a neat possibility!  I wonder if someone has one I can borrow. We already have one of those little back massagers too. Wow, good to know.

...

Nitrous oxide helped a little for me but also took away the urge to push.. but also because I was so afraid of the pain to push or stop the nitrous. I wonder if with better mental preparation I could use the nitrous without being afraid.

...

I didn't have a doula, but my sister was surprisingly amazing with counter-pressure.  Poor DH didn't understand my "MORE IN, LESS OUT!!!" instructions, but if you have someone who can readily interpret what you need, having them to press on your hips or push your legs in during contractions REALLY helps.

Some hospitals have a TENS device on hand.  Ours was supposed to, but by the time I needed it, I definitely had completely forgotten that I wanted to try it, so I have no idea how readily available it was. 

The hospital I was at for our son's birth last year just added nitrous as an option for pain control during labor - I'm so excited to at least try it for our (theoretical) next baby.  I'm looking forward to having an option between no pain meds at all and "yay, I can't move now" epidural.

mm1970

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 10880
We are pregnant with our second (hooray!) and the only part I am really unsure about is the second delivery. Slight details below, nothing graphic.

Although I like the idea of epidurals, I don't know if I'll have time for one. I do plan to make our wishes known with all care providers in advance, advocate strongly and have my husband also advocate strongly that I want one RIGHT AWAY given our past experience.

Our first came very quickly (I woke around midnight and figured it was Braxton-Hicks, got up at 3 and my water broke, went to the hospital and by the time they did checks I was dilated to 9.5 cm. Had our son before 7 am!) Without too much detail I had a lot of pelvic damage and surgery and physio to do after too... in all aspects,  the pain was awful through the short labour, delivery and recovery.

I had prepared as far as some pain relief options (tub, counter pressure; positions..)  and then my back labour meant I felt best flat on my back of all things, and couldn't go in the tub with a broken water.

This time, I want to mentally prepare better in case there is no time for an epidural; but I don't want to go with some system that finds unmedicated  birth the ONLY option. Any suggestions?
My 2nd labor was much like your first.

I'd had a epidural with the first and wanted one again.  I didn't get it.  Worse, my husband missed most of it, as he was dropping our son off at a friend's house.  I gave birth approx 1 hour after getting to the hospital, husband got back about 15 minutes before our baby was born, at least the doctor made it (but he was there only about 5-10 mins before).

Um, at least it was brief.  That's all I can say about it.

TrMama

  • Guest
Given your history, I would work closely with your OB/midwife to come up with a plan that minimizes you getting caught off guard again (if possible). They may recommend that you immediately come to the hospital right when you start to feel frequent contractions, rather than wait for the contractions to get closer together. Experienced moms tend to dilate faster anyway.

I really think this is your best course of action. My first birth was a trainwreck, but the second was much better. My Ob used my past history to make sure things went more smoothly the second time.

Anatidae V

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7626
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Fourecks
  • Nullus Anxietas
Given your history, I would work closely with your OB/midwife to come up with a plan that minimizes you getting caught off guard again (if possible). They may recommend that you immediately come to the hospital right when you start to feel frequent contractions, rather than wait for the contractions to get closer together. Experienced moms tend to dilate faster anyway.

I really think this is your best course of action. My first birth was a trainwreck, but the second was much better. My Ob used my past history to make sure things went more smoothly the second time.
The on-call OB got there in time for mine because I was repeatedly babbling to the midwife that my mum had short labours, and got her to check my dilation as soon as we got in - she was busy telling me that I might be disappointed with progress, to set good expectations, but verrrry quickly walked out of the room to find someone to call him once she saw how far I was (I heard her arguing with someone just outside the door).

To use a TENS machine here, you have to hire it from hospital or physio before you go into labour, they aren't available on the day-of and you need to be shown how to use it. It's standard to have gas (nitrous oxide) available here as well, several mums I've talked to said it was really handy.

Aelias

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 427
Two births here--both with Pitocin, but no pain meds by my choice. 

It's great that you're already preparing yourself for the next birth.  That should give you some time to communicate with your caregivers and get in the right place.

I feel like just working through any fear you have around birthing, pain, and recovery from your first birth would be helpful.  A good doula can help with that.  Being afraid or panicked is counterproductive to the birth process.

You have good reason to believe that an epidural might not be an option for you. So, with that in mind, you can prepare yourself for what might come.  But you can't know for sure. I feel like just accepting that uncertainty is so important. I certainly had ideas about what I did and didn't want in a birth (hint--a Pitocin IV was NOT at the top of the list!) Of course, you make plans and preparations, but when the moment comes, you just accept it, and move forward.

All the best!

TVRodriguez

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 773
I read and recommend the Hypnobirthing book and took a prenatal yoga class that was quite informative.  I never took the Hypnobirthing class although I listened to the CD during my pregnancies.  I had one medicated birth and two unmedicated. 

I had a doula at my first 2 deliveries (she was the prenatal yoga teacher)--didn't need her by the third birth, which was way more relaxed.  By the third birth, I really "got" the idea of relaxing during labor, allowing my breath to come naturally, riding the contractions and allowing them to wash over me instead of fighting them.  My husband held up a sign I made that said, "Ride it, don't fight it" with a crayon drawing of a wave (I used my kids' art supplies).

I was committed to a hospital birth b/c, well, you never know what can happen during a delivery, but I also wanted to avoid interventions if possible.  I didn't feel like the Hypnobirthing book/approach set me up for failure, even though I wound up having pitocin/epidural for my first birth (baby's arm was squashed up on his head, we learned, as he came out, adding that to the head to squeeze through the canal). 

My main goal was to walk out of the hospital with a living child--all else was icing.

StarBright

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3270
I read and recommend the Hypnobirthing book and took a prenatal yoga class that was quite informative.  I never took the Hypnobirthing class although I listened to the CD during my pregnancies. 

I second hypno. I did the Hypnobabies course with both births and I found it really reduced my anxiety around labor.

It was particularly amazing for my second birth. Because I had already experienced labor, I was able to really roll with the relaxation exercises while bouncing on my exercise ball.

I did a class, but I know hypnobabies also offers self study: https://www.hypnobabies.com/






mrsnamemustache

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 99
  • Location: FL
OP, I thought of you at my recent OB appt. My OB told me that since I had a fast labor for my first, and need several hours of antibiotics prior to delivering (due to positive GBS), that I have the option of being induced in the morning (they would break my water and have me walk around) and would likely deliver by the afternoon. He noted that this would only be an option at 39 weeks or later, and only if I was dilating/effacing (I don't recall the specifics). I asked about risk for c-section with this approach, and he said that based on my history and under these circumstances there would not really be an increased risk.

While I did not think of my self as someone who would induce early, I have to admit that it is appealing given the ability to (somewhat) control the timing (this would allow me to avoid having to find someone to watch our first child in the middle of the night) and to make sure I get my antibiotics and an epidural.

So, as others have suggested, talk to your OB about possibilities such as this. (And just because induction overall has some greater risk of c-section, doesn't mean that it necessarily would be in your case).

Poundwise

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2076
Another vote for the hypnobirthing! It contributed to a much easier, stress-free second delivery for me.

 In general your body will probably be happier the second time around, no matter what you do. 

marshdesign

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 40
  • Age: 40
    • My Design Portfolio
I just had my #2 a few months ago and let me reassure you it is much easier! Your body has already squeezed a baby out of it and somehow that makes it so much easier the second time. Still painful, sure. I did not get an epidural because I delivered in an out of net work hospital and did not want to pay extra (I am cheap!). I second the Nitrous oxide, that stuff IS pretty amazing. They never charged me for it!

tweezers

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 230
Another vote for the hypnobirthing! It contributed to a much easier, stress-free second delivery for me.

 In general your body will probably be happier the second time around, no matter what you do.

Another Hypnobabies recommendation.  My first birth was the opposite of your 44 hours labor with pitocin), but 30 hours on pit nearly did me in and I was terrified of delivering my second.  It seems pretty hippydippy, but it really helped me center myself and reduce my anxiety throughout my pregnancy and during delivery (which still required pitocin, but was a lot shorter).  good luck! 

alwayslearning

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 89
I've only had one, but it was unmedicated. I found that counting in my head, helped a lot. Sounds crazy, but I would count higher as the contractions got tough and lower as they went away. Maybe it was because it gave me something to think about during the pain? Either way it was a nice relief.

Also, stay hydrated! My contractions were much worse in the beginning because I was dehydrated. Once the hydration kicked it, it helped a ton and the pain was much more manageable.

ubermom4

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 81
4 births here but dated advice. Last one was 15 years ago. Second baby is definitely much easier and faster. Your body really does learn what to do. I had epidurals that worked 2 times -- it really slows down and lengthens (imho) the labor. My second delivery was too fast for epidural (for stitches I asked repeatedly for topical pain relief and they gave it). 2nd baby was over 10 lbs -- apparently this is so large that the baby is at risk of having a broken collar bone or worse. After that I was induced to make sure that I didn't make another whopper. Baby #3 was fine. Baby #4 the epidural did not work -- I think they had a hard time finding the right vertebra to go between. Rather than let them repeatedly poke my spine, I chose to deliver naturally. The spinal poking was worse than labor to me (I never had back labor -- that must have been very challenging!) I love the idea of hypnobirthing mentioned above. Katy Bowman of Nutritious Movement has an entire large section on her website about moving while pregnant to have a better delivery. She has more recently delivered 2 sweeties.  Lots of ladies swapping tips there and would highly recommend you check out her materials. She has really, really helped me to better understand my body and prevent pain/injury.

I strongly agree with others that my goal was a healthy baby and walking out of the hospital. Hope this helps you.

Anatidae V

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7626
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Fourecks
  • Nullus Anxietas
4 births here but dated advice. Last one was 15 years ago. Second baby is definitely much easier and faster. Your body really does learn what to do. I had epidurals that worked 2 times -- it really slows down and lengthens (imho) the labor. My second delivery was too fast for epidural (for stitches I asked repeatedly for topical pain relief and they gave it). 2nd baby was over 10 lbs -- apparently this is so large that the baby is at risk of having a broken collar bone or worse. After that I was induced to make sure that I didn't make another whopper. Baby #3 was fine. Baby #4 the epidural did not work -- I think they had a hard time finding the right vertebra to go between. Rather than let them repeatedly poke my spine, I chose to deliver naturally. The spinal poking was worse than labor to me (I never had back labor -- that must have been very challenging!) I love the idea of hypnobirthing mentioned above. Katy Bowman of Nutritious Movement has an entire large section on her website about moving while pregnant to have a better delivery. She has more recently delivered 2 sweeties.  Lots of ladies swapping tips there and would highly recommend you check out her materials. She has really, really helped me to better understand my body and prevent pain/injury.

I strongly agree with others that my goal was a healthy baby and walking out of the hospital. Hope this helps you.
The local anaesthetic I got for my stitches probably helped way more than I realised with reducing my pain so I was up and moving and healing quickly after.

Misstachian

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 90
  • Location: CT
I could have had topical relief for the stitches?!?! Why the hell didn't they do that then?? (Real question. Why the heck not? I think I have some post-trauma stress from that.)

Anyway. I did half a hypnobirthing course before I was put on bed rest. I don't think it did that much for me. I did download a few hypnobirthy meditations and went to sleep with them most nights. I figure meditating can only be good, and if I was listening I wasn't thinking about my worries, but I also don't know if it really helped with pain relief.

I read the Ina May books but "it's just pressure not pain" felt like too much of a crock. I liked this book a lot: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Hospital-Birth-Best-Worlds/dp/1558327185


A doula, supportive husband, and sister who was great at massaging were all very helpful.


Sounds like a scary experience and I hope this birth goes smoothly!

jeninco

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3997
  • Location: .... duh?
I could have had topical relief for the stitches?!?! Why the hell didn't they do that then?? (Real question. Why the heck not? I think I have some post-trauma stress from that.)

Anyway. I did half a hypnobirthing course before I was put on bed rest. I don't think it did that much for me. I did download a few hypnobirthy meditations and went to sleep with them most nights. I figure meditating can only be good, and if I was listening I wasn't thinking about my worries, but I also don't know if it really helped with pain relief.

I read the Ina May books but "it's just pressure not pain" felt like too much of a crock. I liked this book a lot: https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Hospital-Birth-Best-Worlds/dp/1558327185
Good luck! There are lots of ideas here that could help!

A doula, supportive husband, and sister who was great at massaging were all very helpful.


Sounds like a scary experience and I hope this birth goes smoothly!

Yeah, the OB who showed up for my birth was quite snippy (sorry!) about that -- she asked me several times "are you sure you want something for the stitches?" Yeah, dumbass, now that there's no possibility of it affecting the tiny person I'm trying to bring into the world, you bet your dingdong I want something before you start sticking a needle into my newly stretched-out wobbly bits!

I actually found meditation practice (concentrating on my breath, and counting to "1" was what worked for me) to be quite helpful for my second. I'm also able to slow down my breathing and heart rate, which is a handy party/ drs office trick. I recommend meditation for pregnancy, birth, having small children, having medium-sized children...

(Edited to fix my quoting)
« Last Edit: August 03, 2017, 07:19:54 PM by jeninco »

LadyStache in Baja

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 699
    • My Casa Caoba: Making meaning in Mexico
I highly recommend the Hypnobabies course. Life changing. Or birth-changing!

You'll have to start now. You need to practice 30 min a day using their audio files, starting at about 5 months if possible. You can start later if you're already later. They recommend at least a month of practice.

MBot

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 506
Wow! SO many suggestions for Hypnobabies!

Question for those who have used it -- how generic mentalist/hypnosis is it vs. distinctly spiritual/Buddhist or Zen?

I like the exercises in books like Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, and I'm willing to do stuff like the drawing therapy in Birthing from Within where she credits the Zen influenced .... but regularly practicing "emptying"/"opening" type meditation isn't something I'm wanting to do.

Poundwise

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2076
Wow! SO many suggestions for Hypnobabies!

Question for those who have used it -- how generic mentalist/hypnosis is it vs. distinctly spiritual/Buddhist or Zen?

I like the exercises in books like Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, and I'm willing to do stuff like the drawing therapy in Birthing from Within where she credits the Zen influenced .... but regularly practicing "emptying"/"opening" type meditation isn't something I'm wanting to do.

I'm not sure because I don't have much experience with Zen etc, but when I took the class at the hospital, they worked from this book. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hypnobirthing-fourth-edition-marie-mongan/1120363296?ean=9780757318375
It was covered by our insurance.  Nobody hypnotizes you, you just practice techniques for calming yourself. The main idea is that birth happens via a peristaltic process, like swallowing and (sorry) pooping. Under tension, such as may occur when you are rushed into a hospital and have to strip down half-naked in front of a bunch of strangers, these muscles freeze up and birth becomes more painful than necessary. Hypnobirth teaches you how to relax those muscles so they can do their job. 
« Last Edit: August 08, 2017, 09:25:05 AM by Poundwise »

Poundwise

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2076
I recommend meditation for pregnancy, birth, having small children, having medium-sized children...

(Edited to fix my quoting)

Yeah!! If only they would write a HypnoToddlers or a HypnoTeens book!  I guess it's what I do when I turn eggplant purple, count to ten, then stalk out of the room...

StarBright

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3270
Wow! SO many suggestions for Hypnobabies!

Question for those who have used it -- how generic mentalist/hypnosis is it vs. distinctly spiritual/Buddhist or Zen?

I like the exercises in books like Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, and I'm willing to do stuff like the drawing therapy in Birthing from Within where she credits the Zen influenced .... but regularly practicing "emptying"/"opening" type meditation isn't something I'm wanting to do.

I think of it as more generic. There was a lot of guided visualization (like a nightly "happy place" mp3 that I listened to nightly before bed) and a lot of emphasis on practicing "Self hypnosis" via fingerdrop technique. It is definitely about practicing achieving a calm state so that when labor kicks in you are relying on an automatic, trained physical response to chill the heck out.

I found it really helpful during early labor with my first but I went from 4cm-10cm in less than an hour and I sort of lost my chill on that rocket ride.  With my second labor I was able to achieve a pretty calm painless labor right until my giant, almost 10lb baby crowned (that hurt). My second labor was pretty frickin' magical and I felt like some sort of zen fertility goddess the whole time and I actually credit that to hypnobabies :)

tweezers

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 230
Wow! SO many suggestions for Hypnobabies!

Question for those who have used it -- how generic mentalist/hypnosis is it vs. distinctly spiritual/Buddhist or Zen?

I like the exercises in books like Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, and I'm willing to do stuff like the drawing therapy in Birthing from Within where she credits the Zen influenced .... but regularly practicing "emptying"/"opening" type meditation isn't something I'm wanting to do.

I think of it as more generic. There was a lot of guided visualization (like a nightly "happy place" mp3 that I listened to nightly before bed) and a lot of emphasis on practicing "Self hypnosis" via fingerdrop technique. It is definitely about practicing achieving a calm state so that when labor kicks in you are relying on an automatic, trained physical response to chill the heck out.

I found it really helpful during early labor with my first but I went from 4cm-10cm in less than an hour and I sort of lost my chill on that rocket ride.  With my second labor I was able to achieve a pretty calm painless labor right until my giant, almost 10lb baby crowned (that hurt). My second labor was pretty frickin' magical and I felt like some sort of zen fertility goddess the whole time and I actually credit that to hypnobabies :)

My labor was different, but the zen/being in control was the same.  It wasn't painless, but very, very manageable (and I have had strictly pitocin-driven labors).  I had large babies too, and when my son crowned my comment was "that smarts".  I thought my OB was going to wet her pants laughing because of how undisturbed I seemed to be.  Thank you Bubble of Peace!!

LadyStache in Baja

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 699
    • My Casa Caoba: Making meaning in Mexico
What is your aversion to opening practice? During the entire pre-active labor, I imagined opening down there. Unless you mean something else by opening?

When it was time to push, I found myself whispering "Out baby out out baby out". Yes whispering. No screaming or groaning. It truly was remarkable.

It is very generalist, not spiritual at all. And I recommend Hypnobabies rather than Hypnobirthing simply because Hypnobabies has the audio files.

Think of it as reprogramming your brain/body. Think of EVERY labor scene you're ever seen on TV...screaming, panic, freaking out, tremendous PAIN!!!!! ARGHGHGHGHGHGH!  Right?!

So it's gonna take some time to undo that programming.

Oh, and two months after my birth, when it was time to get my IUD put in, I used the finger drop technique to relax while it was inserted as well.

Anatidae V

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7626
  • Age: 34
  • Location: Fourecks
  • Nullus Anxietas
I am not the OP but this info on hypnobirthing is great and sounds very suitable for me! I was calm for my entire labour (until they put the needles in my direct line of vision at the end!) But it was very painful, and i screamed through a few of my contractions. Not panicked, just a way to release the pain.

okonomiyaki

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 44
  • Location: Last Continent
I read the Mongan book and did a Calmbirth course (Aussie version of Hypnobirthing), but what I really found useful and totally worth it were the audio tracks from https://hypnobirthinghub.com/

They basically have all of the hypnobirthing positive affirmations, relaxations and guided breathing techniques - and they are narrated in a great voice that meant that I listened to the rainbow relaxation for about a dozen times before actually making it to the end of the rainbow without falling asleep.

My labour experience was, however, somewhat similar to yours, with 4 hours 45 minutes from water breaking/first contractions/"are these contractions?" to baby in arms.

Pushing did take ~1 hour of that, and I had some tearing /got her out in 3 pushes: 2 to crown, 1 for head and body/; it's been too soon to say how hard recovery will be (although I can sit now, which is a win).

Nonetheless, I'm very happy I did the hypnobirthing stuff, since it reminded me to (1) breathe (even if I did that as screaming loudly, trying to keep my tone as low as possible), and (2) the whole pushing breath thing is supposed to be very good when pushing, and perhaps prevented me from having more serious tearing; the midwife guiding me, unfortunately, wasn't very helpful during pushing, so I had a lot of pain and wasn't quite clear on what I should be doing and how (she was like "Don't use your breath to scream/vocalise, use it to push - and I'm like: how do I push? Which muscles do I use? What *exactly* do I do with my diaphragm?).

 If/when we have #2, I'm totally asking for more help in advance to figure out HOW I'm supposed to push. [And asking to be in the tub, not shower, for the pushing phase. My poor husband had to fumble with badly configured showers while I pushed to get the water where I needed it to be; that wasn't fun for him or me, and I think I'd have had less tearing/been better able to relax if I'd actually been IN the water/]

> couldn't go in the tub with a broken water

This doesn't make sense to me: in Australia, you *can* labour and birth in the tub or shower with broken water - why did they refuse you? Also, remember that if you have an epidural, you will be effectively immobile, and won't be able to take advantage of any water for not only pain relief, but muscle relaxation.

MBot

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 506
What is your aversion to opening practice? During the entire pre-active labor, I imagined opening down there. Unless you mean something else by opening?
.

Your entire comment is great and makes perfect sense. I'm 100% fine with visualizing physical things like that. I dot want to do weeks or months of just "emptying my mind" of all thought and trying to find some floating zero state. But yours and the other comments assure me I should expect something I can work with.


> couldn't go in the tub with a broken water

This doesn't make sense to me: in Australia, you *can* labour and birth in the tub or shower with broken water - why did they refuse you? Also, remember that if you have an epidural, you will be effectively immobile, and won't be able to take advantage of any water for not only pain relief, but muscle relaxation.

Yes, it's often policy here that no tub if your water is broken. And no birth in the tub allowed. The only way for that is to travel down to Toronto for a specific birthing centre or do a tub at home. I understand it's either epidural or the tub - I'm thinking they may be able to get an epidural in before I give birth even if they check me and go "nope you're not going in that tub." But I'm prepared for no tub.

I'm convinced! I'll look for the Hypnobabies material! If anyone is looking to sell; pm me too! I'm on the US/Can border and can easily pick up on either side.

NeonPegasus

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 374
  • Location: Metro Atlanta, GA
    • Neon Pegasus
OP, you had your first child, who was facing posterior, after only 4 hours of labor? That is absolutely incredible. In your shoes, I would be doing two things:

(1) Check out www.spinningbabies.com for information on how to get a baby properly positioned prior to labor. Their website is pretty crappy (not designed intuitively) but if you can wade through it, the information is great. One tip is to sit with legs apart, leaning forward, especially towards the end of pregnancy. A doula and a webster-certified chiro can be helpful for positioning issues. The doula can do some sifting with a rebozo and the chiro can do woo-woo chiro things. I've never used the latter but plenty of mamas swear they help. Webster-certified is the key.

(2) I would be preparing for another precipitous labor and, frankly, it will likely go faster than your last, especially if the baby is anterior. You need to be ready to hop in the car as soon as labor begins and I don't know that you can count on a doula making it in time. Based on that, you and your spouse need to work on some hypnobabies or lamaze or something. I doubt you will have time for TENS or anything else. You may want to ask your ob about a paracervical block. I had those with my second baby and it was great. It numbs the area around the cervix only so the pain of contractions is gone but you still feel the baby exiting. My experience was that it took away the panicky pain but because I could feel the ring of fire, I didn't have the impetus to push so hard that I blasted the baby out and tore. The hitch is that only the ob can do it (not an anesthesiologist) and it lasts for only about an hour before wearing off so you have to wait until you're around 7 cm dilated. Given how fast your labors go, wearing off shouldn't be an issue and your ob should be going to the hospital immediately anyway. Very few obs still do them, however, so don't be surprised if yours doesn't.

I would NOT recommend getting in the water at all. Water is great for soothing things at the beginning of labor but sends things into high gear towards the end of labor. With my third child, I got into the water when I was nearing transition because it was starting to hurt pretty good and that sent me from 0-120. As soon as my belly hit the water, my body started the ejection reflex and my baby was out within 5-10 min. Though my labor had lasted around 14 hrs up to that point, the second stage was so fast it was a bit traumatic. It was like having two different labors - a long easy one and then a precipitous one. On the plus side, I didn't tear at all. I don't know if that was from the water or it being my second vaginal delivery.

Following, currently pregnant with my second, had C-section the first time because of breech presentation. Midwife is encouraging me to try a VBAC. I assume it will be like a first birth because I didn't have any labor the first time, but recovery should be easier than C-section.

I echo your midwife. I have had two VBACs. The recovery was worlds better than my section recovery. I recommend you look for your local ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) chapter for support.

Your labor would be the same as if it was your first. Your chance of success is excellent. In the Atlanta ICAN group, over 4 years with hundreds of births, our VBAC rate was around 85%, which is largely due to the great VBAC options we had in the area. We had women who have VBAC'd in spite of having huge babies (some 10-11 lbs), bicornuate uteruses, gestational diabetes, posterior babies, breech babies, postdate babies (42-43 weeks) and even triplets. The key is finding a skilled provider who follows evidence-based medicine. There are plenty of providers out there who say they support VBAC but say that the woman must go into labor before 40 weeks (not evidence-based) or must progress without augmentation (slow pitocin is safe) 1 cm/hr (which studies have shown is not the way it goes nowadays). Had I been with a provider like that, I wouldn't have gotten my first VBAC. My dilation didn't progress at all for 3 hrs. Then my doc started very low pitocin and the baby was out within 4 hours. My second VBAC was at home with a midwife. I didn't have a single vaginal check the entire time. I was able to determine my progress by how intense the contractions were and by checking the purple line -
 https://www.scienceandsensibility.org/blog/the-red/purple-line-an-alternate-method-for-assessing-cervical-dilation-using-visual-cues. If I had been in the hospital the doc would have given me pitocin again. I learned that my labors just have their own pattern - long and low for many hours and then very intense for a very short time at the end.

MBot

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 506
A belated thank you, NeonPegasus. Lots of incredible information in that post. And thanks to anyone I missed too - its been so helpful to have this discussion.

little_brown_dog

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 912
Mbot - just wanted to give you an update. I just delivered my 2nd last week after an extremely fast precipitous labor (2 hours start to finish...seriously). Definitely 100% prep that hot water bottle. It got me through the car ride to the hospital while in transition. I walked into the hospital at 9cm dilated - no time for any pain relief in hospital whatsoever. When I could stand in the hospital, the other thing that helped immensely was squatting. I stood and hung onto my husband and squatted deeply, using him for support, every time a contraction hit. The deeper the squat the more the pressure eased a bit. Thankfully these you will be able to do with virtually no time...just make sure that hot water bottle is out and on your counter and ready for when you need it.

Edited to add: I also highly recommend giving birth squatting on your knees if you can rather than your back, especially if you are worried about damaging your pelvic muscles again. I found that gravity really helped move the baby lower in that position and I didn't have to push nearly as hard as I did with my first. Instead, I just pushed firmly but not too hard everytime I felt a contraction and used the mantra "let her [the baby] do the work". When she started to crown, the staff instructed me to push harder and that's when I unleashed and started really pushing as hard as I could. It prevented me from over pushing before she was actually coming out. With my first I had some mild tearing and hemorrhoids from pushing, but absolutely no tearing and no damage whatsoever with this baby. Hopefully you will have a similar experience!
« Last Edit: October 28, 2017, 02:41:14 PM by little_brown_dog »

Morning Glory

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4867
  • Location: The Garden Path
Re: No time for an epidural last labour... mental/emotional prep for 2nd birth?
« Reply #45 on: November 09, 2017, 02:49:55 PM »
Had my baby yesterday.  Had a successful VBAC in spite of being induced for an amniotic fluid leak when only 1 cm dilated. The process was 20 hours long.  They started pitocin at around 8pm the night before, and serious contractions started around midnight. I was allowed to move around, get in the shower, etc. At around 0230 I opted for nitrous oxide for pain control, and sat on a birthing ball with that until around 0700, when it was no longer relieving the pain. I tried fentanyl with no effect, so reluctantly got an epidural. I am so glad I did, even though it was annoying to have to lay in this or that position to get a good monitor tracing. I was actually able to sleep a bit during labor. Baby had passed meconium and was having some unreassuring heart rates.  It was after 1500 before my cervix was dilated enough to push. Baby didn't tolerate pushing well and started having even more late decelerations, so after 20 minutes they gave me an episiotomy and used the vacuum, which took several attempts, and baby came out at around 1600.  Midwife said baby's hand was next to his head so I  would have torn anyway even if they hadn't needed to get him out fast. I have a sore bottom and baby has a sore head but otherwise we are both doing fine. Not the ideal birth experience but still better than a repeat C-section.

englishteacheralex

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3892
  • Age: 44
  • Location: Honolulu, HI
Re: No time for an epidural last labour... mental/emotional prep for 2nd birth?
« Reply #46 on: November 09, 2017, 03:02:50 PM »
I did ever mental/emotional prep possible for baby #1 and it all failed me in the end. Read Ina May Gaskin. Practiced breathing. No meds. Had a doula. Sat in a bath. Hypnotized myself. Bradley methoded myself. It was horrible. The stitches at the end with no meds were particularly awful.

Lesson learned. Birth is a force of nature. You can educate yourself, but there's no way to really prepare for it.

Did no mental prep whatsoever for #2. Was very Scarlet O'Hara about it. I'll think about it when I get there.

Started having medium contractions, went out to dinner with friends and laughed because I was almost sure I was in labor. Contractions started getting a little more real. DH took me to the hospital, they measured me at 4.5 cms, I asked for an epidural immediately, they made me sit and wait for another hour, measured me at 9 cms, got the anaesthesiologist, gave me the most heavenly, wonderful epidural in the history of the world. Watched HGTV and held my husband's hand as the machine thingy recorded every contraction. Cracked jokes with my awesome OBGYN as she got everything ready. Pushed DD out in three pushes. Didn't feel a thing.

It was like a trip to the spa. That second birth made me want to have a third kid just for the excuse to palm my other kids off on my friends and have a weekend in a hospital with my husband, being waited on hand and foot. Man it was great. 12/23/16. Amazing, wonderful memory.

It really made up for the first shitshow. Freakin' hippies and their birth prep. JK I know some people swear by it.

NeonPegasus

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 374
  • Location: Metro Atlanta, GA
    • Neon Pegasus
Re: No time for an epidural last labour... mental/emotional prep for 2nd birth?
« Reply #47 on: November 10, 2017, 07:31:35 AM »
Had my baby yesterday.  Had a successful VBAC in spite of being induced for an amniotic fluid leak when only 1 cm dilated. The process was 20 hours long.  They started pitocin at around 8pm the night before, and serious contractions started around midnight. I was allowed to move around, get in the shower, etc. At around 0230 I opted for nitrous oxide for pain control, and sat on a birthing ball with that until around 0700, when it was no longer relieving the pain. I tried fentanyl with no effect, so reluctantly got an epidural. I am so glad I did, even though it was annoying to have to lay in this or that position to get a good monitor tracing. I was actually able to sleep a bit during labor. Baby had passed meconium and was having some unreassuring heart rates.  It was after 1500 before my cervix was dilated enough to push. Baby didn't tolerate pushing well and started having even more late decelerations, so after 20 minutes they gave me an episiotomy and used the vacuum, which took several attempts, and baby came out at around 1600.  Midwife said baby's hand was next to his head so I  would have torn anyway even if they hadn't needed to get him out fast. I have a sore bottom and baby has a sore head but otherwise we are both doing fine. Not the ideal birth experience but still better than a repeat C-section.

Congrats on your baby! I'm sorry it was a tough delivery but hopefully the recovery will go smoothly. My second had a nuchal hand as well and caused some 1st/2nd degree tearing on the way out. Here are some things that help recovery:

-Definitely use a sitz bath several times a day. Make your family understand that it is non-negotiable time and they must accommodate you.

-Get a big menstrual pad, soak it in witch hazel and freeze it. Use that several times a day for the first few days. Do not continue using it past a few days, though. You want to use it only to get the swelling under control but after a few days, it will hamper healing.

-It is possible for the doctor to stitch you up a little too much so if you have pain during sex after a few months, it may be worth bringing it up to the doc. They can put something on there (silver nitrate?) to revise it and open it up a little.

-Rest as much as possible. After my second, it seemed like everyone thought I was a supermom and didn't need as much help, ESPECIALLY since I'd had a VBAC instead of a c-section. Push back against this idea and insist that others take care of you, your baby and other child. I toughed it out and it caused the post partum bleeding to drag on forever. As a midwife reminded me, you are actively healing on the inside and doing too much disrupts that process. You will eventually heal regardless but trying to be too active really prolongs the process.

Morning Glory

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4867
  • Location: The Garden Path
Re: No time for an epidural last labour... mental/emotional prep for 2nd birth?
« Reply #48 on: November 10, 2017, 09:07:18 AM »
Had my baby yesterday.  Had a successful VBAC in spite of being induced for an amniotic fluid leak when only 1 cm dilated. The process was 20 hours long.  They started pitocin at around 8pm the night before, and serious contractions started around midnight. I was allowed to move around, get in the shower, etc. At around 0230 I opted for nitrous oxide for pain control, and sat on a birthing ball with that until around 0700, when it was no longer relieving the pain. I tried fentanyl with no effect, so reluctantly got an epidural. I am so glad I did, even though it was annoying to have to lay in this or that position to get a good monitor tracing. I was actually able to sleep a bit during labor. Baby had passed meconium and was having some unreassuring heart rates.  It was after 1500 before my cervix was dilated enough to push. Baby didn't tolerate pushing well and started having even more late decelerations, so after 20 minutes they gave me an episiotomy and used the vacuum, which took several attempts, and baby came out at around 1600.  Midwife said baby's hand was next to his head so I  would have torn anyway even if they hadn't needed to get him out fast. I have a sore bottom and baby has a sore head but otherwise we are both doing fine. Not the ideal birth experience but still better than a repeat C-section.

Congrats on your baby! I'm sorry it was a tough delivery but hopefully the recovery will go smoothly. My second had a nuchal hand as well and caused some 1st/2nd degree tearing on the way out. Here are some things that help recovery:

-Definitely use a sitz bath several times a day. Make your family understand that it is non-negotiable time and they must accommodate you.

-Get a big menstrual pad, soak it in witch hazel and freeze it. Use that several times a day for the first few days. Do not continue using it past a few days, though. You want to use it only to get the swelling under control but after a few days, it will hamper healing.

-It is possible for the doctor to stitch you up a little too much so if you have pain during sex after a few months, it may be worth bringing it up to the doc. They can put something on there (silver nitrate?) to revise it and open it up a little.

-Rest as much as possible. After my second, it seemed like everyone thought I was a supermom and didn't need as much help, ESPECIALLY since I'd had a VBAC instead of a c-section. Push back against this idea and insist that others take care of you, your baby and other child. I toughed it out and it caused the post partum bleeding to drag on forever. As a midwife reminded me, you are actively healing on the inside and doing too much disrupts that process. You will eventually heal regardless but trying to be too active really prolongs the process.

Thank you Neon Pegasus, I will definitely heed your advice.

formerlydivorcedmom

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 701
  • Location: Texas
Re: No time for an epidural last labour... mental/emotional prep for 2nd birth?
« Reply #49 on: November 10, 2017, 12:14:13 PM »
Congratulations!

I highly recommend sitting on a pillow for two weeks.  I gave birth to a breech baby naturally (I do not recommend this, FYI), and doctor said the tearing was among the worst she'd ever seen.    I carried my pillow around everywhere.

I sat on a lot of ice packs, too.

Good luck!  Hopefully you'll feel better soon.