What kind of birth did you have? - Page 5

[fummy mommy]

My first was a hospital birth. I was induced...Dr said my placenta might give out since I was overdue(8 days). We later learned what a DORK he was. Labor was 9 hours, 40 minutes of pushing. When my dds head was crowning the dr pulled my labia apart, I suppose to ease the head out. Needless to say I tore big time and was so swollen for about a week. After that birth experience I felt like I was in a car accident. And b/c I didn't know any better I thought it was great.
My second was a midwife assissted homebirth. So different from the hospital. 3 hours of labor with 20 minutes of pushing. This time no tears and my ds was a pound bigger than his sister! It was truly a great experience.
My third was a home waterbirth or, a water homebirth, however you want to look at it. Labor was long but not hard. This time our midwife got to hang out with us. As my dh said to her it was great to watch her do her magic. 10 plus hours of active labor, 17 minutes of pushing in the tub. My kids and dh were in the tub with me and my dh caught our dd. That was truly an awesome experience! Water was the way to go. It provided us with some special family bonding. I don't think I 'll ever forget that.
Even though my birthing experiences from my first to my third were worlds a part, they were both beautiful in their own way. It is because of my first dd that we changed our lives. For that I'm grateful.

[JesseMomme]

Barefooter,

That is great your story is up there...and it does sound familiar...I will be sure to go back and read it. Take care

[NocturnalDaze]

I had an unmedicated hospital birth with a mid-wife. It was supposed to be a waterbirth but the hospital only had one tub and it was being used. So I labored in a large bathtub at the hospital and only got out right at the end.

The next time though I would like a homebirth, I was too chicken with my first baby and I didn't know what to expect...

Kim

[gratefulmama]

Unmedicated beautiful hospital birth with CNM and my husband. I wanted homebirth but dh couldn't deal with this so I compromised. I labored 9 hrs. at home, was 9 cm on arrival to hospital, stayed 9 cm for a while, pushed 2 hours (1 1/2 hrs not real pushing without urge, 1/2 hr real pushing but still no urge). Had a lot of back pain that no amount of rubbing or position changing touched. Midwife said baby was not posterior, so I don't know what that was.
I second the above comment by maybebaby2 on the endorphin rush! Wheeee!

[grisandole]

I chose "other" because I had a homebirth with a cnm and an md (family practice doc, not an ob/gyn) in attendance. That was ds2, born almost four weeks ago! It was an absolutely wonderful experience, much better than the hospital experience with ds1......it was night and day!

[DancerMom]

Midwife assisted homebirth for us! It was the best experience of my entire life!

[MommaAnne]

I've had 2 hospital births and my last one was an unmedicated birth at a freestanding birthing center. I loved every minute of my experience, it was way way better than the hospital births. I labored in water until I was complete, then I decided to get out of the water and give birth lying on my side on the bed. I left the center 15 hours later and my son spent his first night at home.
I did not give birth at home b/c unfortunately I could not (laws in my province).

Anne

[rwikene]

c-section

This is my first child so I only have her story to share.....

I started out laboring at home, moved to the birth center (as planned) when I was in "active labor" and only 5 cm dialated....labored there for about 4 hours, blood pressure went TOO high, had to move to hospital (30 min away....in the car....sitting up ahhhhhhh)

Hated the hospital, small "labor and delivery" room, got an epidural, pitocin and they broke my water....all interventions I didn't want, but gave in to..... after about an hour they said that they couldn't keep track of baby's heartbeat, which didn't surprise me b/c all through my pregnancy when the m/w would find the heartbeat the baby would move....so the doc decided to do an internal monitor ( I had big objections to that, but they didn't care)

After laboring some more on drugs they said I was fully dialated and ready to push...my midwife had mentioned that she really wanted to get to her son's football game, so she hoped the baby came soon....I pushed a few times, midwife seemed frustrated that the baby wasn't coming down...the doc suggested a c-section, because of CPD. The midwife was supportive of this. :

Earlier on, when they first did the internal monitoring of baby's heartbeat they thought that there would have to be a c-section, the heatbeat was REALLY low

i had the section...was VERY medicated, and spent the rest of that day and the next loopy....all in all, I have to say that I hated this experience, only because I know that it can be so much better

So next time, I can't do a birthcenter (I'm high risk now), I desperatly want a homebirth, but I am very scared about having another unplanned section. I know I labored much better at home, no pressure. I don't know if I will use the same midwife, I think she is the only one in the area who does homebirths though...I will have to check this out

BTW: right after the baby was delivered the midwife left, she made it to her son's game, for what it's worth...

Rachel

[JesseMomme]

[QUOTE]This is my first child so I only have her story to share.....

Rachel,

This seems like it was a very difficult story to share, and I want to thank you for doing so.

I pushed a few times, midwife seemed frustrated that the baby wasn't coming down...the doc suggested a c-section, because of CPD. The midwife was supportive of this.

Your midwife was deplorable and the Dr, ignorant. I can't count anymore how many times woman get "CPD" thrown at them so they can cut the baby out. (You can tell, I do not believe in CPD as a "real" diagnosis)

Earlier on, when they first did the internal monitoring of baby's heartbeat they thought that there would have to be a c-section, the heatbeat was REALLY low -i had the section...was VERY medicated, and spent the rest of that day and the next loopy....all in all, I have to say that I hated this experience, only because I know that it can be so much better

You are right, it can be so much better. You were essentially robbed of the birth you dreamed of.

So next time, I can't do a birthcenter (I'm high risk now), I desperatly want a homebirth, but I am very scared about having another unplanned section.

That birthcenters "won't take" vbac's really burns me...If you desperately want a homebirth, then that is the birth you should shoot for. I think that woman who wound up with c-sections were the ones that would do the "best" in an unhindered labor (e.i. no interventions, lots of encouragment, no "worry/concern" eminateing from attendants at all times). That you labored so beautifully at home is your proof and your truth.

I know I labored much better at home, no pressure. I don't know if I will use the same midwife, I think she is the only one in the area who does homebirths though...

To use that midwife again would be a mistake - I know I am stating the obvious here. If you think she is the only midwife "in the area" look harder. I once thought there were no midwives in my area but asking questions (La Leche League is usually a good bet) led me to know about quite a few. <sigh> A midwive that agrees with "CPD" is a poor excuse for being a helper of woman. What other trouble would she throw at you, kwim?

I will have to check this out
BTW: right after the baby was delivered the midwife left, she made it to her son's game, for what it's worth...

Wow glad you didn't inconvenience her too much! < sarcasm-snort> How long ago did this take place? are you planning on another baby or already pregnant?

It sounds like you are on the right track believe it or not....keep going with your gut. I can understand being scared of another section, the operation seems infamous of taking away woman's trust in their own bodies. (So I also can't count the times woman tell me they are planning "another c/s" because "my pelvis is just too small anyways") Your body works...it just wasn't given a chance at all. Keep reading VBAC stories and research of VBAC....and research of why unnessasary (pardon spelling, I am not awake yet ) c-sections happen.

Best of luck to you and your family, hugs!

[rwikene]

Jessemomme~

Thanks for your support....to answer your question NO, I am not pregnant now....My dd is only 8 mo....I think it will take me awhile to want to be pregnant again b/c of the birth experience I had...

Of course, there is a little voice inside of me that keeps saying "I want another baby now", I have to keep reminding that voice that I HAVE a little baby...we can wait ( I think that voice is my husband, maybe he is talking to me in my sleep )

When I do get pregnant I won't be going back with that midwife, I was also very frustrated b/c when I was laboring at the birth center, she was napping and having another midwife (who I didn't know) check me.....I asked another woman who had the same midwife if she had this experience and she said she did...she also ended up delivering at the hospital and had a horrible experience too.

BTW: this midwife wasn't my first choice, I had another midwife until I was 28 weeks...but she ended up quitting (long story) because the birthcenter that she worked at was under investigation....there had been an infant death, even though she wasn't involved she said it was too much pressure and left.

*sigh* so here I am confused, hurt and scared .....I KNOW this is not how I should feel about childbirth....

Rachel

[deb_n]

Rachel,

I had planned a birthcenter birth myself (birthcenter only since it was quiet, peaceful and better facilities than own home), but after prolonged rupture of membranes we had to go to the hospital for Pit, which lead to a c-section. My lay midwife was extraordinary, allowing me to make choices and so very supportive. She stayed through the inpatient delivery process and acted as my advocate. For example, I was crying slightly while they prepped me for surgery, grieving, of course. I explained to them when they comforted me that it was not fear (I was a former neonatal nurse), just grief. But when my midwife came in, she whispered to me that they were considering giving me Versed (like Valium, relaxes but also dissassociates you from the process), and as a nurse I know that sometimes healthcare workers treat for their own discomfort at my grieving. We stopped THAT from happening, and she was also able to get my son brought into recovery to latch on, able to be with me or my son when my husband was not there.

I know from discussions with her that the insurers in WA state do not cover midwives for VBAC's (in homebirths, birthcenters), but she does do them, it is an individual choice. Not all midwives are the same, as a nurse I was very impressed with my care. What I find most amazing is that in the 9 months of my perinatal care, it was my lay midwife-not the physicians, nurses, etc, who treated me the most professionally, as a participant in my care. The titled professionals, who are proclaiming that they are incorporating this philosophy in their care, have so much to learn.

Something that helped me, and several other local friends who also went through a section, was a healing circle put together by my midwife and a local healer. We shared experiences, socialized and walked a labyrinth with our babies to facilitate our grieving. The healer who worked with us is not so far from you in Everett, if you are willing to do a daytrip to Whidbey Island. She could probably recreate something like that for you, perhaps we could put together another group. Just let me know,

Deb

[USAmma]

I probably don't belong here! :-) I had a hospital birth with epidural. I had decided before hand that's how I wanted it to be, so got one as soon as I was admitted at 4 cm. My labor was very abnormal in that it started suddenly (like on the movies) and was very painful from the start, like searing knives. Cx were off the scale from the start, too, and 1-2 min. apart. I was glad for the pain relief because I know my limits and I wanted to enjoy the birth. I expected it to be a long birth because it was my first, but it turned out labor only lasted 8 hours.

I spent my labor reclining on the bed watching TV and calling friends to tell them of my progress. When the actual pushing time came I had to be woken up because I had nodded off in the wee hours of the morning. Even though I never felt a thing (not even pressure-- it was on high as I requested) they said I was a great pusher and she was born after less than 30 minutes. As her head was coming out I watched in a mirror and gave my MIL instructions for taking photos between pushes! lol! Everyone was so supportive and I felt relaxed and very much in control. It was a beautiful experience all the way around.

I have a friend who is going to do a homebirth because the idea of "being strapped down to a bed with montiors and IV's" scares her to no end, and I respect and support her decision. However, I did not feel confined at all. More like sitting back and letting my body do the work while I rested for the pushing stage. To each her own, I'm just glad we live in a time and place where we can make our own choices.

Darshani

[DiaperDiva]

I had a birthcenter midwife attended birth. it was pretty good, but I wish I could have been at home

[mama2jonah]

I had a wonderful and healing home water birth with ds no. 2.

My first birth was a rather traumatic hospital birth with a CNM -I ended up having pitocin, hemmorageing and having to have methargine(sp?) which I had an allergic reaction to. I couldn't walk upright for an entire week because of a 3 1/2 hr. pushing stage and hellacious hemmoroids.

With my 2nd birth, I labored outside during most of the active stage and only came in when I began to transition. As soon as I got in the birth tub, my water broke and I began pushing about 1/2 hr later. I pushed for about 20 min and caught my precious babe with no outside help. I did not hemmorage or have any other serious problems.

I no longer fear birth. In fact, I look forward to doing it again.

[familyman]

all three at home, such a wonderfull exper dh is now a mw and helping others get the birth they deserve w/110% of our suport

[violet]

I had absolutely the most fabulous unassisted home birth. She is my first and I'd never do it any other way. Four hours from start to finish. Last 2 hours in the water. It was so peaceful and gentle and beautiful. I can't wait to birth again!!! The only thing I'd change is that I'd have an alternitve minded MD lined up to do the postnatal check for insurance reasons because I was really worried about getting in trouble. But other than --absolute bliss.

[Alenushka]

2 hospital

I did not into childbirht with the idea of med free or not. I was sort of waiting to see. I was truly amazed at the xtent of the pain. I had back labor both time because my uterus in the wird tilted postion. Still, I hthought (what a hubrus) that becuase of so many years of youga and marital art I will be fine. With the first one I spent a night at home laboring and then went to the hospital. My water broke at home. I was 3 n and then I wlaked and did many thing and it just would not go any futhre. So, the residnet insiste on pytocin. Well, it sped it up all right but I think I should have some pain relief first. Pytocin makes contractions really abnormally stong. My massage therpist and husband and shower etc etc nothing would help. I started to have really interesting hallucinations. Finally anestisiologist appered. I took a 3 hour nap, woke up with the rude resident proclaiming tha I needed internal monitor which i was refusing. My OB was out of town and her on call doctor came. She sent the resident packing and told me to relax for an hour. In one hour I was almost ready. She did something interesting, she stuck her finger inside and massaged my cervix to make it more playbale. It did not hurt. I pushed my son in 30 minutes. Doctor used warm clothes and minerl oil and even thoguht my son was 8 lbs and had a huge head, i had no tears. He was so alert when he was born. He looked at us as if he met us before.
with the second one it was kind of the same but shorter. Again I labored whole ight at home to discover that I was only 2 sm after 12 hours. They offered pytocin and I agreed after epidural was started. Then it went kind of fast. Maybe 2-3 hours and I was 10. My nurse this time was very old and she procalimed that since the baby is so huge I will be pusing for 3 hours. It told her that the baby will be here in 15 mintus. He was 9 punds, very alert and big headed boy I was right. No tears again. i think I ma really good in pushing becuase I am an action kind of person and i do not ride the waves well.
The first time I felt sad that I could not do it wihout epidural but than I stopped. My main goals (besides the baby, of course) were not to have c-section or episiotomy and I got that.

[Angelmom]

2 kinds

I transfered to a hospital from a birthcenter with my first son; mid-wife attended homebirth with my second .

[MomCarol]

My first was a hospital C-section and second (just 4 months ago) was a midwife-assisted homebirth -- a waterbirth! How wonderful being at home with my husband, 2 yr old daughter and two closest friends. And I ain't no spring chicken either...42 years old. If I can do it, anyone can!

My 2 year old still points to my stomach saying, "George comes down your tummy out your pee pee, Mama?" Lately she's been holding my ankles, saying very demonstratively, "Get that baby out Mama!"

[Chloe]

Tex Suz- don't feel bad that you had to have a cesarean birth because of your anatomy! Sometimes there are good reasons for having one, like that. And placenta previa...

Anyway, I voted hospital birth, because that is what I had with DS1. I had an ob. My ob was out of town, and I had her dr on call...never met the guy in my life I ended up having an episiotomy. Except for some thngs I would change if I could, I had a pretty good birth considering it was in the hospital. I had nubain, which i won't take next time, and i had the pitocin and AROM, which I won't be doing this time!! I'll let my water break when it wants!!!

THis time I am planning, for now, another hospital birth, but with a midwife.

I would prefer a homebirth with a midwife, or unassisted!!!

Francine