Ygerna Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 probably a hospital birth, though I have only just started looking into what other options are available Have you looked/posted on the pregnancy and birth forum on Natual Mamas? They will have lots of info and options that you may not get to hear about via the Midwife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted July 23, 2009 Author Share Posted July 23, 2009 Hi haven't looked at the birth/pregnancy forum will do though. Have posted on the introductions one and been given some links to look up which is great. I read that a birth hypnotherapist could be a good idea. I guess I have a lot of stuff still to research. I am really looking forward to meeting Zach, I keep saying how soon I will be down to double digits on the tracker (in my signature counting days to go), it still seems so far away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted July 23, 2009 Share Posted July 23, 2009 I had the last of my four daughters at home and it was absolutely brilliant. My other three labours were all nine hours long so once labour started properly I wasn't expecting her for a long while yet so we were very surprised by her hasty entrance after just 45 minutes I guess we were just very relaxed and chilled out I'd highly recommend a homebirth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ygerna Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I had the last of my four daughters at home and it was absolutely brilliant. My other three labours were all nine hours long so once labour started properly I wasn't expecting her for a long while yet so we were very surprised by her hasty entrance after just 45 minutes I guess we were just very relaxed and chilled out I'd highly recommend a homebirth. I really wanted a home birth but, my DH was totally stressed out by the whole idea, it really scared him and as he was going to be there to support me I needed him to be calm (well, as can be ) so I used the local midwife led birthing unit, rather than the consultant led one, they even have water pools available in out MWLU though I didnt get to use them, by the time I got to hospital I was way past that stage, lol, mine LO's didnt hang about once they decided to be born. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I had a hospital birth with my first and a home birth with my second If I ever had anymore (Unlikely) I would stay at home for definite. Lovely, relaxed, cleaner!! However, a lot of people feel worried at the thought of a home birth. My OH was dead against it at first but I talked him round I had my Mum and OH in the room with me, my little girl, two step-children and my younger brother and sister all playing upstairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I'd initially wanted a home birth, pool, the lot, but when they told me that I was on target for an 8.5lb baby (I am teeny) and that she was footling breech and not able to turn, I was quite grateful when they decided to play safe and deliver her 2 weeks early. They were worried that I'd rupture if I went into labour naturally and didn't dare risk it. I loved every minute of being pregnant, despite being all HUGE tummy. Once I was prpepared for the c section, I was happy that Rosie and I would be in safe hands. The recovery was brilliant and I was walking around the next day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleTree Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I ended up on the consultant led bit both times. With Daniel my waters broke, then nothing else happened. First of all they sent me home to see what happened, then they told me to go back in as they thought he looked a bit small. So I was in hospital - on my own - when my contractions started later that night. It was awful, they wouldn't let hubby come in until I had my own room on the labour ward. I was in labour for 2 days in the end. Daniel weighed 6lb 4oz, which isn't all that small. With Oliver he was 2 weeks late, so I went in to be induced. They told me I wouldn't go into labour that night, that I might just have a few cramp-like pains. By the early hours I was in quite a lot of pain and went and found a nurse to ask for some paracetamol. Unbelievably she asked me if I thought she should examine me, turns out I was already 5cm dilated. They rushed me up to the labour ward, and I had to phone hubby on my mobile. Oliver was born at midday, weighing 9lb 10oz! As I said before I've been considering having another one, but bit worried how big they might be. I'm 5' 3'' and usually a size 10/12. My midwife had no idea Oliver was going to be so big, and everyone in the delivery room looked shocked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 oh my, I'm 5'2" and a size 6. From the brief discussions I've had with OH about the birth we have agreed on a hospital birth mainly cause I like the sound of an epidural and he is worried about the risks of being so far away from a hospital if anything goes wrong. Why wasn't your hubby allowed to be with you at first purpletree? I am really hoping my OH will be there at the birth, I know how much he wants to be too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I am 5 ft (well just slightly under ) and weigh 7st 2lb. I had no trouble in labour and my babies were 7lb 2oz and 7lb 4oz. I heard loads of horror stories before I had my two, telling me that I might have to have a C section cos I'm small and all sorts but I was fine and you will be too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 Thanks for the reassurance Jay! I haven't heard any horror stories yet but to be honest if anyone starts trying to tell me labour stories I pretty much put my fingers in my ears and go lalala I can't hear you lol, I know I could be very easily freaked out... I gave the beautician a fright today I went in to book an eyebrow wax and she asked if I was expecting (I haven't been there in ages) and I misheard I thought she had asked if they were expecting me as in did I have an appointment... so i said no, to which she went bright red (thinking I had just put on a pile of weight) then I clicked what she meant by her reaction I really must pay more attention Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleTree Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 oh my, I'm 5'2" and a size 6. From the brief discussions I've had with OH about the birth we have agreed on a hospital birth mainly cause I like the sound of an epidural and he is worried about the risks of being so far away from a hospital if anything goes wrong. Why wasn't your hubby allowed to be with you at first purpletree? I am really hoping my OH will be there at the birth, I know how much he wants to be too. Because I'd gone in to be monitored I was on a ward with 3 other women, who all seemed to be recovering from operations, and it was after visiting hours. Once I'd persuaded them I really was in pain, and really, really wanted him with me, they managed to secure a room on the labour ward, eventhough apparently I wasn't in 'proper' labour yet. They then phoned him to come in. I had epidural's with both of mine in the end. I hadn't planned to as I really am terrified of needles, but I was strongly advised by the midwives as my labour progressed to have one, for different reasons each time. If you want to know more you're welcome to PM me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 Preparation, preparation, preparation. Thats all I did in the run up to my home birth and I loved every minute Did yoga at least once a week, visited my osteopath & accupuncturist at least once a fortnight and had birthing hypnotherapy about 5 weeks before my due date to help with relaxation. Considering I was texting people when I was 5cm dilated & was cracking jokes with the midwives when I was in the pool I think I did ok I couldnt believe the OH & the midwife were chatting chickens when I was in transition - I was not impressed! There I was working hard and the OH was telling her how we rescued battery hens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted July 24, 2009 Share Posted July 24, 2009 I almost had a home birth - not intentionally though! Due to complications I went to hospital in an ambulance with sirens and everything!! The midwife would have delivered Bogwoppit at home otherwise. I was coping with labour and contractions so well that no-one thought I looked 'distressed' enough to head to hospital. Not all first labours take hours and hours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted July 24, 2009 Author Share Posted July 24, 2009 must admit the thought of OH not being allowed in really worries me purpletree, I'm glad they believed you and let him in. I think my biggest worry about a hospital birth is my lack of control over everything Lol I wouldn't be impressed either Emma! have to say that sounds a relief Looney, the bits of books I have managed to read (the ready steady baby one is the only one I have read the full labour section on) make it sound like you are in labour for a fortnight... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleTree Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I think I was just unlucky in the way that my labour began, with my waters breaking early in the morning and no pains until the night. I had wanted to stay at home for as long as possible and just use my TENs machine, which I did still use in hospital and would recommend. I got by just using that and gas and air, right until the end when they wanted to give me a drip to speed up my contractions and recommended I had an epidural too. I was so tired by then, I just wanted it over with, hubby says I was hardly making any sense at all. It was a good job he was with me then, as the aneasthetist couldn't understand me and I couldn't understand him because he had such a strong foreign accent, hubby had to translate. Our hospital does have a midwife led section with lovely individual rooms, with comfy beds and soft furnishings, and baths. Unfortunately I only got to see these when we went on a tour of the labour ward with antenatal classes. You never know if we have another one it could be third time lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I guess I can talk babies I would say labour hurt but I've also done it without pain relief and kept doing it so I guess its worthwhile No hb or water for me though sadly as am high risk. My babies also got smaller (excluding Nia) so maybe I'm jusy odd (9lb 14, 8lb 7.5, {2lb 12} 7lb 14) I had complete control in hospital though especially with my last. I turned down the drip th dr wanted to give me and had a lovely physiological final stage) nb my 3rd one was an extreme case so I don't talk about it as a birth as such this is my latest http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7702041&l=83f1bf7bdc&id=842700440 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ygerna Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I am 5 ft (well just slightly under ) and weigh 7st 2lb.I had no trouble in labour and my babies were 7lb 2oz and 7lb 4oz. I heard loads of horror stories before I had my two, telling me that I might have to have a C section cos I'm small and all sorts but I was fine and you will be too Someone once told me that its a very rare thing indeed for a body to grow a baby it can't give birth too. It doesnt matter how much you weigh (unless at the very extremes of the scale of course when health issues may arise) the space inside is roughly the same for everyone. Everyones abdominal cavity holds the same organs, unless any have been removed, they all just squish up out the way. When it comes to the labour, trust you instincts, if you get the urge to squat, then squat, if you feel like getting onto all fours then do it, if you want to lean over the back of the bed whilst kneeling on your knees then do it. Your body knows what it needs to do to make it easier. Honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 When it comes to the labour, trust you instincts, if you get the urge to squat, then squat, if you feel like getting onto all fours then do it, if you want to lean over the back of the bed whilst kneeling on your knees then do it. Your body knows what it needs to do to make it easier. Honest. Couldnt agree more! Cute picture Bronze!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 What a cutie Bronze I'm still waiting for the friends of mine (mentioned way back in this thread) to decide on a name for their little boy! Mind you we took a couple of days to name Bogwoppit, we had a name for him but wanted to make sure it sounded right and that it felt right calling him it. Then OH's Mum spent an age on the phone to OH to check we had really thought it through....thank goodness she didn't get me on the phone I was fuming! Bogwoppit has an erm, interesting surname so that made things a bit more difficult. We could think of plenty of comedy names! (we're not married, my surname is pretty ordinary!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 Personally i quite like Bogwoppit as a name. You can shorten it to just Bog or Boggy for everyday use or use Woppit or Wopster as a nickname and when you are really cross you can use the full Bogwoppit to show how annoyed you are! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted July 25, 2009 Share Posted July 25, 2009 I'm sure he actually thinks his name really is Bogwoppit! We did find a (very bad ) Western novel with his name in the title though and had to buy a copy Ah, the joys of Google! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy-Mama Posted July 25, 2009 Author Share Posted July 25, 2009 really glad I started this thread, thank you for all the replies and info'. What a cute picture bronze!!! I was thinking of getting a TENS machine, I was going to go to an antenatal class about them but they aren't running it anymore , did you find it helped purpletree? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ygerna Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Oliver was born at midday, weighing 9lb 10oz! quote] My DS1 (middle child) was 9lbs 11oz, and his was the easiest of all my births, I was on my knees, leaning on the head of the bed, and I swear he simply fell out by the force of Gravity Incidentally, my other children weighed 9lbs 3oz and 9lbs 8oz, I don't do small babies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Bogwoppits a cracking name. We gave one of my friends babies an equally daft nickname when he was born and now I can't get out of the habit of calling him it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleTree Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 really glad I started this thread, thank you for all the replies and info'. What a cute picture bronze!!! I was thinking of getting a TENS machine, I was going to go to an antenatal class about them but they aren't running it anymore , did you find it helped purpletree? The TENS machine or the antenatal class? I'm sure the TENs machine definitely helped in my first labour, the nurse on the ward put it on for me as soon as I started having pains. With my second I think I put it on too late, as I wasn't expecting to be in labour so soon. The TENs works by building up your endorphins to fight the pain, so you're meant to put it on as soon as you think you're having contractions, so by the time they get really bad you've got lots of pain-fighting endorphins whizzing around ( I think that's the general theory behind it anyway). If I was going to have another I would definitely hire one again. The antenatal classes I went to were a course of 3 run by the NHS in a local doctors surgery. I can't say I found them very useful, everything they told us was what I'd already read about. They had a whole session just on different types of pain relief, they briefly touched on TENs, but nothing specific. They didn't do anything useful like breathing exercises or positions to get in. If you want to learn anything like that you need to find out about NCT classes or similar, and you obviously have to pay for those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...