Labor advice or tips!?

Question

I am 31 weeks pregnant. Is there any advice you can give me about labor? Like is there something I should tell the Doctor I don't want, or do, ANY kind of advice. My baby is breech right now, its a boy and I plan to use pain medication! Thanks

Answer 1

The best advice I can give you is to keep in mind (although it's EXTREMELY difficult) that there is a finite amount of time that you will be dealing with the pain.
I felt like learning about Lamaze breathing was a great thing-I used it during labor with my son, and felt way more in control than I did with my second child. I really couldn't focus with her, and I ended up screaming my head off to the point where the nurses asked my husband to try to calm me down because i was scaring the other patients on the floor.
Also, know that the pain meds only "kind of" work...your inhibitions are lowered, and you're not able to focus as well on the breathing/focal point thing.
But, really..who cares? The bottom line is, it's going to be the most excruciatingly painful experience that you'll ever feel (think your worst menstrual cramps, then multiply that feeling by 8,000, then remember that your uterus is stretched up past your ribcage).
And, as god-awful as labor is, you honestly forget all about it the second you hear your baby's first cries.
Then, you remember again, but in a detached way, because we all love to share our birth stories and terrify unsuspecting mom-so-be.
Congratulations and best of luck.

Answer 2

Read everything you can about labor. The more you know the less anxious you will be. Creating a birth plan is a great way to let everyone (doctor, nurses, anyone else in the room with you) know what your preferences are. It is just an outline of what your ideal labor would be. Included in your birth plan should be who you would like to have in the room during labor. If you would like to be able to walk around during labor. How much communication you want with the nurses or if you would prefer to primarily hear everything from your coach. If you want a monitor placed on your child during labor? The position you would ideally be in during labor. Your preferences on an episiotomy, vacuum extraction and forceps. If you would like to feel the baby's head once it is visible. Who cuts the umbilical cord? Do you want your baby placed on you directly after birth. Your breastfeeding wishes. Even if you don't plan on breastfeeding long term you can have your baby suckle directly after birth. It's a great way to start the bonding. If you have a cesarean would you like someone in the room with you if possible. Who can hold your baby before you're out of the operating room.
Most importantly is to remember that this is your child and you have the right to request anything. If there is a medical reason why they have to or don't want to do something then make it be explained to you in terms that you can understand. If you don't like a particular nurse for whatever reason you can ask that they stay out of your room. Don't worry about offending anyone this is you and your baby's day and everyone should respect your wishes as much as possible.
Good luck and I hope you have a happy, healthy baby!

Answer 3

I didn't take birthing classes, and I made it through just fine. I'm not knocking anyone who did or does, because they can be very helpful. But if you read material on the subject, you can make it through. Read internet articles while you're on Yahoo Answers. My advice is to definitely go with the pain medication if you don't have any hangups about it. I did, and it really saved me a lot of pain.

If you are planning to breastfeed, and I've said this a lot on this forum, as no one warned me in advance, you might think twice about the epidural. I had one, and it relaxed me so much that my nipples were too soft for baby to latch. We had a time getting him to nurse, but once the medication was out of my system, he did fine. I would get the epidural again, but just wanted to warn you about it. If you do have soft nipples, you can ask for a breast pump or bring your own, and start using it right away to bring your nipples out, and to bring the milk faster.

Also, if you want the baby to stay with you immediately for a while, you need to tell the doctor. My son was whisked away without my even seeing him, and I didn't know this was standard for my doctor. I felt like I missed out on our first bonding experience in a way.

You will be all right. If you use medication, ask for it before the pain gets too bad, because if you wait, it sometimes won't work fully. Ask when you're feeling the least bit of pain about the epidural, because it does take a while to kick in, and you won't want the pain that comes during the waiting period. Sorry to ramble. Take care, and good luck! It's the most beautiful experience of your life, and while painful, you'll feel ready to do it again after you see that beautiful face.

Answer 4

There is really nothing outside of what you're taught in a child birthing class. They are really informative and you learn a lot about what will occur. It just prepares you for the real deal, instead of what is televised. I would say look into taking a class - soon. Otherwise, I say, learn about breathing methods and the different pain medications. Many will make you drowsy and some cause you not to feel contractions. All in all, if you take the class, you'll be well prepared.

Answer 5

This is stuff you should have prepared for quite a while ago. Did you attend childbirth classes? I would suggest doing so ASAP if you haven't! They teach you everything you need to know about labor and delivery- many even give you a tour of the maternity ward and let you see some of the instruments that might be used. (A closeup look at the catheter was especially appealing. :P)

If you've already taken classes, it's up to you to create a labor plan- put down your wishes in writing. Remember things might not go as you planned, though, so be flexible. I wanted to have my baby as naturally as possible, and ended up being induced and having a c-section!

Answer 6

Get the pain medicine before you get the epidural. It will help you be more comfortable and calm. The pain meds dont take all the pain away but it shallows it out then the epidural wont hurt as much. That epidural is wonderful. You dont feel any pain.