Labor tips...for those still prego.

[preggymeaggy]

It just occured to me that we have a lot of veteran mamas here, that have gone through this miracle of birth at least once before. (yeah...it took me a little while) Well, I'm a first timer and would love to hear any tips, advice, or just things that you learned/experienced from your past labors. Give us ladies some last minute tips before we all go into labor and have our precious babes.

Do you wish you would have done something different?
Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed?
Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated?
Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center?
Did you eat? what was appetizing?
What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery?
What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought?
What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring?

Just a few ideas, but make up your own..............and Thanks for sharing ahead of time.

[ekblad9]

Do you wish you would have done something different? Unless it was a true life threatening emergency I would never allow them to induce me. NEVER!

Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed? No

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated? At my homebirth they forced apple juice on me and I really can't stand juice in general. Ice water is my fav. I would probably add some emergen-c this time as it's a huge energy booster.

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center? My midwives for my homebirth were awesome but I've never had good luck in the hospitals.

Did you eat? what was appetizing? I wasn't allowed to eat in the hospital but at home I had graham crackers. It was the middle of the night so not necessarily a time when I would've eaten anyway, KWIM?

What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery? Well - I was only 18 and VERY fit so I kept saying "when will this hurt?" It never really did hurt. That is not the case for the five kids that have come after him.

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought? I think being in shape is really important. I have not been in shape the last two pregnancies and I regret it. As far as bringing things to the hospital I liked having my own pillows. I've heard people say to bring one of those "egg shell" bed cover things b/c the hospital beds are so uncomfortable. Especially for after you have the baby.

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring? I"m very modest (probably too modest) so kept the hospital gowns on at the hospital. At home I wore the long sleeved nursing nightgowns you can get from Motherhood maternity. I also wore a maternity swimsuit top when I was in the tub.

[dooney]

What is something you wish someone would have told you?

[butterflymum]

Do you wish you would have done something different? First birth - I wish I had not been induced. Second birth - I wish I had not had so many observers at the birth. (Of course it would have also been nice to skip the nuchal arm which left me with a big tear!) I also wish we had taken more pictures of the labour (not just the birth and the baby).

Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed? In early labor and up to just before transition I do remember the music and it helped a lot but from then on I can't say if it was even on!

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated? Gatorade and water.

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center? having them all arrive was a big relief, then I felt like I could really get the show on the road. Ice cold wash cloths on my face (at my doula's suggestion) were fantastic!!!

Did you eat? what was appetizing? Can't remember what I ate during the first labour and the second one was much faster and in the middle of the night so I didn't have the interest or time to eat...

What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery? Honestly...how incredibly empowering the whole experience was. I am a changed woman from that experience.

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought? That I had access to water (shower and tub) for easing the pain. and for postpartum...AFTEREASE for the cramping which for me both times has been worse than labour.

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring? I laboured in my softest nighty for both births and then when I was in the tub I was most comfortable in either a tank top or my Bravado bra and nothing else. Somehow the water made it feel more private.

[MonkeyPrincess]

Not in your ddc, but thought I'd play anyway...feel free to kick me out!

Do you wish you would have done something different? I never would've agreed to all the u/s, being induced, having pitocin or an epidural, and not that I agreed to it, but the internal monitoring, breaking my water and episiotomy. I would have just had dh and a doula there. Well, actually...I would've had them all at home.

Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed? N/A

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated? Wasn't allowed for the first three (hospital birth) and I had orange juice with my last baby/first homebirth.

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center? Not one person did or said one thing to me that was helpful when I was at the hospital. Other than my first birth, they were nice enough, but I was just a room # to them.

Did you eat? what was appetizing? Yes, with my homebirth - I had a banana and a protein bar.

What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery? The fact that they didn't listen to me. Like *I* wasn't even there.

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought? I was happy to have my chapstick, with my first baby. Nothing in particular with the other one two. And I was super happy to be at home with my last baby - I had everything I could want right there!

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring? I don't think I was aware of the gowns while in the hospital, but I was comfy wearing a very thin sports bra with my last one. Even though it was white! : (Dh started a load of wash when I told him my black one was dirty, but I had the baby before it was done!)

What is something you wish someone would have told you? That I get to have a say in what happens. That I don't have to apologize to the nurses for responding to the pain they caused me. That what I want/need/say actually matters. That I do know what is best for my baby, even if I've only *just* become a mother.

[mom2mimi]

Do you wish you would have done something different? Yeah, not had my mom there! I would have learned my lesson after the first time! I wouldn't change a thing about my homebirth but my first the hospital birth I would change quite a bit.
Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed? I obsessed over Coldplay's Clocks while pg with my son and it was playing while I labored and to this day it's hard for me to hear without crying.
Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated? Gatorade, water, and juice.
Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center?My midwife was very hands off and that was wonderful.
Did you eat? what was appetizing? I ate after about 7 hours when my labor stalled out. I took a short nap and then woke up and ate some delicious fresh cantalope and a popsicle. I wasn't really hungry per se but the coldness and sweetness of it was good.
What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery? How hard pushing was...both times.
What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought? I'm glad I trusted in myself!
What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring? The first time hospital gown, second time I wore a bikini top most of the time since I was in the pool a lot.
What is something you wish someone would have told you? That having a homebirth makes you feel like superwoman! And that caused me to try to go back to normal life too soon and I had a lot of bleeding issues post partum. I plan to veg for as long as I can this time and accept all the offers of help I get. Still it will be a lot harder with a two year old!

[illinoismommy]

Do you wish you would have done something different?

This won't apply if you're having a homebirth, but I had a hospital birth. I wish that I had read Emotional Signposts in Labor (in natural childbirth the bradley way) that way I would have known it was still too early and wouldn't have gotten to the hospital so early in labor!!

Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed?

I didn't listen to music, didn't want it, and didn't pack it this time.

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated?

Water

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center?

Eh no, I really wanted to be left alone though and they kept bothering me with the obnoxious question "on a scale of 1-10 what do you rate your pain?" this time if they try that I will tell them to GET LOST because I don't need to analyze my pain hello....

Did you eat? what was appetizing?

Nope, but I should have, I was too excited, but then my labor went a while and I was extra tired.

What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery?

I can't think of anything...

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought?

I can't think of anything...

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring?

I just had one of those hospital gowns that leaves stuff hanging out, didn't bother me, I didn't have to go home and wash it.... plan to do the same thing this time (unless I feel inspired to be naked : )

[PookieMom]

A lot of things don't apply to me because i ended up with a c-section....but i did go into labor naturally and was able to labor about 12 hours befor they "called it" so here's a few, hope it helps

Do you wish you would have done something different?
I would never have let them break my water so early

Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed?
Oh yeah! It was just "sounds of nature" and stuff like that but it really zoned me out for the first few hours.

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated?
no, wasn't allowed. Gonna do it anyway this time though

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff or hospital?
The nurse me previously labeled as "uncaring" was actually great in hind site! She completely left us alone to do our own thing, which was great. When she went home and the new nurse and doc got there is when they all decided things needed to be "hurried" along.: Oh where, Oh where, did my "uncaring" nurse go????

Did you eat? what was appetizing?
wasn't allowed. Gonna do it anyway this time though

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought?
The baby book! It was so nice to work on after she was born, when things are so new and fresh in your mind.

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring?
I wore the hospital gown and my own house coat and slippers.

[kaybee]

Do you wish you would have done something different?
It would have been nice to have gone into labor on my own, but my induction went really smoothly (baby just needed a little kick start and he was out).

Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed?
No

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated?
Water - my dh actually had a cup in hand while I was pushing, and I'd take a sip between each contraction.

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center?
Yes, they were great (hospital staff and midwife). They followed my birth plan, never asked me about pain or about drugs, and they were REALLY encouraging. When baby's heartrate dropped, they didn't panic, they just gently suggested I try lieing on my left side with a little oxygen...
I loved the warm blanket after birth for me and baby!

Did you eat? what was appetizing?
I arrived at the hospital not in labor. I just ate hospital fare until labor really kicked in. Then I wasn't hungry.

What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery?
It's very intense.

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought?
Hmmm... Not sure

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring?
Hospital gown at first - I can't even remember if I was wearing anything when he finally came out.

[mamabear&babybear]

Do you wish you would have done something different? I wish I hadn't gone to the hospital right away when my water broke and subsequently hadn't let them induce after only 6 hours. I also wouldn't have called anyone to tell them I was in labor and would have been more adamant that I didn't want visitors until baby and I were settled in our room.
Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed? Nope
Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated? Water
Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center? I liked the necklace my nurse was wearing. I made a great focal point.
Did you eat? what was appetizing? I had some sort of popsicle that came right back up, so I didn't eat anything else. I couldn't get enough food after birth though. The hospital kept screwing up what I ordered, so I would often get two meals. I would usually finish both.
What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery? I was surprised how quickly things intensified. I know now that most of that was caused by the pitocin, and I should have forced them to turn it down once I was in labor. I was also surprised by how much adrenalin you feel. I was up all night in labor and not the least bit tired. My poor dh was napping when he could.
What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought? Can't think of anything right now.
What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring? I labored in the hospital gown. Honestly, I didn't really notice that I was wearing clothing at all.
What is something you wish someone would have told you? To trust my body more than anything else.

[umami_mommy]

Do you wish you would have done something different?
nope, we had a wonderful homebirth with my son.

Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed?
well, i didn't pack anything, but i never did listen to the music i picked out, my housemate just sang to me.

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated?
i drank emergen C, but that's not really special for me.

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center?
N/A sorta, my mws were great because they mostly were hands off, but helped me when i needed it since it was a scary process for a first time mom.

Did you eat? what was appetizing?
nope, my labor was too fast.

What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery?
maybe the intensity.

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought?
sooo glad i had a peaceful homewater birth

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring?
totally naked, i can't imagine clothes on while laboring, it's like sex in a wet suit.

my advice: never ever for one minute lose sight of your own power. and if you will be somewhere where everyone will be working to steal your power, make sure you have an advocate that won't take any crap from anyone. you can't go back and fix a bad birth, it stays with you for the rest of your life, so make sure you are fully informed about the process of birth, go into with eyes wide open and never for one minute let yourself be naive... be a strong, powerful, informed, grown up woman! (see jude rose's birth of her twin sons, vaginally, in a hospital)

[timneh_mom]

Do you wish you would have done something different?

Yes, I wish I had never been induced. I delivered vaginally but it took 50 hours. It was horrible and miserable. Looking back, I know we could have done other things and just waited it out. I wish I'd been more patient.

Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed?

Nope! I didn't take one single CD out of the bag.

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated?

Just water.

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center?

The nurse I had for the last 12-13 hours of my labor was awesome! She helped position me (even with an epidural that did nothing for the pain but made my legs numb and heavy) so DS would turn from posterior. She was an angel! Very positive and encouraging, treated me like a person rather than a patient. She was great!

Did you eat? what was appetizing?

I ate early on but as things got more intense, I lost my appetite. I ate like a total pig though when I was done! I was starving!

What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery?

Honestly? That an induction could/would take as long as it did. My friends who were induced labored less than 12 hours! And I thought epis worked. Mine didn't.

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought?

I was going to say, nothing... but it was nice to have my own pillows. That's about it. Everything else we did/brought just didn't help.

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring?

I wore a hospital gown and that was fine. It's easier to toss their stuff that gets wet/dirty in their laundry. Although this time I plan to labor at home as long as I can - so I'll just wear loose, comfy clothes.

Hope that helps!

[Jowchar]

Do you wish you would have done something different?
Yes, I wish I would have chosen to avoid induction, which of course is why I chose midwifery care and a homebirth this time around. Hopefully I won't go postdates!!!

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated?
slurpees- yum

Did you eat? what was appetizing?
with my daughter, i ate a gyro in really early labour. I WILL NOT do that this time around. I had the worst heartburn!!!!- not a good choice

What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery?
that the urge to push was mostly involuntary and very forceful

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought?
lots of extra underwear

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring?
it was important for me to wear my own clothes, so I brought a nightgown to labour in instead of wearing one of their hospital gowns. It was very soft and comfortable and didn't open inthe back.

[jilly]

Do you wish you would have done something different? First time I wished I had gone pee or drank less (my bladder was so full it prolonged pushing). Also, I wish I had moved around more during my first labour -- I took some drugs and ended up just kind of sitting for a while. Second labour I was pretty happy with.
Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed?
Music? Fogot to pack it. Second time around I thought of packing OK Computer, because its good for getting me outside myself, but I just played it in my head instead.
Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated? water

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center? First time around I had the best labour nurse, she was really helpful. I also found it helpful the first time around to have someone help me know when and where to push while I was figuring it out.
Did you eat? what was appetizing? First time I ate pizza early in labour (we went to the mall to do some last minute shopping because the nurse told us it would be atleast another day). Then later I had a plum after my water broke, but it was too close to transition and came up again. Second time I didn't eat anything.
What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery? That there was actually a little person in there.
What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought? Kept walking a lot during the end of my pregnancy and during early labour. Used a birth ball.
What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring? hospital gown
What do you wish someone had told you? My awesome crunchy friend said "Don't think about what's coming. Just focus on one contraction at a time." I think that was great advice. I would also say relax and let your body do its work.

[lanielayne]

Do you wish you would have done something different?

I think my biggest regret with my births would be that I wish I hadn't let anyone make me feel rushed with Liam's birth. I tried to self induce due to being worried I would not have a homebirth and also I had alot of onlookers at the birth that seemed bored and it really affected my feelings over how I was progressing and caused interventions that I normally wouldn't have consented to.

Did you even notice that cool music you obsessively mulled over and packed?

Not with my first birth. I was in way too much pain with the pitocin contracts but I definitely paid attention to my music with my second birth and it helped me relax. Didn't use any with #3 or #4.

Drink anything special to keep yourself hydrated?

Grape juice was my favorite but this time it was water I wanted. Good thing too because I threw up mid labor!

Did you find anything especially helpful about the staff/hospital/birthing center?

I had a good Lactation Consultant with my hospital birth that showed me everything I needed to know and also showed dh how to assist me by bringing me pillows and drinks

Did you eat? what was appetizing?

Not really. Wasn't allowed to with my first and with my others I just wasn't really interested. I munched on a few peanut butter crackers with #3.

What surprised you the most your first time in labor or delivery?

That I had contractions in my legs. Wasn't pleasant at all!

What are you sooooo glad that you did/brought?

I wore my own nightgown. Made me feel more at home and comfortable with my hospital birth.

What clothing (if any) did you feel most comfortable in while laboring?

I didn't wear anything with 2 of my births because I got really hot during transition but this time I wore a tank top and that was comfy though I took it off right after she was born.