Emy- natural childbirth

[LHK]

Hi Emy- I just wanted to let you know that after reading how hypnobirthing worked for you, I looked into it again (also looked at it briefly when pregnant with DD 2 yrs ago) and this time I decided to order the book about Hypnobirthing- the Mongan Method. It arrived yesterday and I hope to read it in the next few weeks.

Last labor, I prepared myself by reading Birthing From Within by Pam England. It was excellent, and SOO helpful, it is the reason I went natural all the way until 9.5 cm, at which point I requested the epidural because I didn't feel I could take much more.

But this time I am feeling even more confident, and hoping that I can relax enough to allow nature to take its course in the way it was intended. Right now I'm re-reading Birthing From Within, as well as reading Dr. Grantly Dick-Read's 1944 classic,"Childbirth Without Fear". Have you read either one?

I really like Dr. Dick-Read's approach about how stress and tension create the pain, so in their absence there really isn't any pain. I'll try to apply that thinking, as well as whatever I learn from Hypnobirthing.

I would love to hear your input, or that of anyone else, about this topic!

Oh and one concern I have is, the reason I took the epidural (and had no regrets, mind you- it was great!) was because I was afraid that I could withstand maybe 10 more contractions, but not, say, 30 more plus the pushing. Plus potential stitching. That's why I took it. Was I wrong- was I already beyond the hardest part since I'd made it through transition? Or was I right that the final phase is the most strenuous?

Thanks for reading my long post...like I said I'd love to hear input. I'm in the process of getting mentally ready, which is very important to me.

Lisa

 

[dananmis22]

You did what felt right for you, and I am sure the hospital staff wouldn't argue with you for wanting an epidural and wouldn't be excited about helping and encouraging you get through without it (they like the money it brings in - you can't detect a hint of sarcasm and frustration can you?) You did great, and you really can't really be wrong when you are bringing a baby into the world, so don't worry!

The hardest part for me was after my water broke. Pushing felt WONDERFUL after feeling those contractions!!!! I had a great team of friends and DH (and a wonderful midwife) with me to help and encourage me between contractions and during, and I think that helped me a ton.

Also, just think about this, your next labor will be sorter (mine was by at least 8 hours!) so it will go faster and it will feel like a breeze compared to your last one. You can do it! If my grandma could do it, then you definately can!!;-) Just make sure that your wishes are made clear to doctor and staff and that your hubby supports and enforces your wishes along with you.
Good luck!

 

[emy]

Lisa, I haven't met anyone else around Cathe forums who has tried hypnobirthing, so I'm glad you are reading the book. It's probably a little late for you to get the rainbow relaxation CD (or did it come with the book?). But it really helped me, along with taking a class from a hypnotherapist.

Anyway, like I posted elsewhere, I really turned inward during the transition stage. I let my mind go elsewhere and wasn't focused on my contractions. This took a lot of practice - my husband and I practiced the relaxation techniques learned in class and explained in the book every night for about the last 2 months of my pregnancy. It really was a fun bonding time for us.

I haven't read Dr. Read's book, but his work is talked about in the Hypnobirthing book. I really believe that fear and tension alert the body to feel pain.

Also, no one else can definitively say what was right or wrong for your last birth. You said you were comfortable with your decision, and that is all that matters, especially since you had an uncomplicated delivery. But, that you made it pretty much made through transition, which is usually the longest part, shows that you have it in you to do a natural childbirth. And you will be so much more successful if you can practice Hypnobirthing relaxation techniques. Because, as you probably are reading in the book, the first and most important step is getting rid of one's fear of childbirth.

Anyway, I do encourage you, but you will make the wisest decision for yourself!

http://lilypie.com/days/050710/4/23/1/-7/.png[/img][/url]

Due 7-10-05

 

[LHK]

Thank you for the reply Emy. I think Hypnobirthing will be a lot like Birthing from Within. I had it absolutely fixed in my mind that contractions are productive and serve to OOOOPPPEN the cervix to allow baby to pass through, and I really tried to relax with each one and remember the opening, over and over, and I sort of went into my own mental place as well. So I know about the preparation I had to do to get mentally ready last time, and I'm prepared to dive in this time as well. I'm looking forward to it!

Thanks again,
Lisa

 

[briee]

Okay Lisa....I'll say it...you were wrong. I can say that because I've had 6 natural births and done a million things wrong with the first four and you always look back and "hind sight is 20/20" and I will agree that you do whatever seems best at the time with no regrets. (is that a run on sentence). BUT.....learn from the past and from others. Generally when you are at 9.5 and you get to the pushing stage, it gets easier. You have endured the worst. Keep this in mind next time when you feel like you can't bear any more.

I endured the first four labors and all of them seemed like going through "transitions from hell" quite literally. I was trying to relax and failed miserably and they were soooooooo painful. I made it through, but I have no good memories from any of the first four, except when the baby was out...of course. When I approached my 5th birth, I was exercising and I know this made an incredible difference, but ALSO, a friend of mine told me about stomach breathing. When I would get a contraction I would try to endure it and breath and all that junk and try to relax etc, but just couldn't stay on top of it. I ended up "blowing" in the shower and enduring it.

A friend of mine told me about stomach breathing.... to breath deep and almost push my stomach out, in essence let the contraction go and kind of push the belly out with the air in your lungs. I would fill oxygen into my lungs almost to the point of pushing my stomach down. This made no sense in my brain as it seems like this would make the contraction hurt more...but alas.....it helped TREMENDOUSLY. Like night and day. Oh how I wish I would have tried this early on. Also the last two I had underwater which helps the process even more. Baby number 2-4 I was in the shower...so I still had the warm water, but the deep tub was really comfortable. I know there is a tremendous difference with the stomach breathing because with baby number 6 I went 1 week late and had contractions all week and I was soooo tired when I went into labor and when the contractions began hitting I was already screaming from the pain and I had entered into labors like 1-4 and all of the sudden I remembered the stomach breathing and began pushing my stomach out with deep breaths and "walla" it stopped hurting like it had. Almost like a switch was flipped. I entered transition immediately and stomach breathed through the whole thing peacefully and without the pain that I endured with the first four.

Of course everyone is different...but if you can get on the internet and do a search on the stomach breathing I'm sure you'll come up with something. It made all the difference for me. Just to add...I read all the books you listed and took all the Bradley classes and tried everything...nothing helped like this did. Hope all goes well and sorry for getting long winded.

PS Hi Emy.....your picture was just darling...you are so cute!!!

Briee

 

[emy]

Briee, I just barely noticed your post here - I don't know how I missed it before. I always appreciate your frankness, so thanks for not beating around the bush! Anyway, I am going to practice this stomach breathing. I like the sound of it, especially when you've got a "testimonial" to go along with it. Maybe Lisa will try it too. Thanks, Briee!

http://lilypie.com/days/050710/4/23/1/-7/.png[/img][/url]

Due 7-10-05