How to plan for a UC just in case???

[HappyMamaBeth]

My last (second) labor was about 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish.  I don't EXPECT things to go that quickly this time around with my third baby, but I was thinking I should be prepared just in case?  Yes?  No?

If yes, what would you recommend I do/purchase/have on hand in order to prepare for this possibility?

TIA

[lizzie]

If you do end up with a UC, would you then go ahead and go to the hospital immediately or just relax at home? Would you call an ambulance for the transfer or just drive in?

If you were planning to go on to the hospital, I would say just plenty of chux pads and - depending on whether or not the placenta delivers before you leave or not - something to cut and clamp the cord with (though I would boil some good scissors vs. buying anything... you could boil string or embroidery floss or what have you to tie it off with as well, if you didn't want to buy a clamp). Maybe something for the placenta if you deliver it (a bowl, maybe a gallon plastic bag? depending on if you planned to take it in with you or leave it at home) before you go. I assume the docs would want to see it if you transfer, but good luck getting it back if you want it. :) Maybe a peri bottle to help sort of wash myself off if I didn't take the time to shower, additional chux pads for the car ride in. Maybe do some research on post-partum hemorrhage if you're concerned or have a history of that. I'm sure there's other things women who have done this before (I'm just planning my first UC!) would add to that list.

Some soft warm things for the baby - I guess you'd put baby in their car seat for the ride if you were driving? That seems kind of harsh, but obviously the safest thing to do.

If it went well, and you think there's a chance you'd prefer to just stay home at that point, then I would prepare for a UC as though you'd been planning it all along. And good luck with your birth! :)

PS - Your baby is due on my dh's birthday! :)

[annaconda]

my list started with clamps and chux pads and is now a lot longer... as I am hoping for a UC not just as an outside chance.

In the UC books thread in this forum there's a pdf of emergency childbirth that I'd print out as well.

[HappyMamaBeth]

Originally Posted by lizzie 

If you do end up with a UC, would you then go ahead and go to the hospital immediately or just relax at home? Would you call an ambulance for the transfer or just drive in?

If you were planning to go on to the hospital, I would say just plenty of chux pads and - depending on whether or not the placenta delivers before you leave or not - something to cut and clamp the cord with (though I would boil some good scissors vs. buying anything... you could boil string or embroidery floss or what have you to tie it off with as well, if you didn't want to buy a clamp). Maybe something for the placenta if you deliver it (a bowl, maybe a gallon plastic bag? depending on if you planned to take it in with you or leave it at home) before you go. I assume the docs would want to see it if you transfer, but good luck getting it back if you want it. :) Maybe a peri bottle to help sort of wash myself off if I didn't take the time to shower, additional chux pads for the car ride in. Maybe do some research on post-partum hemorrhage if you're concerned or have a history of that. I'm sure there's other things women who have done this before (I'm just planning my first UC!) would add to that list.

Some soft warm things for the baby - I guess you'd put baby in their car seat for the ride if you were driving? That seems kind of harsh, but obviously the safest thing to do.

If it went well, and you think there's a chance you'd prefer to just stay home at that point, then I would prepare for a UC as though you'd been planning it all along. And good luck with your birth! :)

PS - Your baby is due on my dh's birthday! :)

Thanks!!  I don't think we'd call an ambulance.. I feel like that would be more traumatic than its worth, but I don't really know.  I'm sure if I were worried something was wrong with baby, I WOULD call an ambulance, so there's always that possibility.

Originally Posted by annaconda 

my list started with clamps and chux pads and is now a lot longer... as I am hoping for a UC not just as an outside chance.

In the UC books thread in this forum there's a pdf of emergency childbirth that I'd print out as well.

That must be where everyone starts--I was thinking, in a pinch, chux pads and umbilical clamps would get me through. ;)  I'll go look for that PDF.  Thanks!

[dayiscoming2006]

I'd want chux pads, umbilical clamps or cord tape - cord tape is supposed to be better because it doesn't have the chance of getting snagged that the clamp does, but I read that clamps are fast for an emergency - they are cheap - so I'd get both.

Some scissors you can sterilize for cutting the cord.

Also, some old towels and a designated bowl to catch the placenta in.

depends for the first little bit after the birth and then overnight pads (cloth or disposable.)

Other than that, everything else is extra.

But, personally I'm probably getting around a $100 worth of supplies as I like some of those extras. :) - but I intend to have an UC.

Also, this might come in handy...

http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm16/sunnywallace/UC%20documents/

[tracymom1]

This is a great reference, as well

http://www.1cascade.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=3288

It just goes over all the basics.