Homebirthing and THEN transferring. - Page 2

[ZoeyZoo]

I would look into a post partum doula. They can help with the time afterwards.

I would research the hospital you plan on going to if you want to go that route. I have read some horror stories here on MDC about how the babies are worked up, given abx, etc. from being in an "unsterile" birth among other horror stories. Many people also report being treated like crap.

[zonapellucida]

I agree to definitely do your research. I transfered and HAD to deal with social workers ect but I loved the 24 hour room service, one on one with baby and quiet that I would not have gotten at home. Actually home was absolutely mahem compared to the hospital this last birth.....

[XanaduMama]

Yes, I also wanted to recommend that you make sure you've had the GBS test (and tested negative: do the Hibiclens thing before you test to make sure), and that you take the test results etc with you when you go to the hospital. Just make sure you've covered all the bases. I too have heard horror stories about HB transfers where baby was taken away to the NICU and held hostage for weeks because of fear of infection etc.

Good luck! Sounds like you're doing a great job.

[frogautumn]

I just wanted to tell you how much I admire you for your bravery in sharing your story and for being so pro-active in this situation. My mother committed suicide nearly 30 years ago as a result of ppd. Though I have no memories of her, I miss her every single day.

Considering my family history, I also prepared myself for the possibility of PPD--establishing and maintaining a relationship with a therapist now through several months (or more) post partum is a good idea. EBF, co-sleeping, placenta consumption, and plenty of omega 3 are also good ideas. I second looking into a post-partum doula...two days in the hospital will be over quickly, you want to establish a caring network around yourself that will be there for you for longer than those 2 days.

Good luck, you will remain in my thoughts.

[kimiij]

Originally Posted by frogautumn

-establishing and maintaining a relationship with a therapist now through several months (or more) post partum is a good idea. EBF, co-sleeping, placenta consumption, and plenty of omega 3 are also good ideas. I second looking into a post-partum doula...two days in the hospital will be over quickly, you want to establish a caring network around yourself that will be there for you for longer than those 2 days.

Good luck, you will remain in my thoughts.

So many NMM. I agree with all of this from frogautumn. I think even looking beyond that 2-day hospital stay is a good idea. Connecting with a therapist now would be optimal.

Also, consider a postpartum doula. Many who are in the process of certifying will provide free to cheap services. Good luck mama.

[dancindoula]

It sounds like you are really doing a fantastic job of planning for this babe in a way that will be healthiest for both of you. In addition to what you and pp have already mentioned, have you considered finding your local LLL? That way you can have free access to good breastfeeding support as well as a circle of in-real-life other moms facing all the normal (and sometimes not so normal) baby challenges. I think the more people you can surround yourself with for support, the better it will be for you.

Also, with the placenta, have you considered having your midwife dice it into 1/2" cubes and freezing them so you can just swallow them like taking a pill? I have heard that helps preserve the various enzymes and other goodies even better than drying/pulvarizing for encapsulation.

[NaturalMindedMomma]

- I called to make an appt with a therapist, they gave me a wait of 8-12 weeks, but one called today and scheduled an appt for next weds! :

- I found my local LLL chapter and will start attending in the next few weeks

- I plan on roomsharing/arms reach co-sleeping with this babe and EBF as well

- I also have notified my insurance company, who flagged me as high risk, I get a visiting nurse at home after baby is born, I also get visits from my MW and doula on day 1 and 3. Plus my insurance does call reminders to follow up with my providers. I will also look into a PP doula.

- My placenta, HMMM Not sure I could actually consume it in that form without gagging (mind over matter, I guess) What is the risk in freezing? Would it be less or more potent than pulverizing? HMMM I will have to consider.

[TzippityDoulah]

sounds like you are doing everything right! I especially like the idea of the PP doula and LLL... are there any other birthing circles/support groups out there you could get in touch with? I would try to surround myself with as many supportive people as possible.

[treehugginmama]

You can encapsulate it. You can get more info here. http://placentabenefits.info/index.asp

[smeep]

Torre, you are such a strong and clear headed mama! Realizing these potential problems is, IMO and IME, the biggest key to working through them and hopefully preventing them.

Are you currently getting counseling? Meds? Researching and understanding your bipolar?

Do you have anyone (friends, family) that would be willing to stay with you for a while after the birth, or at least come by every day or every other day? Anyone close who you can trust to call if you find yourself getting out of control? A couple days in the hospital may definitely help, but they may only let you stay so long. I would also research the hospital - if they have care standards that would force separation, put your bf relationship at risk, or otherwise create a negative experience, that would be worth weighing against the potential benefits.

Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you would like me to go into detail on my bipolar management and the early weeks with my son. Of course if you don't want to that's fine as well. Take care mama!