• Saturday, February 18, 2012
February 18, 2012, 08:24:49 PM *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with your Chronicle username and password
News: For all you tweeters, follow The Chronicle on Twitter.
 
Pages: 1 2 [3] 4
  Print  
Author Topic: For moms only - Inducing labor, epidurals, and such  (Read 8047 times)
gennimom
Somewhat Southern (Have I really posted that much?)
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 16,764

Let's get summer over with! Me want snow!


« Reply #30 on: July 22, 2007, 11:08:17 AM »

collegekidsmom, I know exactly where you are coming from. I have one sister who wasn't about to give birth without epidurals. With one, she came within a hair's breadth of having a c-section because she had a problem (can't remember what it is called) but did finally give birth naturally.

Another sister had all three of her kids completely naturally and wouldn't do it any other way. No induction, no epidurals, no painkillers whatsoever. She sailed through the births.

My mother had all seven of us naturally with not even a suggestion of a c-section. I don't believe epidurals were a choice back then.

I don't think I could ever have a child naturally. I don't know if a smaller baby would have helped or not. I think it would have to be CONSIDERABLY smaller than my daughter was. My pelvis didn't open as much as it should have.

We're all different and we need to remember that what works for one may not work for another.
Logged

...only after reading gm's post, my new mantra is "always listen to gennimom".
Monday reeks! - Garfield
The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a person (or something like that).
nightowl
Not a
Senior member
****
Posts: 740


« Reply #31 on: July 23, 2007, 02:24:18 AM »

My mother had 6 c-sections!  Bless that Catholic restriction on birth control (ironically smiling face inserted here).

My first child was 10 days early, my second arrived on his due date and my third was 2 weeks late.  I think the prevailing wives' tales dictate that my results should be reversed to be typical.  I would never wish away or induce away some extra development time for your baby.  With the last child, I knew that as uncomfortable as I was, a third child was much easier to take care of while still in utero so I didn't mind her being late!  But the baby was getting so big that my doctor decided that inducing was best at that point.  Listen to your doctor but insist that the decision be based on what is best for the baby medically, not what is best for the doctor's calendar. 

Best wishes to the OP for a safe and speedy delivery.  Enjoy your baby, I am so jealous.
Logged

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.   
- Epictetus
always_seeking
Senior member
****
Posts: 602


« Reply #32 on: July 23, 2007, 02:00:23 PM »

Well, it looks like I'm going to be induced for medical reasons. I've been showing signs of pre-eclampsia for 2 weeks now...but at my OB/GYN visit today my blood pressure was sky high.

I'm supposed to be at the hospital now... but of course my metro-sexual SO is getting himself ready. Sigh.

Logged
slac_vap
Aliases include: slap_vac, shop_vac, slap_vap, slac_vac, and slac_vp.
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 2,215


« Reply #33 on: July 23, 2007, 02:04:15 PM »

Best wishes!  Your little seeker will be here before you know it!  Sleep in the car, if you can ;-)

Yay, always_seeking and metro_SO!
Logged

"...the world between reality and fantasy improv nonsense is blurred in Columbus." -David Gaus
qrypt
Qryptacular & not really a Member-Moderator
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 5,210

the great vampire squid round the face of humanity


« Reply #34 on: July 23, 2007, 02:21:30 PM »

Well, you wouldn't want the little nipper to see your SO with bad hair, now, would you?

Posting here is your first responsibility after cutting the cord!
Logged

"I'm tired of being your love slave!"

"Does that mean I'm not going to get my coffee?"
prof_mom
Snarktastic
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 3,931

Mackerel smacking champion


« Reply #35 on: July 23, 2007, 03:32:59 PM »

I hope it all goes quickly and easily and that you are all happy and healthy.

Welcome to the mommy club. There is no handshake. Working mothers are too busy to care about such things. However, there is a frazzled look of dismay and slight confusion that all of us recognize. As soon as you are out and about with your new bundle of joy, you will now recognize that look in other women. ;)

I also hope that you and your SO have excellent hair when you greet the newest family member.

We are here when you have questions. Yes, the do always pee as soon as you take off the diaper. No, I do not understand how someone so little can make such a big mess.

Best wishes and enjoy it all! You will sleep later.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2007, 03:33:24 PM by prof_mom » Logged

*!* is contagious, but appropriate hu use can protect you (see http://www.hupronoun.org/).
My God.  Take your pom poms elsewhere unless you have something substantive to say. 
slac_vap
Aliases include: slap_vac, shop_vac, slap_vap, slac_vac, and slac_vp.
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 2,215


« Reply #36 on: July 23, 2007, 03:38:34 PM »

Welcome to the mommy club. There is no handshake. Working mothers are too busy to care about such things. However, there is a frazzled look of dismay and slight confusion that all of us recognize. As soon as you are out and about with your new bundle of joy, you will now recognize that look in other women. ;)

Don't forget, always_seeking already has one small seeker on the outside.  Perhaps her perfectly-coiffed hair camouflaged her frazzle.  We should all be so lucky. 

;-) 

This is my second baby, but my first is a teenager, so everything seems to be a new experience with this baby.


Logged

"...the world between reality and fantasy improv nonsense is blurred in Columbus." -David Gaus
francie_
The Really Cheerful
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 3,815

The Voice of Reason


« Reply #37 on: July 23, 2007, 03:51:01 PM »

We are here when you have questions. Yes, the do always pee as soon as you take off the diaper. No, I do not understand how someone so little can make such a big mess.

Or generate that so much laundry.

Quote
You will sleep later.

Yes, in 2017.

Best wishes, Always Seeking!
Logged

gesualdo
Slogan-deprived
Member
***
Posts: 234


« Reply #38 on: July 23, 2007, 03:54:23 PM »

I've probably missed the boat on this one by now, but it's not necessarily just for the doctor's convenience she might want to agree to be induced.  Okay, maybe the doctor doesn't spend much time in the room, but what s/he does during that limited time can make a big difference in how the labor and delivery go.  I was lucky.  My doctor was out of town, but the on call doctor did a fantastic job, albeit without the jokes (I missed that-I had to make my own).  My sister, on the other hand, had a hard recovery and it came down to the doctor's treatment of her during delivery.  I was lucky.  If you have a doctor who treats you well and has a great bedside manner, I'd recommend not taking the chance of ending up with someone like my sister's doctor.  Not all doctors are equally competent.

Also, beware nurses with fingernails.  No matter what they say about them, don't believe them.  Just say "no."
Logged

G.
rowan1
be serious I am a
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 5,577

na na na na, na na na na , hey hey hey, goodbye


« Reply #39 on: July 25, 2007, 01:35:54 PM »

always seeking - I hope you let us know what happens - I have been thinking about you.  Good luck and happy new baby time!
Logged

The time is out of joint—O cursèd spite,
That ever I was born to set it right!
mimi1
Senior member
****
Posts: 252


« Reply #40 on: July 25, 2007, 01:55:48 PM »

I was not induced, so I can't help you in that arena - but I was deathly afraid of having an epidural done.  In fact, my first child was au naturale but not necessarily by choice, just a rapid labor.  My second, I was going to have pain medication, but no epidural.  Thought I could do it natural twice - ha!! 

Well, it got to the point that the pain was excruciating and I really didn't care what they stuck in me, I just wanted it to go away.  I asked the nurses how much time I had to decide whether or not I wanted an epidural (b/c there is a time when it will be too late).  Once I was absolutely sure I did not want to endure the pain anymore and breathing, etc., was not working, I had them give me one.  The epidural did not hurt me at all and the nurses and anesthesiologist were wonderful at helping me stay calm and explaining the procedure to me.  I remember half joking as my son was being delivered that this was the most comfortable I had been in months (very rough last few months of pregnancy).  I will say afterward I believe I had some nerve pain for a few months, but it was very slight - just some twinges now and then and maybe a little aching.  However, the doctor said the epidural had nothing to do with it (I am not entirely convinced, but anyway). 

I probably now would plan on an epidural if I were to have any more children and I had been more than adamant I would never have one. 

That being said, you can always talk to your doctor ahead of time and the nurses when you arrive and let them know your plan or your worries.  I also think everyone's pregnancy and deliveries are different, even from one child to another, so it is entirely up to you - don't feel guilty about doing what you think is best for you and your child, even if SO's mom doesn't agree.

Congratulations and I hope everything goes smoothly for you! 
Logged
prytania3
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 36,702

Prytania, the Foracle


« Reply #41 on: July 25, 2007, 02:27:40 PM »

Best wishes to you, Always Seeking.
Logged

Clowns, I tell you. Clowns.
always_seeking
Senior member
****
Posts: 602


« Reply #42 on: July 26, 2007, 11:17:01 PM »

Thank you all for the kind thoughts.

Baby_always is now here. He is healthy and has great pooping skills. Here's what happened.

After the contractions became really intense I asked for "everything they had." I received pain medication and was being set-up for an epidural when he arrived. I guess my body was ready for delivery because I went from 5cm to 10cm very quickly.

Baby just dozed off... so I better get a little nap.
Logged
walker_percy
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 3,036


« Reply #43 on: July 26, 2007, 11:19:37 PM »

My four year old announced that when she grows up she wants to be an OB-GYN .... and a mermaid.
Logged
scheherazade
1/3 of the Triumvirate of Evil and the Most Delicious
Distinguished Senior Member
*****
Posts: 7,109

Running feminist prostitution rings since 1998


« Reply #44 on: July 26, 2007, 11:57:22 PM »

Congratulations, always_seeking!

I did the same - convinced I would have no pain meds, I demanded them as soon as I got to the hospital.  Epidurals are great - not only do they take away the pain, but I was actually able to doze and take naps while in labor, making the actually arrival of my kids a happier, more relaxed experience.

My four year old announced that when she grows up she wants to be an OB-GYN .... and a mermaid.

Would that help when women want to do water births?
Logged

You historians disturb me sometimes.
Pages: 1 2 [3] 4
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.9 | SMF © 2006-2008, Simple Machines LLC Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!