Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum

[Anonymous]

First timer here, I think I need to take a class but would love some info from DCUM. (delivering at Sibley)

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home?
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth?
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver?
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips?
- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack?
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc.
- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons?
- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section?
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist?
- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful?
- local parent groups? baby and me classes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First timer here, I think I need to take a class but would love some info from DCUM. (delivering at Sibley)

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home? I had to be induced. Water broke about 16 hours into induction (after foley bulb, during pitocin)
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth? You check in, go back to find out when you can expect a room only to find out you weren't checked in; eventually get a room. Nurses get a line in you and talk a smidge about what your preferences are. When to get an epidural depends on how dilated you are and how quickly you're progressing.
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver? Long charging cord, breastfeeding pillow, Heads Up to play with DH during very long induction; colace
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips? Right away, but when they saw how long it was taking they made a point of bringing me caloric non-foods (jello/broth)
- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack? Hard no, and also no, but I never made enough milk to really BF. My advice is ask for a pump to be brought to your recovery room to help bring your milk in.
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc. So much stuff. diapers, underwear, syringes for hand feeding, duckie swaddles, pads for me. DH would just empty the bassinet into our luggage every 6 hours or so and they replenished. (we did not need to do that but he felt like he was getting payback for the uncomfortable sleep or something.)
- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons? No, but my mom moved in, and an extra (experienced) set of hands is a blessing
- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section? Not necessary for my C, but seriously don't start working out too soon. I did permanent damage to my feet by training for a long run while I still had Relaxin in my system.
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist? PACE was kind of my PPD therapy. I was borderline and crying in a circle with other moms was pretty much enough. Some were going through much worse which was needed perspective for me. Once I gave up trying to BF I got much better. YMMV, and if you feel like you need a referral bring it up to your OB or the pediatrician - they're both ready to refer.
- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful? Childbirth class with our doula group (pretty good), childcare class with a nurse at Sibley (more for bonding and some factual information, also fun if you and your DH have the same sense of humor)
- local parent groups? baby and me classes? PACE. She was also going to a lot of library storytimes pre-Covid, and those shutting down sucked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First timer here, I think I need to take a class but would love some info from DCUM. (delivering at Sibley)

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home? I had to be induced. Water broke about 16 hours into induction (after foley bulb, during pitocin)
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth? You check in, go back to find out when you can expect a room only to find out you weren't checked in; eventually get a room. Nurses get a line in you and talk a smidge about what your preferences are. When to get an epidural depends on how dilated you are and how quickly you're progressing.
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver? Long charging cord, breastfeeding pillow, Heads Up to play with DH during very long induction; colace
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips? Right away, but when they saw how long it was taking they made a point of bringing me caloric non-foods (jello/broth)
- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack? Hard no, and also no, but I never made enough milk to really BF. My advice is ask for a pump to be brought to your recovery room to help bring your milk in.
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc. So much stuff. diapers, underwear, syringes for hand feeding, duckie swaddles, pads for me. DH would just empty the bassinet into our luggage every 6 hours or so and they replenished. (we did not need to do that but he felt like he was getting payback for the uncomfortable sleep or something.)
- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons? No, but my mom moved in, and an extra (experienced) set of hands is a blessing
- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section? Not necessary for my C, but seriously don't start working out too soon. I did permanent damage to my feet by training for a long run while I still had Relaxin in my system.
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist? PACE was kind of my PPD therapy. I was borderline and crying in a circle with other moms was pretty much enough. Some were going through much worse which was needed perspective for me. Once I gave up trying to BF I got much better. YMMV, and if you feel like you need a referral bring it up to your OB or the pediatrician - they're both ready to refer.
- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful? Childbirth class with our doula group (pretty good), childcare class with a nurse at Sibley (more for bonding and some factual information, also fun if you and your DH have the same sense of humor)
- local parent groups? baby and me classes? PACE. She was also going to a lot of library storytimes pre-Covid, and those shutting down sucked.

Replying to add that if they bring a pump to your room you can add flanges to the list of free stuff you take home. You should also get the LC to make sure you're using the correct size.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First timer here, I think I need to take a class but would love some info from DCUM. (delivering at Sibley)

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home?

My water never broke naturally and I never went into spontaneous labor. I was induced. My midwife (CNM at a hospital) broke my water a few hours into the induction (maybe 12 hours?) to move things along.

- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth?

Again, I had an induction (for preeclampsia) so take what I say with a grain of salt. I wanted to try for unmedicated to see if I could handle it, but I ended up with an epidural after a while. I signed the consent form for an epidural immediately upon arrival so they didn't have to delay if I changed my mind and wanted one -- good policy, because once I requested one, I wanted it FAST. When I arrived, the midwife checked my cervix to see if I was dilated -- I was 1cm. They set up my fetal monitor (I wore one the entire time along with a blood pressure cuff; annoying but not the end of the world). They gave me Cytotec and inserted a Foley balloon (both of these are used to induce labor). Cytotec gave me diarrhea, but on the plus side, I didn't poop in front of my husband when I delivered and was allowed the dignity of pooping in the hospital toilet behind closed doors. Foley balloon and cervical checks can be very painful, but they are brief and you can say no to the checks -- I did a couple times. They gave me Pitocin a few hours after that. Yes, Pitocin sucks.

- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver?

Soda -- real soda, not diet, with sugar. I nearly passed out from exhaustion/low blood sugar after hours of pushing and a stupid Sierra Mist gave me the juice I needed to push my baby out. Bring this because many hospitals do not stock sugar drinks as a matter of policy. I thought I would want to eat in labor. Omg I did not. I threw up during labor...it can make you do that.

- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips?

Different hospitals have different policies. I did not give birth in DC (though I live here now) -- long story -- but at another major US teaching hospital. The policy was once you had an epidural you could no longer eat (I forget why). But again, as I said above, I didn't mind; labor made me queasy.

- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack?

Yes, the lactation consultant at the hospital was very helpful. My hospital out of state had 24/7 LC support on call, which was great. I did not have a doula but brought my mom and sister, both medical professionals, with me as my support people (in addition to my husband - this was pre-pandemic of course when you could bring your whole entourage). I breastfed the first month and then combo fed thereafter, then switched to formula at 2 months. No regrets. My baby was a sloooow feeder through no fault of my own, and I could not take the lost sleep.

- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc.

The weird mesh underwear and pads. Diapers during the stay, but not for take-home. I think they will give you formula samples too but I wasn't using it yet.

- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons?

I had my mom and MIL (whom I like, fwiw!) as postpartum helpers for the first month or so. Help is essential. Even if your help is limited, never skip showers or meals; a crying baby is an alive baby and can sit in a bouncer for 5 minutes.

- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section?

Yes, seek it out even if you don't think you need it. I had a tiny tiny "road rash" tear but I pushed for HOURS, so my pelvic floor still needed some work. I'm mostly back to normal (and definitely back to pleasant/acceptable) 2 years later and did pelvic floor PT at 4-8 months pp. Sometimes you may think you are "loose" but you are actually too tight and can't relax - that was me. C-section moms, if I recall correctly, still can benefit from pelvic floor PT - after all, you carried a baby for 9 months, that does have an impact (and emergency C's pushed before the surgery).

- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist?

I think some therapists specialize in it but any cognitive-behavioral type therapy should be appropriate; your OB can refer you if you think you need it. Keep in mind that the clinically normal experience of becoming a mom is still a pretty major stressor. Always take a break for yourself every day, even if it's just a walk around the block or listening to music. You may need to bite your tongue with your spouse for the first sleep-deprived weeks. I highly recommend that, honestly.

- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful?

I did not take any classes - was induced too early to prepare, ha!

- local parent groups? baby and me classes?

I didn't do any of these because of lockdowns, but I highly recommend you find some fellow moms to chat with. Socializing is so so important and healthy as a new mom. It's extremely isolating in the best of times.

Unsolicited advice: Don't let your husband south of the border when you're delivering. Not PC to say it, but even if your husband is an obstetrician, he can't unsee. Let others help. Don't base decisions on what you think a good mom "should" do in a perfect world. Don't put breastfeeding over sanity. Believe in your kid's capability -- my daughter slept through the night at 6 weeks and I thought something was wrong. Talk about something with your spouse other than the baby, every day, and spend time together alone (easier said than done, but if you have any family or a nanny etc you can do it).

[Anonymous]

PP above. Three things to add:

- Healthy babies can come out looking purple, esp if you pushed a long time (they're bruised!). Do not be alarmed! I was FREAKED when I saw my daughter looking like an eggplant.

- Miralax >>>>>> Colace. And it won't make you poop yourself, it just softens.

- Squatty Potty footstool for pooping, to avoid hemorrhoids. I use it every single time at home even years after giving birth vaginally and I do not have hemorrhoids anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First timer here, I think I need to take a class but would love some info from DCUM. (delivering at Sibley)

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home?
If water breaks, go to hospital or you risk an infection. You will know when to go.
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth?
Can be.
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver?
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips?
I tried to eat a snack (half an English muffin) before I went to the hospital on the advice of this board and just threw it up. Listen to your body, but you probably won’t want food. And I have three kids and have never eaten an ice chip.
- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack?
No extra LC or doula. But I had my mom as night nurse/LC.
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc.

Diapers, pads, underwear. Hat for baby. Can’t remember what else but do take it all.
- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons?
Mom and DH were enough for uncomplicated vaginal births but they are actually helpful. YMMV but you must prioritize your sleep to make your milk come in.
- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section?
Pelvic floor therapy is for c section too. But wait about six months - a lot of minor issues in the beginning are hormonal and will solve themselves with time.
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist?
Didn’t need it so can’t help.
- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful?
- local parent groups? baby and me classes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First timer here, I think I need to take a class but would love some info from DCUM. (delivering at Sibley)

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home? If your water breaks before you are in active labor (premature rupture) you have to go be put on oxytocin. For first time moms I think you can labor at home until contractions are 3-5min apart. Ask your provider
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth?They act like you are a moron and can't possibly be in active labor, then they check you and admit you. Generally they want to see you in active labor before they give you the epidural because it can slow you down. And you are the lowest priority in the hospital for the anesthesiologist so you may end up waiting
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver? sugarless mints, waterbottle, nipple cream to put on the baby's butt so you don't have to scrape off meconium at 4am, earplugs, eyemask, baby nail clippers (overdue babies have long sharp nails that will mark up their beautiful faces)
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips?depends on your provider, if you are low risk you may not have any restrictions. As a VBAC they want me to stop eating when I am in active labor, but by then you generall feel like crap anyway
- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack? Can't answer this other than that the nurses can help at a basic level
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc. My hospital gave me nothing but I am not in DC. Some nurses will act like you are the most irresponsible mom in the world for asking for stuff

Make sure your carseat is on the newborn setting and ask if they want you to bring it up. For my covid baby they didn't want me to bring it.

[Anonymous]

Things will happen and be out of your control and you’ll make decisions with the info you have at hand then. Post partum will be painful and a mess. Your anxiety and exhaustion and adrenaline will make this post seem like a far away long ago silly time. Get all the help you need, stay healthy.

[Anonymous]

I delivered at INOVA Fairfax. First delivery was an induction, second was natural...

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home? When I went into labor, my water did not break. You base when you go to the hospital on spacing of contractions. The rule of thumb is contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, and for at least 1 hour. You should call your OB office when this happens and they will advise you to go to labor and delivery, and they'll notify the hospital that you're on your way.
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth? They'll put you in triage, where they'll monitor your contractions and check your cervix. This may be outdated, but they'll also test you for COVID. Once they confirm you're in active labor and your COVID status, they'll admit you. It's up to you when you get your epidural, but they'll advise you on what the wait time will be to get one. There are differing opinions on when the best time to get one is. Some say you it can stall labor if you get one too early and can wear off before you start pushing, but in other cases, it's helps the body relax and can progress labor. Remember, once you get an epidural you're no longer able to get out of bed, so see how you're feeling.
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver? I preferred having a portable battery to charge my phone instead of a super long chord.
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips? At INOVA, you only get liquids once you're admitted. I was in labor for 27 hours with my first and had to get a doctor's approval to order off the broth/jello menu. You're allowed to have popsicles and water. I was able to order breakfast immediately after though, and ate it in the labor & delivery suite before moving to recovery.
- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack? An LC works for the hospital and a doula is hired by you. The LC was somewhat helpful for me. My first had a bad latch, and she set me up with some gel soothing pads. I used an LC associated with my pediatrician office after that as a follow up, because breastfeeding was NOT going well, and she got me some prescription strength nipple cream that was a godsend, but otherwise was detrimental to my breastfeeding journey (she had me triple feed, which is AWFUL) and I ended up supplementing with formula, and my life was great again. I have no experience with a doula.
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc. A pack of diapers, wipes, pacifiers, ready to feed formula samples, underwear, pads, ice pads, witch hazel, pain spray, syringes. Basically anything that helps with recovery, they will give you more for home if you ask.
- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons? No experience
- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section? No experience
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist? No experience
- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful? We took an express course, which was their more intensive courses all rolled into an afternoon. None of it was particularly helpful. We also did a hospital tour, so we knew where we'd be going throughout.
- local parent groups? baby and me classes? No experience

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First timer here, I think I need to take a class but would love some info from DCUM. (delivering at Sibley)

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home?

My water never broke naturally and I never went into spontaneous labor. I was induced. My midwife (CNM at a hospital) broke my water a few hours into the induction (maybe 12 hours?) to move things along.

- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth?

Again, I had an induction (for preeclampsia) so take what I say with a grain of salt. I wanted to try for unmedicated to see if I could handle it, but I ended up with an epidural after a while. I signed the consent form for an epidural immediately upon arrival so they didn't have to delay if I changed my mind and wanted one -- good policy, because once I requested one, I wanted it FAST. When I arrived, the midwife checked my cervix to see if I was dilated -- I was 1cm. They set up my fetal monitor (I wore one the entire time along with a blood pressure cuff; annoying but not the end of the world). They gave me Cytotec and inserted a Foley balloon (both of these are used to induce labor). Cytotec gave me diarrhea, but on the plus side, I didn't poop in front of my husband when I delivered and was allowed the dignity of pooping in the hospital toilet behind closed doors. Foley balloon and cervical checks can be very painful, but they are brief and you can say no to the checks -- I did a couple times. They gave me Pitocin a few hours after that. Yes, Pitocin sucks.

- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver?

Soda -- real soda, not diet, with sugar. I nearly passed out from exhaustion/low blood sugar after hours of pushing and a stupid Sierra Mist gave me the juice I needed to push my baby out. Bring this because many hospitals do not stock sugar drinks as a matter of policy. I thought I would want to eat in labor. Omg I did not. I threw up during labor...it can make you do that.

- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips?

Different hospitals have different policies. I did not give birth in DC (though I live here now) -- long story -- but at another major US teaching hospital. The policy was once you had an epidural you could no longer eat (I forget why). But again, as I said above, I didn't mind; labor made me queasy.

- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack?

Yes, the lactation consultant at the hospital was very helpful. My hospital out of state had 24/7 LC support on call, which was great. I did not have a doula but brought my mom and sister, both medical professionals, with me as my support people (in addition to my husband - this was pre-pandemic of course when you could bring your whole entourage). I breastfed the first month and then combo fed thereafter, then switched to formula at 2 months. No regrets. My baby was a sloooow feeder through no fault of my own, and I could not take the lost sleep.

- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc.

The weird mesh underwear and pads. Diapers during the stay, but not for take-home. I think they will give you formula samples too but I wasn't using it yet.

- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons?

I had my mom and MIL (whom I like, fwiw!) as postpartum helpers for the first month or so. Help is essential. Even if your help is limited, never skip showers or meals; a crying baby is an alive baby and can sit in a bouncer for 5 minutes.

- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section?

Yes, seek it out even if you don't think you need it. I had a tiny tiny "road rash" tear but I pushed for HOURS, so my pelvic floor still needed some work. I'm mostly back to normal (and definitely back to pleasant/acceptable) 2 years later and did pelvic floor PT at 4-8 months pp. Sometimes you may think you are "loose" but you are actually too tight and can't relax - that was me. C-section moms, if I recall correctly, still can benefit from pelvic floor PT - after all, you carried a baby for 9 months, that does have an impact (and emergency C's pushed before the surgery).

- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist?

I think some therapists specialize in it but any cognitive-behavioral type therapy should be appropriate; your OB can refer you if you think you need it. Keep in mind that the clinically normal experience of becoming a mom is still a pretty major stressor. Always take a break for yourself every day, even if it's just a walk around the block or listening to music. You may need to bite your tongue with your spouse for the first sleep-deprived weeks. I highly recommend that, honestly.

- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful?

I did not take any classes - was induced too early to prepare, ha!

- local parent groups? baby and me classes?

I didn't do any of these because of lockdowns, but I highly recommend you find some fellow moms to chat with. Socializing is so so important and healthy as a new mom. It's extremely isolating in the best of times.

Unsolicited advice: Don't let your husband south of the border when you're delivering. Not PC to say it, but even if your husband is an obstetrician, he can't unsee. Let others help. Don't base decisions on what you think a good mom "should" do in a perfect world. Don't put breastfeeding over sanity. Believe in your kid's capability -- my daughter slept through the night at 6 weeks and I thought something was wrong. Talk about something with your spouse other than the baby, every day, and spend time together alone (easier said than done, but if you have any family or a nanny etc you can do it).

With my son I pooped a week's worth of poop in 12 hours. :O dh saw it all and didn't care

I liked apple juice and ginger ale

re: eating With the epidural they can top you up with a spinal if you need a c section. If you're having an emergency and you don't have the epidural they need to give you general anesthesia, and some people vomit when they go under and that makes a nightmare for the anesthesiologist

[Anonymous]

I want to second and third the person's advice to bring baby nail clippers. My son wasn't even overdue, he was 39 weeks exactly, and he was born with long sharp talons (my daughter had these flimsy tissue paper nails, so I was not prepared.) I asked for some clippers from the nurse, and they didn't have any.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I delivered at INOVA Fairfax. First delivery was an induction, second was natural...

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home? When I went into labor, my water did not break. You base when you go to the hospital on spacing of contractions. The rule of thumb is contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, and for at least 1 hour. You should call your OB office when this happens and they will advise you to go to labor and delivery, and they'll notify the hospital that you're on your way.
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth? They'll put you in triage, where they'll monitor your contractions and check your cervix. This may be outdated, but they'll also test you for COVID. Once they confirm you're in active labor and your COVID status, they'll admit you. It's up to you when you get your epidural, but they'll advise you on what the wait time will be to get one. There are differing opinions on when the best time to get one is. Some say you it can stall labor if you get one too early and can wear off before you start pushing, but in other cases, it's helps the body relax and can progress labor. Remember, once you get an epidural you're no longer able to get out of bed, so see how you're feeling.
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver? I preferred having a portable battery to charge my phone instead of a super long chord.
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips? At INOVA, you only get liquids once you're admitted. I was in labor for 27 hours with my first and had to get a doctor's approval to order off the broth/jello menu. You're allowed to have popsicles and water. I was able to order breakfast immediately after though, and ate it in the labor & delivery suite before moving to recovery.
- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack? An LC works for the hospital and a doula is hired by you. The LC was somewhat helpful for me. My first had a bad latch, and she set me up with some gel soothing pads. I used an LC associated with my pediatrician office after that as a follow up, because breastfeeding was NOT going well, and she got me some prescription strength nipple cream that was a godsend, but otherwise was detrimental to my breastfeeding journey (she had me triple feed, which is AWFUL) and I ended up supplementing with formula, and my life was great again. I have no experience with a doula.
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc. A pack of diapers, wipes, pacifiers, ready to feed formula samples, underwear, pads, ice pads, witch hazel, pain spray, syringes. Basically anything that helps with recovery, they will give you more for home if you ask.
- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons? No experience
- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section? No experience
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist? No experience
- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful? We took an express course, which was their more intensive courses all rolled into an afternoon. None of it was particularly helpful. We also did a hospital tour, so we knew where we'd be going throughout.
- local parent groups? baby and me classes? No experience

+1 to premix formula. I am very pro BF but I used some when I was alone recovering from c section with my covid baby. Some nurses will act like you're asking for poison to feed to your baby if you ask for a bottle.

[Anonymous]

Delivered at Georgetown but don't think its especially different than Sibley.

Anonymous wrote:First timer here, I think I need to take a class but would love some info from DCUM. (delivering at Sibley)

- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home? Water broke at home before contractions started, called OB and they asked me to go to L&D. Got to L&D about 90 minutes later.

- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth? There was some paperwork to fill out first and I was put in triage room to confirm my water had broken, given a cervical exam to see how dilated I was and hooked up to monitors to see if I was contracting and couldn't feel it. I was in triage for a couple hours. Once OB confirmed my water had broken, I was only 1 cm dilated and was not contracting, I was moved to a L&D room. In the L&D room, I got an IV, and was given cervadil to help me dilate, I was also hooked up to a monitor. When I got to around 4-5cm and my contractions were every 2-3 minutes (took about 4 hours from getting the cervadil) I asked for an epidural. I got pitocin shortly after the epidural.

- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver? Long phone cord was nice, wearing Depends to the hospital meant I didn't leak everywhere in the car; should have worn a nursing bra that fastened in the back into the hospital. I was in a regular sports bra and it was a pain to change it after I was hooked up to the IVs.

- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips? I was not allowed snacks once I called my OB and told them I thought my water had broken.

- Was the lactation consultant at the hospital enough? Was a follow-up lactation consultant useful? Was the LC in addition to a doula or was this a combo pack? Yes the lactation consultant at Georgetown was super helpful. I ended up having a c-section and needed help figuring out how to comfortably hold baby and nurse. I had a lot of trouble breastfeeding and baby didn't gain wait so I had in home visits every day as well. In home was absolutely essential for me post c-section.

- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc. I got postpartum supplies for me, so pads and mesh underwear and a peri bottle. I got a giant water bottle. I also got cooling nursing pads because within a few hours of trying to breastfeed my nipples were raw and bleeding. I will bring these with me for the next kid -- no way I'm going to risk not having them. Baby got diapers/wipes, wrap top t-shirt thing to wear, hospital blankets to use as swaddles, nasal bulb, pacifier (I think).

- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons? Yes, because husband only had 2 weeks leave and we have no family help. Had a daytime doula about 3 afternoons a week and probably 1-2 nights a week. I found day help more helpful to me. But I'm a better napper during the day and I was always just anxious at night.
- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section? No. Not aware of an equivalent for a c-section. Maybe I should have worn an abdominal binder but I didn't feel like I needed it.
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist? Didn't have post-partum therapy.

- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful? I took a breastfeeding class, a newborn CPR class and caring for newborns class. DH came to all of them with me except breastfeeding class (he was on work travel). All were helpful for DH. Also recommend the book the Birth Partner for DH.

- local parent groups? baby and me classes? Did a PACE group.

[Anonymous]

It hurts.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you thank you thank you all! It feels like such a mystery to me and this is so so helpful. I sincerely appreciate all of the advice and sharing of anecdotal experience.