https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:18:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2848096 Sat, 29 Sep 2018 13:46:59 +0000 LadyDi 2848096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: I lol'd at your postpartum poop comment. That was my worst with DS2. DH wasn't home and I was afraid I was going to have to call 911 from my bathroom while DS was asleep in his swing. </p> <p>DS1:<br /> Best: a great anesthesiologist and nurse team. I ended up having an emergency c section and everyone was great and so calming. </p> <p>Worst: When DS's heart rate kept dropping they made me try a few different things (oxygen, laying on one side, etc). Eventually my epidural was wearing off on one side and they made me get up on my hands and my knees with my butt up in the air. I was so humiliated and exhausted and cried into my pillow. </p> <p>DS2-<br /> Best: we had a scheduled c section, the whole thing was pretty smooth sailing.</p> <p>Worst: As I said before...postpartum poo. Worst moment ever. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847997 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:10:01 +0000 MrsADS 2847997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Baby #1:<br /> - Best: spontaneous fast labor; got an epidural about 6cm, only pushed 15 minutes<br /> - Worst: baby's HR crashed during pushing and I couldn't get him out b/c he had his arm by his head, so my OB had to cut a huge episiotomy to get him out asap. Recovery was a b*tch</p> <p>Baby #2:<br /> - Best: Induced so no rush to the hospital in labor; labor was VERY FAST (1 hour from water breaking to baby); Cervidil alone was enough to start labor; pushed for like a minute or two<br /> - Worst: Labor was so fast I didn't get an epidural! The most horrible hour and a half of my life, honestly - no break at all between contractions, just constant horrific pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847996 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 15:07:55 +0000 BUNBUN 2847996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Worst: Not knowing I was in labor or that my water had broken, so I just thought I was constipated (lol)! Looking back, the back and tailbone pain that I had experienced for the last 6 months was a little worse that day and was more intermittent, so I probably started labor around 5:30pm. At 7:30pm I was throwing up - that's when we realized that I was in labor. I couldn't open my eyes from the pain while we checked in and went to triage around 9pm- DH basically lead me blind. They asked me to lie down to check my waters because "I might not be in labor", which was excruciating on multiple levels.</p> <p>Best: the epidural was awesome (could finally open my eyes and still move my legs) and I went from 2cm to 10cm in 45 minutes and pushed for maybe an hour? Honestly, I have no idea because the clock was hidden behind the monitor! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847966 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 13:55:55 +0000 codeitall 2847966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO1:<br /> Best: watching hours of Pawn Stars with the epidural going.</p> <p>Worst: Driving 2 hours from another state in early labor because stinker decided to come over a week early</p> <p>LO2: Best: Hearing that the nurses intercepted the anesthesiologist on his way to a c-section to give me an epidural after I got to the hospital at 8cm.</p> <p>Worst: Waiting at home in transition while DH drove across town and back to get our emergency babysitter for LO1 and then driving to the hospital. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847637 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 10:44:04 +0000 birdofafeather 2847637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: <a href="https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/jaundice-and-phototherapy/the-coombs--test.html" rel="nofollow">https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/jaundice-and-phototherapy/the-coombs--test.html</a></p> <p>“The two most commonly recognized forms of antibody-mediated hemolysis in newborns are Rh incompatibility and ABO incompatibility.</p> <p>Rh incompatibility occurs when a mother who is type Rh - (and has naturally occuring anti-Rh antibodies in her serum) gives birth to an infant who is Rh+. If any mixing of maternal and fetal blood occurs during pregnancy or the birth process, the mother's anti-Rh antibodies will vigorously attack the baby's Rh+ rbcs by adhering to, and then lysing, the cells.</p> <p>ABO incompatibility occurs by the same general mechanism. Type O mothers are most commonly impacted, since they carry both anti-A and anti-B antibodies. If the infant is type A, type B, or type AB, risk for incompatibility exists. This is frequently referred to as a "set-up". If mixing of maternal and fetal blood occurs during pregnancy or the birth process, these antibodies can also attack the baby's rbcs and cause hemolysis. In general, this reaction is less serious than Rh incompatibility (which can be fatal if severe and untreated), and usually only results in jaundice and mild anemia.</p> <p>An important thing to remember is that the presence of a positive coombs' test in the lab does not necessarily result in hyperbilirubinemia in the infant. The risk of needing phototherapy is certainly greater, but there are many factors impacting bilirubin levels, and assessment of all of these elements is critical to making an appropriate decision about treatment.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.exxcellence.org/pearls-of-exxcellence/list-of-pearls/management-of-pregnancy-with-abo-incompatibility/" rel="nofollow">https://www.exxcellence.org/pearls-of-exxcellence/list-of-pearls/management-of-pregnancy-with-abo-incompatibility/</a></p> <p>“In contrast to Rh incompatibility, which tends to become more severe with each subsequent Rh positive pregnancy, ABO incompatibility does not demonstrate any consistent pattern. Thus, the patient’s first offspring may have clinically important hemolytic disease of the newborn due to ABO incompatibility, while subsequent newborns may be unaffected or very mildly affected. Because of the rarity of severe intrauterine hemolysis due to ABO incompatibility, assessment for intrauterine fetal anemia is not recommended based on the mother having type O blood. Measurement of IgG anti-A and anti-B antibody may be considered part of the evaluation of unexplained signs of fetal anemia such as ascites or hydrops when the mother is type O. Collecting a cord blood sample at birth for blood type and direct antibody testing should be considered when the mother is type O and a previous child had hemolytic disease of the newborn due to ABO incompatibility.“</p> <p>Sorry for the novel and thread derailment but DD2’s jaundice levels were much higher and I didn’t know enough about the Coombs positive test I had with DD1 to prep. So in my case, first two girls were Coombs positive and jaundiced. If you were Coombs negative and/or your kids not jaundiced, then not an issue! You would probably go back in their records and check. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847619 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 10:05:55 +0000 DesertDreams88 2847619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: huh, weird. I tried googling just a bit (at work) and it's a bit confusing. So I have blood type O and LO1 has B and LO2 also has B.... but I never heard about that being an issue so I guess it wasn't for us / them?</p> <p>@littleblessings: too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847599 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 09:01:51 +0000 Becky 2847599@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO1:<br /> Best - When I finally got an epidural and it was like the whole world changed: the lights seemed softer, I was okay seeing people.<br /> Worst - Being on a super high pit drip for hours and not gettin any break between contractions. </p> <p>LO2<br /> Best - Super fast! It was a picture perfect delivery. My favorite parts were when my water broke in the hallway and the nurse said “You go girl!” And when I got out of transition into pushing and was so excited about how cool it was to actually get a break between contractions. Also, recovery. No tearing and no pain.<br /> Worst: Transition. It went pretty fast so I consider it just a “part” but I spent that 15-20 minutes on my side and refused to move or open my eyes (they had to manually move me onto my back). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847596 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 08:46:10 +0000 snowjewelz 2847596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: Yes!! You reminded me that I had amazing nurses both times that MADE my whole experience! </p> <p>@ElbieKay: That is an amazingly smooth delivery for twins</p> <p>@Mama Bird: Haha that is amazing that you were able to just take a quick nap to recharge! </p> <p>@littleblessings: Ugggh that must have been so awful to be so sick post partum! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847570 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 06:02:51 +0000 thepaperbutterfly 2847570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Best: My daughter was born.<br /> Worst: It was supposed to be a scheduled C-section, but severe pre-eclampsia made it an emergency 2 days before the scheduled one so it happened at 4am. My family that lives on the other side of the country didn't even arrive till later that day (which would have been 1 day before the scheduled one), so it was just me and my husband at the time of her birth. The spinal didn't work so well so it felt like I was being disemboweled during my C-section. I had to be on a magnesium drip for 2 days after birth because they couldn't get my blood pressure under control, and they kept me intentionally dehydrated so I didn't get some sort of side effect (I think it was pulmonary edema?)). Also, I was massively swollen from pre-eclampsia, so there are very few pics of me with my daughter (I felt so huge and disgusting). </p> <p>Hoping things go a little better with DS XD </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847563 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 04:38:52 +0000 Pumuckl 2847563@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO1:<br /> Best: I went into labor naturally at 41+2 (the day after labor<br /> would have been induced)<br /> Worst: He was in compound position (that ring of fire was so true for him)</p> <p>LO2:<br /> Best: I went from 3 maybe 4cm to baby in less than 20 minutes<br /> Worst: I had slight contractions starting at 11pm the night before she was born, so I was sooo tired as I was not able to sleep. </p> <p>LO3 &amp; LO4 (twins):<br /> Best: I had an epidural free spontanous birth with twins<br /> Worst: Not being able to hold twin A immediately after birth as I first had to get her brother out :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery/page/2#post-2847562 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 03:19:07 +0000 littleblessings 2847562@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO1- best: water broke the morning of induction.<br /> Worst: my body didn't handle the epidural well and I passed out from it.</p> <p>LO2- best: came out in less than a minute of pushing.<br /> Worst: came during an ice storm m</p> <p>LO3- best: she had tons of hair. Lol. She was also my rainbow<br /> Worst: we tested positive coombs. All the effects they worried about her getting, I ended up with the day after I came home. That lasted for about 2 weeks. I was sooooo sick. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847561 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 01:12:43 +0000 birdofafeather 2847561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: I’m not. Ours is an ABO incompatibility (I’m O, first two were A so Coombs positive and higher levels of jaundice as a result, third O so no incompatibility issues!) not the -/+ issue. Sorry I couldn’t help more! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847559 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 01:02:08 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2847559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Worst: was the wait. I was scheduled for a noon or 2 pm C-section and it got pushed back. There was a nurse shift change and each one wanted to know why I was having a cesarean and no one held back they disagreed with the reason. So, leading up to an elected and not wanted cesarean was annoying.</p> <p>Best part- legit how smooth everything went once I got to the OR. The nurses told me how to get into the correct position and the epidural went in great; I didn’t see anything I didn’t want to reflected in the OR lights or behind the curtain that would have surely sent me into a panic, and it fell like in no time my baby boy was out crying. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847557 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 00:38:38 +0000 DesertDreams88 2847557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: are you rh sensitized? I've been meaning to start a thread on that..... my friend is, and trying for a 3rd LO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847545 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 21:26:32 +0000 lady baltimore 2847545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Worst: When I thought I was only 4cm and I just couldn't face enduring the pain level for what would surely be many more hours. I very badly did not want an epidural, but I was shaking and writhing with every contraction, which were right on top of each other. DH was calling for a nurse, and I was grateful for every moment when one didn't arrive (they were all tied up for a bit), as I knew I would have to ask for pain medication, and I was bitterly disappointed in myself.</p> <p>Best: When the nurse finally came in, she checked me and let my OB (who had just stopped by on her lunch break) know that there was only a lip of cervix left. I so clearly remember the surprised and excited tone in which my OB exclaimed, "LIP!?" It turns out that I had been in transition. Everything started moving all of a sudden, and my OB gave me the go ahead to push, which was such a relief! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847543 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 21:13:49 +0000 buttermilk 2847543@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Best: Laboring in the whirlpool tub at the hospital (and being lucky enough to get the only room with one). The lights were dim, there were colored lights in the tub, the jets whooshing, and the warm water really helped me stay in the zone and get through labor. Idk how I would have dealt without it! </p> <p>Worst: Pushing! I was so afraid to give into it. But after two hours of pushing I finally realized there was no other way out of it so I just had to give in to the pain and push as hard as I could. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847542 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 21:11:46 +0000 Bluemasonjar 2847542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS #1: Best part was contractions starting while waiting for the hospital to call me in for an induction and labor progressing efficiently. </p> <p>Worst- Pushing for 3 hours, attempt to use the vacuum and then ending up with a c-section and the recovery from basically giving birth 2 ways.</p> <p>DS #2: Best was having a healthy baby after being in a car accident. And an easier recovery. </p> <p>Worst was DH missing the birth because he was out of town for work and doctors decided to deliver early due to the accident. His Mom was in the OR with me and had him on FaceTime. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847541 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 21:01:25 +0000 Mama Bird 2847541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS: one of the best parts was when they told me I'm ready to push. I got up on the bed, gave it a try, and when it didn't quite work the nurse said she'll give me some time and walked out. So I just went and fell asleep! I hadn't really slept for two nights before. I woke up maybe 20 minutes later and freaked out because I'm supposed to be giving birth here, not napping... but that catnap was so nice, and I felt so much better after.<br /> The worst part: my hair has a mind of its own sometimes. No one had told me it frizzed so much it was standing on end by the time he was born. And there were pictures. Lots of pictures. If anyone had bothered to point it out, I could have brushed my hair so I don't look ridiculous in every single one.</p> <p>DD. The best part: I actually slept well and ate a proper meal before going to the hospital.<br /> The worst: DD had no clue what's going on. The whole time I was in labor, she was kicking and wiggling and getting herself into places she shouldn't be in. One time she wedged her head against my hip during a contraction - it hurt for days, and still acts up sometimes. She came out screaming bloody murder, kicked me on the way out for good measure, and was a bit bruised and very upset. I was very relieved that at least she calmed down when I held her! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847530 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 19:50:28 +0000 ElbieKay 2847530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son: Best part was that it was a complication-free delivery with no interventions other than an epidural. Worst part was spending an hour being told to push when, it turns out, I was at 9.5. Then I got an epidural and we discovered that I was not, in fact, fully dilated.</p> <p>My twins: Best part is that I delivered mono di twins at 37+2 without needing a single stitch *anywhere*, no one went to the NICU, and we were all discharged on time, together. I will always be grateful for such a smooth outcome after a high risk pregnancy. The worst part was the IV. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847529 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 19:46:55 +0000 Alba4 2847529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS1-<br /> Best: Getting into tub to get through transition. My labor progressed very quickly in the tub.<br /> Worst- Ring of fire &amp; puking...so much puking</p> <p>DS2-<br /> Best: the sweet mellow entry DS2 made due to getting an epidural @ 1 hour before delivery<br /> Worst: not having a tub at the hospital and not having enough air in my yoga ball. I had a hard time getting on top of my contractions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847519 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:25:52 +0000 MrsBucky 2847519@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS- Best was having the med free, spontaneous labor and delivery I hoped for. Worst was being in back labor while being discharged from L&amp;D (not far enough along) and going to a near by hotel, only to be turned away to find another hotel- all by cab in NYC </p> <p>DD- Best was feeling totally in control of my labor until transition and then having my midwife come in and say she knew it would be soon (even though I was only at 4) and stay with me to help/ coach me through transition until she was born. Worst was having to be induced and being tied to IV drips, monitoring wires, etc. And transition. Transition always effing blows. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847518 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:10:42 +0000 bhbee 2847518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>#1<br /> Best - getting through a med free birth! It was really important to me to give it my all and luckily nothing got complicated. </p> <p>Worst - transition without drugs which was endless the first time </p> <p>#2<br /> Best - super fast! My total labor was about 4.5 hours but the first 3 I was totally fine just having some contractions and figured I had lots of time. My water broke, things got crazy, we rushed to the hospital and I was pushing right away. </p> <p>Worst - fast labor is so intense! So it’s good and bad I guess. I was disoriented by how quickly it all went and them asking me if I wanted to push!</p> <p>#3<br /> Worst - I got shingles the week before and was soooo wiped out and not in a good mental place as my induction wasn’t picking up but</p> <p>Best - got an epidural this time and it was just what I needed! The dr did a great job (still had movement) and it cured my bad mood and led to a peaceful delivery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847517 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:00:57 +0000 birdofafeather 2847517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD1 // best: went into labor on a day DH was home (he was in clinicals at a hospital 2 hours away otherwise), my doula, and the OB I liked best was on call, got the med free delivery I hoped for.<br /> worst: fundal massage to deliver the placenta. I just wanted them to stop touching me once the baby was born!</p> <p>DD2 // best: my mom made it in time to watch DD1, DH was amazing.<br /> worst: very fast labor that I wasn’t expecting so I never had a handle on the pain. DD2 was also in the NICU for 3 days due to blood type incompatibility jaundice. </p> <p>DD3 // best: DH was home and it was a damn good thing because he delivered her in the hallway of the l&amp;d floor. We didn’t make it to the room. (2 hours of active labor. 17 minutes from 4 cm at the doctor’s office to baby born in the hallway), DD3 not having jaundice and going home 24 hours post delivery.<br /> worst: placenta delivery. And wondering what if we had a home birth. But the uncertainty about the ABO compatibility and jaundice kept us from planning on one. Oh well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847510 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 17:29:56 +0000 DesertDreams88 2847510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO1:<br /> Low: 24 hours of unmedicated labor, like 8 of those spent in transition.<br /> High: Having my mom there with me. DH was there too, but I needed my mommy :heart: </p> <p>LO2:<br /> Low: Toughing it out for about 8 hours before getting an epidural.<br /> High: going into labor naturally at home was pretty exciting (water broke), but then getting the epi was FANTASTIC and I was so happy for everything afterwards and blissed out </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847506 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 17:15:45 +0000 MamaBear87 2847506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Best- my amazing labor nurse. And just how smooth everything went </p> <p>Worst- not having any control over my bladder muscles after labor. No one warned me, it felt so weird </p> <p>I had an amazing labor and was so grateful to have really great support and no interventions pushed on me </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847505 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 17:10:59 +0000 agold 2847505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD1 - </p> <p>Best part - my L&amp;D nurse :heart:<br /> Worst part - doctor with terrible bedside manner, 4th degree tear, manual placental removal </p> <p>DD2<br /> Best part - having the same L&amp;D nurse plus a new doctor :heart:<br /> Worst part - experiencing true labor when my epidural ran out minutes before pushing my baby out </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847495 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 16:34:26 +0000 Mrsbells 2847495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: my anesthesiologist said about 80% of women get the intense itching for the 1st 24 hours after csection. Its a reaction to the morphine and other meds that go into the spinal block </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847489 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 16:15:09 +0000 snowjewelz 2847489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@annem1990: Oh man I pushed for 2 with epidural and I was SO exhausted!</p> <p>@Sams Mom: Hahaha nipple nazi! </p> <p>@Corduroy: I hope someone took a pictures of you eating said lamb chop, of all things, lol! </p> <p>@Ms. RV: I wonder if that's what happened to me too! With my first there was this one spot that hurt like hell even after epidural! </p> <p>@SupernovaJ: That sounds so helpful! No one ever did that to me I don't think! </p> <p>@Mrsbells: Is itching pretty common after? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847488 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 16:07:58 +0000 snarkybiochemist 2847488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Best: the crappy hospital turkey sandwich I ate at midnight after giving birth and watching my husband hold E for the first time.<br /> Worst: pushing for 1.5 hrs while wearing an oxygen mask </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bestworst-part-of-your-labordelivery#post-2847484 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 15:58:26 +0000 mdf106 2847484@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS1<br /> Best: Recovery was much better than I expected, I was only in minor pain while sitting for a day.<br /> Worst: Pushing, and getting an episiotomy without being asked or told. DH later told me I was passing out between pushes, and thought that was clearly the right decision. </p> <p>DS1:<br /> Best: Getting to hold him right away after delivering<br /> Worst: I was in a lot of pain in the hour between my water being broken and getting the epidural. I dilated from 5 to 8 in that time. </p>