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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?
[b]When your water breaks differs with every labor and is really not an indicator of your labor’s progress. You will call to check in with your doctor (and possibly discuss with your doula) to decide when you should go to the hospital. For my first baby, my water never broke and was artificially ruptured when I was 8cm, after I had been in labor for roughly 40 hours. For my second, I thought I was leaking a little bit of amniotic fluid, so I called my doctor. They ask you about all the signs of possible infection or meconium (Time, Amount, Color, Odor) and will help make a decision if you need to be seen. Labor started 24 hours later and I labored at home for 12 hours before finally going in for a very quick delivery. Early labor can be long and it’s better to be at home where you can snack before going in to the hospital. 
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth?
[/b]You’re going to spend time in triage, checking dilation and contractions before there is a decision if you are being sent home or moved to a delivery room. Unless you are crowning, nothing is going to be done in a rush. Your medical team want to assess how quickly you are progressing, which can be a lot slower with your first birth. 
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver? 
[b]Baby nail scissors! Sibley gave me a nail file for my first but scissors are better. I brought the footprint kits. You can get the pads on Amazon and ask a nurse to help you get a clean footprint if you want it for anything. 
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips?
[/b]I delivered at Sibley and there is no food once you’re admitted. They can order you jello or juice. I brought coconut water. I ate a bowl of oatmeal before leaving for the hospital. 
- 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?
[b]Nope. You’re going to get a few tips in the hospital but will likely have different questions after your milk has come in and your baby has had a few days to develop a latch, so assume you will need an LC after you’ve been discharged. 
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc. 
[/b]Yes, Sibley gives you all the postpartum supplies and everything baby needs during the stay (except nail scissors!) You can take home all supplies like diapers and wipes that are in your bassinet and should ask the nurse for extra ice packs. 
- 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?
[b]Everyone should get pelvic PT but therapists taking insurance are very rare. I would recommend getting on a waitlist in your third trimester 
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist?
[/b]Most OB’s can give you a referral list
- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful?
[b]I took all the classes with my first pregnancy. The doctor recommended birth/baby class was terrible. All the classes at the Breastfeeding Center were helpful. Infant CPR is something you and your partner should do. I also liked a comfort measures for labor workshop offered by my doula. 
- local  parent groups? baby and me classes?
[/b]It depends on COVID. PACE was great and Mama’s Circle does the same type of mom group. There were great baby classes offered at the Smithsonian pre-COVID, but that depends on when you are due and what is available. 
[/quote][/quote]

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