in labor...need ideas (update!)

[prancie]

I've been in labor all night, it's all in my back and the contractions are usually just a couple of minutes apart (sometimes longer) but only about 20-30 seconds long.
I have been cat-napping between contractions and spending a lot of time in the shower. (the shower is a god-send)

I've been feeling nauseated all night, especially with contractions, and I know that i need to eat...any ideas on combatting nausea? Any ideas otherwise?

[sweeetpea]

How exciting to be in labor!

A couple of thoughts for you

* Drink Drink Drink as much as you can to stay hydrated. Drink something that will help you keep your electrolytes in balance (gatorade, smartwater, homemade labor-ade, etc...)
* Eat lightly - whatever you think yu can keep down, a couple of bites at a time. toast, banana, protein bar...

*It sounds as if baby might be OP, so you may want to consider some positions/exercises to help baby spin into a more ideal position. I've listed some below - see www.spinningbabies.com for more info.
- Hands and knees, doing pelvic rocks
- Side lunges (have DP support you, or grab the back of a chair while you are doing these) during a contraction if you can, between if you can't.
- Belly lifts (during contraction, gently lift up your belly or have DP do it for you from behind, and gently release a couple of times)
- Belly sifting - hands and knees, have DP stand over you with a long towel/scarf around your belly and gently sift (pulls back and forth)
-Walk up and down stairs, always leading with the right foot. If you don't have stairs available, go outside and walk down the street with one foot on the curb and one in the gutter (If it is dry!)
- Visualize baby rotating into an OA position.

Very often a slow to start labor will take off once baby shifts around a bit.

Good luck!

Sweetpea

[holly6737]

Everything she said!!

Try cheese or some carbs. You're right, you absolutely do have to eat, but I know it's the last thing that's on your mind. I would definely do the side lunges and pelvic rocks. Do you have any juice there?

So exciting!!! Keep us posted and good luck!

[1Plus2]

Nothing to add except that I'm sending lots of good labor vibes your way!!

[sweeetpea]

Just checking in to see how you are doing! Hope you are cuddling a delicious baby!

S.

[prancie]

I am cuddling a beautiful baby boy! Not all went as planned. When the midwife arrived I was 7 cm dialated, in agony with very close back contractions, and we were getting poor fetal heart tones. So we transported and I ended up wth an Emergency C-section. Good news...baby is perfect and was fine immediatley after surgery. He was 8lbs 14oz with a full head of black hair! We had somewhat of a hard time at the hospital, but nothing major. I am convinced that the same thing would have happened had we done it "their way."

I am recovering from the section very well. I only needed pain meds immediatley after the surgery. All the nurses were amazed that I didn't want further pain meds over the weekend.

Henry is nursing like a champ!

[BrooklynDoula]

Huge congrats mama! Welcome to the world little one

[Peacemamalove]

Congrats to you mama!! I can't wait to be holding my little pea!

[1Plus2]

Thanks for the update!!! I am so happy that you and Henry are home and all is well. Happy Babymoon!