Labor advice wanted

[allismom]

HI ladies! I am 32 weeks with baby #2 on the way. With DD#1 we took the lamaze childbirth class and I delivered with a midwife (as part of a large OB practice) in a Womens Hospital. I had a good experience...no medical intervention, pain meds, IV, etc because there was no time. My labor was very very fast.

I have since read the book MISCONCEPTIONS (familiar??) and have become more educated. I have also switched practices.....one OB and one midwife left the large practice I was with to start their own......I like their philosophy...to spend more time with each patient and get to know them better. The midwife (who I really like) basically delivers all the babies, unless a surgery is needed. She is VERY open to my wishes, desires, refusals of certain tests, etc and I feel comfortable with her.

Because my first labor went so well though, I assume it will this time......in reality though I'd like to be prepared for if it doesn't. I still would like to do it with no pain meds, no epidural and try for no episiotomy this time (last time I tore, and then they also did a cut to keep from more tearing). I don't think the breathing really did anything for my pain the first time around. I'd like to hear techniques and suggestions for if this labor is longer than the first one.

My really tough contractions really only lasted for the 20 minute car ride to the hospital, maybe 30 mins in triage, and then 20 mins of pushing with DD. My position changes involved getting to the car, out of the car, to triage, to delivery room, LOL. Oh, and I did labor on my back, which was maneagable, but I now know, it is not the best.

Give me your best ladies. Or give me some websites to r ead on? I just want to be as best prepared as I can!

[afishwithabike]

Hypnobirth is awesome. Water birth rocks and Hot water therapy is to die for. Recommended reading would be Birthing from within. That is my absolute favorite book on birth. I got it from the library. Breathing in itself is not the best method for "keeping ahead" of your contractions. Standing, squatting, using an exercise ball, and toileting are awesome birth positions. I've done them all. Side laying is fine if you wish for a slow progressive birth (5 hrs with DD), but I stood in the shower with DS until I felt like pushing. Then I toileted. 1 1/2 natural uncounted nobody telling me when to pushes later there was my little guy. You local library should have a lot of resources that way if you find a book you don't like you haven't paid for it.

[allismom]

That book was actually mentioned in the Misconceptions book. Thanks, I'll check my library.

As for toileting, what is that?

[phaeon]

Also try "Active Birth" by Janet Balaskas . She gives lots of good tips for making your labor more efficient.

[veganf]

I'd definitely recommend staying off your back if you don't want to tear. Moving around a lot during labor, squatting, kneeling, on all fours, on your side to rest...but not on your back.
I too read Misconceptions. So glad I never had a hospital birth!!

- Krista
mother to Ryan (3, self-weaned in Nov.), A.J. (2, still nursing), both born at home, and babe #3 (due Aug. '06)!