I am planning on my first UC (if all goes according to my plans). It will be my 3rd baby. It will hopefully be a UC because I am tired of doctors "helping" me birth. I haven't had any really terrible experiences but I just don't need all the "help" and interference.
Anyway, down to my questions. I would like to know from others who have been down this road already if I am prepared and informed enough to be able to think of myself as making an informed and responsible choice.
I have prepared by doing the following:
-Doing a lot of reading and youtube-ing on the topic.
-Studying the complications that can occur and their solutions (ie Nuchal chord, breach delivery ect).
-I've printed out a first aid birth booklet.
-I still am going to go through the motions and "rehearse" before the big event just so I can prepare myself for the whole birth and so I can practice being, and staying, in a calm state of mind.
The above just doesn't seem like much for having a UC but on the other hand, I suppose you don't need much to begin with. What's your opinion as to my preparations, are they sufficient? I think most of the preparation is a mental preparation for me.
I also have a stethoscope a digital thermometer and a blood pressure machine but I don't think I will even be needing those things.
I also live 2 minutes by car from our small local hospital, just in-case.
One thing I don't have is my husbands support. He is afraid of the situation. With that attitude I would rather let him sleep through the event if it takes place at night. Where I live the health care (including childbirth) is paid for by the Gov't so hubby would rather I did it at the hospital.
PS I have read posts from mothers wondering if height makes an issue during labour and I just want to say that I am 4'8" and I did it twice. The first took 4 hours of real labour and the second was 5 hrs. I had no complications whatsoever, and tearing was minimal, I didn't need stitches. I suspect even that could have been prevented had the doc provided a little more time for baby to crown and everything to stretch. But she's a good doctor. I haven't told her my plans for UC because I know she will think I'm crazy and I don't want trouble.
Websites and things I found inspiring and helpful for my UC:
-en.hesperian.org
-mothercultureone.com (she also has her birthing videos on youtube. She is sooo amazingly calm through her births.)
-bauhauswife.ca See her birth videos. Also has a down to earth way of life that I find inspiring.
Anyway, down to my questions. I would like to know from others who have been down this road already if I am prepared and informed enough to be able to think of myself as making an informed and responsible choice.
I have prepared by doing the following:
-Doing a lot of reading and youtube-ing on the topic.
-Studying the complications that can occur and their solutions (ie Nuchal chord, breach delivery ect).
-I've printed out a first aid birth booklet.
-I still am going to go through the motions and "rehearse" before the big event just so I can prepare myself for the whole birth and so I can practice being, and staying, in a calm state of mind.
The above just doesn't seem like much for having a UC but on the other hand, I suppose you don't need much to begin with. What's your opinion as to my preparations, are they sufficient? I think most of the preparation is a mental preparation for me.
I also have a stethoscope a digital thermometer and a blood pressure machine but I don't think I will even be needing those things.
I also live 2 minutes by car from our small local hospital, just in-case.
One thing I don't have is my husbands support. He is afraid of the situation. With that attitude I would rather let him sleep through the event if it takes place at night. Where I live the health care (including childbirth) is paid for by the Gov't so hubby would rather I did it at the hospital.
PS I have read posts from mothers wondering if height makes an issue during labour and I just want to say that I am 4'8" and I did it twice. The first took 4 hours of real labour and the second was 5 hrs. I had no complications whatsoever, and tearing was minimal, I didn't need stitches. I suspect even that could have been prevented had the doc provided a little more time for baby to crown and everything to stretch. But she's a good doctor. I haven't told her my plans for UC because I know she will think I'm crazy and I don't want trouble.
Websites and things I found inspiring and helpful for my UC:
-en.hesperian.org
-mothercultureone.com (she also has her birthing videos on youtube. She is sooo amazingly calm through her births.)
-bauhauswife.ca See her birth videos. Also has a down to earth way of life that I find inspiring.