Birthing Methods?

[KineticKim]

I am curious what kind of birthing methods everyone is planning on attempting or have used in the past.

I had a c-section with my first so the idea of a vag delivery is completely new to me.

I have been reading a lot about water births, or using a birthing bar instead of being on my back foe labor. Anyone else?

Also what about an epidural?

Thanks!

[MmmMama1213]

VBAC with a doula

[KineticKim]

I was thinking about getting a doula. I've never known anyone who has used one. When is a good time in your pregnancy to start interviewing? I'm currently 21 weeks.

[MmmMama1213]

Forgot to mention... I'm 24 weeks tomorrow.

[MmmMama1213]

Well, I actually started calling around at 6 weeks but I couldn't find anyone available in December. One was taking the month off for family vacation, the other two didn't travel.. (i live in the country)...one traveled but wanted to charge me a hefty fee. Sooo my midwife from my daughter's birth agreed to doula for me. We have our first "meeting" on the 23rd at my house, the day before my glucose test at my OBs. She's bringing the contract and I'm paying my $300 deposit. I'm super excited. She's charging $700 total. The others wanted $800-$1000 plus travel fees.

[KineticKim]

Unfortunately my due date is December 25. It might be really hard to find someone available that week. I'll start calling around. Thanks!!!

[mamaru]

I tried myself with an epidural, ends up with an emergency c-section with my firt.. thinking what you do with the second,I want to try to do it myself, but not sure I can do it without an epidural// my doctor said they will see closer to due date, maybe it's going to be c-section

[KineticKim]

I talked to my doctor a lot about an epi at my last appointment. She recommends waiting as long as possible before getting one or not at all since it can slow down labor and lead to a c/s. I'm with you I'm definitely a little scared to try it but I'm going to give it a shot.

[amybartel]

I hired a Doula, and am doing a home study course called Hypnobabies.  My plan is to labor at home as long as I can before going to the hospital to prevent unnecessary interventions.   (My secret wish is to have my baby in the water at home). I will use the Hypnobabies self hypnosis and birthing  positions to progress labor and hopefully avoid induction and epidural.  I will get a light epidural if the pain is beyond what I can handle cause I still want to be somewhat mobile and not on my back.  My doctor told me she is fine with my plan, but would recommend induction if blood pressure gets too high (which is common for first time moms who are younger or older).  I will definitely have birth plan written out with someone to verbalized for me during labor, and do skin to skin with a delay in cord clamping and cutting.  I plan to do placental encapsulation and tincture also.  Good luck with creating your birth plan!

[AtutumnJoy]

I really want to do water birth !! But in not sure my hospital offers that :(

[KineticKim]

I found out this week my hospital does not offer it. Definitely a little disappointed. Good luck!

[lucie27]

I was induced at 38 weeks at 6pm. then I gave up and got an epidural at 4am then had him at 6:30am so this time I'm going to try go all the way with out one.