PG or been PG? Come in!

tbirdphomm

It's about that time for us/me to research the different birthing techniques and I've been given a list from our doctor to research.  I've done some reading on the internet and the one that interests me is the hypno-birthing technique.  Anyone take classes already (Zeana Spa right?)?  Or anyone actually do this? 
I'm more or less leaning towards an epi anyways, but am open to learn about other ways...any input/birthing stories would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

NWBecca

I really wish that we'd had the discipline to learn the hypnobirthing method--I've heard so many positive stories about it. I got the book out from the library, and frankly, dh and I were simply too lazy to really follow through on the practice portion of it (probably would have had much more success if we'd taken the class.)

The only method that I would somewhat discourage is the Birthing From Within class. We did that, and I felt like we really didn't learn any effective physical coping techniques--instead we held ice in our hands for various lengths of time.....

Anyway, with DS, I really wanted an unmedicated/intervention-free labor and birth so that I could be mobile and completely "there." I ended up having a very unexpected induction, so the intervention-free part of the plan went straight out the window. I labored for 29 hours before realizing that the epi was going to give me the relaxed experience that I was craving--because I wasn't allowed to do anything that I thought would be helpful pain-wise due to the constant fetal monitoring (be in the tub, walk around, etc.) Anyway, got the epi and DS was born 3 hours later.

With this pg, I really hope to avoid induction and the constant monitoring (will only agree to it if I have to be induced again.) I'm hoping for an unmedicated labor, and this time we'll also have a doula to help when it gets rough. (FWIW, it really wasn't *that* bad, even with full-strength pitocin, until transition.) I think if we have one more set of hands, then my DH will be way less stressed if it's another long labor, and it will be a mental boost for both of us.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Oh yeah, if you do decide to go the epi route, you may want to have some pain control techniques in mind in case it doesn't work completely. (I have a friend who didn't prepare because she knew she'd have an epidural--only to have it not work....I can't imagine that!)

NWBecca

ugh, sorry, didn't realize I wrote a book there...

tbirdphomm

You didn't write a book   I appreciate the feedback!

I would ***LOVE*** to say that I want a completely unmedicated birth, however, I know what will happen will happen, so I am willing to be open to all ideas. 

I too, was told, even if I was to go towards the epi route, to be ready to learn methods to deal with the pain so that's why I am trying to research more (although, I forsee myself doing what you did Becca and just not really doing anything with books before it being too late...that's why I am thinking we should take the class...)however, the hypno-birthing classes are 4-5 week long classes...our schedule is already so tight as it is, I just can't imagine us adding something else to it.  Ahh well, priorities right?  We may just have to bite the bullet and sign up for the classes rather than getting books.     
Isn't there a "modern" lamaze class they are teaching now?  Is that worth looking into?

Newbie33

I didn't do anything exciting but here's my story since you're leaning towards an epi. I was induced with an epidural at Good Sam. My experience was awesome. If all I had to do was L&D for another baby (and not do the pregnancy part), I'd do it again. The whole process was very easy-going and comfortable. The induction and epidural didn't slow the process down or hurt my ability to push (actually my doctor had me do "crunches" instead of push) at all. I pushed all of 15 minutes. DD was born, wide-eyed and completely alert. Recovery wasn't bad either. It wasn't fun but certainly not a nightmare. I was sore for a couple of days but nothing that Advil didn't take care of (do ask for a donut to sit on in the beginning). I did sign up for a birthing class at the hospital and attended the first 20 minutes or so. I ran out of the room scared before the gory stuff was even talked about. If a class or something is right for you and makes you feel more comfortable and prepared, then definitely do it but as someone who basically didn't take a class (sitting through introductions doesn't really count), you can definitely do it without one. I just did what my doctor and the nurses told me to do and was fine. They are so experienced and so good, you don't need a lot of coaching (for a hospital birth -- I can't speak for other types).

estherandgeoff2

I know Liane said she did the hypnobirthing class at Zenana Spa and really loved it. I'm like you, I don't have too much time to go take classes and we're probably going to end up with an epidural anyway. So I'm just going to do the weekend Childbirth A-Z thing at OHSU and take a tour of the L&D.

Maryland

We're taking the standard series of classes that our hospital offers. I think we start in a few weeks. I have no desire to research anything; I figure she's coming out one way or another, and she's probably got more to say about it than me. I'll let you know later if I regret this mindset

LisiLynn

My advise is to learn a method to handle the contractions be it lamaze or hypno-birthing and learn it very very well and hold off on the epi for as long as possible and if they want to moniter you and you want to be up and around, do what you want and don't let them push you into laying still with that stupid monitor unless there is a reason for such concern. I hated not being mobile and I hated the epi and I had a long and difficult labor that I truly wish I'd been better prepared to cope with. Next time I will take Lamaze classes and practice every single day.

MrsNWT

I second the thought of refusing to be constitantly monitored if there is no reason.  That alone made my "labor" (if you can call it that) awkward and irratating!  I will strongly fight it off this time if I decide to do a vbac.