Birth Stories

dtolle

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I had both of my children by c-section. They were too large to pass thru the birth canal.
I made the decision to stay awake, so I had an epidural with my son. With my daughter though, they said a spinal would be easier ( thats when they inject the medicine directly to your spinal cord, instead of putting in the catheter from the epidural ). I found it to be much more painful than the epidural. And I also found that the medication wore off much quicker. My surgery with her was about 1 hour, and the spinal was already wearing off in the recovery room. With my son, I had stayed numb for about 3 hours afterward.
No matter how you end up giving birth Anne, I promise you the pain will be well worth the end result. No doubt about it.
You will do fine.
 
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Anne

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Guess what, we're going to take another birth class (or whatever you call them in English) in two weeks. I bet I'll be the only one there with only 3 weeks left before the due date...

The reason for that is that we decided we really want to try and go natural. No inductions, no epidural, no nothing - just plain good old painful vaginal birth
Of course you never know, things will take their own course and we will flow along, but as far as we're concerned that's our birth plan and that's what we'll tell the doctors.

We've been learning a lot about the subject this past few weeks. Turns out that in Israel, like in most American hospitals, the doctors tend to intervene too much, inducing births, and doing relatively a lot of C-sections and using vaccum/forceps etc. They also encourage you to use epidural or at least some other form of pain medication.

In many of the births today, the doctors actively make your water break, or they use Pitocin either to induce or just to speed things up. This causes a lot of pain (rather than a gradual onset of labor, you get very strong contractions all of a sudden) that is too much for most women. That's when you really do need to use the epidural. The epidural sometimes makes it hard for women to feel the contractions at all and they have problems pushing at the right moment. This prolongs the active stage of the birth and causes the doctors to use the vaccum or forceps and if that doesn't work, to move on to a C-section... Not to mention that they end up cutting you up (in at least 50% of all first births) - ouch!

So, in order to be able to cope with the pain of a natural birth, we decided to take a course that focuses on that. Our previos course was very technical, so we know all about that side of the birth, but not enough about natural pain control methods, positions and breathing techniques.
 

spikeadelika

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I had to write up a birth story for my active birth yoga class so here it is, its a pretty long one as they require all the derails

Dear Annabel

I managed to get a look at my notes in the hospital and took down some of the details. On;y reason I have the times so well down as its mostly a bit blurry in my memory.

It all started Saturday in the early hours of the morning. I was up pretty late getting the last of my things organised. I had just put up a list of things for Tarryn to remember to take to the hospital on the front door and finished prepping my birth announcement cards. It was 1 am and Tarryn came up from the restaurant to tell me to go to bed and I remember jokingly telling him I had finished organising everything and the baby could now come out.

At 2 I woke up with the most incredible urge to go to the toilet but was only able to urinate. So I went to the kitchen and had the hugest bowl of bran flakes in I could manage and thought that would sort that out once and for all. Hubby was finished work and watching telly. I then went back to bed.

At 3 I woke again with what I thought may be contractions. But they were not sore in my stomach as expected but immense pressure again on the back passage. I went to the toilet and was it I had mild dioherea. And mucous discharge tinged pink. I thought it must be the bran flakes working. But was not sure about the discharge as it had been all week a clear discharge and only now had it turned pinkish. And was sure the supposed contractions were fake ones. This continued to happen and I started timing the contractions and they seemed 8 - 10 minutes apart. Hubby had fallen asleep on the sofa so I left him for the time being. With every contraction I needed to sit on the loo and urinate.

At 5 I woke hubby and told him I thought it may be time but was not sure, he timed the contractions and I used the breathing to get through them (THANKS !!). But the contractions were still not strong in the stomach just back back back. I could not sit on the birth ball as the pressure was unbearable and just wanted to stand or sit on toilet. I called the hospital and they said to stay home till I was sure. I put on my tens machine and it did help a bit but not much.

So we continued. At about 7 the contractions were getting closer but no change in strength. I called the hospital again and they said stay home till you're sure.

At 8:30 the contractions were between 4 and 6 minutes apart and I told hubby to pack the car I was not calling the hospital as I was just going in if this was not the real thing I would come home but I needed positive confirmation NOW.

We arrived at Kingston at 8:30 and they monitored me for 20 minutes she said the baby was fine, but there did not seem to be any real contractions going on. She did an internal, very painful, I used the breathing again and discovered that I was 3cm at this point. So they were not sending me home. PANIC SET IN. I started using Arnica and planned to take one every hour and did manage most of the day with that. I also used water with Rescue Remedy in throughout.

I got into a bath in the hospital and this really eased the pain but I was on my back and so decided to get out and move about. I was pretty tired at this point, only having had an hours rest. My sister was on her way from Camberly and hubby was doing fine with me but very scared by all the pain and noise I was making. I used Kali Carb to try and help with the back.

At 10:30 I decided to ask for an epidural, as I could not bear the pain and then used the gas and air till the anaesthetist arrived. I did not want to have the pethadine. The epidural was given at 11.

I alternated sides and the epidural was fine, it was a mobile one and I was able to move around quite fine. There was still a lot of pressure but it was bearable.

At 12 I was unable to pass urine so they inserted a catheter, and my waters broke around the same time. They gave me another internal and I had dilated to 6 cm so all was going well but the contractions were not showing up strong on the monitor irregular and not really peaking. Every now and again we would have a whopper but they would go away again.

At 1 I had a heavy blood loss, contractions were 2/3 in every 10 but still not strong. And the pressure had appeared to have eased when I told them this they did another internal and I was 7 cm, the doctor wanted to give me the sintocinon. I tried using the gelsemium to get it all going, but it had no effect. I asked if I could get Shirley Anne in as she had offered to if they needed to get things going but the doctor said no it was not a good idea. I tried to stall them as I really did not want the sintocinon. They said I really needed it as the contractions had not been strong all day I had no more pressure and the dilation seemed to have slowed down aswell they agreed to give me a very low dose to see if it was just a little nudge I needed.

At 2 the sintocinon was given and I was told it would be reviewed at 4. I had to remain on the bed due to all the monitoring and the drip and catheter. I tried to sit up and forward but the baby's heartbeat dropped below 100 so could not and alternated sides. I managed to relax and may even have had a sleep at this point. At 20 past the contractions were not picking up and by 40 past they started to pick up again.

At 3:30 I started feeling very nauseous and had a bad headache.

At 4 the contractions were 4 in 10 but not long ones. The pressure had returned a bit but I was not dilating and was still 7cm and I now had a temperature.

They decided to increase the dose of cintocinon and wait another 2 hours to see how things were going to go.

At 5 I was still feeling nauseous and vomited.

At 6 o'clock they did another internal, I was 8 cm but not fully effaced on the one side, and the baby was in the back to back position. The midwife did a sweep. The contractions were 5-6 in 10 and still weak. The doctor said that the baby had been under some distress in the last hour but it had returned to within acceptable range. She said I could opt for a c-section at this point if I wanted to, or I could go another 2 hours at which point the decision would have to be made. I decided to give it the 2 hours. They said if the baby was at all distressed though in the 2 hours we would have to go straight into theatre. They again upped the dose of cintocinon.

At 7 contractions 3 in 10.

At the 8 review things were still the same as before the cervix was still thick on one side but it appeared to be the opposite side to the last time ( I was not sure that was possible ?). We needed to make a decision. The doctor allowed me to try for one last hour and said at 9 if I was not ready to push we would have to go for a c-section.

At 9 contractions 4-5 in 10
At 9:15 contractions 3-4 in 10.

Another internal was done at 9:20 and I was now 9cm but still not fully effaced. The baby had started to turn but was not fully in the right position. The decision was made to go for an emergency c-section.

I went into theatre and they cut at 22:05 and Joshua was delivered at 22:15. It took 3 attempts to get him out as he was well wedged in. He weighed in at 9lb5 (4.25kg). The top up epidural they gave me numbed me right to my fingertips and I was unable to lift my head to look at Joshua or hold him. I was incredible sleepy and felt totally out of it and cannot remember too much about what went on in there.

I also lost a lot of blood 1 1/2 litres and I needed a transfusion in the morning.

I was really upset I had not been able to feed him straight away and cannot now remember when the first feed was. He got jaundice and lost more than the 10% body weight allowed, and we had to stay hospital for 6 days. We had to top him up with a bottle in hospital to get over the jaundice. Had one very stressful night with him under light screaming and not eating. And another 2 fairly stressful ones. The doctor came and had a chat to me, and told me that there was absolutely no way a natural birth was going to happen as I was not going to fully dilate and that when he had turned he had actually gotten stuck and so would not have descended any further. My cut healed very well, I continued with the Arnica and also alternated Hypercium and Bellis Per. They were actually surprised how quick it healed and how soon I was up and about as I was walking around within 24 hours.

But we are home now and all is going well. The breastfeeding is going along nicely now and I think we are getting there with him. I have not had to top up with a bottle at all yet at home and he has picked up 400g.

Wish all the girls well from me and good luck. And I look forwared to seeing you all again in the post natal classes.

Janine.
 

hissy

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The details were so intense you took me right there with you as a reader. I am so glad it turned out well for you and Joshua. Congrats on your new baby once again! Happy Parenthood!


Anne may need to put some baby smilies in her collection soon so we can use them as well...
 

melissa

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Thats a good idea, baby smilies
I took a journal with me to the hospital when I was in labor with my son. I wrote down everything, its so neat to look back and read what I went through
Janine,I hope you enjoy your new status as Mommy, its an awesome experience
 
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Anne

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All I have to say is... check out the new smilies...


:teddy:

Janine, I've just went through your story once again. Thank you for the detailed report. You know, in Israel statistics show that 17% of all births end up as a ceasarian (not includint elective ceasarians, where you know in advance you're going to have one). I was especially interested in how the baby changed position during labor. Was he in head position before you went into labor?
 

spikeadelika

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Anne he was head down a few weeks before but was with his back to mine so not ideal for natural birth. He did twist around during labour and started to be in the correct position but got stuck.

I have been told walking on all fours and sitting in an upright chair can help for good birth positions. Also never lie on your back and avoid reclining in a chair as much as possible, very difficult when you want to sit on the sofa and watch telly.
 

vlinder

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Anne!!

I hope all is going well for you and the planning of your birth! I just wanted you to know that I DID go natural when I had Jade three weeks ago! It was SOOO hard, and I thought I would never do it again.. but now that I think on it, I totally would do it all over again!! It is such a great experience!

My first water sack broke at 2am and I started having minor contractions. SO we went to the hospital where I labored for 12.5 hours. I was able to use the birthing tub and was hooked up to portable monitors so as not to be strapped to the bed. I walked around the hospital and then after 10 hours I got so tired and exhausted I had the doctor come and break my 2nd water sack. (I had 2) The contractions were so bad after that and I had really hard back labor. I wish I had had a doula there to help me, but I had really great support from family. I gave birth on my back which was what I really did NOT want to do since it defies gravity and makes for a longer labor. But I chose that position since everything else I tried to do hurt so much!! I pushed for half and hour and the sensation of feeling her head and body come through is something I cannot put into words!! Natural vaginal birth was awesome! NOt something I'd reccommend to everyone!! But it was so worth it and I would totally do it that way again!

THe biggest thing is to be well educated and ready to accept the challenge! Good luck and I can't wait to hear how it goes!!

BTW, any one interested in non-d rugbirth control can purchase a copy of my birthing video for a small copying fee!! HAH!! just kidding, although I bet after watching me scream my head off on it will deter a few people from taking the plunge!! Hee hee!
 

nena10

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Hi Vlinder! Welcome back to the site. We missed you! And congratulations on the birth of Jade. I don't know about anyone else but I want to see PICTURES!!!!!
 
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Anne

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Congratulations!!! I do think this merits a special Jade thread
with pictures!!!

By the way, as little Ron is stubborn and decided to stay in breech position despite the doctor's efforts yesterday, I'll have to have a C-section
Not my dream birth, but there's nothing much I can do about it now...
 

spikeadelika

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Vlinder - Congrats, well done !! Can't wait to see the pics.

Anne - Don't worry, the end result is the same, and it will all turn out ok in the end. Maybe he will still turn at the last moment you never know. When do you plan to go in for the c-section?
 
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Anne

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They plan to arrange the operation for sometime after full 40 weeks, which should be in two weeks time. I hope to go into labor earlier than than and then they'll just take me into the OR as soon as we get to the hospital. At least I won't have to worry about how dialted I am
They'll take me in as soon as they see major contractions or the beginning of dialation, or as soon as my water breaks.
 

dtolle

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Anne, I am sorry they couldn't get the little guy to turn around for you.
But, don't worry, a csection will be fine. Just remember to relax, sometimes your nerves can make it worse.

With both of my csections the hospital I was at made me walk as soon as possible. That is so important. It will hurt so badly, but the more and sooner you move the quicker your recovery will be. I am living proof. I walked within the first day, and I was up and around and home within 5 days and feeling fine. I even drove to the airport to pick up my mom when my daughter was less than a week old, and I was able to pick up the stroller and take both my kids. So, get up and walk quickly!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck to you. I hope everything goes wonderfully for you and your family.
 

vlinder

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HI Anne!

Sorry to hear that you'll have to C-section your baby, but yes, the end result is all the same!! Don't know how much you've looked into it, but when I was taking my natural childbirth classes, they touched on a few things you could do yourself to turn a breech baby. I know one of the things to do was squatting. I can't remember what else but I can surely look up my notes.

Well, just wanted you all to know that I am up and running now on my home computer!!! I finally got a JUNO account and should be making my daily visits once again... hopefully!! Jade is a handful!! I don't have any pics on the computer yet, but I'll have to borrow my mother-in-laws digital camera for you all. But I don't know how to post pictures! Is there a thread I can refer to for posting digital pics?? Let me know!!

Well, I think I finally got the little one to bed. I'll see ya'll tomorrow!!

LOVE!!
 
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Anne

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Posting pictures is real easy. When you post, scroll down and under the line that specifies the options, you'll see a line that lets you attach a file. If you attach a picture file (JPG or GIF) it will show up in your post.

By the way, I do know about the positions you're supposed to practice to get the baby to turn, but they are effective only in earlier weeks. Right now, he is sitting snuggly in my pelvis, so chances of him turning are slim (though not non exsitent). For now, I'm learning a lot about Ceasareans and how to recover from them (thanks Daniella!).
 
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