Information Required

[Rainbowbrite]

Hi again,

Just want to put a couple of questions out there that no-one is willing to asnwer for me. They are very direct but I need to know these things for my peice of mind i guess. More than anything want to atleast have an idea of what to expect.

I'm 24yo, , & currently 33 weeks pregnant with my first (but who's counting :p ) so the impending delivery is not to far away, just hoping that i follow in the footsteps of my mum and sister and go in early. Can't wait to have her.

Ok now to the question;

1. How much will a waterbirth reduce the pain. I'm wanting to have one, as i don't want to use painkillers if i can help it (i say that now)

2. Is it true you forget "everything" after the birth?

3. What is it like delivering the "afterbirth"?

4. How long will i bleed for afterwards?

5. Does breastfeeding hurt?

6. Kind of on but a bit off the main topic of the actual birth but, intercourse lately has been painful (which is soo annoying because i would love to do it more ofter :o ), is this normal?

I know that these may sound like silly questions, but i do want to know the answers. AND it is alot easier to ask them in an annomous environment. People are never willing to delve to much into things in the "real world"

Thanks guys, and i hope that no-one gets offended by what i'm asking.

[shellbell]

hi rainbowbrite

firstly, don't be scared or embarassed by asking q's - how else are mums-to-be expected to learn ?? and i've found that mums are always willing to help another mum... so feel free to ask anything.

secondly, congratulations on your pregnancy. i hope you've enjoyed it, but the best is yet to come

in answer to your q's, these are my feelings/opinions. i don't consider them to be THE RIGHT answers. i reckon you'll probably get a lot of different responses

1 i didn't have a true waterbirth (as in, in a bath tub) but i did use the shower for a really long time during labour and the heat and pressure of the water were awesome. its great to have your support person have one shower head on your back and you or the midwife hold one on your belly. walking and moving is great too. just be prepared for medical intervention if necessary. its better to be completely open minded about the whole thing, rather than getting upset/disappointed if things need to be done differently. having said that, i gave birth to a 10lb4oz boy 12 wks ago with no drugs, just lots of showers and movement, so its absolutely do-able

2 i certainly forgot the pain (though i knew it hurt like hell) after my first baby. otherwise, women wouldn't go back for more :)

3 i found delivering the afterbirth a piece of cake, it didn't really hurt, and i was too busy cuddling and gazing at my bundle of joy to care. (the same goes for getting stitches, if you need them)

4 bleeding was pretty heavy for the first 4days to a week, then tapers off, like a period. some books say 6 weeks, but its not full-on bleeding for that whole time, i think i'd stopped by 3 weeks

5 breastfeeding didn't hurt for the first few days for me, but once my milk came in (third night/fourth day), i found feeds getting progressively more painful. this was because both of my babies had attachment problems, but if you have these problems, there are lactation consultants or government clinics that can help. believe it or not (and i didn't, but do now) breastfeeding, when done right doesn't hurt, but it takes practice and perserverance. good luck, if you choose to give it a go

6 as for sex, i'm definitely not the one to ask :p i could not have cared less about it when i was pregnant, much to my hubby's dismay. but from what i've read, thats normal ... i know that probably doesn't help :)

sorry to go on and on, but as you can see, i ( and i reckon a lot of others out there) don't mind talking about the 2 most amazing experiences of my life. feel free to keep the q's coming, i'm sure you'll get lots of advice. good luck and be sure to keep us informed ...

[Lucybelle]

Here goes-
1 - A waterbirth - properly supervised, can very much help reduce pain - it really worked for me, but I delivered on 'dry land.' Have you already organised this? Lots of hospitals won't do a waterbirth so check this out asap.

2 - I suppose we must forget, cos most of us come back for more. I think the euphoria you feel when it is over is AMAZING, and helps alot.

3- The afterbirth doesn't really hurt, I hardly noticed, except for the fact I refused the injection to help bring it on - I didn't think it necesarry (and it wasn't).

4- The bleeding depends - its variable.

5 - Breastfeeding does not hurt, but it can if baby doesn't latch on correctly. Make sure the midwives show you until you are confident. Try not to worry.

6 - Try doing it on your side with a pillow under your tum. Hehehe

Don't worry about asking these questions!! I'm sure you'll have lots of honest anwsers.

One thing I will say though - you can get to a point during labour when you think its getting too much and you can't handle it, remember if you can that this can be "transition" and means you are getting very very close to the finish line. I specifically asked my sister to remind me if I felt this way and it helped. Always darkest before dawn!
O.K 2 things - pushing baby out felt like doing a huge No 2. No one ever told me this and I wish they had, because first time I couldn't push properly until the midwives told me. TMI?probably - but its true!

[Rainbowbrite]

WOW, thanks so much for the honest and quick responses.

And to the waterbirth question, I am hoping to deliver at the local hospital (Wyong), though may have to go to Gosford because my BMI is too high :rolleyes: and they take only the "easy births" in their words. It is annoying because i live around the corner from Wyong, and Gosford is a good 45min drive. But spoke to the midwives on Sunday and they have said that at 36 weeks my files will be reviewed by the Dr and we'll go from there. If the only reason is my weight, then i should be fine. Don't come from a small family, mind you i'm only in a size 14 clothes normally (14-16 in maternity). I don't pretend to be skinny, but i'm certainly not obese (though height weight charts will argue that).

Basically Wyong is BRAND NEW. Had a tour on Sunday and they have 3 birthing rooms with huge corner baths. I just find that with the hydrotherapy i'm having for Symphis Pubic Dysfuntion, that the warm water is soo relaxing and soothing (can't stop yawning in there). Also Wyong, being new has all single rooms, the only downside is that they do not offer Epidurals, which with the Pelvic problems is not recommended.

As for pain, i am open believe me. I'll take help if i need it, not strong enough not too i don't think. I'm just hoping that the gas will be sufficient for me.

Thanks again guys, if i think of anything else i'll be sure to add it. As you said, how else will us first timers know what to expect :D

[Taylor & Lachlans Mummy]

1. How much will a waterbirth reduce the pain. I'm wanting to have one, as i don't want to use painkillers if i can help it (i say that now) Dont know about this one

2. Is it true you forget "everything" after the birth? You do long enough to have another child, but you start to remember things later.

3. What is it like delivering the "afterbirth"? Nothing compared to labour

4. How long will i bleed for afterwards? depends on your body, I bled for 2weeks with my first & 1mth with my second

5. Does breastfeeding hurt? It can if you get cracked nipples or mastitis but otherwise not really

6. Kind of on but a bit off the main topic of the actual birth but, intercourse lately has been painful (which is soo annoying because i would love to do it more ofter ), is this normal?
Yes it is so try using lube, it helps sooo much

[shellbell]

just a quick add-on rainbow. make sure you ask about the baths at wyong. i had my babies at the rbwh in bris. all of their birthing suites have corner baths, but they make you sign a form (from memory) saying you understand that they cannot be used. which really sucks

[Kirsty Stewart]

:) :) :)

Hey there, your not asking anything offensive at all. In fact your just asking all the normal questions.

I had my first child (a boy Lachlan ) in May last year. I was 23 I was so excited that not only was i going to have a baby but I was going to expereince CHILD BIRTH. I was so excited I read everything and i mean everything.

I ended up have no morning sickness through my whole pregnancy which was fantastic. I didn't even think i was in labour when i was. So when I arrived at the hospital at 11.30 I was checked I was 3 cm and in labour so I was admitted and at 2.12am I had not only been through the most amazing expereince of my life but i had a beautiful baby boy!

So to answer a few of your questions.

I had my son at the wesley in Brisbane and they don't have a bath so i spent most of the time in the shower with my husband rubbing my back through each contraction it really helped me. Some people don't kile being touched during labour but i craved it I just needed my back rubbed and it made me feel like i could work with each contraction especially with the warm water on me.

I did have a small dose of pethadine ( which for a bit of knowledge i found to be of no help to me) and i tried gas ( it was o.k. but i did feel a little sick sucking on the thing) I went from 3 to 7cm in and hour and i was contracting every 1.5 minutes fro about 45seconds so my labour was quick but very intense as i didn't really get a lot of time to dilate nice, slowely and stretchy. I dialated quickely but hard and I ended up having a episiotomy but i only recieved 4 stiches so i can't complain really. ( and yes getting stiches didn't really hurt to much)

Yes you do forget the pain afterbirth but you are also well aware of what you just did. Your body has a wonderful way of helping you foget and it had so much work to do after you given birth is just gets to it.

The afterbith is fine i just had to give a little push and it came straight out the OB checked it and it was all done.

Bleeding is different for everyone some people bleed for 2 some bleed for 6 but don't worry it does slow down even in the first week.

Breastfeeding can hurt. But just listen to the midwifes and it does start to hurt ask them to watch you feed. I had pain on one side and i showed the midwife and she showed me a different was and it felt so much better straight away. It often only hurts when your milk first comes in. It has to ajdust to feeding to. once you get into a routine your breasts will to. Just make sure any bumps on your breasts that hurt make sure you massage them out as best you can.

Just remember everyone is different and will have a different stroy. Just read and ask questions and you will gain enough knoweldge to be aware of what to do. Just be open minded and remember enjoy YOUR EXPEREINCE it is wonderful even if it does hurt. Oh i had the most amazing midwife she helped me from start to finish it was like she knew what i was capable of and pushed me to my limits.

I also told my husband what i wanted even if i was screaming for an epidural i told him to tell me you can to it hunny and to just encourage me and tell me what a good job i was doing and he did he was amazing and becasue of them both i actually had the birth i wanted.

So good luck and enjoy and just remember as long as you and bub are healthy everything else is o.k

Kirsty
mum of Lachlan

[camstar]

Hi and congrats,
I'm 35 weeks with my 2nd (and I am counting!). 1- I haven't experienced water birth but am trying for one this time. Everything I have read on WB say it's a wonderful experience ( ;) as wonderful as pushing a huge object out of a small and sensitive crevice can be :eek: ) It reduces the chance of tearing and can be less horrorfing for the child. As statictics go women who waterbirth are less likely to ask for or need drugs. 2- I don't know that you forget everything but things are pretty hazey after, but other thing you just don't notice, like how I had no idea I had poo coming out as well as a baby,my sister filled me in (thanks sis!).3- Afterbirth I leave to somone else (mine was surgicly removed). 4- Bleeding varies but usually around 6 weeks. 5- Breastfeeding is fine unless your get cracked nipples, then it hurts like hell, but there is alot of support out there and if you get your baby latching on properly you shouldn't have any probs. 6- The last question I not to sure it could be irritateing a infection, like thrush (very common in pregers), but it might be best to get that one checked out. I hope I've been helpful and I wouldn't worry about offending anyone, motherhood is full of this stuff :D, there will be plenty more to come! :)

[redMaple]

Hi

I’m 23 and expecting my second in oct, I don't think your q's are silly or offensive.
although i've been through it once it makes me no expert - every labour/ pregnancy / person differs so i don't even no what to expect second time round!

Oh, and i wanted to go early too but apparently first timers are commonly +40wks, mine was +6days, but hopefully yours will be on time :)

i can't help with the water birth q's cause i didn't have one, however i did spend time in the b/c bath during labour and it didn't do much for me - having said that, everyone i hear of that has a water birth wants to do it again so that’s probably saying something

i also didn't want pain killers but ended up taking gas once i got to about 7cm.
because my labour went for so long and also because i was taking gas for some time my memories are a little foggy later in the delivery. (if by forget everything you mean to do with the birth). eventually memories of pain and discomfort fade and you're all ready to go through it again!

for me the afterbirth was a big nothing, once my ds came out my contractions completely stopped and i felt complete relief, i been on a syntocinon drip, because my contractions were one strong one weaker the whole labour and because it had been going so long they needed to speed things up.
the syntocinon is also what the can give you via injection to help deliver the afterbirth - which i also had, the midwife just rubbed down my belly it took 6mins and that was it. by that stage i really didn't care what was happening, i had a beautiful baby boy.

apparently most women bleed about 6wks - i however went to about 12 - but also went on two lots of antibiotics and the last half was just spotting

don't be disheartened if breastfeeding takes time to get used to, a lot of women have problems - the main one is mastitis, and a lot of women get it

i didn't have any pain with the actual feeding part, my left nipple was slightly inverted when i was a kid so, it was my 'problem' side, it kept getting a hairline crack which made feeding uncomfortable, but not to the point i wouldn't do it.

i do have advice about mastitis though. i heard so much about it but didn't really know what to look out for. i was told to look for red marks on the breast and that was about it, so i didn't realise what i had til i had a high fever. you can get headaches, muscle aches, fever, you'll feel really tired, you'll feel a lump or hardness in the breast and that area is painful and don't forget to look under your breast for redness, i didn't see the red because it was underneath. and the hardness is much like how your breasts will feel when they are full. my milk also didn't come in until 6days - rather than 3.

anyway if you’re unlucky enough to get mastitis ( which i had about 5 times ) i strongly recommend cabbage leaves, keep some washed leaves in the fridge, and cup them around the inflamed breast, change them when they get soft, by morning you'll feel much better! also feed bubs from that breast because it won't harm the baby and the breast needs to be drained. i found rubbing (despite the pain) the lump helped it go away quicker. after the first time the cabbage hit it on the head before i got a fever

sorry i also can't help you with the painful intercourse

but I’m sure others can

good luck I’m sure it'll all go smoothly for you :)

[shellbell]

just another quick note...

i agree with kirsty, a good midwife can be the most amazing tool for a labouring mother. when i took antenatal classes the midwife/teacher actually told us that if we got a middy that we didn't like or that was pressuring us, to ask for another one - apparently its ok and they won't be offended. and i also had pethidene with my frist and hated it. it didn't do much, as far as pain relief goes, and i found that it made my recollection of the whole birth "foggy". i couldn't remember details the next day. not sure if thats normal, but that was my experience

[mamafelix]

1. How much will a waterbirth reduce the pain. I'm wanting to have one, as i don't want to use painkillers if i can help it (i say that now)

I definately recommend a water birth, I spent over 12 hours in the bath with Felix and it was the best! True it was a homebirth so I got a really big tub that I could stretch out in, but just being supported by the warm water made my really long labour doable.

2. Is it true you forget "everything" after the birth?

I think it's true that you forget the real feelings- but you remmeber excatly what happened. I intellectually know how I felt during every stage but its hard to remember the sensations.

3. What is it like delivering the "afterbirth"?

Unfortunately I didn't get to do this... my placenta retained, but I'm looking forward to doing this time!

4. How long will i bleed for afterwards?

For me it was like a period, maybe 6-7 days and then a bit of spotting. I got a second 'period' at about 6 weeks, but AF only returned when Felix was 20 months old (go figure?)

5. Does breastfeeding hurt?

I did find it a bit uncomfortable for the first few days- not really painful as such. I experienced the same thing early in this pregnancy with Felix feeding and I now figure it may have been hormonal sensitivity. After that it didn't hurt at all.

6. Kind of on but a bit off the main topic of the actual birth but, intercourse lately has been painful (which is soo annoying because i would love to do it more ofter ), is this normal?

Have you tried a different position? Late in pregnancy some positions just are no good anymore...

Good luck with everything!

[Lallas' Mum]

There's nothing like honesty when you're entering the unknown. I had a friend that was very willing to give me all the grewsome details so I guess I was lucky. Anyhow here's my responses the your questions.

1. I've didn't have a water birth but have heard only great things about them. So they must be good.

2.It's kind of hard to remember the exact intensity of it all. I remember everything that happened quite well and know that it defineatley was the worst pain I had ever endured. But I also remember the feeling just after delivery. It is completely undescribable. Almost magical. I think that is what makes it all worth while.

3.The afterbirth just fell out. I felt something had fallen out but there was no pain just a weird sensation. My bub was 10 pound eight though, so I guess anything is a breeze after that.

4. The first few days are the heaviest then it just tapers off over the following weeks.

5.Yes. It can at first. But that's usually because you have no idea exactly what to do and neither does the baby. As long as you get correct attachment (which midwives and nurses will help you with) it is fine, just a little wierd. The biggest shock is when your milk comes in. Don't worry you'll know when this happens. All of a sudden you can't put your arms down beside you because your boobs are so swollen with milk. It gets better. Just don't give in because with a little practice it becomes the very best way to bond with your bub and completely painfree (until teething starts).

6. Yes it is normal for a little bit of discomfort. I think it is because your cervix is a little sensitive and starts to move downward and foward so there isn't as much room as there was before. Lying on your side is a pretty good position. But the easiest way is to let your partner know if he hits a sensitive spot and just take it slow. A lot of experimenting is needed, which can be fun.
Good luck with it all.

[willsmum]

Can't help with lots of these = I had 2 csections.

Bleeding - 1 week with first, 3 weeks with second on & off - tapers very quickly to yukky brown stuff.

Breastfeeding doesn't hurt if you do it right. Get help from a lactation consultant or call Breastfeeding Assoc.

[vickster]

Hi Rainbowbrite,

It's good to hear from you again. Hope everything is going well....not long now! I'll try to keep this short and sweet.....

1. Although I wanted to use water as a pain relief, I found the slightest heat and water pressure during the contractions very painful, but kept me warm in between. We used the shower because the bath in our birth suite had a rust spot in it. :(

2. I forgot as soon as they layed my baby on my tummy! I found any pain afterwards a nice reminder of what I had been through. (I actually mean nice, too!)

3. Delivering the afterbirth didn't hurt at all. Just felt like when you pass a blood clot when you have your periods (but on a much LARGER scale! Yeah I know that's gross!)

4. I bled for about 4weeks, but like everyone said, it can vary from person to person.

5. Breastfeeding was very painful for about 8-10 weeks for me. Not because of attachment issues, but because I had thrush in my nipples (baby had thrush in her mouth too). No-one told me about it (so much for attending breastfeeding courses :mad: ).It felt like burning, with shooting pains up my breasts and excruciating cracked nipples too. It wasn't until I flicked through a parenting magazine and saw an article on it that I thought, "Hey, that's me!".Once treated though, breastfeeding was and still is, pain free.

6. I found sex too painful as well. But on the side and taking it slow helps and a hubby who is patient and understanding helps too!

Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and sleep! Let us know when your little one decides to enter the world.

[Baby Girl]

Hi Rainbow,

I just want to add something about bleeding. It is not unusual to pass clots for the first couple of days, obviously not huge ones but, lets say oyster size, is normal. I totally freaked when I noticed them and called for a midwife thinking that something was wrong but was told by 3 midwives (I needed many opinions) that it is completely normal.

Remember to take advantage of the time you spend in hospital with your bub and ask as many questions as you can of the midwives afterall they deal with new mums and bubs daily!! And rack your OB/Doctor/Midwives brain at your next appointment. I asked my midwife what I thought were some pretty hairy questions and she said that she had heard most of them before.

Good Luck with your impending new arrival. You will be great!!

[Rainbowbrite]

Thanks so much to all that have replied. If there is anything that i haven't asked about that you think may be useful for me to know, feel free to post it. Oh and in regards to the sex responses, my husband is a wonderful and understanding man :) He is being so undertanding and never pressures me (its me who is pressuring most of the time). I'm just craving intimacy at the moment :o We have tried it on the side and it doesn't hurt as much but its just not the same. Just doesn't feel worth it if he gets omething out of it and not me, and he feels guilty then :( .

Reading all the responses has made me believe that i can do it. I'm not scared of it, actually i'm looking forward to it. Just can't wait to see the little miracle that my husband and i have created. Just dying to know what she looks like. We have our suspicions of hair and skin, but i guess anything is possible. Just hoping that because we are both fair, him with blond curly hair and me with straight red hair, that she gets the red curls :p

I do have another question for everyone:

Does everyone get afterbirh pains and how intense were they?

Sounds silly but had an exciting thing (in my mind anyway) happen today. My breasts have started to leak. Silly I know, but it just makes me think that i'll have some success breast feeding (hopefully)

Thanks again
Rainbow

[kivatt]

Re Wyong Hospital Water Births

I'm going there in June (second baby). Although you can't tecnically have a water birth there...I have been told by midwives that "can't be helped if you happen to give birth in the water" They have had lots of water births there and I intend on having one so you shouldn't have a problem...... good luck. :)

[alicesmum]

rainbowbrite
i am glad you are not scared and that you are arming yourself with knowledge and information. that is the best way to achieve the kind of birth experience you want!

and of course you will be able to breastfeed. i saw a poster in the hospital while pregnant that read "Breasts Work!" - which of course (reverse psychology) planted the possiblity in my mind that maybe they might not!!! I had always assumed they would, as everyone in my family breastfed. Anyway, 8 months on, and still feeling like a moo-cow, it seems like the most natural purpose in the world for my breasts (it's why they're there after all!!!) and leaves me wondering why i ever doubted their ability!!

As for after-pains, I got several days of mild period-like pains while breatfeeding and at other times, which they say is the uterus contracting. Within 3 weeks i was told mine had gone back under the pubic bone and was almost back to normal size. After all those months of being stretched, that's pretty quick huh ???

[Mumof2+1]

Hi,
Just thought I would add my 2cents worth. Ha Ha.
I got afterbirth pains everytime I breastfeed or heard a baby cry(mine and others)
this lasted for about 1week.
A quick note about water birth. My sister tried this but the bath completely stopped her contractions and she had to get out and then had to have her waters broken to get things going again.
Don't want to put you off the idea, just thought you should know it sometimes works too well.
My 1st labour was only 2.5hours so I din't get to try out the bath. My 2nd was 3hours but I used the shower and a birthing ball with this one and it helped allot. Untill I slipped off the ball right on my bottom(Ouch!!!) :eek: At that piont I thought I would give birth orally.
I'm now 32weeks with my third and plan to use the shower again, might forget about the ball though! :D

All the best with the rest of your pregnancy and labour :)


Trish
Taylah 8yrs
Jacob 6yrs
32Weeks pregnant

[Rainbowbrite]

Just thought of another thing that i would like some info on seeing as everyone here is so great and open with information.

If I do not get to have a water birth, what position would people recommend? Most people i know just did it normally i.e. on their back.

I just can't wait to have this baby. It feels like there is no more room in there for the baby, i'm getting so uncomfortable. Really hope that bub decides to come a little (not too) early. I'm due on 30/5.

Thanks again
Rainbow

[Mumof2+1]

Hi again.
I gave birth to my first bub backwards over a bean bag. I was born with a dislocated hip wich never fully healed and I was told this was the best way for me to give birth to lessen the risk pf it dislocating during birth. I found it great as gravity helped push bub out. It only took 3 pushes and she was here.
I wanted to give birth in the traditional way with my second, so I could she him crown in the mirror but I found it too painful. I ended up ovcer the bean bag again.
I found it realy helped with the pain and was much easier to push.
Can't remember if I told you already but my first bub was 8lb 3.5oz and my second was 9lb 1oz. Labours were 2.5hrs & 3hrs. I had them both naturaly & didn't need any stitches. Might be something to consider if you can't have a water birth.

I'm almost 33weeks now and have had signs of going into early labour. Don't want bub to come just yet as it is too early but my doctors says I'll probably go in the next 2-3 weeks. I hope I do go then as I am in so much pain. You said you would like to go early. Is that because you're uncomfortable, have pains, or some other reason? We might end up having bub's around the same time.

Take care untill then. And feel free to ask any questions you like, we are all here to help. :D
Trish
Taylah 8yrs
Jacob 6yrs
33weeks pregnant

[Rainbowbrite]

I'm almost 33weeks now and have had signs of going into early labour. Don't want bub to come just yet as it is too early but my doctors says I'll probably go in the next 2-3 weeks. I hope I do go then as I am in so much pain. You said you would like to go early. Is that because you're uncomfortable, have pains, or some other reason? We might end up having bub's around the same time.

I'm almost 34 weeks, no signs or anything, just would like to have it a little early. I'm just really uncomfortable, and have had alot of pelvic pain for the last couple of weeks. And we have been told to expect a big baby due to family histories and the fact that DH and i were big. Finding everyday chores very difficult not to mention sleeping. I'm just basically tired all the time, and trying to move house isn't helping. Though I would rather move before bub is born.

Last couple of days i have felt a lot of pressure down below too, don't know if this is normal but i see the midwives on saturday so i ask then.

Just a very nerve racking time i guess. Can't wait to be able to hold and see bub.

Oh and thanks for the beanbag advice. Anything to help reduce the risk of stitches is a must attempt.

Rainbow

[Baby Girl]

Hi Rainbow,

I gave birth to my 1st on my hands and knees (doggy style!) and found that once I rolled off my back onto my knees (my head and hands were propped up on a pile of pillows) it was so much easier to push and relieved the pressure on my back immediately. Apparently, lying on your back puts you into a position where you have to push bubs down and then up and out, whereas flip over and bubs follows a smoother path with no bends to get around. I didn't know this before I birthed but am glad I found out while I was going through it because I definitely want to give birth this way again.

The best thing I found to reduce the chance of tearing is to do the perenium (sp?) stretching exercises (I had no tears). Ask your MW about them if they have not told you already. My partner helped me with mine and it may just help your sex life too!! It doesn't have to be all clinical!!

Good Luck.

[Lallas' Mum]

In regards to positions, I delivered my son on my knees facing against a raised bed head and leaning my body against the bed head for support. I was on my back for most of the time but things were a little slow at the end so my midwife (god bless her) got me up on my knees and things got a lot quicker. I was able to get my son out without damage to him. We experienced a bit of shoulder distorcia (that is where the shoulders get stuck). But with the position I was in and a bit of manipulation by the midwife he came out with no fractures or nerve damage. He was 10 pound 8 ounces. I must admit there were plenty of stitches though. But being up on my knees certainly let gravity help out a lot.

With the pain you've been having in your pelvic area - it is probably your pelvis opening up to allow the baby's head to move down further. I experienced that about 2 nearly 3 weeks before my son was born. It felt like I'd been given a swift kick in the nether regions at times and at other times it just ached. If you sleep on your side at all, pop a pillow between your knees and thighs - it will stop your pelvis aching a bit.

I know how you feel when you say it would be nice to be a little bit sooner. I am 37 1/2 weeks and my uterus measures 42cms (I'm only 160cm tall). I had a scan on the Monday just past and the bub is estimated to be 10 pound 7 ounces already!!! I just can't wait to be able sleep without 6 pillows propping me up and I can't wait for my ribs to stop aching from being pushed outward constantly by my uterus.

Well, good luck to you it will be no time at all and you'll be blasting into motherhood.

Tracey
:) Mum to Alec (Lalla) 17 1/2 months and bub due May 2nd

[yummmmy_mummy]

congrats i hope everything goes well and ive seen wyong hospital it looks alright but ur right about the easy birth thing and also anything to do with sick children that have to be admitted to hospital they will send them to gosford go figure anyway ur questions


1. How much will a waterbirth reduce the pain. i didnt actually have my baby in the water but i spent a large majority of my labour in the water and it was fantastic and it also speed things up alot but has my baby heart rate was dropping and she had swollowed meconium i wasnt allowed to have her in the water

2. Is it true you forget "everything" after the birth?i dont think u forget everything but u do forget how painfull it actually was and other little bits and peices like my husband keeps telling me that a swore alot but i dont remember that :p

3. What is it like delivering the "afterbirth"?i dont know if anyone else felt like this when they delivered there afterbirth but its like u suddenly feel empty but u dont remember feeling full but its not hard to deliver but the needle hurt the midwife said to me were gonna give u a needle now and then walked away and then came back and just jabbed me i was omg that stung alittle u could have warned me

4. How long will i bleed for afterwards?the say 2 - 6 weeks but i belled right up until the day my daughter was 6 weeks old but they think that i had an infection so i surrgest that if u think anything is wrong go straight back to ur doctor because if there is something ( 9 times out of 10 there isnt) it could ruin ur chances of having another baby

5. Does breastfeeding hurt?if u do it right it doesnt it just feels weird... i haveing a funny story about weird brestfeeding.. my husband was hold our daughter after getting out of the shower and he wasnt wereing a shirt , the baby was hungry and i was on the toilet so she decided shed give daddy a try it was rather amusing and he couldnt get over how much it tickled

6. Kind of on but a bit off the main topic of the actual birth but, intercourse lately has been painful (which is soo annoying because i would love to do it more ofter ), is this normal?through out my whole pregnancy it was painfull to have sex in most positions but we just moved around until it was painfuli think thats the best way to do and having sex is what bought on my labour

i would also like to warn u of something that i was never of and when it happened i freaked out in the days following the birth u may have a colt come out this is perfectly normal

[Rainbowbrite]

Hi again,

Mainly just an update this time :) Saw the midwives on Friday after a week of feeling really crap basically, swollen hands and feet, restless legs, aching, tired, dizzy headaches etc. I called them and they made me come straight up to check me out. Turns out bub is still happy and healthy (thank god) and that there is nothing to worry about. Normal reaction to another rise in temp. The fact that we are in the process of trying to move doesn't help either.

I was ordered on bed rest for a couple of days till i started feeling better, or if i didn't then they were going to admit me to hospital for further tests and to "make me rest" :eek: They even went as far as calling my husband on Saturday to make sure that i hed't gone to work and that i was at home resting with my feet up.

Feeling a little better now, though having worked yesterday after 3 days of rest my legs gave me hell all last night cramping from my hips to my toes :(

Have also been told to give up work in no more than 2 weeks which will be a killer financially, but necessary for myself and bub.

So now, back to the questions:

Yesterday my stomach was absolutely killing me all day. It was very tender to touch and had sharp shooting pains going through it. Would this just be from a day of standing after those days of rest? It eased off graudually though the night.

AND the amount of movement i'm experiencing with bub. Being that i've just passed the 34 week mark, *yay* should it be changing at all - as in more or less movements?

It basically is feeling very cramped for both of us now, there's not much more room left for her to grow though she continues to do so :)

Thanks again for all the advice and support
Rainbow

[Rainbowbrite]

Hi again,

just had a question to ask again, and rather than start a new thread, thought i'd just add it here.

In the last couple of weeks my breasts have been getting really hard and leaking, which i have been told is a good thing. The deal is though, my left breast is leaking a yellow substance, but my right is clear :confused:

Is this normal, or should i say which one is normal?

Thanks
Rainbowbrite

[draught]

Hi
Don't know about the clear leaking but the yellow is normal - it is colostrum. I wouldn't be too concerned about the clear though - there are so many things that leak out of us at this time, and none of them appear to be abnormal when you speak to the midwives or doctors.

Hope you are feeling well

[xkwzit]

Hi Rainbowbrite
I didn't leak with my first pg and I had one leaky breast with the second pg. OB seemed surprised when I mentioned it, "Didn't you have that last time?". So I think BOTH your breasts are completely normal :p .

Cheers

[Rainbowbrite]

Thanks for that. I just can't wait to have her now. The last couple of days my belly has been really tight, heavy, and feels like there is just no more room in there. Have had some sharp pains in the lower right side today, along with being really tired and irratable. Just hoping that i follow the patterns of mum and sister and go in early. Fingers crossed.

Might go and have something nice to eat, watch telly and try to fall asleep.

Thanks again for all the help and advice.

Rainbowbrite

[draught]

Good luck and keep us all informed. Your life will never be the same again and it will get more wonderful every day - hard to believe but true!

[Rainbowbrite]

Hi again,

Sorry to all those that are sick of me but i need some more advice.

Being that i am 38 weeks on Friday, i don't think i can handle this much longer. I am in so much pain all the time. The pelvic pain has gotten so bad in the last week that i'm finding it near impossible to sleep, and can't get comfortable no matter what i do.

So here it is - Please give me hints and/or tips to go into labour soon :(

I'm getting desperate and would really like for this all to be over. Don't get me wrong, pregnancy is a beautiful thing, if only the pelvic pain wasn't reducing me to tears with every movment.

Thanks
Rainbowbrite

[alicesmum]

Hi Rainbowbrite
Do a search on bubhub (link above) as there was a good thread on this topic some time ago. There is also much on the web if you do some google searches.
it's impossible to really say if methods work or not because once you're in labour it's hard to know if it was triggered by your actions or would have happened anyway. try lots of sex if you're up for it!!! i think it helped in my case and worked for a couple of people I know.
Also, a friend swore by fresh pineapple, and another by curry and licorice (to get the bowels really moving!!!!).

I also tried raspberry leaf tea (from the health food store) and swinging on swings in the local park. But i still ended up being 2 days over. Apparently 50% of women give birth to baby #1 between 2-5 days after their due date, so the chances of going early are not real high I'm afraid!
Have also heard of women danicng and singing really loud who caused themselves to go into labour!! (If you don't think the neighbours would mind!). Might be a bit hard to dance with that pelvic pain tho! :eek: I have also heard of cervical sweeps (which I think your dr/nurse would have to do) being very good at bringing on labour.

I hope you hold up ok. All the very best! Let us know how all goes. :)