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[quote=Anonymous][quote=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?

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).
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