https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:46:36 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1032814 Wed, 21 Aug 2013 05:04:53 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 1032814@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought a $7 strapless cotton dress from Walmart, and wore that for the majority of my labour. It covered everything, and was easy to pull on and off. However, when I finally needed an apidural, they put me in a gown- totally comfortable, and by that point I didn't care what I was wearing.</p> <p>As far as intervention-free goes: for the first 45 hours of labour I used breathing techniques, a TON of time in the shower, swaying and rocking through contractions, and an awesome playlist. The tub did nothing for me, but only because of the back labour (I couldn't stay still). Before I got the epidural (I stalled with a swollen cervix at 8cm), they tried sterile water injections (may have been helpful- I was too tired at this point to know), and we also used the nitrous oxide gas. Had labour been professing normally, these may have been enough.</p> <p>Narcotics weren't offered to me; although I sort of demanded an epidural at the end, so maybe it might have been an option. I'd just recommend doing your research really well before agreeing/deciding on anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1031417 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:23:32 +0000 Anagram 1031417@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tillma: I went into labor before my water broke, so they broke my water when I got around 4 cm---what that meant was that I was sitting on my bed, with the "water". ie. gooey fluid, flowing out of me for several hours, all over the hospital gown and bed sheets. I was quite literally sitting in my own mess for hours at a time--they would come in and change the pad I was sitting on from time to time, but as it was still flowing, it would immediately get nasty again.</p> <p>After knowing what happens in labor now, I wouldn't spend money on anything or wear regular clothes during labor.</p> <p>Different hospitals have different policies---I had planned to wear a snap from bra (easily to undo for skin to skin) because I have huge boobs and hate feeling them hang down when I am sweaty, but my hospital literally didn't allow it---I almost had a fight with the intake nurse over it, but eventually I just took it off and was super uncomfortable about my hanging boobs for the rest of labor. I would seriously consider switching hospitals over that issue for next time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1031384 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:12:54 +0000 MrsScallop 1031384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wore the hospital gown with a Coobie bra and the fancy mesh undies and giant pads for most of my labor (they broke my water in the beginning). It wasn't super comfy, but it worked. Once my contractions were really going, I could care less who saw me.</p> <p>As far as narcotics go, I tried one before agreeing to the epidural and I honestly hated it. The weaker, less painful parts if my contractions were numbed by it, but I still felt the peak of each one. It also made me feel so so drunk. The room spun and I was rambling about how drunk I felt forever. I was even afraid to fall asleep because I was convinced I would stop breathing if I wasnt thinking about it. My whole body felt disconnected and it just was not an enjoyable experience. The epidural was amazing in comparison. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1031321 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 11:51:26 +0000 Vegmama 1031321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tillma: What about this gown? <a href="http://www.prettypushers.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.prettypushers.com/</a></p> <p>Andddd, I haven't had our baby yet, but after photographing several births, I've seen many women opt for the narcotic as opposed to the epi. Keep in mind, the narcotics can only be given once or twice (because of the baby), and I've heard a lot of women feel really sick or out of it because of them. </p> <p>Best of luck to you!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1030237 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 20:47:39 +0000 wonderstruck 1030237@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had pretty much the same ideas/goals, and now that I've been through unfortunately my answers aren't going to be super encouraging, but they are realistic - great to have a plan, so long as you don't get so fixated on it that you're going to end up upset with your birthing experience if your strategies and natural things don't go well - healthy baby is most important! </p> <p>But anyways, modest me ended up totally naked instead of wearing the cute nightgown or robe I bought for the occasion (although I wore the nightgown after labor instead of a hospital gown, so it wasn't a total waste!) - this is very likely to happen if you use a tub at all, because taking clothes on and off while dealing with that level of pain can be pretty impossible. I made a labor playlist but I (and most women I know) didn't want any music once active labor kicked in, it was the opposite of helpful. Nothing helped me for more than a few seconds, but the things that worked temporarily (hopefully they'll be longer lasting for you!) were the birthing tub, exercise ball, and massage. My midwife said that as far as the painkillers go, she didn't feel that there was really much of a point unless you went with something strong like the epi - she likened it to taking aspirin for a broken bone, it's typically just not going to be strong enough to make a difference you'll notice or feel. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1030072 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:28:48 +0000 Penny Lane 1030072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tillma: what to wear: I wore what I'd worn the day before, a loose knee length skirt, which was just pulled up around my waist while pushing, and a t shirt with a tank underneath, which I pulled off after LO was born for the skin to skin. I still wear the skirt (after washing it several times in the hottest wash my washing machine does!!) even though it got a little goopy</p> <p>for the pain: I did most of my labouring at home, and was either in the bath or sitting backwards on a chair with DH rubbing my lower back. I found the bath really nice, even though it was barely big enough for me and my massive belly. I think what helped most for me was the ability to totally relax in the water during the bigger contractions! I didn't use music, purely because it never occurred to me! will definitely be making a labour playlist for next time</p> <p>other pain relief: I didn't use anything personally, but I know it's a common thing here for midwives to offer gas and air and other things (not sure what though, sorry!) before an epi! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1030035 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:17:46 +0000 sarac 1030035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wore a long dress style night gown for the first half of my labor. I REALLY cared about what I was wearing, and I'd suggest honoring your feelings if you do too. At some point I stopped caring and just got the hospital gown for ease, and then nothing at all for pushing. But I really cared, up to a point. </p> <p>My midwife described narcotic pain medicine in labor as 'a bandaid on an open chest'. I didn't opt for them, so I have no personal experience, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1030007 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:00:21 +0000 Foodnerd81 1030007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't remember what I was wearingfor half of my lsbor! I know I had the gown on in the beginning, then I got in the tub and it was awesome. I'd worried about whether to wear a bra or bikini top in the tub, but I was just naked and didn't care after the next contraction. After the tub I think I just toweled off and was naked? I'm seriously modest too- like I didn't want Dh to see my boobs bc they looked weird at the end of pregnancy so I'm serious that modesty goes out the window. I don't remember removing anything bf skin to skin so that makes me think I was naked. I would want to hsve worn any of my own clothes- it was really messy. </p> <p>For pain water helped me so much. I labored at home for a long time and bounced on the ball or leaned over it, hot shower, and eventually laying in the tub with the shower running on my belly. The same thing helped in the hospital- Dh took the shower sprayer and just hosed my belly down. Counter pressure on my lower back helped too, but honestly the biggest reason I was able to go med free was a relatively quick active labor with no back labor. </p> <p>I have heard annecdotaly that the narcotics don't help much and aren't worth it but I never investigated. If I'd decided on pain meds I would have done an epi. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029883 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 17:32:56 +0000 tysonja 1029883@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>- i was wearing something random when we arrived at the hospital, and was asked to change into nothing but the hospital gown. i really didn't care at that point and remember just dropping items of clothes on the floor as i stumbled around and didn't care who picked them up or what happened to them haha :). at some point i wasn't wearing anything at all anymore but i totally don't remember how that happened! :)</p> <p>i didn't plan any music/dim lights/aromatherapy etc and for me being in the water didn't help (plus i didn't have much time to try it properly --!). for #2 i'm not planning anything either because really i was in so much pain i don't think anything would have helped :) hehe (i'm not sure why i'm laughing now...... at 37 wks with #2... oh man...)</p> <p>they offered some laughing gas to take off the edge when i arrived at the hospital but all it made me do was throw everything in my tummy up IMMEDIATELY. :) i think people react differently, though! :)</p> <p>in the end i got an epi at 9.5-10cm and it was glorious! pushing was almost 'fun'! :) and the epi was only in for about an hour (20 mins to rest after getting the epi, 30 mins to push, and 15 mins to stitch me up). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029600 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 15:12:05 +0000 sslm 1029600@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh and the other thing about morphine is that there is a window where you can get it (can't be more than 5 cm or something) bc they want you to have at least 4 hours before delivering, since it does get passed to the baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029592 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 15:09:44 +0000 sslm 1029592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tillma: I just wore the hospital gown because it was easiest!! As far as stuff that worked for pain management, sadly not much worked for me. I have ears wonderful things about laboring in a tub though :). Lastly, I had a shot of morphine to avoid the epidural. It didn't work for me, but apparently that's possibly bc the dose wasn't big enough for my body (I'm 5'11" and was about 250 lbs when I delivered my LO). Anyways it's supposed to make you feel drunk, so you still feel pain but aren't as bothered by it. Do you know if nitrous oxide is an option? I had some luck with that and did end up avoiding the epidural :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029580 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 15:03:20 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1029580@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>oh right and pain meds- I heard about pain options once I went in for my induction as well! I decided not to use them but it was nice to know there were other options. </p> <p>oh and I should mention that I was also SO HOT during labor that wearing too much clothing wouldn't have been terribly comfortable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029575 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 15:00:41 +0000 pelikila 1029575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. I wore the hospital gown once I got to the hospital. The majority of my labor was at home and I was in the shower (see answer to #2). It was comfortable enough, easy to nurse in post-partum, not scratchy, etc. It wasn't like I was up and walking around much post-baby so it didn't bother me afterward either.</p> <p>2. Warm water for me. Laying in a tub - not at all good for me - but standing in a warm shower was great and got me through the majority of my labor. Other than that I didn't want sound or anything around. I think the biggest reason I was able to go un-medicated was that I wasn't induced and I labored at home as long as possible. If I'd gone to the hospital they would have done monitoring and other interventions based on what I heard when I was in labor triage when we got there (my BP was high [I was in labor - no kidding it would be high] and it freaked them out).</p> <p>3. I have no idea if I would be okay with a narcotic vs. an epidural so I can't share any input there. I went un-medicated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029565 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:58:58 +0000 Adira 1029565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wore the hospital gown. It was comfy enough and definitely easy to deal with when it came to skin-to-skin! After delivery and the first night, I changed into real pjs.</p> <p>I really liked the jacuzzi tub! Being in the water with the jets blowing on me was soooooooo nice! It definitely helped me through my contractions! I stayed in it for 3 hours! :)</p> <p>I received some sort of drug through my IV. It made me a little light-headed, but I don't think it really helped with the pain! It was supposedly supposed to take the edge off my contractions, but if it DID work, it only lasted about 30 minutes, and I could only get a dose every 2 hours, so it probably wasn't really worth it! And it definitely wore off before I started pushing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029555 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:55:31 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1029555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wore the gown and hated it. Wish I had brought something else actually. I would wear a tank top and panties - then just take the bottoms off after awhile! I am modest as well but all that went out the window while in labor! </p> <p>I actually ended up taking off the gown because it was uncomfortable and kept getting stuck. I wanted to do skin to skin anyway so I figured it was easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029550 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:54:18 +0000 lamariniere 1029550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will just comment on the what to wear part. I hadn't even thought about it pre-labor. At the hospital they had me undress completely and then I put on the hospital gown and frankly, I was 100% fine with that. It was easy for doctors and nurses to check me, I'm not modest, but it definitely provides coverage, you don't have to give a second thought as to if it will be ruined, and it is very practical for skin to skin/nursing when the baby finally arrives. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029547 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:53:19 +0000 MamaMoose 1029547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was happy to wear the hospital gown because labor and delivery can get kind of messy and I was happy not to have to worry about messing up my own clothes.</p> <p>I would definitely do more research on narcotics. They transfer to the baby where as the epidural doesn't. I felt MUCH more comfortable getting an epidural than IV meds. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029544 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:53:01 +0000 Bookish 1029544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't comment on the last two because I ended up with pitocin and an epidural, but I do agree with @runsyellowlites: that my modesty meant jack when things got going. I worried about what to wear and ended up nearly naked at the end! So point being, don't spend too much energy worrying about it. Bring a couple options, but really, you probably won't give a crap! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029532 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:48:16 +0000 deerylou 1029532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. I started labor in a lightweight robe, a nursing bra, and underwear. As labor progressed, things slowly started coming off. By the time I received my epidural, I was in the hospital gown. Once I started pushing, I was basically naked. </p> <p>2. The jetted tub was amazing; I strongly recommend water. My husband and nurse tirelessly massaged my back throughout the entirety of my labor. Leaning on someone while rocking through contractions was immensely helpful, as was the yoga ball. </p> <p>2. I wanted a natural labor, but went from 0-60 due to being induced at 42 weeks. I was given a microscopic amount of fentanyl in my IV to help take the edge off. It did nothing to relieve pain, just made me a bit drowsy, which enabled me to take tiny power naps between contractions. I won't opt for it with subsequent children - it wasn't sufficient in relieving any pain, and I wasn't entirely comfortable with my choice, to begin with - just clouded by pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029510 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:40:00 +0000 prettylizy 1029510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tillma: I wore the hospital gown, didn't love it, but I'm undecided if I'll change my mind next time... I'm considering a zip front housecoat thing....<br /> My doula was the best coping tool for me. She did this thing with a drop of lavendar essential oil in a bowl of ice water. She would rinse a washcloth in that cool lavendar water and wipe my neck and face with it. It was like magic at that moment.<br /> No expierence with any pain meds, but I've heard the gas is good stuff! lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029500 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:37:53 +0000 looch 1029500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My hospital didn't provide the gown until after delivery, so I labored in what I wore to the hospital, a bra, long sleeved tee and my yoga pants. I eventually removed the bottoms and was just wearing the tee.</p> <p>The midwives were super awesome, they actually regularly use aromatherapy during labor, so they put some lemon essence on a tissue for me to breathe in when we were trying to get labor moving a bit faster. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029487 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:32:51 +0000 runsyellowlites 1029487@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. I ended up in my birthday suit after being in the tub for quite some time... clothes just never made it back on. Next time I think a bikini top &amp; maybe a terry or other comfy type skirt that I don't mind getting wet or is easy to get off &amp; on. FWIW modesty really does go out the window once you get into active labor.... it just isn't at the forefront of the mind anymore. lol</p> <p>2. WATER!!! Seriously the best thing ever &amp; when I finally got into the tub I had to tell both DH &amp; my mom &amp; my MW when she came to check on me that it was AHHHHHMAZING! I didn't try any aromatherapy but probably will this time (didn't know about it then). I also had a playlist of worship music that played the whole time in the background &amp; helped me get re-grounded on more than one occasion!</p> <p>3. I had stadol with my first (nothing with my second), but really didn't like how it made me feel. It takes the edge off but you still end up confined to the bed and atleast where I was, they cut you off at 8 cm so baby won't be groggy (narcotics cross the placenta barrier). Talk about getting hit light a freight train having had contractions much like early labor &amp; all. of. a. sudden them being transition contractions! eek! </p> <p>I always use the comparison of running a marathon.... you wouldn't just wake up one morning &amp; try running 26 miles, you'd build up to it. Generally labor will be the same. You have stages of contractions &amp; going from the ones like running 1 mile to being on mile 20 without the in between can be very hard to get on top of! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029481 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:30:51 +0000 heffalump 1029481@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>-What to wear during labor and delivery- I wore a hospital gown and will be doing it again. I just feel like I don't want to waste money on clothes that are going to get yucky and ruined.<br /> -Want to hopefully make it through labor without interventions- I'm no help here.... I wanted the epi.<br /> - Finally, I am just hearing about the option of receiving a pain killer other than an epidural- When I first got to the hospital I wasn't progressing so they couldn't officially admit me and give me an epi that I so badly wanted. Instead they gave me a shot in my tushy.... I don't even remember what it was.... but I do know that it did nothing to help with the pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029468 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:26:40 +0000 regberadaisy 1029468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tillma: I just wore the hospital gown. It was the easiest. Are you planning for skin to skin immediately after delivery and BFing? A tank top will hinder this? I'm extremely modest and just wore the gown and used another gown as a robe!</p> <p>I was not ok with the narcotic. It can transfer to baby. I was/am more open to an epidural versus introducing my body to a narcotic. No scientific backing just not for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/took-a-birth-class-and-now-oh-so-many-questions#post-1029454 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:22:25 +0000 tillma 1029454@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I took a birth class this weekend which was amazing! (Side note: So happy I didnt listen to everyone who told me it would be a waste of time and, surprisingly, A LOT of people told me this) but it has raised a lot of thoughts and questions that I would love to hear some opionions on! Feel free to weigh in on one or many! :happy: </p> <p>-What to wear during labor and delivery...I can wear anything, dont really want to wear the hospital gown because it just feels uncomfortable, but dont know what would be best. I dont love nightgowns or dresses and am somewhat modest so would like to be covered. Was thinking possibly a long robe and tank top that I dont care too much about- good idea? bad idea?<br /> -Want to hopefully make it through labor without interventions but know that I would find comfort it some things to assist me in doing this. Would love to hear what worked for you...aromatherapy, heating pads, music? Anything else?<br /> - Finally, I am just hearing about the option of receiving a pain killer other than an epidural for the first time (usually a narcotic)...anyone do this? I have never heard of this so I would love to know what you experience was!</p> <p>Thanks! </p>