https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:42:02 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-youve-had-2-or-more-unmedicated-births#post-2670618 Tue, 27 Dec 2016 16:06:53 +0000 littlejoy 2670618@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>... did your labors get progressively shorter with each birth? </p> <p>My first labor was 6 hours, which left me feeling like I wasn't able to really experience it (just so fast and intense). I understand it went so fast because of baby's position, so if this baby isn't in the same position, maybe it could be longer. </p> <p>Would love to hear about your experiences! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/homebirth-mommas#post-13514 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:49:57 +0000 runsyellowlites 13514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are there any other homebirth mommies here?</p> <p>I'm really excited about ours (of course that's still a ways from now), but I was wondering if any other hellobee mommies were going for a homebirth or have homebirthed.</p> <p>Thought we could give some support to each other on our endeavor =) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hypnobirthinghypnobabies-insight-please#post-2640194 Fri, 21 Oct 2016 11:52:58 +0000 Rescuemom10 2640194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Would love to hear some success stories and experiences with using either.<br /> I live in a rural area and there are no Hypno classes in the area. No doulas where I am delivering who are experienced in it either. I have hired a doula who has seen it once before, and who is experienced in VBAC (Which I am having). </p> <p>My other big question is has anyone used the at home study material and found it helpful.</p> <p>I am looking at ordering the Hypnobabies at home study set but would love to hear from other moms who have used it.<br /> I have about 10 weeks until my EDD so I should probably get started on something. :grin: </p> <p>Thanks </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/has-anyone-had-a-med-free-birth#post-2563407 Tue, 07 Jun 2016 17:36:45 +0000 caterw 2563407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been thinking about natural birth for my second child... </p> <p>My previous birth story- I was induced at 40 weeks with DD due to low amniotic fluid and then given Pitocin. From the start of induction to birth, my labor was only 8 hours and was pretty easy (20 minutes of pushing and minor tear). The doctor offered narcotics when I was given Pitocin and then I also had an epidural. I was super drugged up and have basically no memories of labor. Recovery was relatively easy. </p> <p>I am kinda thinking that the next baby will be an easy birth as well... but who knows since my labor was sped up and medicated? </p> <p>Does anyone have experience with unmedicated birth? Am I crazy to consider this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-couldwould-you-do-it-again#post-2431967 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 20:07:47 +0000 mrsjyw 2431967@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an unmedicated birth with my second and I would totally/hope to do it again if we ever end up pregnant with a third in the future.</p> <p>I never thought I'd say it, but it was AMAZING. Though painful and intense, I could def do it again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-medfree-labordelivery#post-2349491 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 15:41:03 +0000 mrsjyw 2349491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>would you do it again?</p> <p>I had a medfree labor/delivery and my pp recovery was/is amazing! For that reason I'd want to do it again if we had a third.</p> <p>However, the intense pain (albeit a short amount of time)... makes me cringe at the thought of another medfree labor/delivery... though labor/delivery with DS1 was painful for me too (with an epi).</p> <p>If you had a medfree l&amp;d, did/do you want to do it again? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-your-med-free-birth-really-reduce-epidural-side-effects#post-2328054 Wed, 21 Oct 2015 05:50:10 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2328054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have read a few articles that epidural causes side effects in both mother and baby. Admittedly, the articles are very pro med-free, but still begs the question: did your med-free birth really reduce epidural side effects?</p> <p><a href="http://chriskresser.com/natural-childbirth-v-epidural-side-effects-and-risks/" rel="nofollow">http://chriskresser.com/natural-childbirth-v-epidural-side-effects-and-risks/</a></p> <p><a href="http://naturallysavvy.com/nest/the-benefits-of-natural-childbirth#sthash.FoVIoY07" rel="nofollow">http://naturallysavvy.com/nest/the-benefits-of-natural-childbirth#sthash.FoVIoY07</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-hypnobirthing#post-834394 Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:46:26 +0000 Mrs squirreld 834394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you do it? Did it work for you? What have you heard about it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/medfree-birth-without-a-class#post-2260979 Tue, 11 Aug 2015 14:02:46 +0000 peaches1038 2260979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm due with my first in November and trying to figure out if birthing classes are worth it. Scheduling with my and my DHs jobs is somewhat difficult, so I'm wondering if anyone was able to have a med free birth (on purpose) without taking a class. I would have my husband watch some YouTube videos and we have already discussed the interventions we would like to have or avoid with me and our LO. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-an-unmedicated-birth#post-2250530 Thu, 30 Jul 2015 21:22:30 +0000 mrsjyw 2250530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epidural with DS1 that wore off when it came time to push (the machine was on/off all morning and too late for the nurse to do anything by the time it came to pushing time!)</p> <p>I had awful IV edema swelling and I think it also attributed to post partum issues (milk coming in late, slower recovery, etc.) for me. </p> <p>I went unmedicated with DS2, he came so fast I didn't have time to change my mind! Recovery has been a breeze and milk came in fast without the horrible engorgement that I experienced the first time around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-for-your-natural-birth#post-2210891 Wed, 17 Jun 2015 08:51:40 +0000 Keybee 2210891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I want to try it, but this is my first and I've been painfully nieve about everything pregnancy related so far.<br /> What did you do to prepare for a natural birth? What advice do you have for a first timer? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/group-b-strep-positive-and-natural-childbirth#post-2010078 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:01:29 +0000 Mrs. J 2010078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi ladies,</p> <p>I am almost 10 weeks with my second, and the nurse at the midwife office just called to tell me my urine tested positive for group b strep. Now, I wasn't positive last time and I had a totally intervention free birth (minus breaking my water), and I'd like to repeat that again. Anyone have this and still have a med free birth experience? I was hoping to labor in the tub. Do you think I can just have a heplock for the IV and I can still do this naturally? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-possible-to-have-a-successful-natural-hospital-birth-wo-attending-classes#post-1938804 Tue, 11 Nov 2014 09:23:34 +0000 ms. pug 1938804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hello! I was wondering if anyone has ever had a successful natural birth in a hospital without hiring a doula or attending any classes. My husband travels frequently and I currently have a very long commute which makes all classes in our area impossible to attend. We are taking the basic class our hospital offers, but we are re-locating a month before the birth (to eliminate my long commute) so the other classes are just not an option for us due to location. </p> <p>I am willing to put in the work and hours practicing, reading, researching, watching videos, etc. but cannot physically attend a class. Does anyone have any advice or experience? I would love to have a minimal intervention birth and want to be as prepared as possible, within our limitations. Any resource recommendations? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I am due with our first child this March! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/has-anyone-tried-sub-cutaneous-sterile-water-injections#post-2120422 Tue, 24 Mar 2015 17:39:41 +0000 Astro Bee 2120422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I attended the virtual tour at my hospital last week, and they mentioned sub-cutaneous sterile water injections as a method of pain relief. They're said to work almost instantaneously, and to significantly reduce your pain level. Has anyone tried it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-did-you-go-med-free#post-2115064 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 19:24:42 +0000 prettylizy 2115064@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I was pregnant with DD1 I had an inkling that I didn't want an epidural but it wasn't until we took our prenatal classes that it became clear to me I wanted to have a natural labour. Im so happy I did, so much so that I did it again with DD2 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/naturalmed-free-birth-without-doula#post-2043176 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 08:26:20 +0000 LindsayInNY 2043176@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone have a med-free birth without hiring a doula? I go back and forth and wonder if I can be successful just DH and I without a doula. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-did-you-want-to-go-med-free#post-1955560 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 09:15:00 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1955560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you always want to go med free or did you decide after you got pregnant. </p> <p>We I first started ttc I thought I'd like to give birth med free. It's taken me so long to conceive that I don't really care how I deliver anymore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-wanted-an-epidural-free-birth#post-1882764 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:22:14 +0000 coopsmama 1882764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are/were your reasons? </p> <p>For my first, I had to have a drug free birth as I was delivering with a home birth midwife. After 30 hours of labor and being stuck at 8-9cm for 6-7 of them she said we needed to transfer to the hospital and I got an epidural there. However, I was just thinking this morning that I feel like I was atypical of those who want a med free birth with my first and that I never really thought of WHY I wanted one. I just chose a provider that couldn't provide one so that was that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-other-pregnant-bees-seeing-midwives-instead-of-obs#post-1825023 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 09:14:33 +0000 Circusbee 1825023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have already made the decision to see a very respectable group of midwives at a birth center in my area instead of an OB for my prenatal care and delivery. I came to this decision for many reasons, and I did a lot of research before coming to this conclusion. All in all, I truly believe it's the safest route for me and my baby (many factors considered, including my age, health, strength, medical history, and family dynamic). </p> <p>However, at 14 weeks, now that I've told most family, friends, and coworkers about the pregnancy, some have found out about this choice through baby-talk conversation, and I've heard just a few kind of negative comments about it. I feel like it's just beginning of hearing other people's opinions on the subject, so I'm hoping there are some others here that have made a similar choice to (ideally) go med-free and hospital-free for their prenatal care and births. </p> <p>How do you deal with the judgy comments?<br /> Have you ever doubted your decision because of comments like this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-for-1-do-you-want-the-same-for-2#post-1721233 Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:53:17 +0000 maybebaby 1721233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not so sure. I wonder if I'd had en epidural if I would've been able to labor down more and not push so hard and fast which ultimately resulted in a 3rd degree bilateral tear. I loved my birth experience until that issue and the resulting recovery. We're waiting a bit for #2, but it's already on my mind... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/give-me-a-crash-course-method-of-preparing-for-a-med-free-birth#post-1675558 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 13:14:39 +0000 jedeve 1675558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First birth, I had a go with the flow attitude. Short birth story: baby was posterior, I progressed half a centimeter in 4 hours of consistent/continuous back labor contractions, asked for an epidural at 2.5 centimeters. Didn't get it for another hour, at which point I was six centimeters. It never really worked as far as pain relief went (although it took the edge off), but prevented me from moving my legs.</p> <p>I don't want that situation again. My MW says because I had back labor with the first, that was likely to happen again, and it was likely an epidural wouldn't work again. So I want to go without one.</p> <p>I don't want to do a birthing class, but I would like to brush up on some natural pain relief techniques. I know most of the ones I tried didn't come close to helping with the first. (even the tub didn't work - I just kept getting on all fours which the nurse didn't like me doing in a bath tub full of water, haha!)</p> <p>Any books/websites/dvds/you tube videos you would recommend? Especially for back labor? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-got-an-epidural-for-1#post-888963 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 11:22:01 +0000 regberadaisy 888963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>would you try for a med free for #2?</p> <p>I'm undecided! I tried to go epi free for #1 but I couldn't take it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/med-free-never-again#post-1524676 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 01:55:52 +0000 ScarletBegonia 1524676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi - I don't want this post to cause any controversy, I just want to share my story and hear from others who might have had similar experiences or who feel entirely differently! Just interested in opinions and experiences!</p> <p>I did all my antenatal care through a birth centre, meeting with midwives and working hard to prepare for a med-free, intervention-free birth. Looking back now, I can't really pinpoint why I wanted such an experience - many of my friends had gone through the birth centre and raved about the experience there, and I suppose a small part of me wanted to be able to say that I did it med-free (badge of honour and all that). </p> <p>So when I went into labour everything happened much faster than I thought it would, and nothing at all like they talked about in my antenatal classes - short and extremely painful contractions that came 2-3 minutes apart, right from the beginning. I couldn't speak through contractions basically from the minute they started, but still when i arrived at the birth centre I was only 3cm dilated. I had to be moved to the labour &amp; delivery ward because I had high blood pressure, and I knew that since I was now on the ward I could get an epidural if I wanted. I said I wasn't sure, and the anaesthesiologist was tied up anyway, so I said I would wait and see. I was 4cm at that point. Another hour or so later, I was overwhelmed by the pain and the back to back contractions, and asked for the epidural - then asked to be checked first, cause I thought if I was 9-10cm I could make it - but if I was at 5cm (like the antenatal classes suggested I should be - 1cm/hr was the rough rate of dilation for most women, apparently), I definitely wanted to get the epi. Well, I was a touch shy of 10cm and ready to push, so I said no to the epi and started pushing. 1 1/2 hours of pushing later, and the pain was completely in my back and the baby hadn't moved AT ALL despite standing up the whole time and blowing out capillaries in both my eyes and my cheeks from pushing. Finally, the OB came in the assess me, said I wasn't progressing, and agreed to let me have an epidural even though I shouldn't have been able to get one at that stage. </p> <p>Sitting through the insertion of the epidural through continuous contractions was THE hardest thing I've ever done. I have nightmares about it almost every night. But, when it took (which it luckily did equally in both sides and fully), it was the greatest relief I have ever felt in my life. I honestly think it must be what a heroin addict feels when they do the first hit of their life. From a point of near insanity I relaxed instantly and was laughing and discussing philosophy with the anaesthesiologist. I pushed another hour with the epi, still no progress, and proceeded to have an uncomplicated forceps delivery. I've had a super easy recovery and my baby suffered no ill effects from 3 hrs of pushing or from the forceps. </p> <p>I've come to the conclusion that I will NEVER labour unmedicated again - next time (if there is a next time) I will ask for the epidural the minute I get to the hospital. I also feel like a lot of the things I was told in the antenatal classes I took about med-free birth were misleading and in some cases, downright wrong. Yes, our bodies were made for this, women have been birthing for millennia without drugs, etc etc - but in speaking to the OB after my birth I asked if the outcome of my birth would have been so good if I hadn't had access to drugs, forceps, and the possibility of a c-section, and he told me absolutely not. With a baby stalled at such a high position like mine was, all the oxytocin in the world and the strongest contractions imaginable were not going to move him - medical intervention was necessary. I shudder to think about the outcome if I had been somewhere where it wasn't available!</p> <p>Anyway - sorry for the novel. I'm reflecting 2 weeks later and am interested to hear what others have gone through, both med-free and non. Congrats if you've made it through this whole post!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-had-a-med-free-birth-1#post-1452017 Wed, 26 Feb 2014 17:43:39 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 1452017@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you experience the "high" after delivery that people talk about/you read about in books?</p> <p>Do you think that this sensation is muted/not as prevalent when there are meds involved? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-unable-to-have-an-epidural#post-1442464 Sat, 22 Feb 2014 09:44:55 +0000 knittylady 1442464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Due to a spinal fusion I had in 2000 to correct severe scoliosis, I was told I'm not a candidate for an epidural. I got through labor with DS and am now 12 weeks with LO2. </p> <p>I totally hated labor! I wish wish wish I could have had an epidural! I did not feel empowered or strong at all, I just felt like I was dying. Anyone else out there not able to have meds but wanted them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/50-off-hypnobabies-mp3-tracks#post-1380966 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 10:46:29 +0000 SupernovaJ 1380966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>just thought i'd share - i got an email for 50% off all hypnobabies MP3 tracks in case anyone is thinking about trying hypnobabies. these aren't the actual tracks they offer in the class or homestudy, but great supplements and will give you a really good idea of what hypnobabies is like. use coupon code hypnomp3 at checkout, and the offer is good for a month.</p> <p><a href="http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/Products-All-MP3s.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/Products-All-MP3s.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-birthed-without-pain-medication-whats-the-verdict#post-1323693 Mon, 06 Jan 2014 20:07:11 +0000 Vegmama 1323693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Okay mamas!! I'm 2 days into this being-a-mama thing, and really loving reflecting on my birth. </p> <p>We planned for a natural, home birth, and I'm so happy it worked out. </p> <p>I knew it would be painful, but I had NO idea what birthing a baby would feel like. It was NOT easy ... My contractions were a beast ... Pushing was so insane (I had no idea how much it would feel like the baby was coming out of my butt). </p> <p>So, I loved my birth, and I am soooo happy about how smoothly it went, but I still cannot believe how different it felt than I thought it would. </p> <p>Anyone else feel like this? Just so blown away by the intensity? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-natural-induction-method-worked-for-you#post-483219 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 20:36:21 +0000 allison 483219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm almost 38 weeks, so I'm not looking for drastic measures yet. But I'm wondering what has worked for others to help speed things along. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/prepping-for-our-home-birth-tips#post-1287599 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:28:25 +0000 Vegmama 1287599@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi mamas. So, we are full term as of today (!!!), which means I'm safely within the home birth window. As our birth approaches, I have a little list of things to get done, but I'd love to know some "not-so-obvious" ideas or tips about making our home birth easier for us. </p> <p>Our biggest stress: logistics of having 2 dogs at the house, and when to buy groceries (and what to make) to ensure we have something for our midwives to eat, and for my first post partum meal.</p> <p>I am sure there are things you did or would do to make your home birth more relaxing &amp; personal, and I'd love to hear about it!! </p>