so many thoughts questions about upcoming vba2c...

[sweetieberlin]

**contains details of my birth trauma, could upset**

I have no clue what to expect...

with my first birth, I had nearly every intervention out there.. I did not labor, as nature intended... within hours of first contraction my water was broken by midwife and internal monitors put in place, I was stuck in bed, lying down, contractions stopped, and I was given pitocin, and it was turned up quite often, my contractions were unbearable (as I hear pitocin contractions are), yet I was given no pain medication, even though I begged for it (I was in another place of mind then, but I often hear of needing medication to deal with pitocin), I was only allowed ice for many hours.. the midwife made me push for 3 hours while dilated to only 9, I wasnt given a break for 3 hours.. When I finally told them I could do no more, they got me ready for surgery (my first break) the rest was what I needed, and finally felt the urge to push, I was then told it was too late, they were ready to do the csection..

with my second birth, I again went into labor naturally, sometime in the night.. In the morning the contractions were quite strong, and close together, 2-2.5 minutes a part, we thoiught it was close, and rushed to the hospital, only to find out I was at 2 cent. and sent home. The pain was intense, and so a few hours later we went back to the hospital, only to have dialated .5 cent. I was told I was probably too little and the baby was too big to be delivered natural, and I would probably go through the whole labor to have a csection again.. that coupled with my past trauma, made the decision to go to surgery then..

now 3 years later, here I am, I am 32 weeks.. I am getting so nervous about my upcoming vba2c..


I am living in a country where I am not good enough with the language to take a class, do I really need one?? I have a few books I have been reading over and over again, will that be enough??

I wasnt able to find anyone who would let me birth outside of a hospital.. I DONT WANT TO BE IN A HOSPITAL!!! At my last appointment, one of my midwives said that when I am in labor, and go to the birth house to be checked by a midwive, (whoever is on call, she will also go with me to the hospital, and stay with me the whole time, just there for me) that if things are going well, we may be able to stay at the birth house for the delivery.. but I guess that means I have to stay home for some time.. without a midwife.. Is it safe??? Should I?? what happens if I have these fast contractions again??

are there things that will safely help labor move faser this time?? Is RRLT safe to drink before a VBA2C?? or could it increase the risk of rupture?

are there any other words of wisdom, thoughts, suggestions, ideas to help me??

I would appreciate it so much..

thank you for reading this..

[MNHall]

For starters, I didn't take a class either. I kind of wish I would have, just because everything I did to focus on my VBAC/natural birth made me feel more and more powerful and more likely to succeed. But, I don't know why, I just never took a class. I guess because I took pointless classes with DS (my c-section baby) and they were so general, like just what to expect, not actually preparing you. And I didn't really search out GOOD classes to actually prepare me for natural labor.

I did however read a lot!!!! A LOT! And every time I put down my book I felt like a million bucks. I felt so confident, like there was no way I was having a c-section. I hired a doula and again, my confidence was sky high! I bet having a midwife with you there could do the same thing..as long as she's 110% supportive. That will be great to have her there with you the whole time!

Anyway, now that I've had my VBAC, next time (not currently pregnant), I'll probably again sort of want to take a class, but not! LOL! But I plan on reading books again, just to build my confidence....it really kept me so positive!

As for raspberry leaf tea, i drank it! I've head it just helps strengthen your uterus! So, as far as I know, drink away, it will only help!

My experience from my VBAC: I was wanting to show up at the hospital in active labor. I did not want to arrive and be "only 3-4cm". I got to the point at home where I was thinking, OMG, if this is NOT labor, there is no way I can handle this. I need to go in and just know what's up! When I arrived, I was 5cm, but 15 minutes later I was 7cm, and 15 more minutes I was complete! So...no wonder I was at that point of thinking HOLY COW, there's no way I can do this! Because, I was almost to transition...when most women start doubting themselves!

And, at this point, having my husband educated and my doula, who knew when I was sitting there saying, I can't, I can't, I can't...they knew I was CLOSE, CLOSE, CLOSE! So, they knew that it was time to focus me, calm me, and encourage me!

So, my advice is to ONLY do things that will keep you positive, make sure whoever will be with you in the delivery room understands what it will be like to be supporting a woman in labor (to the best of everyone's ability of course) and surround yourself with positive people, encouraging stories, and think success!!!

Wishing you the best!

[cairomama]

I did Hypnobabies and it was great for building confidence and staying relaxed and focused during labor. http://www.hypnobabies.com

Since you don't have much time, you might want to get a downloadable program. I haven't done any of these, but you might want to give them a try. Having tools and being prepared can only help you:

http://www.birthdownload.com/ (this one uses hypnosis)

http://www.thepinkkit.com/

http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/...education.html

Just relax and believe in yourself. You can do it!

[JessicaS]

Are you military? You should see if there are classes with any of the military bases.

RRL tea is fine

Check the Germany area of Finding Your tribe

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...play.php?f=300