Pregnancy Thread.....Weekend Edition, 1/8-1/9

[metroames]

Mrs. Sarah.............Tanner Christian..............Born 11/12/04
ChristinaK..............Joshua Vincent................Born 11/18/04
karatejen...............Murphy Archie.................Born 11/27/04
Surfdol...................Catherine Emily Jean.......Born 12/21/04
BrattyChelle...........Elana Marie.....................Born 12/23/04
GetNSlim................Jonathan Charles............Born 12/31/04
Kay&Lydi................????????????.............. ....Born 01/06/04

Viki............................W37............... .01/22/05......Girl
Shandril105...............W37............... 01/23/05......Girl
Nyanchan..................W37................01/31/05......Girl
metroames................W36................02/08/05......Boy
MadameX...................W36................02/09/05......Girl
JennPayton................W30................03/13/05......Girl
blueyedgrl..................W29................03/26/05
kimism........................W29................0 3/26/05......Girl
Heather123................W28................03/30/05......Boy
shelly..........................W28............... .04/02/05......Boy?

Sassy Frass................W27................04/07/05......Girl
Marthad......................W26................04/11/05
Dar20..........................W25................ 04/16/05.....Girl
Jefinner.......................W25................ 04/16/05
GoJackets....................W23...............05/03/05
mom2twoboys.............W23...............05/07/05
chels_hoff....................W22...............05/15/05......Boy
Ravenly74................... W22...............05/15/05......Boy
Denise85.....................W21...............05/22/05......Boy
tekla............................W21.............. .05/23/05
azktycat.......................W19...............0 5/30/05
michigangrad...............W19................06/01/05
Vixendrop....................W16................06/18/05
naerenaenae...............W16................06/18/05
ChristieJ.......................W16............... .06/19/05
Alibarbar......................W16................ 06/20/05
jehcekah......................W16................0 6/22/05
gilbabe75.....................W15................0 6/25/05
Miss Gigl.......................W15................06/26/05
rooney..........................W15............... .06/30/05
Acutepenguin...............W13.................07/10/05
allibaba........................W13............... ..07/12/05....Twins

kclynn...........................W12.............. ...07/18/05
Tbugs...........................W11............... ..07/21/05
Mandyhoward..............W10.................07/30/05
SmileyAmy....................W9................... 08/08/05
takahirakoshino...........W8...................08/15/05

Green12........................................... ...Trying!
2BFitHourglass.................................... Trying!
lil miss.............................................. ...Trying!
Nicole133......................................... ....Trying!
jeepifer.......................................... ......Trying!
StrawberryGirl.................................... ..Trying!
AnnieO............................................ .....Trying!
speckle........................................... ......Trying!
Alissaliz......................................... ........Trying!
Aediekins......................................... .....Trying!

[metroames]

Good morning ladies!

Great wedding pics vixendrop.

Kclynn! You'll find lots of support from the ladies here.

Dar, I've been eating potatoes everyday and haven't had problems. I didn't eat them for a few days last week and wham...had bad leg cramps for a few days. I guess I'll keep eating the potatoes for the potassium.

All I can say is WOW! Shandril! Hope nothing like that happens to me at work.....I've already had one guy here say that he's gonna freak out if I go into labor at work.

Hi Heather123....sorry about your kitty. For future kitties I would recommend the laser surger to get declawed instead of the other way. We did that for our two and they acted like nothing happened to them. One of them jumped from a high ledge and limped for about a day, but that was it. No bleeding and really no sign of pain. I will never do it the other way for future kitties again after seeing the kitties we had as a kid suffer after that surgery. I'm so glad we had the option to do the laser surgery.

Surfdol, thanks for sharing your birth story.

Sorry about the GD Kimism. Hope that changing your diet will help.

Hi Aediekins, GoJackets, BrattyChelle, Acutepenguin, Nyanchan and MadameX!

The baby must have been pushing on my bladder yesterday. I had to get up 5 times to pee for crying out loud! I was suprised at the amount I was going each time too....maybe it was "get rid of fluid" day or something. Oh well, I guess I can't complain if I lose a little sleep now and then...I've slept pretty good overall.

We got most of the nursery put together. Now I've got about 3 loads of baby laundry to do between the clothes, sheets, and towels. My husband went and got some shades cut for the windows and one of them was about a quarter inch too big. I told him to just take it back and get it fixed. Instead, he took it upon himself to try and hammer the rod down. Of course there are marks on it now and he wasn't successful downsizing it, so now I don't know what he's gonna do. I have this feeling we are going to have to pay for a new shade because he's ruined this one....men! I don't know why he just didn't take it back without messing with it in the first place. Well, that's my rant for today.

Hope everyone has a great weekened!

Ames

[SmileyAmy]

Gee, it's slow today!! Not one post since 2:30 this morning!?!?

Thanks for asking about me Ames. Thursday I got home from work and went straight to bed with a headache and then last night I was just lazy.

Now, I am sitting at work - yes at 4:00 on a Saturday. It is the busy time of year for my work (Retirement Plans) so we are required to work one - two hours a weekend the second and third weekend in January. Except I am not really working right now...LOL. I got to work around 3:30 and there is NO ONE here!! And I don't really have anything to do. So here I am. Tried reheating so pizza that they ordered earlier but it is yucky. Oh well. Another 54 minutes and I can leave.

I am a little nervous for tonight. After work I am meeting some friends and heading to and "Adult Novelty" party. And afterwards for my friends two friends birthday they are getting "male entertainment". I am so NOT looking forward to this!! I swear if one of them (don't know how many there will be) come near me I will probably either cry or kick them in the balls! I don't like this kind of stuff. It is fine for others but it just doesn't appeal to me. I don't find greasy, 99% naked men with slicked back hair and tear away cloths attractive! Sorry... Now that you all are probably cracking up at me...I will have to update you tomorrow as to how it goes.

Well, I told my first "stranger" today that I am pregnant. I was getting my nails done and the lady asked if I had any children. I kinda paused and then said "Actually, I am pregnant with my first." It was so nice to tell someone. Even though I didn't really know her.

Sorry this has all been about me. Can you tell I am bored??

Shandril ~ That is so funny about the "dry run". At least you know you got through it.

Kristee ~ Great story. I am so happy that you had a good experience this time. I am sure it made a world of difference.

Dena ~ I keep forgetting to ask - How is Rudy?

Vixen ~ Your wedding picture is beautiful. You two make a good couple. Congrats again!

Regarding the Bobby ~ I am so going to get one. They have two different ones now. One for nursing and then the original to help your child be propped up. It was so funny...when I was at my cousins baby shower a couple of months ago, my mom, aunt and grandmother had NO idea what a Boppy was! I couldn't believe it.

Anyway...sorry I didn't do many personals, but I probably should do some work while I am here.

Check in with you all tomorrow!

[vixendrop]

Today was the tour of the hospital, and now I'm more convinced than ever that I want the birthing center, though I don't know how we'll afford it since the birth center doesn't take my insurance.

Anyway, about the hospital... overall, I guess it's not bad... much better than I was expecting, and ten times better than the hospitals I toured 8 years ago in Houston.

Labor and delivery are in one room and postpartum in a seperate room. I hate the idea of transfering.

Hospital policy won't allow newborn testing to be postponed until after bonding time. The baby can be on the mom for a few minutes, and that's it. All the basic tests are done in the same room though, but I want them to wait until later.

Most everything is determined by the provider, which is nice. IV, monitoring, water labor, etc would all be decided by my midwife. There are some hospital policies though, and the tour nurse wouldn't tell us what they are. That makes me nervous.

The nurses are required to offer IVs, medication, etc... I don't want anything offered like that. Seriously the LAST thing I want while in labor is to be bugged about that.

~sighs~ On the 18th I have my next appointment and I'll talk about these things with my midwife... hopefully she can put my mind at ease. Just being in a hospital though makes me stress out, which will casue my blood pressure to rise, which could cause interventions thinking there is a problem when really the only problems is me stressing about interventions ~sighs~

[GetNSlim]

Hello ladies...just wanted to say hello! Sorry I haven't been around, but I have been so busy with Jonathan and the two other kids! Atleast my church and MOPS are doing meals for us through the end of January, so I don't have to do that! I have restarted Atkins, but haven't been on a REALLY STRICT induction. Just recut sugar out of my diet and no bread, potatoes, etc. I am down 20 lbs. from the day I gave birth. So, I have about 40 to go to get back down to goal! I don't really have time for personals, but just wanted to say hello and let you all know some stuff that was going on! Talk at ya'll later!

[allibaba]

Hi Ladies,

Ds and I didn't even get out of our pajamas today. It was snowing/raining here all day and just plain nasty. I finally took a shower when dh got home around 4pm LOL. I haven't done that in ages and felt almost guilty doing it. I figure once the babies come I may never get out of my pajamas again, so I should probably get used to it . We're counting down the days to our next u/s - 6 more to go .

Ames - I hear ya on the men thing LOL. When we were doing ds's room, dh got some of the paint on the ceiling. He decided to touch it up and used a whole different white paint than he used on the ceiling originally . So it looked like a gray line all along the ceiling. Normally, I probably wouldn't really care but while I was pregnant I was pretty anal about every nursery item .

Amy - I'm with you on not really liking the whole male stripper thing. We went to a male review for SIL's bachelorette pary and it was pretty gross. One of the women that came actually left she was so grossed out.
I used a Boppy with ds and cannot imagine NOT having one. I don't think they had two versions then, so we have the original and it was great. I actually also had a no name brand that worked just as great. I kept one in his room for night time nursing (once he was in his own room) and the other I took wherever I needed it. I heard there is some type of twin pillow that I guess I'll be looking into this time .

Vixen - I feel bad that you have to deal with the hospital and aren't thrilled with it. I am SOOOO lucky that our hospital is wonderful. They only have 4 maternity rooms in the whole hospital. I was fortunate that I was the only "customer" for the whole week I was there. It was like being in a grand hotel or something. Plus the fact that dh works there made it even better. If I wanted to change hospitals I could try for a VBAC but I can't imagine going to another hospital. I'm sure if your Midwife uses that hospital it can't be too bad or she'd go elsewhere. Good luck with your decision.

GetNSlim - Congrats on the 20 pounds It sounds like you're doing well.

Alli

[Shandril105]

Originally posted by vixendrop
Today was the tour of the hospital, and now I'm more convinced than ever that I want the birthing center, though I don't know how we'll afford it since the birth center doesn't take my insurance.

*Snipped*

What hospital are you looking at? I was just down at Phx Baptist and can recommend it. Very non-intervention types there. Goodness knows they sent my false labor butt home!

Good deal of the day. I found a used Graco high end stroller with car seat and base for $60. The best part? My MIL paid for it!
Sometimes I think she is more exited about the baby than I am. She just blithley dropped $84 at JC Penny today because, "Well the baby needs a blanket to go home in and some sleepers to go with that and some washclothes to go with that." I think she forgot that I still have everything from when Ciera was born. But's that's ok. She is a great lady and I guess nothing is too good for the children of her only child.

I also hit EBay and found all the Peter Rabbit stuff for the baby's room. For 1/2 of what I would have paid new for just the crib stuff (sans crib sheet) I got everything for the crib plus a fleece blanket, a lamp, wall art and wallies stickers for the walls. With shipping I spent $110. Just the crib set at Buirlington and online new was over $200. Add the lamp and all the other stuf and I would have likely spent over $400.

It was a good day.

[Aediekins]

Just checkin' in!

Vixendrop- When I had my daughter, I had a birth plan I made on my computer that explicitly stated all my needs/wants. It had a labor section, a birth section and popstpartum section. (I even included a C-section section just in case!) Whenever they came at me I handed them a copy! They would have to take a second to read it, and then they would leave me alone. Plus I had her in the middle of a shift change so within 45 minutes we had a whole new set of doctors and nurses. So it came in really handy!!!

SmileyAmy- I'm not a fan of Male stripping either! I don't want a strange guy wagging his limp noodle around in front of me! Yuck. However I think the Adult Novelty Party sounds like a riot! That must have been fun.

Allibaba- Getting dressed will be the last thing on your mind after baby!! To this day I don't get dressed unless I have to. I learned to enjoy being in my "comfy's."

Shandril- Great idea about e-bay! I bet there are some great deals there. I still have most of the stuff from my daughter, but if I have a boy, I'll need a few different things. That theme sounds adorable. My friend did winny the pooh, and she found a paper lantern in the shape of a beehive. Then she dripped a few drips of hot glue around the edges. Then glued a few small bees on it and hung it in the corner of the room. So Cute!!! It's the little creative details that make such a difference.

Get n slim- That is so great that you're losing. That is one of my fears is getting all huge and not being able to lose it. It helps to know it can be done!!



K... running out of time, so "HI!" to everyone else....be back later.

[vixendrop]

SmileyAmy... you're not alone in not liking male strippers... I can't stand them either!

Shandril105... it was actually Phx Baptist that I toured today... it's just SOOOOO not what I want... I can't imagine not giving birth in a birthing center and having a real bed and complete control... it's how my first was, and that's all I want again. We may just have to suck it up and make payment arrangements for the birthing center. I think I just got the most nervous when the nurse giving us the tour wouldn't tell us what interventions are required there... I really felt like she was blowing me off.


Aediekins... IF I end up having to be at the (stupid) hospital I will definately be bringing my birth plan with me. I figure having about 5 copies with me should be good... post one on the door, keep one with me, one with DH, one with the doula (which I'm planning on getting very soon), and an extra, just in case. My birth plan is pretty specific... hopefully they'll actually pay attention to what it says.

[vixendrop]

Here's my birth plan so far... can you think of anything I've overlooked? I didn't have to have one with my daughter as my midwife felt the same way I did about birth.


1. I do not want to be induced.

2. In the event of a medically needed induction I prefer to be allowed to try natural methods, such as intercourse and nipple stimulation.

3. I would like my husband and a doula to stay with me at all times.

4. I would like the freedom to move and change positions as I desire, even after my water breaks.

5. I want to eat and drink as I desire throughout labor.

6. I do not want an IV or heparin lock, I will use drinking to keep me hydrated.

7. I do not want pain medications offered to me at all.

8. I do not want continuous monitoring. Intermittent monitoring with a handheld Doppler is acceptable.

9. I want the option of laboring in the water, even after my water breaks.

10. I want labor to progress on its own with no time line. No augmentation.

11. I would like to be allowed to photograph or videotape the labor and birth, should we wish.

12. If I’ve been laboring in the water I want the option of giving birth in the water as well if I wish.

13. I want the freedom to chose my own positions for pushing.

14. I want to be allowed to push when my body dictates, not on a schedule.

15. I do not want an episiotomy. I prefer to use warm compresses and perineal massage instead.

16. I do not want the cord cut until after it stops pulsing.

17. I request the baby to be placed on my chest immediately.

18. I want all tests done on the baby after we have time to bond.

19. No eye drops are to be given.

20. All tests on baby should be done in my presence. If medically necessary for the baby to leave the room for a test then my husband is to be allowed to accompany the baby at all times.

21. I request no vitamin K given unless medically needed, such as in the case of a circumcision.

22. I want to deliver the placenta naturally without medicinal augmentation.

23. In the event of an emergency cesarean I request my husband to be by my side at all times.

24. If cesarean, my husband and I are to be given immediate contact with our baby, provided the baby is not in any danger.

25. In the event of a stillbirth or death of my baby I would like contact with him/her for as long as I desire.

[metroames]

Hi Vixendrop. I was in your shoes just a little over a week ago concerning the hospital and protocols. I know what you are going through. I really hope you can go to the birthing center so you can be at ease over the whole thing. I know that stress can interfere with the birth process and I feel like I've got a ton of bricks lifted off my shoulder this week since we switched to a midwife and a different hospital.

Looking at your birthing plan, I would say you have it covered. Something I would suggest though based on some things my doula suggested to me.....try to make it as simple as possible and try to get it on one page. Try not to be so "demanding" on everything or else the nurses will see you as a "bad" or difficult patient. Use words like "I would prefer" or "I would like" and reserve words like " I do not" or "I want" for a few items that are especially important to you. See if you can find out about the protocols ahead of time and that way you can leave some items off the list so it is easier for the staff to read those items are important to you and not worry about things that are gonna happen anyway.

In my birthing plan I highlighted items such as laboring positions, fetal monitoring, episiotomies, and not wanting drugs offered because those were the most important. I also included, but used less "demanding" words on items such using pitocin, IV's, allowing the cord to stop pulsating on it's own, delievering the placenta naturally and not using other interventions unless mine or my babies life is in danger. It's not that these aren't important to me, but there are instances that these things have to be used whether we like it or not. If you caregiver is on the same ground as you regarding these "lesser" items you won't have to worry about it. To save space on the plan I left out items that I don't really care either way even though I might have a slight preference one way or another.

Anyway, hope that helps. I just don't want you to get in a tissy about this like I did. Stress is no good for pregnant women or their babies.

Ames

[Shandril105]

Originally posted by vixendrop


Shandril105... it was actually Phx Baptist that I toured today... it's just SOOOOO not what I want... I can't imagine not giving birth in a birthing center and having a real bed and complete control... it's how my first was, and that's all I want again. We may just have to suck it up and make payment arrangements for the birthing center. I think I just got the most nervous when the nurse giving us the tour wouldn't tell us what interventions are required there... I really felt like she was blowing me off.

I don't blame you for not liking the hospital if a birthing center is what you are used to. Talk about a letdown. I was even contemplating the birth Center when I discovered it took my insurance last month. But I love my OB/Gyn(he is a DO and is very much against unecessary interventions) and he doesn't deliver there.

I read your birth plan and when I was talking to the nurse during my little debacle, they sounded very open to almost all of what you wanted in there. They even had birthing balls and will not confine you to bed at all or make you labor in a way you don't want. The nurse even took out the IV that has been originally placed because of my ambulance trip. You can labor in the whirpool tubs all you want too from what she told me.

Was the nurse that toured you skiiny, kinda nerdy and had a tendency to talk quickly and inanely? If so, I know who you are talking about and I had to about corner her and make her talk to me about things. She did indicate almost all of what they do is based on your drs. protocol. So if your dr. is non-intervention, they abide by it. That was what I liked.

I still have to get my birth plan together. I hope you don't mind if I steal a few of your ideas.

Best luck to ya Vix. I can only imagine your frustration level at not being able to have it exactly the way you wanted it.

[Ravenly74]

Hi all SOrry I've been MIA

My update:
Had my Level 2 U/S, it is DEFINATELY a BOY!!!!! Everything looks perfect

Ames/Vixen:Can I ask why you should wait until the cord stops pulsating before they cut?

Also, what is wrong with episitomies? (SP)

Thats neat that you guys have seen your birthing centers! I am curious and may set up a time to see mine.

Shandril: What a great MIL you have!!!!!!!!! I've been slacking on buying ANYTHING for this baby Don't know why!!!!!

SmileyAmy: I've never seen one of those bachelor things, but have always been curious! Looking forward to hearing your update on that!

[vixendrop]

Originally posted by metroames
Hi Vixendrop. I was in your shoes just a little over a week ago concerning the hospital and protocols. I know what you are going through. I really hope you can go to the birthing center so you can be at ease over the whole thing. I know that stress can interfere with the birth process and I feel like I've got a ton of bricks lifted off my shoulder this week since we switched to a midwife and a different hospital.

Looking at your birthing plan, I would say you have it covered. Something I would suggest though based on some things my doula suggested to me.....try to make it as simple as possible and try to get it on one page. Try not to be so "demanding" on everything or else the nurses will see you as a "bad" or difficult patient. Use words like "I would prefer" or "I would like" and reserve words like " I do not" or "I want" for a few items that are especially important to you. See if you can find out about the protocols ahead of time and that way you can leave some items off the list so it is easier for the staff to read those items are important to you and not worry about things that are gonna happen anyway.

In my birthing plan I highlighted items such as laboring positions, fetal monitoring, episiotomies, and not wanting drugs offered because those were the most important. I also included, but used less "demanding" words on items such using pitocin, IV's, allowing the cord to stop pulsating on it's own, delievering the placenta naturally and not using other interventions unless mine or my babies life is in danger. It's not that these aren't important to me, but there are instances that these things have to be used whether we like it or not. If you caregiver is on the same ground as you regarding these "lesser" items you won't have to worry about it. To save space on the plan I left out items that I don't really care either way even though I might have a slight preference one way or another.

Anyway, hope that helps. I just don't want you to get in a tissy about this like I did. Stress is no good for pregnant women or their babies.

Ames

Well, I can tone it done to be less demanding, no problem, but those are the msot important things to me ~laughs~ believe me, if I went into the things that don't matter AS MUCH it'd be several more pages long! I'm a complete control freak! I'm going to be discussing it with my midwife on the 18th, so I guess I'll go from there... thankfully from my intial discussion with her regarding these thigns in general she seems to be on the same page as I am... I just need to make it official now.
heheheh... and I'm always in a tissy... I don't know how to be any other way ~laughs~

Originally posted by Shandril105
I don't blame you for not liking the hospital if a birthing center is what you are used to. Talk about a letdown. I was even contemplating the birth Center when I discovered it took my insurance last month. But I love my OB/Gyn(he is a DO and is very much against unecessary interventions) and he doesn't deliver there.

I read your birth plan and when I was talking to the nurse during my little debacle, they sounded very open to almost all of what you wanted in there. They even had birthing balls and will not confine you to bed at all or make you labor in a way you don't want. The nurse even took out the IV that has been originally placed because of my ambulance trip. You can labor in the whirpool tubs all you want too from what she told me.

Was the nurse that toured you skiiny, kinda nerdy and had a tendency to talk quickly and inanely? If so, I know who you are talking about and I had to about corner her and make her talk to me about things. She did indicate almost all of what they do is based on your drs. protocol. So if your dr. is non-intervention, they abide by it. That was what I liked.

I still have to get my birth plan together. I hope you don't mind if I steal a few of your ideas.

Best luck to ya Vix. I can only imagine your frustration level at not being able to have it exactly the way you wanted it.

You are so lucky that your insurance is accepted there! At least you have a choice... mine isn't so I have to go to Phx Baptist or pay out of pocket ~sighs~ Sounds like your got a great doctor too.

A lot of the stuff I want I know they'll allow me as long as my midwife agrees, but the fact that she refused to tell me what is required by the hospital really pissed me off. And yes, that was the nurse... I really got the impression she didn't want to answer many questions... too bad for her as I had a few!

And go ahead and use whatever you want ~smiles~ I borrowed some ideas from several sources myself ~laughs~

Originally posted by Ravenly74
My update:
Had my Level 2 U/S, it is DEFINATELY a BOY!!!!! Everything looks perfect

Ames/Vixen:Can I ask why you should wait until the cord stops pulsating before they cut?

Also, what is wrong with episitomies? (SP)

Congrats on the boy! You're so lucky! Seems most everyone is having a boy lately... hope there's still some boy baby dust available when I have my u/s!

It's now considered better for the baby to let the cord finishing pulsing before cutting it... by doing that the baby receives all the cord blood he was meant to by nature. Cutting the cord before it stops pulsing prevents the baby from receiving those benefits. Some midwives believe there will be virtually no bleeding from the stump if the cord is allowed to finishing pulsing. Plus, the blood provided from the cord is oxygen rich... if the baby has ANY breathing problem immediately after birth it's much better to leave the cord pulsing and let the baby have as much oxygen as possible... gives a couple more minutes to clear airways, etc... cutting the cord immediately deprives the baby of much needed oxygen and creates a true emergeny.
Here's a page with some helpful info: http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/lateClamping.html

And episiotomies... well, I can't say it much better than this: (from http://www.healthfinder.gov/news/new...p?docID=521532)

Study Warns Against Unnecessary Episiotomies

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDayNews) -- Episiotomies -- incisions that widen the vagina during childbirth -- don't reduce the risk of injury to babies when their shoulders are stuck in the birth canal, says a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine study.

The study authors wrote that, instead of an episiotomy, doctors should physically maneuver the infant to realign the shoulders to fit within the mother's pelvis. The pelvis is often the main cause of an infant getting stuck in the birth canal.

This approach will avoid unnecessary trauma to the mother and prevent injury to the baby. An episiotomy should be done only when doctors need more room to carry out the maneuvers to dislodge a baby stuck in the birth canal, the authors wrote.

"Most textbooks in obstetrics still recommend that physicians perform a generous episiotomy, yet there is no evidence that the procedure will reduce the likelihood of injury to the infant," lead author and high-risk obstetrician Dr. Edith Gurewitsch said in a prepared statement.

"An episiotomy is a surgical procedure that should only be performed when it is absolutely necessary," she said

There are many studies that show routine episiotomies don't reduce the risk of tearing either... in fact, mothers with episiotomies make up the majority of the women who have more severe tears by the end of birth. Think of it like this... take a piece of fabric and try to tear it with your bare hands, not very easy... now, cut an incision in the edge of that fabric and try again... the fabric will rip much farther where the cut was made.

If a woman is allowed to take the pushing phase slowly, instead of rushed to beat a clock, and nature does it's thing tears will generally be small, if they happen at all. Plus the recovery time for an episiotomy is longer than a natural tear.

[MadameX]

Originally posted by Ravenly74
Hi all SOrry I've been MIA

My update:
Had my Level 2 U/S, it is DEFINATELY a BOY!!!!! Everything looks perfect

Ames/Vixen:Can I ask why you should wait until the cord stops pulsating before they cut?

Also, what is wrong with episitomies? (SP)

Raven~Congrats on the boy! To add to what Vixen said above, I have heard that babies also get important blood clotting factors if allowed to receive all of the blood before the cord is cut, perhaps making the routine vitamin K shot not necessary.I intend to ask my doctor about this when I see her tomorrow. Here are some pors and cons on that:

How do Parents Decide about Vitamin K?
If there were absolutely no risks or costs associated with vitamin K administration or the shot, nobody would argue against it.

However, an injection creates an avenue of infection for a newborn with an immature immune system in an environment that contains the most dangerous germs. In addition, the possible trauma from the injection can jeopardize the establishment of breastfeeding, which does much more to protect the baby's health than vitamin K injections have ever been alleged to do. At the very least, the injection should be delayed until after the baby has learned to nurse.

I've sometimes wondered whether there's a connection between vitamin K administration and SIDS. Some studies have shown a lower incidence of SIDS among breastfed babies, and we know that breastmilk is lower in vitamin K. Who knows? Nobody, really. Why are we messing with delicate systems we don't understand?

There is likely a very complex relationship between baby's blood volume (which is reduced by as much as 40% with immediate cutting of the umbilical cord), and the baby's vitamin K and iron levels. It may be that when a baby is allowed to receive all its blood from the placenta, the coagulation factors are more than adequate to prevent hemorrhage.

Given the study that claims that vitamin K levels are not associated with clotting factors, it might be that the best thing parents can do to prevent hemorrhage in newborns is to insist that their babies be allowed to get all their blood back from the placenta after birth. Those would seem to be the clotting factors of greatest use to the baby.

Maybe the association between traumatic birth and newborn hemorrhagic disease is really an association between traumatic birth and early cutting of the cord, which is more likely with a traumatic birth where the baby is rushed across the room for resuscitation. Maybe someday hospitals will develop the sophistication to be able to perform any needed resuscitation without cutting off the baby's oxygen and blood supply.

Until we have the definitive answers to these questions, parents have to choose between a system that's been in place for less than a hundred years and one that's been in place for thousands of years.

from: http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/vitktop.html
and:

Recommendations

Vitamin K1 should be given as a single intramuscular dose of 0.5 mg (birthweight 1500 g or less) or 1.0 mg (birthweight greater than 1500 g) to all newborns within the first 6 h after birth following initial stabilization of the baby and an appropriate opportunity for maternal (family)-baby interaction.

For newborn infants whose parents refuse an intramuscular injection, the physician should recommend an oral dose of 2.0 mg vitamin K1 at the time of the first feeding. (A minority of committee members believe that physicians should have the option to recommend oral administration of vitamin K for newborns under their care.) Use of the parenteral form of vitamin K for oral administration is all that is currently available. This should be repeated at two to four weeks and six to eight weeks of age. Parents should be advised of the importance of the baby receiving follow-up doses and be cautioned that their infants remain at an increased risk of late HDNB (including the potential for intracranial hemorrhage) using this regimen.

from:
from: http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/FN/fn97-01.htm

The first one seems like some guy's opinion, the second seems like a medical study. I am undecided, and will research more on this. I think Suzanne and Pauline both refused the Vitamin K shot when they delivered.

Episiotomies:
The way I have heard it, you can tear naturally from stage 1 to stage 4 (the most severe). A degree depends on how many layers of skin and muscle the tear goes through, with most episiotomies going deep, so being a fourth degree incision. Tears tend to go WITH the natural muscle striations, and can heal faster and more naturally, than a cut, which goes straight.

BBL
Kelley

[Dar20]

What is a Level 2 Ultrasound??

Too tired to say anymore right now.. been playing frisbee with the dogs alot this weekend and it's worn me out. It's so warm out for January!

[GoJackets]

Originally posted by Dar20
What is a Level 2 Ultrasound??

Too tired to say anymore right now.. been playing frisbee with the dogs alot this weekend and it's worn me out. It's so warm out for January!

You may have had one.....it's where they look at the baby more in depth. Usually performed by a technician/specialist, they take measurements, look at the babies organs, the placenta....etc.

[Ravenly74]

VIXEN: I am blowing you some baby BLUE boy dust your way Can I ask why you want a boy??? I was actually hoping for a girl, if I had my choice! But I am very happy with a boy as well!

EVERYONE : Thanks everyone for all of the info!!!! I definately want to wait until the cord is done "pulsating" and would prefer NOT to get an epi unless necessary.

[Dar20]

Originally posted by GoJackets
You may have had one.....it's where they look at the baby more in depth. Usually performed by a technician/specialist, they take measurements, look at the babies organs, the placenta....etc.

Okay, just wondered why it was called a level 2? All the u/s's I have had were pretty much the same (using the same machine and all), and the doc has taken various measurements each time, looking at different organs and such. Thanks, Dena!

Is anyone here having difficulty trying not to get involved with the baby shower issue? It's just so tough not having any family nearby.. my own mother suggested not even having a shower. Not what I was expecting, I guess.