I think we've decided

[babycatcher12]

It's been kind of funny for me. I had an unplanned UC in 2010 (and HBA3C) when my labor went so quickly the midwife didn't make it. It was fantastic! 

Now I'm pregnant again, after two early second trimester losses, in a new location with virtually no options for VBAC. There aren't midwives willing to travel to me (the closest one is 4 hours away) and there are no docs willing to do a VBAC. The funny thing about it, is that my husband has been more supportive and more comfortable with the whole idea of a UC than I thought he would be or even I was at first. My biggest concern this time is that after both of my recent losses (at 14 and 15 weeks), I had retained placenta  and hemorrhage that required surgical intervention. I know it's fairly normal for early losses like that, and really with one it was more that the placenta had detached but couldn't come out because my cervix had already closed down. So I'm trying to make peace with that. 

I do have some questions though...

What do you have on your recommended reading list? For moms? For dads? 

I've read a lot about different herbs but I'm having trouble really sorting it all out and narrowing it down. What are some must haves?

As a previous c/s mom, I would like to have one sono just for placenta placement. Are there resources out there rather than having to establish and then stop care with an MD? We don't currently have a family doc because we just moved. 

Did you or would you have a "cheat sheet" for dad, like things to monitor/watch for, what to do afterwards etc? (I'm a huge planner kind of person and know that right after baby is born I won't be in "manager" mode) 

Is there a good resource for finding out how to get the BC? (I know probably the most common question ever). We are in Kansas. I've been to their vital stats website and can't find anything helpful. 

What other advice or resources would you have for us? 

Thanks in advance!

[darkblue0729]

Congrats on your pregnancy and on your decision to UC mama! I will have more time later to do a longer post, but for now, I would recommend that you and your DH read and Emergency Guide to Childbirth by Greg White here's a link to a pdf copy http://www.rixafreeze.com/pdf/gregorywhite.pdf ...I know that you've already had a successful UC so probably not essential, but it's a good informative handbook style read. Ina May's guide to Childbirth is awesome if you haven't already read it...and any midwifery texts if you are able to get your hands on some might be good for your DH to read. For herbs-I think a salve of St. John's Wort, Comfrey, Witch Hazel, and plantain leaf would be beneficial for postpartum discomfort in your nethers...Mountain Rose Herbs sells a basic St. John's Wort and Comfrey salve inexpensively http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/salves/salves.php#sa_balm_cs and Earth Mama Angel Baby sells a nice bottom balm that is a bit pricier but contains a more varied ingredient list http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/pregnancy/mama-bottom-balm.html

I think having Shepherd's purse on hand is essential-it acts as pitocin does albeit in a much more gentle fashion and is amazing at stopping postpartum hemorrhage, Wish Garden has an inexpensive tincture with *just* Shepherd's Purse http://inhishands.com/Shepherd-s-Purse-1-oz.237 but they also make another tincture called Wombstringe that includes other womb astringents such as Bayberry and Motherwort which are also good at slowing and/or preventing bleeding http://inhishands.com/Wombstringe-1-oz.240, you may want to have Blessed Thistle and Fenugreek on hand for a milk supply increasing tea afterwards, you may want Goldenseal powder to treat the umbilical cord....I don't know about the birth certificate rules in KS sadly, as I am in Utah and here things are pretty darn lax, lol. As for a postpartum plan, I would start thinking about the things that you know you will be concerned about during and immediately after the birth and focus on delegating as many of those things as possible to those around you who can help so that you don't have additional worry. We keep a manual infant resuscitator bag on hand (one of those weird just in case hang ups of mine) and the AHA sells them http://shop.aha.channing-bete.com/onlinestore/storeitem.html?iid=173341...all in all mama I hope you have the birth of your dreams! I will post more later, HTH!