Anonymous
01/05/2022 22:47
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
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?
- DC1 labored at home for probably 12 hours but we several hours into it before I realized it was labor. Probably could have stayed home several more hours but first time, so didn’t know. Hospital did not send us home because there was a snow storm.
- DC2 we scheduled induction
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth?
- No. best to delay as long as possible because epidural can slow labor. Once you have it you’re stuck in bed. Moving around helps move things along.
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver?
- extra long charging cord for my phone
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips?
- varies by hospital but usually when they admit you. With DC2 since the induction took a day and a half I was allowed to eat some small meals/snacks at the hospital. And I threw them up
- 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. Breastfeeding center of DC was wonderful with both kids. They offer classes you can take while pregnant. So helpful.
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc.
- anything in the room is yours to take home. I brought home plenty of mesh underwear and ice packs, etc. maybe one package of diapers.
- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons?
- n/a
- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section?
- n/a
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist?
- yes with DC2. Should have done it with DC1 as well but I thought it was normal “baby blues”. Specialist is post partum anxiety/post partum depression. Might be helpful to get a referral list from you OB while pregnant and do some initial outreach. In the midst of it after baby arrives it can be really hard to do those things.
- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful?
- DH and I did a prenatal yoga workshop together that was great. Lots of comfort measures for him to help with during labor. We also did the basics of childbirth class together. I did lactation classes at the breastfeeding center on my own.
- local parent groups? baby and me classes?
-n/a
Anonymous
01/05/2022 22:41
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Love that you asking all these questions.
Op here. Thank you!
Re: all the carseat posters - I have heard so many things about the carseat. Wrapping my head around infant w/ stroller versus convertible w/ no stroller, whether to order it now or put on registry, and then sounds like deal with the install. Yeesh. Thank you for the further insight on that piece (and the fact that I should ask to bring it up to the delivery room!).
WE USED THE INFANT SEAT FOR 6 MOS. IT'S A PAIN IN THE ASS. I WOULD JUST GET A CONVERTIBLE AND USE A BABY CARRIER UNTIL YOUR BABY CAN SIT UP IN AN UMBRELLA STORY. OBVS DIFFERENT STORY IF YOU HAVE $$$$$
Anonymous
01/05/2022 22:40
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
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? WAS TOLD TO COME IN IMMEDIATELY (THIS WAS TWO DAYS BEFORE MY SCHEDULED C-SECTION FOR A BREECH BABY)
- What happens when you get there? Immediate epidural if you chose a medicated birth? NO I LABORED FOR A WHILE BECAUSE THEY HAD TO FIND DOCTORS, THEN THEY TOOK ME INTO THE C-SECTION ROOM, GAVE ME THE EPIDURAL AND DID THE C-SEDCTION
- What unusual items did you bring with you that were a life saver? NOTHING
- At what point do you have to stop with snacks and start with ice chips? N/A
- 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? SHE WAS HELPFUL, I NEEDED FOLLOW UPS. THIS 100% DEPENDS ON YOUR BOOBS AND YOUR BABY, OBVS
- What did your hospital give you? Diapers, underwear etc. EVERYTHING WE NEEDED. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR THINGS
- How many had night nurse/doula help at home? Pros/cons? LOL NO
- Pelvic floor therapy? Yes/no/recs. What is the equivalent for a C-section? I DIDN'T NEED THIS, JUST ASK YOUR OB, OBVS
- Post-partum therapy? Is this a specialist? I DIDN'T NEED THIS, JUST ASK YOUR OB, OBVS
- What classes did you take before? What is there for DHs that is helpful? BIRTH CLASS ENDED UP BEING UNNECESSARY B/C C-SECTION BUT THE BABY CARE PART WAS GOOD
- local parent groups? baby and me classes? WE CAN'T HELP YOU UNLESS YOU TELL US WHERE YOU LIVE, DUH
Anonymous
01/05/2022 22:35
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Love that you asking all these questions.
Op here. Thank you!
Re: all the carseat posters - I have heard so many things about the carseat. Wrapping my head around infant w/ stroller versus convertible w/ no stroller, whether to order it now or put on registry, and then sounds like deal with the install. Yeesh. Thank you for the further insight on that piece (and the fact that I should ask to bring it up to the delivery room!).
PP. I've had a couple. The Chicco Keyfit is great. The base is easy to install, the seat pops out, and it will probably fit your baby to 12 months+. It also installs easily (without the base) into a taxi.
Anonymous
01/05/2022 22:34
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
Take a class. Preferably one that is somehow associated with the hospital where you’ll be delivering. But mechanics of labor and delivery (e.g. when your water breaks) varies widely.
Anonymous
01/05/2022 22:32
Subject: Re:Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
- 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.
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.
Anonymous
01/05/2022 18:51
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
- How long after water breaking did you go to the hospital? By mistake really, I went to work. I had been given a suppository for a vaginal infection and the gushing, I thought it was the suppository (6 weeks early). So probably 10 hrs after water broke I was at the hospital. They said they would not allow labor to go more than 24 hrs after water breaks. C section.
I came with nothing in particular. You'll want the obvious - cell phone & charger, something to wear home.
Didn't breast feed. There are some of us that don't and it's ok.
I came with nothing in particular. You'll want the obvious - cell phone & charger, something to wear home.
Didn't breast feed. There are some of us that don't and it's ok.
Anonymous
01/05/2022 17:48
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
Anonymous wrote:Love that you asking all these questions.
Op here. Thank you!
Re: all the carseat posters - I have heard so many things about the carseat. Wrapping my head around infant w/ stroller versus convertible w/ no stroller, whether to order it now or put on registry, and then sounds like deal with the install. Yeesh. Thank you for the further insight on that piece (and the fact that I should ask to bring it up to the delivery room!).
Anonymous
01/05/2022 17:46
Subject: Re:Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: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.
Good luck OP! Ask all the questions you want. It's good to be as prepared as you can. I was amazed (shocked) at how hard it was to take care of an infant. They don't sleep/eat/poop well sometime and it can feel like you are failing as a mom (hormones.)
OP here. Thank you! Oh gosh, I haven't even gotten to the newborn/infant question stage yet. Learning to try and give grace and not impose restrictions on myself - seems to be a lesson here and on the blogs.
Anonymous
01/05/2022 17:09
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
Anonymous wrote:I'll add --
-the thing I needed the most practical help with was figuring out how to work the damn car seat. Get an experienced parent or a professional to show you.
-postpartum bleeding (literally) stinks; there's a weird smell for a while.
-there is ZERO shame in asking the nurse to take the baby to the nursery so you can sleep (if the hospital has one -- even the "baby friendly" ones usually do, it's just not advertised). I wish I had.
You need to get help with the carseat or commit to putting aside a few hours to read read the stupid manual along with the portion of your car manual that talks about car seats, preferably way before you are heavily pregnant because bending in half fiddling with the f**king carseat with a huge belly is not fun.
Anonymous
01/05/2022 17:04
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
Love that you asking all these questions.
Anonymous
01/05/2022 16:56
Subject: Re:Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
Anonymous wrote: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.
Good luck OP! Ask all the questions you want. It's good to be as prepared as you can. I was amazed (shocked) at how hard it was to take care of an infant. They don't sleep/eat/poop well sometime and it can feel like you are failing as a mom (hormones.)
Anonymous
01/05/2022 16:50
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
I'll add --
-the thing I needed the most practical help with was figuring out how to work the damn car seat. Get an experienced parent or a professional to show you.
-postpartum bleeding (literally) stinks; there's a weird smell for a while.
-there is ZERO shame in asking the nurse to take the baby to the nursery so you can sleep (if the hospital has one -- even the "baby friendly" ones usually do, it's just not advertised). I wish I had.
-the thing I needed the most practical help with was figuring out how to work the damn car seat. Get an experienced parent or a professional to show you.
-postpartum bleeding (literally) stinks; there's a weird smell for a while.
-there is ZERO shame in asking the nurse to take the baby to the nursery so you can sleep (if the hospital has one -- even the "baby friendly" ones usually do, it's just not advertised). I wish I had.
Anonymous
01/05/2022 15:42
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
At my 37 week appointment the doc was like, you are in labor go to l and d triage. I had no idea! So in the last few weeks be prepared in terms of your go bag and car seat bc I definitely was not.
Anonymous
01/05/2022 15:19
Subject: Walk me through delivery and immediate postpartum
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?
- 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?
1. My water never broke on its own with either pregnancy. I was told to call when contractions were strong enough to interrupt a sentence for more than an hour. With my second, I was induced at 41 weeks.
2. My first one was born in a birth center. When we arrived, we were settled into our room. I don't remember a ton about it, I was in pretty active labor by the time we got there. When I was induced with my second, I got an epidural at 6cm. I was trying to go without because it was not difficult for me the first time, but pitocin contractions are different.
3. Long phone charger cord. Good pillow. Chapstick.
4. With first one, no one told me I had to stop having snacks. I wasn't interested in food during labor though. With my second, I had dinner the night before I was induced and then nothing until after she was born later that evening, but that was mostly because I wasn't interested in food.
5. My second was born at Sibley and I never saw a LC despite asking. I ended up with a cracked nipple from poor positioning, but I saw the Breastfeeding Center people after getting home and they helped. I highly recommend them for basically everything.
6. Hospital let us take pretty much whatever we wanted associated with the baby herself. We came home with some diapers and the blanket and hat, but I don't think we brought much else. I already had Depends at home based on my first birth and was pretty keen to just get out of there.
7. Pelvic floor damage is not exclusive to vaginal delivery. Pregnancy itself is very hard on pelvic floor. Pelvic floor therapy SHOULD be part of routine postpartum care but isn't. If you can afford it and need it, go for it! Ditto postpartum therapy, though you might find a group more useful than an individual therapist since so much of the emotional adjustment is related to normalizing our own experiences and one person is less equipped to do that than 10 women all going through the same stuff at the same time.
8. I took no classes before. Neither did my husband. I preferred to get my information from reading and talking to my doctors. My husband is kind of freaked out by bodies in general and basically said that the less he knew about it, the better he'd be able to support me, and he was right about that!