Topic Archive: birthing

September 16, 2011

Being Open to a Flexible Birth Plan

I’m coming down to the wire as I have only 3 weeks left in my pregnancy.  This second pregnancy has been different from the first – although not vastly so – there have been clear distinctions.  First, I’m having a girl.  Not sure if this is THE differentiating factor in what I’m experiencing this second time around but it’s definitely different.  Second, I am “healthier.”  While I continue to be reminded that I’m a mother of “advanced maternal age” (41 years old – I was barely 37 when I had my first), this time around, I haven’t experienced any high blood pressure or low amniotic fluid, which was what sent me to to get induced and what led to the slippery slope of an “emergency” c-section with Henry (high fetal heart rate I was told).  Even my low placenta, which was a concern in my first pregnancy seems to have moved up to the arbitrarily so-called safe zone of 2+cm (away from the cervix).

So, am I in the clear to have a VBAC?  Not really.  One of my goals this pregnancy was to try for a VBAC since I never experienced real childbirth.  With Henry, I was induced, on a pitocin drip for 12 hours, yet, still never felt any true, active labor.  Heck, we weren’t even sure if my water had broke!  My belief is that I ended up with an emergency c-section because the doctor-on-call was getting off shift and just wanted my baby to come out (I checked in at 7am and delivered at 12:15am the next morning).  (more…)

Episode 190 | October 20, 2010

The Placenta: Encapsulation and Other Benefits

Have you thought about what to do with your placenta after the birth of your baby? Did you know your placenta can continue to provide both you and your baby essential nutrients for weeks after (more…)

Episode 183 | August 24, 2010

Sunny’s Birth Story

Sunny’s birthing story. Her birth plan, epidurals and recuperation after a 9.2 lb baby. How did she know she was in labor and where was she? The importance of packing your bags in advance; you won’t believe what she accidentally left behind! Plus, not all is well post birth, and why she’s vowed to become the spokesperson for epidurals. (more…)

June 28, 2010

Childbirth (The Whole Enchilada)

I had no idea how involved the whole process of childbirth could actually be… especially for new parents. So, it’s a good thing Ryan and I signed up for a weekend crash course in the subject (listen to PregTASTIC, Episode 114 for more information on birthing classes).

I had heard mixed reviews about these types of classes. Mainly that they weren’t really worth your time because they pretty much just state the obvious. And let’s face it… most of us already know the basics. Our parents taught us that when they sat us down to discuss the proverbial “birds and the bees”. However, I doubt your parents ever got this deep….

As with most things in life… the more you know about a particular topic, the more comfortable you feel. So, it only makes sense to get a quick preview of what is likely to become the most important day of your life.

In our case, our childbirth class at Palomar Medical Center was not only a great prep course, but it also served as an important dress rehearsal for the big day. We mapped out our route to the hospital and determine the best place to park (including after hours). Then, we toured the hospital for the first time, which included a stop in both the private delivery rooms as well as the recovery rooms. We were even able to pre-register for the big day.

And all that was really a bonus! The material covered in class was also extremely helpful. It’s what I like to call “the whole enchilada”.  It’s packed with lots of good “stuff”… and yes, at times it can get a little messy. Especially some of the videos… so eat a light lunch :)

Really nothing is off limits in these classes, which is great. Most of the couples are first-time parents, so we’re all asking the same silly questions when it comes to labor and delivery. Common topics of discussion include pregnancy comforts/discomforts, stages/phases of labor, comfort techniques, hospital procedures and caring for a newborn. For Ryan and I, these topics were a great starting point for discussions outside the classroom. Believe it or not, deciding what is best for your family and comparing that to what your OB and hospital want for you, can be overwhelming. There are many choices to make, and having a partner to share that responsibility is extremely helpful.

It definitely made us stronger in the end. And Lord knows… I need all the strength I can get come D-Day.

April 7, 2010

Gina’s Birth Story and Her Midwife Issues

We love birthing stories! PregTASTIC podcaster Gina is back with hubby Dave, and their new baby, and shares details about their shocking last minute midwife issues. Plus, the decision to go to the hospital and Dave’s lecture to the hospital staff. Gina shares her birthing technique and how a hot tub and Dave’s back rubs helped when pain was setting in. How her chiropractor helped with breastfeeding, and this week’s winner of the O Yikes diaper bag.