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thread: homebirth general discussion #9

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    1,488

    Thank you so much Cricket, Arcadia and HotI HotI, I am sorry that your babymoon was not as you had hoped it would be.

    The LC that I saw on Thursday told me to apply an anti-fungal like Canestan or Daktarin gel and to wash my nipples in bi carb and water. I have just been using Canestan frequently and doing bicarb wash twice a day.

    Last night, I was in so much pain - when feeding and when not feeding. I was worried that the shooting pains were mastitis coming back. I decided to google. I actually went straight to the page you mentioned Arcadia! After reading that I realised that I probably wasn't given a good enough treatment plan by the LC. The pain is in my breast not just nipple. I do not feel that a topical ointment alone can knock it over. Thanks for the advice Arcadia, I really appreciate it. I am going to try and get in to my GP ASAP. I am also considering going on anti-candida diet.

    Ok back on track! PZ, I wanted to comment about your posts. I had planned a HB for my 1st preg. My situation is a bit different- I didn't transfer per se, rather it became apparent over the course of 3 days that I would have to go to hosp. I had premature rupture of membranes at 36+4, and I didn't go in to labour. My MW's monitored me at home for 72 hours. When I went to hosp, the OB advised an induction. I talked it over with DH and MW's. My MW's were worried about my energy levels. I had barely slept in 3 days- 40+ degree weather and scattered contractions ensured restless nights. The OB said I would have to come back each day for monitoring. He aso let it be known that he would have induced me after 48 hours. And I was taking AB's too. In the end, I agreed to the induction. I'd had 3 days to gradually get used to the fact that I may not have my HB. Once I knew that I would be having bub in hospital, I set a new 'goal' - no epidural. I think I had a good hosp birth because my HB MW's were there. The hosp staff left us alone until it was time to push.my bub out.
    I have often thought back over the situation. Should I have said 'no' to the induction and gone in each day for monitoring? Would I have gone in to spontaneous labour on my own, eventually? Could I have had my HB? Did I give in too soon? I know that my MW's think I made the right decision. I thought I had at the time- and I guess that is all we can do. Make the decision that we think is right with the knowledge we have at the time. I know that I used my hosp birth to empower me to HB- if I could withstand an induced labour, strapped to a monitor, without pain relief, I could definitely HB!

  2. #2
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    Oct 2009
    Lalor, VIC
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    Or at RWH where they tell you there is a tub in your room and there is none.
    Or they assure you that you'll be allowed to jump in the tub for pain relief, you almost wet yourself with excitement when you see you have a room with one, then they strap you to the bed as soon as you get in the room

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Sydney
    7,896

    PZ, I think most of us can look back on our first birth experiences and wonder if we'd known what we know now whether it would have gone differently, or even know that it would definitely would have been different, and certainly better.

    I question the need for my c/s for the low lying placenta I had with DD. Maybe I should have known better to just book in, because even when I researched I couldn't find much info on the grade I had. An IM I've spoken to since suggested my ob was being overly cautious.

    BUT I learnt so much from going through it that way. I would never have even looked into homebirth had I not been faced with the interventions that a VBAC entails in a hospital birth. I could sit here and question forever, why I didn't at least wait until I went into labour, since there was no immediate concern. And knowing now how quickly I can labour, maybe I would have gotten a lot further in without incident and had a vaginal birth with DD1.

    I think being able to question the decisions we made in a previous birth means we can make better decisions in a subsequent birth or at the very least improve the way we look at things and probably the advice we give.

    I have absolutely no questions from DD2's birth. Probably because I spent so much time preparing for it so that I was fully informed and confident I could make decisions and probably also because I was incredibly lucky in having everything line up so that there was no need to make any decisions.

    I got to talk to some of the Mums at my postnatal exercise class about my homebirth today. Two of them said they could see themselves having a homebirth. One was really interested to hear I'd had a HBAC because she'd ended up with an emergency c/s with her DD.

    Loving your comments, L&B, but I think we are also in a situation where at the moment that's the gold standard because it isn't mainstream. We need to see more HBs and then in time, I bet the policies would change and more acceptance of a woman's ability to judge would be there. Also, the more care providers that are experienced in caring for women and babies in HBs, the better their skills and care will be.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Mar 2008
    North Northcote
    8,065

    tash: i like an *oops* scenario hehehehehehe....

    I definitely agree that hospitals should be aiming for that: knowing that it wont be the same (i doubt they have my old sheets lol), but i totally get what you mean. there is little in the way of respecting a birthing families wishes and that, as the bottom line, is what ruins the system time and time again.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Sydney
    7,896

    Oh Ash, that sucks! I've never had thrush but again this time around I'm managing blocked ducts. Last night I got home from the Face of Birth premiere (which was fantastic btw, more on that in a minute) and crawled into bed with bad breast pain and fever. I was so cold I needed DP to cuddle me under the doona to keep warm. This morning I'm all weak and wobbly, but it seems to have passed. I've got homeopathic remedies but ibuprofen is the only thing between me and antibiotics atm. It sounds like such a petty complaint, but with DD2 sleeping so long overnight it doesn't help! And she won't sleep during the day unless she's wrapped, so I can't have a rest to recover properly. Hope the thrush clears up for you. It sounds awful!

    BBL, baby waking!

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    Brisbane
    5,039

    homebirth general discussion #9

    Nuke'em ostro and the ocean. Seems like it covers all bases. Very holistic of you Cass!

    How r u Ash?

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Sydney
    7,896

    How is it going, Ash? And our pg mummas! May is coming up fast.
    Last edited by Jennifer13; March 15th, 2012 at 08:15 PM.

  8. #8
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    Oct 2009
    Lalor, VIC
    5,051

    Can I pretend I definitely belong in here, even though it's only the tiniest of tiny chances that I'll need it?

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Sydney
    7,896

    Teni, don't tease! Feel free to pop in any time.

    AFM, I think my cycle might be returning - hormonal pimples a couple of days ago, hugely emotional on Wed and creamy CM. time for us to be a little more careful, I don't need another HB in 2012.

    Today I'm telling DP about how a mum in my exercise class's DH has already had a vasectomy and their second child is only three months old. DP tells me he won't be doing anything permanent because you never know, he changed his mind about not wanting any more after DD1 and he might change his mind about no more again. I don't think hanging around in here is going to be a good influence on me!

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    summer street
    2,708

    Wow Jen! Fertile already??? I'm almost 12 months pp and still no signs. Lucky I want to space out the next baby (babies).

    Teni, I love seeing you in here!!! Come chat to us about anything!

    Anyone else want to come say hi (I can see you all lurking...lol)

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Jun 2005
    USA
    3,991

    Oh Ash! I'm so sorry you've had such a hard time with BFing I don't know about thrush but it sounds painful. I had difficult BFing journeys with both my babies and while I was disappointed it happened again the second time around, it was also validating that I didn't do anything 'wrong' the first time- I have babies with high palates and attachment is very difficult for the first month or so so I end up with very painful BFing and low supply. It makes me a little scared of another baby because to me a newborn spells weeks of screaming, crying, suffering and angst. I agree that it's such a downer after a beautiful birth. I think the power of that amazing birth helps you ride it better though. the big thing that helped me was hiring an electric breast pump and resting a side for 6, 12 or even 24 hours if I needed to. granted, 24 hours on the pump and my supply was dropping but then lots of feeds and the supply some back up and it helped keep me sane. When I was at that point of almost loathing seeing my baby awake or being SO scared of trying to attach him then out would come the pump and I could give myself a break, relax again and keep getting through it. I hope things are improving

    I think my cycle is returning too! My son is 15 months now and about a week ago I went through my ovulation signs- EWM and increased libido. Not really looking forward to adding my period to my already busy schedule but I'm loving the return of my libido. Finally!!!

    Cassius- we got a bill for my son's pathology the day. Simple stuff really but fairly comprehensive blood work- vit D, iron, white blood cells etc etc and it was $1000!!! Wow! Thankfully our insurance covers that so it cost us $75 (still more than in oz) but woah, I can understand how an ultrasound without maternity cover is expensive now! Must. Not. Get. Pregnant.

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Jun 2005
    USA
    3,991

    Well, it's official! I have my period back. And boy I had forgotten how comfy my cloth pads are. Ohhh... I wish I wasn't fertile again yet. I'm so damn clucky and we just really can't have a baby at the moment. We're planning on moving in about a year and my H will get another job with maternity health cover so maybe after then. Will give us more time to get on our feet too. Another thing to grieve about with the fall out of my son's autism

    Anyway, excuse my rantings- totally off the HB track.

    Bella- how are you??? I've been thinking of you lots since your fertility concerns... any news?

    And where are you Audax? I thought you'd be in here by now

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Sydney
    7,896

    Meow, it's nice to know you'll be ready when you're ready, ITMS. I'll find out in a couple of weeks if my suspicions are correct or not. Fx I'm not there yet!

    It is quiet in here! Hope everyone is well.

  14. #14
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    1,488

    Hi all,

    Yes, I've been thinking about Bella too. I hope all is well, Bella.
    Hi meow- I hope you can endure the cluckiness for another year. It's not easy. I was madly clucky for about a year before we conceived DS3- I thought about it constantly. I kept a journal so that I could funnel that 'energy' somewhere. Thankfully, I am not at all clucky now. The mastitis and nipple thrush have made me feel that my body has had it- it is telling me 'no more' lol! We'll see how I feel in 2 years. But I am thankful that I don't have that yearning. After DS2 was born, I knew he wasn't my last bub. But with DS3, I feel content at the thought that he is my last one.

    Thanks to everyone for their kind and supportive words regarding my bf dramas. Things have definitely improved but I have spent a small fortune and shed many tears to get to this point.

    I hope you are feeling well Cassius.
    Em and Cricket- how are you both going? May doesn't seem so far away.
    Jenn-So, you are expecting AF in 2 weeks? That would be a drag.

  15. #15
    Registered User

    Mar 2008
    North Northcote
    8,065

    hi girls!! i am about but not receiving notifications for this thread

    Meow: yay for cycles returning! i see it as the next step away from tiny babies...i am like you, newborns kinda freak me out lol. sore boobs, crazy crazy nights etc
    i'll need to question you up in a year or so on the cloth pads. i was looking into the mooncups and they also look they could be good.

    $1000 for bloodwork?? waahhhhh! i am so happy that we get to go home for the end of the pg and birth...

    Jen: oohhhh we all like it when our DHs think to wait....look where i am now after our 'last' baby hahahahahahahaha.

    Teni: you are MORE than welcome!!! I hope that you can have a HB...they are totally awesome!

    Ash: BF can totally suck when it just isnt working that well, i had it so so easy the first time and was completley unprepared for a challenging journey the second time. knock you for a sixer...

    Arcadia: what gap are you thinking? we were planning on a minimum three for this baby

    AFM: we are chugging along nicely. i am already showing massively...at 6 weeks. my poor poor body lol. i have my first appt this wednesday with the midwife, we'll see how that goes. i am hoping that my PTSD doesnt kick in. i wish they had home appts...even the thought of going into their lovely offices gives me a freak out
    My morning sickness has turned into the full-blown green machine. i am soooo off all day. thankfully not vomiting yet, so hoping to dodge that! i am in two minds about trying to convince DD2 to wean. i am trying to minimise the number of feeds...without any luck hahahahaha. i just dont think i would have the strength emotionally or physically to tandem BF ITMS.

  16. #16
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Sydney
    7,896

    Ash - you describe the feeling so well and I'm def not done going by that. Maybe my head will win out over my heart in a few years! I hope you don't have too many more tears to shed for this bfing journey. Your poor bbs and poor you! Is there much improvement?

    Cassius - so explain it to me, are you coming home to Oz for the birth or staying there? And at what point, if you are?

  17. #17
    Registered User

    Mar 2008
    North Northcote
    8,065

    Definitely coming back to Oz! We are going to come back in August (all going well and all). in the end it would only be a month or so shorter than we had thought...we wanted to be back in time for DD1 to do orientation at her Big Girl School.

  18. #18
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    summer street
    2,708

    Hi all,

    Ash! I've been thinking of you! Yes the money you blow on Pharma meds is insane!! I saw five drs, went through multiple courses of things and also spent a fortune at a naturopath! I have had some burning pain yesterday and this morning, so I'm feeling crap about it all too. I can't believe how persistent that bloody stuff is!! I'm hoping it's just because I have a cold and my immune is down. I'm thinking of you lots and lots though

    Bella? Anyone friends with her on fb? I haven't seen her around?

    Cass, I really hope we can meet up when you're back. Then I'll be able to give you belly rubs too!

    Meow, how are things all going with your family?

    Jen, I can't believe you may be getting periods again so soon. I'm feeling pretty lucky I've got to twelve months again with ds.

    I definitely want another baby, so we're thinking of ttc later this year, or probably in the new year (since I turn 30 on the 29th of December woot!). I certainly want another home birth and I'm really going to try the pool this time...really! I think I'll still birth on land, because I like my midwife being right there at the action, but with any luck I can ask her not to touch the baby and try and be more active in bringing the baby out and up to my chest. With both my births though I feel so overwhelmed by the pushing urges, I can't connect my hands to feel the area and the baby...I have tried both times, and I just want to grip onto something and not let go (first time it was dh and second time it was the bed).

    I love the thought of the baby floating out and being lifted out of the water by it's mama....ahhh....

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