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[quote=Anonymous]- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? Or, how long did you labor at home?

My water broke only with #3.  Your doctor will give your guidelines on timing contractions & when to go to the hospital.

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

You can choose when to get an epidural.  My contractions were strong enough that I wanted an epidural asap.  It took some time for an anesthesiologist to be available.  I was also able to push a button to control the level of the epidural.  My suggestion is to keep it low enough that you can feel the contractions.  For my first, the epidural got so strong that I couldn't feel the pushing, which made that stage really hard to deal with.

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

I'll second a PP's suggestion for sugary beverages.  I had lemonade & fruit punch.

Also, lots of drinks & fortifying snacks for after the birth.  I ate the hospital dinner AND take-out dinner AND was still snacking all night (nuts, crackers, cookies, etc.).  I've never felt hungrier in my life.

Otherwise, pack light: chargers, devices, something for you & baby to wear home.

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

I ate snacks while laboring with #1 and that was a huge mistake.  I vomited and felt terrible.  Sugary beverages only the next time.  Even if you don't usually drink that sort of thing, you will want the easy energy.

- 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?

I got the help I needed in the hospital.  You might want to research LCs in your area ahead of time so you can call them if you need additional help.

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

Take the huge pads, disposable undies, and a squirt peri bottle home.  You'll appreciate them.

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

I didn't.  It was tiring but I just wanted time with my baby and immediate family.  I definitely wouldn't have wanted someone else around.  For me, even extended family felt more intrusive than helpful in the early days.

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

I would just follow up as needed in your postnatal check-ups.  Know that you can get help if you needed.  You do not need to suffer with issues that might come up.  There are many options for physical therapy and other interventions.

- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist?

Again, follow up as needed with your obgyn in postnatal check-ups.  Please don't hesitate to ask for help.  If you have a history of mental health challenges, please make a plan ahead of time.

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

I took a basic childcare class and a childbirth class.  The childbirth class was sort of harmful honestly.  It was very crunchy and I was not prepared for the possibility of an emergency c-section.  I felt guilty about needing a c-section, rather than simply informed about this life-saving possibility.

- local parent groups? baby and me classes?

I loved baby & me yoga and barre classes.

I would also add that a huge thing to prepare for is the inevitability of surprises.  There are so many different ways the birth can unfold and your new baby will be its own unpredictable little human.  It is impossible to prepare perfectly and there will be things you can't control.  So when there are twists and complications, don't feel guilty.  Seek the help you need and be kind to yourself.  Your best may not always feel good enough to you, and that's ok.[/quote]

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