Very forward thinking here...but

[Abi'smum]

Hi all

I'm just curious if anyone has started thinking about their birth plan and and type of birth they want. I know its still wayyyyyyyyyyyyy to early to be thinking about it, but i can't help it.
Personally I'm going for the same type of birth as DD's. Drug free, quick, doula assisted, home laboured as muc has I could. The one variation I'm going for this time is to go home after the birth rather than stay in hospy for a few days. At the birth unit, hubby and I could stay for one night, then go home. This is my plan and this is how it is going to happen (or so I hope :o :fingerscrossed: ) Any one given any thought to what they want ?

[angeltoes]

Absolutely. I had severe pre-eclampsia resulting in my DS being born by em c/s 10 weeks early. I didn't experience contractions, labour, or being able to bond with my baby straight away. So I am very keen to have a VBAC and will do everything in my power to do so. I'm praying I don't get PE again.

[nicoleE]

Hey I was thinking about all of this when we were TTC! ;)

I wanted a water birth but I dont think the hospie where my Ob practises does it (have a meeting with him in 2-3 weeks).. I know they have baths/spas though so hopefully i will at least get to use it during labour.
Because this is my first im not sure what to expect and how my body (and mind) will handle it. I am open to drugs although would like to not have them if i can manage, but im not looking to be a hero. Id rather not birth on my back as id rather gravity help me a bit. I want to get a doula and will be talking to my Ob about this to. My DH is going to be next to useless in there (which he agrees with!) so i want a Doula to be there for me and my needs throughout labour.

[Kewe]

This time round I would like to make it to at least 34wks, have a VB, and drug free if possible, if I need something will only be the gas anyways, oh and a quick labour would be nice, my longest so far has been 30+hrs and shortest was 9hrs, so 6hrs would be wonderfull this time round

[SpaghettiMummy]

I've so far managed to have two drug free births so I hope to continue that and after having a great birth and labour with my #2 ( after #1 I had to go to theatre) I hope to have another one... I like to just see how I go and if bub is ok etc, I like to labour in the shower and bath (though a different hospital this time so I'm not sure what facilities they have yet) and yeah... oh and my thoughts on drugs in labour are if I want them you'll make sure I get them (kind of have a low pain threshold) to me thats individual to every woman I mean you are the one in labour...

Angel toes I hope you get that VBAC- research EVERYTHING!! The more info you have in your hand the better as a lot of drs are against it but generally midwives are much more supportive!! (and obviously hope the reason for your c/s PE doesnt touch you again!!) and Gizmo I hope you make it past 34 weeks! (40 would be a great miracle for you from your history...)

[sam's mum]

I am not even going to think about it until I have found out where the placenta is. I don't want to get my hopes up to try for a VBAC and then find out that I don't have a choice anyway.

[angeltoes]

Thanks antlmummy, I'll be having #2 at a different hosp than DS so I'm not sure of the opinion there. I have an app with midwifery on 2nd april and will certainly discuss VBAC then.

[kitty1kat]

I'm the opposite of most of you I must confess. I want every drug under the sun and have also been discussing elective caesers with my Ob. Currently looking at all the research and reading she has given me so I make the most well informed decision I can make for me.

I know my choices will probably be controversial, but it's all about choice I guess! Not sure yet what I'm going to do and no doubt I will change my mind lots of time before the big day - but I don't think it's too early to be thinking about it - it occupies a lot of my thinking space at the moment!

[nicoleE]

Kitty I have thought about elective Csers in the past to (before getting pregnant) and Im not against them. I figure whatever way you feel is right for you and bubs is the best way. :wave:

[angeltoes]

Absolutely Nicole, I'm with you. Whatever it takes to get a healthy bubba and a happy mumma. Just as we all feel different during pregnancy, we all have different expectations, wants or needs for the birth too. No option is wrong, as far as I'm concerned. Whatever works. :yes:

[mel79]

I've also been thinking about this since ttc and want to go drug-free (gas please though!). I want a water birth and i've already done a tour of the two hospitals closest to me and i was really unimpressed with the starkness and the fact that they won't let you labour in the bath if your waters have broken!! What the?!? So i'm now organising a home birth.
I don't think pregnancy is an illness and i don't want to be treated as if i'm sick, i think - particularly in the hospitals near me(i have limited choice as im in a regional area) that it will make me feel as if i need help if i go to the hospital.

The midwife i am using is so confident in womens abilities that when she became aware that one of her clients was going to give birth to a really large baby she didnt tell her cos she didnt want to make her unsure of herself - the woman successfully homebirthed an 11 pound 6 oZ baby with no problems!!
These kinds of stories are the ones you need to hear whilst pregnant - try and think positive ladies - your body is an amazing thing!

[zenifa]

I don't think its too early to start thinking about your birth plan and what you want.

I'm having an elective c/s this time, as I did last time with DD, for medical reasons and will this time, try to request that the baby stays with me in recovery if possible.

[Milliner]

I will be having a VB again but this time I want to try without an epi and there is no way that I am getting induced this time I want it to happen naturally. I am hoping that it happens less than 16 hrs this time.

[michblb]

Hi Kitty1Kat

I was releaved when I read your post cause I've been thinking about the birth (alot) and my pain relief options too. Have decided I"ll use whatever I need to get me through it. :eek:

I've discussed an elective c with my ob because I'm skinny with narrow hips. He suggested deciding closer to the time based on the size of bub, maybe around 36 weeks. I'm hoping he/she is small! :fingerscrossed:

So will keep my options open and stay positive, scary though its my first!
Hope things are going well for everyone.
Mich