10 Natural Ways to Induce Labor

 

I’m a planner and it drives me nuts that I have no idea when this baby is going to decide to make their entrance into this world. Over the past few days knowing I only have a few more weeks to go, it has been on my mind constantly.  It doesn’t help that I had my son a week early at 39 weeks, so it’s hard not to compare…but that doesn’t mean I won’t go late this time :/.

I thought it would be fun to share a list of natural ways to induce labor.  Even though I’m not sure if I believe any of these, because I think ultimately the baby will come when he or she is ready, you never know!  And if you’ve been in this situation you know you’re willing to try anything!

Please keep in mind that its not recommended to try some of these natural ways to induce labor before you estimated due date and to consult with your doctor or midwife before hand.

1. Walking – Walking and consistent exercise are said to help strengthen your body to prepare for an easier and faster labor.  Walking often in the last few weeks can help get things going!
2. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea – The red raspberry leaf is a uterine tonic and while it’s not supposed to actually induce labor, it is known to help prepare your body and help the onset of labor on time and help your cervix dilate faster (not too early or not late).  Read more about this here.
3. Massage –  Induction massage is recommended on or after your due date. The massage therapists (who should be experienced in induction massage) work on acupressure points which are normally avoided during pregnancy, which can trigger labor.  As with normal massage, induction massage helps to relax and calm your body, easing tension.
4. Acupuncture – Acupuncture has been used successfully for thousands of years to induce women who are over-due in their pregnancy.  Some acupuncture therapists don’t recommend that you get a treatment until your estimated due date, unless otherwise advised by your doctor or midwife because it can induce labor as soon as 6-48 hours after the treatment.
5. Chiropractor – If you can find a chiropractor trained on the Webster method it is supposed to help align and open your pelvis which can help your baby get into an optimal birthing position.
6. Spicy food –  An old wive’s tale says that eating spicy food can help induce labor.  I don’t know how true this one is but I did eat spicy tacos the night I went into labor with my son at 39 weeks…coincidence? Maybe.  This pregnancy I also learned about an eggplant parmesan recipe from a restaurant that supposedly induces labor.  Here are all the babies born after their mamas ate their eggplant parm.  Find the recipe for Scalini’s Eggplant Parmesan Recipe here.
7. Sex – It’s funny that the same act that got you into this pregnancy can also help the baby come out :).
8. Evening Primose Oil – This is an herb that many midwives swear by in the later stages of pregnancy.  Starting at about 36 weeks taking 1,000-2,000 mg orally and after 38 weeks inserting an oil capsule vaginally can help induce labor and also help speed up dilation. (Please consult with your doctor or midwife before you try an herbal supplement.)
9. Pedicure/Foot Reflexology – Who cares if this one really works or not…go treat yourself and relax.  If you happen to go into labor, awesome :).
10. Eat some dates – This is a new one to me but I’ve read that studies have been done to prove that eating dates late in pregnancy (last four weeks) can help you go into spontaneous labor and help you dilate quicker.  Hey, why not?

Who knows if any of these natural ways to induce labor really work but they are worth a try and they beat medical induction!  Please share any other proven natural ways to induce labor in the comments section.

If you’re not already, please be awesome and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!  Thank you :).

Writing a Birth Plan

Are you writing a birth plan but having trouble where to begin and what to include?  If so, you came to the right place.

If you’ve been reading for the past few months you could probably guess that I did not write a birth plan for my first child.  However, after a less than great birth experience that resulted in what I think to be a premature C-section, I’ve done my research this time and see the importance in writing a birth plan.

Why should you write a birth plan?
First, I think it’s most important to write a birth plan for yourself to remind you of exactly what you want when you are in labor when you might not be thinking clearly.  Next, it is most important for your husband or significant other so they know exactly what they need to do to be your best advocate while giving birth.

I wish I could tell you that if you write a birth plan all the doctors and nurses will read it and your plan will fall nicely into place, but I don’t want to be naïve.  Unfortunately, some of the hospital staff will not read it and might even roll their eyes, but there are some excellent nurses out there who will and try their best to help you achieve the birth you want.  For all who will read your birth plan it is also great to keep everyone on the same page while shifts change.

I also need to mention that there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to birthing a baby so it is okay to keep an open mind and stray from the plan if medically necessary.

Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when writing a birth plan:

• Organize your plan by stages of labor
• Write a bulleted list (people will be more likely to read it).
• Keep it to one page! If you write a novel no one is likely to read it.
• Remember to include details if an operative birth is necessary.
• When you check in ask them to include birth plan in your chart.

Example of a Birth Plan:
This is similar to what my birth plan is going to look like.  Please remember that I am using HypnoBirthing techniques for my birth (read more about that here).

Pre-Admission: (for your OB/Midwife)

• To remain at home as long as possible before going to the hospital.
• To use only natural means of inducement, moving to gels, Pitocin drip or other procedures as a last resort.

Hospital Admission:

• To decline routine IV prep upon admission (I know a Hep-Lock is necessary since I am a VBAC patient).
• Wear my own clothes while laboring.
• To use the wireless monitoring system so I’m free to move and labor in the shower, tub, on the birthing ball or walking around.
• To have my room as quiet and calm as possible with subdued lighting and drawn drapes.
• To decline discussion on pain tolerance and pain levels and discussion of medical intervention (epidural, pain meds, internal monitoring) unless in the case of a medical emergency.
• To only allow my husband and medical staff in the room while in labor.

During Active Labor:

• The patience and understanding of medical staff to refrain from any practice or procedure that could stand in the way of our having the most natural birth possible.
• Only necessary hospital staff please.  We ask that staff honor our request for quiet and refrain from offering medication unless requested.
• To drink as much water as requested.
• Freedom of choice to walk, move and to change labor positions.

During Birth:

• To assume a birthing position of choice that will least likely require episiotomy.
• Episiotomy only if necessary and only after consultation.
• Father to remain with baby in case of a surgical birth.
• Allow up to 30 minutes if necessary for natural placenta delivery, no Pitocin unless a medical emergency.
• Immediate skin to skin with baby.
• Allow father to call the sex of the baby!

For Baby:

• Allow baby to remain with me or my husband (in case of surgical birth) for bonding.
• Delay use of Erythromycin for baby’s eyes to allow optimal sight for bonding.
• Oral Vitamin K to be used if it’s available. If not, delay injection until after baby is acclimated.
• Breastfeeding only please.  No bottles, formula, or pacifier.
• Allow to baby to stay in our room as much as possible.

Remember this is only an example and only a starting point for you.  I hope this helps you while you’re writing your birth plan!

Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor and Delivery

The dreaded hospital bag…you need to pack one but the question is when and with what?  Here is a hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery to ensure that you have everything you need for your hospital stay so you don’t have to think twice about it!

The majority of women go into labor between 40 and 41 weeks but you are considered “full term” at 37 weeks so there is a chance you can go earlier than expected.  I would recommend that it’s a smart idea to have your hospital bag for your labor and delivery stay mostly put together a few weeks before your due date so you don’t have to worry about it.

Lets get down to business…

• Photo ID
• Insurance card (remember to call your insurance company to add your baby to the plan within 30 days)
• Birth Plan

Technology…

• Cell phone and phone charger
• Camera/Video Camera, blank memory card, charger
• iPod/music

For Mama…

• Light bathrobe
• Slippers/comfy socks
• Pajamas/sweats
• Nursing tanks/nursing bras
• Comfy big underwear
• Going home outfit (remember you will look like you are 6 months pregnant after giving birth so keep that in mind)

Toiletries…

• Shampoo/Conditioner/Body wash/Face wash
• Moisturizer
• Hair ties/headband
• Chapstick
• Brush
• Makeup
• Pads (The hospital will provide them but they are 14 inches long by 3 inches thick and VERY uncomfortable)
• Nursing pads

For husband or significant other…

• Few changes of clothes
• Something to read
• Laptop/iPad

For Baby…

• Going home outfit
• Onsies
• Blanket
• Car seat

*The hospital will provide everything you need for baby during your stay including diapers, swaddling blankets, onsies, and pacifiers. However, if you want to bring a few changes for clothes for baby be sure to pack them!

Other…

• Pillow/Blanket – Hospital beds aren’t very comfy and having a pillow or two from home can help you rest.
• Healthy Snacks – You and your significant other might get hungry when the hospital kitchen is closed!
• Water bottle – its so important to stay hydrated

Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a chance you will have a c-section and you hospital stay will be four or five days instead of the normal one or two.  I only mention this because this happened to me when I wasn’t expecting it so I had to send my husband home to bring me additional things I needed.  I would recommend setting aside a few extra sets of clothes and leaving them home so your significant other can run home and grab them if you do end up having a longer than expected hospital stay.

I hope this hospital bag checklist for labor and delivery helps to put your mind at ease so you have one less thing to think about in preparation for the birth of your baby.

 

 

 

 

 

Top 40 Pregnancy Acronyms You Need To Know

Shortly after I got pregnant with Philip I downloaded a few pregnancy apps to my phone.  The apps are great because they track the growth of the baby week by week and tell you the changes your body is experiencing as well.  They also have checklists, tools (weight gain tracker, kick counter, name lists, etc.), and most apps also have a community forum where women can ask questions and discuss their experiences with other women.  I currently use the Babycenter App and the What to Expect App for this pregnancy.

However, what I didn’t know was that these pregnancy forums have a language all their own jam packed with acronyms that had me so confused in some cases that I had to resort to Google or text my girlfriend to see what these ladies were talking about.  After awhile I saw them so much I actually started using them while posting!  Leave it to a bunch of efficient moms to create an acronym for literally everything that has to do with pregnancy.

So I thought I would help other expecting moms or other moms who are TTC (trying to conceive) 🙂 (there I go…) and share this secret language so you have a leg up when heading into expecting mommy land for the first time.  Another side note I want to mention is that these discussions can get crazy with hundreds of pregnant hormonal women…sometimes these women can get nasty and it’s not pretty.  I just try to stay away from those posts even though I’ll admit they are interesting to read sometimes :/.

So here you go….these are the top 40 acronyms you need to know…

1. AROM – Artificial Rupture of Membranes (when they break your water)
2. BBT – Basal Body Temperature
3. BF – Breastfeed
4. BFN – Big Fat Negative (negative pregnancy test)
5. BFP – Big Fat Positive (positive pregnancy test)
6.  BIL – Brother-In-Law
7. BM – Breastmilk or Bowel Movement
8. CM – Cervical Mucus
9. CS – C-section
10. DD – Dear Daughter
11. DF – Dear Fiance
12. DH – Dear Husband
13. DPO – Days Past Ovulation
14. DS – Dear Son
15. DSD – Dear Stepdaughter
16. DSS – Dear Stepson
17. DTD – Do the Deed
18. EBF – Exclusively Breastfeed
19. EDD – Estimated Due Date
20. FF – Formula Fed
21. FIL – Father-in-Law
22. FTM – First Time Mom
23. GD – Gestational Diabetes
24. IMO – In My Opinion
25. L&D – Labor and Delivery
26. LO – Little One
27. MC – Miscarriage
28. MIL – Mother-in-Law
29. ML – Maternity Leave
30. OP – Original Post
31. OT – Off Topic
32. PPD – Post Partum Depression
33. ROM – Rupture of Membranes (when your water breaks)
34. SAHM – Stay at Home Mom
35. SIL – Sister-in-Law
36. SO – Significant Other
37. TTC – Trying to Conceive
38. US – Ultrasound
39. VBAC – Vaginal Birth After C-section
40. NUVBAC – Natural Unmedicated Vaginal Birth After C-section

Did I miss any? Please share in the comments section if so!

I hope you’re having a great week!

A Pregnant Girl’s Guide to Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

A post about herbal tea couldn’t come at a more perfect time as a bad head cold is going around my house.  Stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and sinus pressure….bleh…but tea has been the perfect remedy.

This pregnancy, while doing all of my research, I came across Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (RRLT) and the many benefits it has during pregnancy and labor, and I wanted to share the information I’ve found with you.

Red Raspberry Leaf is from the raspberry plant and its use dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans to treat many ailments including cold and flu, gum disease, rubella, upset stomach, and inflammation.  It also helps to treat acne, can help regulate a menstrual cycle, and it can increase the fertility in men and women.  However, its most popular use is for women during pregnancy, preparation for labor, and postpartum health.

Raspberry leaves are high in carotenoids, citric acid, tannins, vitamin A, B complex, C, and E.  It’s also a naturally high source of iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and silica.  This makes it helpful for nausea, leg cramps, and improving sleep during pregnancy.

This specific combination of nutrients is also extremely beneficial for the female reproductive system.  Many midwives and professionals who work with herbs believe that regular consumption of these teas may help prevent pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, prolonged labor, and postpartum hemorrhage.  Medical studies have also shown that red raspberry leaf can be consumed safely during pregnancy and can decrease the length of labor and decrease the number of interventions such as artificial rupture of membranes, assisted delivery (forceps or vacuum), and C-section.

How much should you drink?
I’ve found several answers to this question.  Some sources recommend avoiding herbal teas in the first trimester and to start drinking RRLT in your third trimester with one cup and increasing the amount in the last six weeks by up to one quart per day.  Other sources say it’s safe to have 1-2 cups throughout your entire pregnancy as it helps to relieve nausea in the first trimester, and then to increase the amount in the third trimester.  I would suggest doing your own research and consulting with your doctor or midwife to see what is best for you.

I started drinking RRLT in the third trimester (1-2 cups/day) and I am going to increase the amount in the last few weeks.

Where do you get RRLT?
I got my RRLT at a local natural foods store in my area because I couldn’t find it at the supermarket or at Trader Joe’s.  However, some supermarkets do carry it.  This is the tea I bought…

Make sure you don’t buy raspberry flavored tea because it’s not the same thing!

Drinking RRLT is a no brainer to me.  There are countless benefits to consuming this tea and it tastes great!  If it can help me have a faster labor, I’ll take it!

 

*Please remember to consult with your doctor or midwife before taking any herbal supplement.

Sources:
American Pregnancy Association
Natural Fertility Info
Wellness Mama
Herbs for Pregnancy

 

15 Great Questions to Ask on Your Labor and Delivery Tour

As a first time mom I had no idea what to expect during labor so it made me feel more comfortable to take a tour of the labor and delivery unit at the hospital.  However, since it was my first time around I wasn’t really sure what to ask. Looking back now there were several questions I wish I’d asked, so I wanted to share these questions with you first time moms (and second time moms like me) so you can be better prepared for the big day!

Most of these questions should be answered on your tour so you’ll know what to listen for but if not, you will be ready to ask away!

1. Where do I go when in labor; where do we park and check in? If after hours, should we go to the ER or straight to Labor and Delivery?
   Most times they will be expecting you because your doctor will call ahead but it never hurts to ask.
2. What is the check-in procedure? Can I pre-register to get all of the paperwork out of the way?
   The last thing you want to do is fill out paperwork in between contractions, so it will be helpful if a majority of the paperwork can done beforehand.
3. Are there birth balls, squat bars, tubs and showers to use while in labor?
4. What is your visitor policy during labor and delivery and after the baby is born? What is your policy for my other children to visit the baby?
   When my son was born only two people were allowed in the labor and delivery room at a time.  I was completely fine with this as I didn’t want it to be a family party in there, but my family was disappointed so it would have been great if I’d known ahead of time.  After the birth the amount of visitors was unlimited once I was moved to my room.
5. What is your fetal monitoring policy? Do you have wireless monitoring so I can move freely during labor?
   As soon as I was admitted to the hospital they hooked me up to the fetal monitors immediately and from that point on I didn’t move much at all, and this was four hours before they gave me the epidural.  You would think the nurses would encourage me to move around since it can help to progress labor!
6. Can I control the lighting in the room and is there a CD player or iPod dock for music?
   I’m planning on using HypnoBirthing techniques this time around so dim lighting and calming music (probably on my iPhone with headphones) is part of my plan to help me relax.
7. What is the hospital’s policy on IVs? If I want a natural birth can I opt for a hep lock instead?
   Since I’m a VBAC patient I am required to have a hep lock placed in case there is an emergency and I need anaesthesia.  Sometimes they will give you an IV to keep you hydrated so make sure you drink a TON of water so you can avoid this because once the IV is placed it can get in the way.
8. What is the hospital’s video and camera policy?
   Our hospital allowed video cameras and cameras during labor but NOT during the actual delivery (due to lawsuits).  My husband was able to turn the video camera on right after my son was born.
9. What is your procedure after the baby is born? Can we do immediate skin-to-skin?
   Many times the doctor or nurses will whisk your baby away even if the baby is healthy to do the initial pediatric exam, Apgar score and other procedures.  Immediate skin-to-skin bonding with your newborn has countless benefits and that time with your baby is crucial.  If they will not give you your baby immediately ask if most of the exam can be done later so you can have your baby in your arms within a few minutes after birth.
10. What is your policy on formula and pacifiers especially if I want to exclusively breastfeed?
    This is when it becomes necessary to have a birth plan because if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding you do not want them to give your baby formula and if you do not specify they might not ask.
11. Will my baby be in the nursery for most of our stay or is it an option for the baby to be in the room with me?
    Philip was in the room for 90% of the time for our five days at the hospital but every hospital is different so make sure you ask!
12. If a C-section is needed, can my baby stay in the recovery room with me?
    Luckily after I was moved to recovery the baby was with me and our nurse bathed him and brought him to me so I could attempt to breastfeed.
13. If C-section is needed who is allowed in the operating room with me?
14. Are breast pumps available if needed?
    This was a big one for me because we didn’t even think to bring our pump to the hospital and I wasn’t offered one when I clearly needed it. It would have been a huge help!
15. Are private rooms available?  Are there accommodations for my husband to sleep in the room with me?

If you haven’t already done so, make sure to schedule your labor and delivery tour soon!  Please comment below if you have any other good questions to add :).

I hope you have a great week!

What is HypnoBirthing?

While researching to find a new healthcare provider to support my plan for a natural, unmedicated VBAC (read more about my journey here), I stumbled upon birth stories on the HypnoBirthing website about women who were having amazing and calm birthing experiences…unmedicated!  After I read the first few I laughed to myself and thought, “Yeah, ok….I don’t buy it.”  I was definitely skeptical but also intrigued, so I continued reading and I also watched videos of actual HypnoBirths and I couldn’t believe my eyes.  I called my husband in to watch and his exact words were., “That can’t be real.  People make more noise going to the bathroom than she just did giving birth to her baby!”

I still wasn’t completely sold but I decided to buy the book, HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method.  I also reached out to Marie-Alana, the local HypnoBirthing instructor in my area.  After speaking with her I was sold and we decided to take the class.  Currently we are half way through the course and it has been awesome so far.

So, what exactly is HypnoBirthing?  HypnoBirthing is a simple, straightforward program, thoughtfully developed over the years to remind mothers of the simplicity of birth itself.  Just as the majority of birthing women do not need interventions and procedures for safe and healthy birth, they do not need a complex set of exercises and scripts to prepare themselves for a peaceful, calm and comfortable birthing.  HypnoBirthing is based on how the power of our minds can get in the way of our body’s ability to give birth, and also how our culture has instilled so much fear around giving birth, and teaches how we can regain control of our minds through deep relaxation, visualization, positive thinking, and breathing and physical preparation.

Marie Mongan’s (founder of HypnoBirthing) theory behind her method is based on how fear creates tension in our bodies which increases the pain felt during labor.  Think about it…when you feel fear you jaw tightens, your fists clench and your heart races due to the message that your brain sends to your body to go into the “fight or flight mode” as a defense mechanism.  An example the book uses to support this theory is to think about how you feel when you are driving and think you are being pulled over by a police officer.  I personally start to freak out.  My heart starts to race as I tightly grip the steering wheel  and start to sweat.  However, as soon as they zoom past my car, I immediately relax, and that’s all from the possibility that I might get a speeding ticket!  Imagine what your mind will do when its time to face labor, especially when its the first time and you don’t know what to expect?

When it comes to giving birth most women associate it with fear because of the horror stories they hear from others.  I approached going into labor the first time thinking that it was going to the most awful and painful experience of my life, and I was terrified!  So, when it’s go time your mind takes over and gets in the way of what your body is trying to do.  This paired with unnecessary medical intervention can cause a downward spiral, that in my case, resulted in an operative birth.  Instead of having joyful memories of holding my son for the first time and bonding with him, I remember them showing me my baby and then taking him away as I laid there scared and alone while they finished my surgery for the next hour.  While in recovery I was able to hold Philip, but the first moments of my son’s life are foggy at best because of all of the pain meds I was on.  Thinking back on this breaks my heart because I missed out on the first precious moments of my son’s life.

This time I visualize a completely different experience.  By utilizing the tools learned from my HypnoBirthing class paired with my new support team, I feel confident I can achieve my goal of having a natural, unmedicated birth, and most importantly be able to cherish the moment of meeting my new baby for the first time and bonding with him or her.  I strongly recommend all first time moms or other women in a similar situation to me to look into HypnoBirthing, even if you are skeptical like I was at first.

Here’s a great story to get you started!

My VBAC Journey – How to Find the Right Provider for Your Birth

When I found out I was pregnant again and faced with making the decision between a repeat C-section or a VBAC (vaginal birth after Caesarean), at first I was torn on what to do.  Since we recently moved to a new state I had to choose a new doctor.  I searched online and got recommendations from other women.  I decided on a highly recommended and award winning OB who was affiliated with one of the best hospitals in our area.  My husband and I loved her.  Based on her recommendation, since the risks are minimal I decided on a VBAC and wanted to do everything possible to avoid surgery.  She seemed to be very supportive of the VBAC option…or so I thought.

Each visit my doctor revealed information that began to show me that her practice, a large office of ten obstetricians and one midwife, were not actually VBAC supportive at all.  I started to read a lot…I would even say I became slightly obsessed.  I soon realized that her so called “support” created many impediments for how I wanted this birth to go.

First, I was told that the baby’s heart rate had to be continuously monitored so they could see if there were any heart decels, which is an indicator of a uterine rupture (about 1% risk with VBAC patients).  While I agree with my baby being monitored the entire time, I was also told that since they don’t have wireless monitors, I would not be able to get out of bed at all.  I couldn’t understand how this was not available in one of the best hospitals in the NY metro area.  This meant my plan for walking around, using the birthing ball and laboring in the tub was out.

The next red flag was when I was told I could not labor as long.  If my labor started to stall in any way they wouldn’t give me much time and do a repeat C-section.  Next, I was told that I HAD to get an epidural.  This really threw me for a loop because I was determined to go the natural route this time after my negative experience with epidural anesthesia.  When I asked why, my doctor told me it was a precaution just in case I needed an emergency c-section.

The last straw was when I decided to look up the C-section rate for my hospital and I almost fell off my chair when I saw it was a staggering 45%!  The national average for c-sections in the US is 32.8%.  At this hospital almost one of every two women were delivering their babies via c-section!

My once VBAC supportive doctor had now stacked the cards against me and put me at a very high chance of ending up with another C-section because I had to abide by her practice’s policies and procedures.  I was so frustrated and faced with another hard decision…should I stay or should I go?  My gut told me to go, and so at 20 weeks my search for a new doctor began.

I continued to read everything I could get my hands on.  I watched documentaries, read hundreds of birth stories and many reviews of doctors and midwives in my area.  I decided that my best bet was to go the midwifery route with a hospital birth.  The first midwife group I found seemed great and VBAC supportive.  I was so excited until I called and found out they didn’t accept my insurance.  However, they were willing to work with us on the financial end so I thought it was worth a shot to meet them.  My consultation definitely did not go as planned.

As soon as I told her I was a VBAC candidate (which I already told her several times on the phone) she reviewed my operative report from my previous C-section and said  it had to be reviewed by the OB affiliated with the hospital because they only take VBAC patients on a case per case basis and it didn’t look good for me.  I was devastated because I was previously told I was a great VBAC candidate, but now I was being denied.  She then smiled and said I could continue to come to their practice and receive midwifery care but I would have to schedule a repeat C-section. When I nicely told her that the sole purpose of my visit was to avoid this outcome and I would be going elsewhere she became offended and told me she didn’t want to waste any more of my time because I “clearly didn’t understand the value of midwifery care.”

My search started to feel hopeless as I met with two other OBs that claimed to be VBAC supportive and pro natural birth.  I again found they were not the right fit with similar policies that my first doctor had.  I was exhausted by my search and considered throwing in the towel and going back to doctor number one.

However I didn’t give up and when I was on the local HypnoBirthing website I FINALLY found the provider I’ve been looking for and I’m thrilled.  We’ve decided on the midwives affiliated with Danbury Hospital in CT.  They are open to giving women a TOLAC (trial of labor after Caesarean).  They have telemetry fetal monitoring, so while I need to be monitored 100% of the time, I am free to walk around as I please and even labor in the tub.  Also, receiving an epidural is my choice.

I know there are many women out there like me in a similar situation and since I went through the ringer with my new doctor search I thought I’d share a few tips I wish I’d known in the beginning.  This not only goes for VBAC candidates but for first time moms as well.

• Collect all of your medical records from your previous pregnancy, labor progress notes and operative report from the hospital where you delivered (if you had a C-section), and your current pregnancy ultrasounds, lab and office visit notes.  When you go to a new doctor they can request your records but it’s a smart idea to get them yourself so you can keep your own copy.  I made copies each time I went to meet a new provider.
• Go to your insurance provider’s website and print a list of OBs and midwives that are in their network and in your area.
• Take that list, read reviews online and narrow it down by docs that seem to be a good fit and who deliver at the hospital you want to go to.
• Read as much as you can!  Think about what you want your birth experience to be like and do more reading.  When you’re informed you know what to look for and can ensure you are putting yourself in the hands of a provider who is on the same page.  Write down a list of questions you want to ask your potential new doctors.
• Decide if you want a large or small practice.  Both have their pros and cons and keep in mind that a large practice has doctors with differing opinions.
• Narrow it down to about three providers and book consultation appointments with each and when you meet with the doctor reiterate that it’s a consultation.  In my experience doctors assume you want to come to them and they have to accept you into their practice.  Don’t be intimidated and remember that you are interviewing them just as they are reviewing your records.
• Ask questions about the hospital’s policies in the labor and delivery unit.

Keep searching until you find the supportive provider that you are looking for!  Here are some other resources that are great for VBAC candidates:

ICAN or International Cesarean Awareness Network

www.vbacfacts.com

Find your local HypnoBirthing center here.

After all of this is it possible that I could end up with another C-section?  Of course it is.  If I don’t get my VBAC at least I’ll know that I’ve educated myself and created a support team who will do everything possible to help me reach my goal and that makes me feel confident.

Epidural or No Epidural: That is the Question

Today I officially start the third trimester.  I can’t believe that in only twelve short weeks we will be a family of four!  I’m so excited to meet my new son or daughter for the first time.

27 Weeks!

I’m happy to say that my pregnancy has been routine thus far.  The baby looks great and besides my extreme nausea that lasted waaaay too long this time, I’ve been healthy.  In the past few weeks I’ve gotten a lot bigger, but I can still put on my socks and shoes so I know I still have a ways to go :).  My only complaint is the lack of sleep because I wake up 20 times per night…boo.

As my due date approaches I think back to the birth of my son and my not so great experience, and I know I want it be different this time around.

When I was pregnant with Philip I was pretty uneducated about giving birth.  I mean, I did what most first time moms do…I read What to Expect While You’re Expecting, and I had a pregnancy app on my phone.  What I did know for sure was what size my unborn baby was in comparison to a fruit or vegetable each week :).  I also made sure I knew what foods to eat and what to avoid and how to safely work out.  I had the pregnancy part down.

However, when it came to actually giving birth, I didn’t think twice about it.  I was scared of the unknown…terrified actually of the pain, but what was there to know?  I would go to the hospital when my contractions were consistently five minutes apart, get an epidural when I couldn’t handle the pain, and have my baby.

Why did I automatically assume that I would need an epidural?  I had never given birth before and had no idea what I was in store for.  All I knew is that everyone got them and I probably would too because why be in pain if I didn’t have to, right?  When I was in labor I was handling the contractions just fine at six centimeters dilated and my doctor told me I should get the epidural then because, “it was going to get much worse.”  So I listened to my doctor and got the epidural because I was scared.

Well…after I got the epidural my labor came to a screeching halt and I immediately got a severe headache paired with awful neck pain.  I later found out it was a spinal headache, a side effect of epidural anesthesia, that isn’t entirely uncommon and that I had no idea even existed and that lasted for over two weeks.  It was probably included in the two-page release I signed before they stuck the needle in my spine :/.  Long story short I ended up with a c-section and I hardly remember holding my son when he was born.

Women have given birth since the beginning of time all around the world without epidurals, so why do a staggering 61% of women in the US choose to get one?  I think a huge part of the problem is how our society instills so much fear around the birthing process.  Think about the last movie you saw with a woman giving birth…I’m sure she was screaming bloody murder and swearing at her husband right?

Also, in the west we always fix pain with pain pills.  If you’re sick, take some medicine.  However, what I now realize is that when you’re giving birth, yes you are in pain, but you aren’t sick.  Masking the pain takes away your body’s ability to read the cues that help you deliver your baby.

Look, I’m not saying its all sunshine and rainbows.  Giving birth is painful and it’s hard work.  I’m also not judging you if you choose to get an epidural because I got one too, remember.  I’m just suggesting you do as much research as possible before you make the decision to get an epidural.  Here are a few things I didn’t know the first time around:

Positives:

• Relief from pain
• Helps the mother rest and relax
• Allows a mother to be awake for the birth while having a c-section

Negatives for the Mother:

• Restricted movement
• IV and fetal monitoring required
• Prolonged second stage labor
• Increased likelihood of bladder catheterization and internal monitoring
• Epidurals interfere with your body’s natural release of oxytocin, which may affect maternal bonding
• You are three times more likely to be given Pitocin to increase contractions
• You are three times more likely to experience forceps/vacuum extraction
• 160% increase in having a c-section
• 25% of women will experience itching of the skin
• 30% of women will experience nausea and vomiting
• 1/3 will experience shivering
• 1:100 experience prolonged and/or severe headaches
• 1:500 ongoing numb patches, usually clearing after 3 months
• 1:200,000 will be crippled
• Respiratory insufficiency
• Allergic shock
• Toxic drug reactions
• Neurological complications
• Backache (week to years)
• Risk of dural puncture
• Urinary incontinence or bladder dysfunction
• Sudden drops in blood pressure
• Nerve injury

Negatives for the Baby:

• Direct drug toxicity as the drug’s used in the epidural pass through the placenta
• Fetal distress (can lead to emergency cesarean)
• Drowsiness at birth, poor sucking reflex
• Poor muscle strength and tone in the first hours
• Neonatal jaundice

(Source)

This is scary stuff and I’m ashamed that I never did my due diligence and researched all of this ahead of time.  This time I say NO to an epidural.  My plan is to go all-natural…

Knowledge is power ladies.