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Jo 29-03-2004 09:23

Giving birth
 
This topic my be of little to interest to most, hope no-one minds me taking up the space though, it lies close to my heart.....

Lettie, I wanted to tell you that in Italy we have natural birth - no gas and air, no epidural, no nothing. We have a bath with warm water and can move freely into any position we want.
Any advice on how to naturally numb the pain??

Also, I have a specific question for Lettie: when I go into labour, they told me to go the hospital as late as possible (when contractions are every 5 minutes) but if my waters break, to go immediately. If, however, I have a bath at home to ease the pain, how will I know if my waters have broken?

Finally, any advice from anyone in general on giving birth would be welcome......

Tealeaf 29-03-2004 09:40

Re: Giving birth
 
Hello Jo,

I'm afraid I can't help you on this.

Jo 29-03-2004 15:04

Re: Giving birth
 
Oh Tealeaf, I knew you'd be the first to answer, and I thought, I'm sure he'll write something, though how much help it will be......
Thanks anyway chuck!!

Tealeaf 29-03-2004 15:08

Re: Giving birth
 
No problem...Lettie should be coming on shortly...she usually pops up shortly after 4 & no doubt she'll make a full contribution.

janet 29-03-2004 15:09

Re: Giving birth
 
I cant either jo, but anything to do with dogs, i just might be able to help you.

Tealeaf 29-03-2004 15:18

Re: Giving birth
 
Hello Janet - can you find my dog? It's gone missing.

janet 29-03-2004 15:26

Re: Giving birth
 
Try asking lettie, i have heard that her dog has taken a fancy to Growler.

Tealeaf 29-03-2004 15:41

Re: Giving birth
 
Do you think they may have eloped?

ellie 29-03-2004 15:45

Re: Giving birth
 
i was one of the lucky ones i was only in labour 6 hours from the first twinge until having georgia. i had the pethadine injection but 2 minutes later i gave birth, the injection hurt more. after having her i just felt a wierd emptiness inside my stomach.
i certainley knew when my waters had broke there was loads i think id been in hospital for 3/4 of an hour when they did before hand i had a bath at home and just tried to relax and keep as calm as possible

lettie 29-03-2004 15:55

Re: Giving birth
 
Hi Jo, hope you are well.

Firstly, if your waters go whilst in the bath, you will continue to leak water when you get out, and every time you have a contraction until your baby is born. Sometimes it is only a trickle of water now and then, but it is usually enough to make you suspect they've gone.

Many women here also give birth without pain relief, through choice, or because they deliver accidentally at home (been called out to a couple recently, there's something in the water in Hyndburn) We also use water and have a pool at Queens Park. Water is a very soothing pain reliever, as are different positions. If you have backache adopt a position to keep your weight off your back, crawling on your hands and knees usually does the trick. Keep mobile and upright, this is very important as gravity will help you. Do Not lie on your back, especially when pushing, as you are then pushing the baby uphill so to speak. Make sure you have good support from husband or if he's no good in situations like this, a friend. Massage is comforting in labour, hot water bottle can sometimes help, music in the background and basically anything you would normally use to take your mind off something. No specific breathing is required, just long deep breaths in and blow the breath out slowly. If you hold your breath, or hyperventilate, this makes the pain worse.

Remember that millions of women around the world do this every day without pain relief or medical help, as they may be 200 miles from the nearest clinic in third world countries. Even though this is very painful, the pain will all go away once you have pushed that baby out, and as soon as you clap eyes on your baby you will forget all about it, and think it was totally worth it.

If there's anything else you need to ask, feel free. Some of my nicest deliveries, have been at home, with no pain relief, good mobility and excellent support from the families.:biggrin8:

Tealeaf 29-03-2004 15:57

Re: Giving birth
 
I think most people on Accy Web must be experts on childbirth now....!!!!!!

Stanley4Life 29-03-2004 16:01

Re: Giving birth
 
Disgusting o'h well thats life

Jo 30-03-2004 06:52

Re: Giving birth
 
Lettie you're a star!!!
I feel better already. Also the way you describe it, it sounds more like a fastidious ache for q while, and not muscle-tearing pain for the full span of the labour. I'll definitely get myself a hot water bottle sorted, and my hubby should be of help (or he'll be in big trouble!!)
Thanks a lot, dear!! I may be back in touch again soon..... the fear comes and goes....

lettie 30-03-2004 15:39

Re: Giving birth
 
When is baby due Jo? Most people find that it's a mixture between fear and excitement. It's fear of the unknown, or in the case of 2nd and 3rd babies fear of the known, and excitement because you can't wait to see your baby. Labour can start off very much like period pains which gradually become longer and stronger. We tell people to come to hospital when the pains are 4-5 minutes apart and are lasting longer than 40 seconds, anything less than that and you are unlikely to be established in labour. Alternatively you can go in when you just can't stand it any longer.. If you're due in June, I have a week off and am looking for a holiday destination, so I'll come and deliver you...:D Just kidding... I'm busy enough.

ShortStuff 30-03-2004 19:00

Re: Giving birth
 
I applaud anyone that gives birth without pain relief - but I must ask why is something that is so natural sooooo painful? When you see wildlife programmes with deer (for example) giving birth - they just go off on their own - push a little & out the baby comes!!! Next minute the deer are running about like nothing has happened!

littlemo 31-03-2004 03:00

Re: Giving birth
 
Hi Jo congrads on your up coming event, I havn't been on for ages so just navigating through and catching up! Over here we're advised not to jump in the bath if your waters brake cause you could get an infection. I belive the water we use over here for the birthing pools are specific for that, Proberbly cause we put so much crap in our daily water to clean it up! But there's no harm in jumping in the shower.

My waters broke at home with my first and I was sleeping on a water bed!!!!!took me a second to relise what it was!!!!! What helped me through that labour was while I was pregnant I used to go to sleep with one of those nature sound CD's. when I went into labour, we took it with us and put it on. I slept for ohhhhhhhhhh 6-7 hours!!!! in fact they had to wake me up to deliver!!!!!!!

it's really not that bad but watch out for the burning!! everyone fails to mention that oh and you'll be starving afterwards as your digestive system shuts down while in labour so nothing stays down!!!!!

good luck!!!


Mo

lettie 31-03-2004 07:13

Re: Giving birth
 
Littlemo is right, your digestion slows down during labour, so if you pig out before going to hospital, you are likely to be sick. Most people are nauseated just after delivery. We do have baths here when your waters have gone. If you are in your own home (amongst your own bugs) so to speak, you are unlikely to get an infection. The reason they like you to go to hospital when your waters have gone, is to check for cord prolapse. This is a rare occurrence, where if the baby's head is not engaged, the cord can be washed down with the flow of water, the head then comes down and compresses the cord. It is an obstetric emergency and very unlikely to happen, but we like to check you for it anyway. (I have seen 2 in 12 years)
Also, if you can get it, try Raspberry Leaf tea or tablets. They are herbal, and it is believed that they help the uterus to contract more effectively. You take them as you go into your 37th week of pregnancy, up until you go into labour. There is no evidence to say that raspberry leaf actually works, but everybody myself and my colleagues have looked after, who has taken it, have had really nice labours. A couple of my colleagues took it themselves, and swear by it.

Jo 31-03-2004 11:56

Re: Giving birth
 
Good point, short stuff, I wondered that myself. Some reckon it's that pain that makes you a responsible mother - you bond with your baby becasue of it...... I'm sure I'd bond anyway, I could well do without it!

Lettie, don't joke too much or I might have your flight booked for you before you know it!! I was actaully wondering about a home birth, but it's so expensive, but if you hjappened to be around..... I'd pay your flight and a pizza and throw in a bottle of Italian red, what do ya say??? !!

Jo 31-03-2004 11:59

Re: Giving birth
 
Thanks for the tip on rasberry leaf Lettie, I'kll try that too!! Anything that might help....
It's weird, but I'm feeling ebtter about it already, thanks to you lot! Littlemo, you were very reassuring, too! Thanks!

AccyStanFan 31-03-2004 14:09

Re: Giving birth
 
if they have em at home, who cuts the cord and does the donkey work?

Jo 31-03-2004 14:11

Re: Giving birth
 
Lettie does!

Tealeaf 31-03-2004 14:51

Re: Giving birth
 
Don't they have midwives in Italy then?

lindsay ormerod 31-03-2004 15:18

Re: Giving birth
 
I was told about raspberry leaf tea too!It tastes vile but if it works why not?I was all ready with a hired Tens machine till my daughter turned around and I had a c-section at Queens Park;it was fine and I would heartily recommend it;the staff there are fab! :)

Jo 31-03-2004 15:29

Re: Giving birth
 
Yes course they do! But not as good as Lettie!!
If you want a midwife at a home birth, it costs a hell of a lot of money. In the hospitals there are midwifes, what's missing is the anaesthetic - you have to go through the pain no matter what, unless you pay for a private clinic, where you can pay between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds for the birth.
Don't knock the NHS!! you don't you're born in England!!

Tealeaf 31-03-2004 15:49

Re: Giving birth
 
Whats the deal with the Italian anaesthetic then? Is it illegal there?

ANNE 31-03-2004 20:21

Re: Giving birth
 
I had a compleatly natural childbirth with my first baby Joe. Just held on to the bed head and screamed the place down.
Just like a bad case of constipation.
You'l sail through it girl.
Dont forget to post us some piccy's

lettie 31-03-2004 20:54

Re: Giving birth
 
It's actually cheaper for a home birth in England, than a hospital birth. Less drugs, no doctors, no hospital stay etc. I'm actually on call for one now (mobile at the ready) Don't know how I'd stand legally delivering a baby in Italy. Every year in the UK Midwives have to register their intent to practice and be specific about where they are going to be working, so if you change areas half way through the year, you have to fill out another one. Just done mine for East Lancs. Even if I were to accidentally catch a baby in another area, while visiting or shopping, I would have to contact the nearest supervisor of Midwives and fill out an intention to practice for that area. It helps to stop people practising illegally, as it is illegal to deliver a baby in the UK (intentionally) without a midwifery or medical qualification, you can be taken to court and fined apparrently!!!

Jo 01-04-2004 07:34

Re: Giving birth
 
I don't think that's a problem here Lettie. Mums have the right to deliver alone if they want, so a midwife could be just a friend helping you out.

Tealeaf, it's not that anaesthetics are illegal here, some regions do have the epidural, in fact if you have a c-section, it's practically an epidural they give you. The reason they don't have anything here in Bolzano is that 1) they say they don't have the resources to have an anestaetician available for all those that want epidurals, as they have to monitor the mother right thrugh labour, so it's costly. and 2) for principle - they believe that it is worse to give gas and air and have the mother lying on the back - childbirth is a natural process and they let the mother keep control of the whole situation, you can walk round, go in the bath and do what you want, but you have to concentrate, and some drugs literally drug you up and take away this mental power.
In some ways I agree with them, I am always for the most natural remedy, but never having been through labour, I'm afraid, and the things that niggles me most is not having the choice because, knowing myself, I wouldn't ask for anything anyway, I'm pretty strong, but I would at least like to know the option is there.

lettie 01-04-2004 15:51

Re: Giving birth
 
Being mobile is the best way to be, for our ladies who use gas and air, they can still be mobile and are pretty much encouraged to be, unless there is a problem where we need to monitor the baby, growth retardation for example. We even let them use entonox (gas and air) in the pool, and haven't drowned anybody yet, but if they are in the pool they are not allowed narcotic drugs, as they take away control and make you drowsy.
The epidural, on the other hand, completely takes away mobility, drops maternal blood pressure (and in doing so affects the baby's heartrate) so the mother needs to be on a monitor throughout, and needs close supervision. Hence the furore in the media re. shortage of Midwives, saying that procedures such as epidural are still being done when we haven't enough midwives to look after them. As far as I'm concerned, this is completely true, so if anyone out there fancies doing their Midwifery training, drop me a message, and I'll tell you how to go about getting in. It's currently a 4 year degree course. When I trained, I had to do 3 years nurse training and then a further 18months to specialise in midwifery

snailtrail 04-04-2004 22:56

Re: Giving birth
 
I went for a home birth second time around it was brilliant very relaxing with no need for pain releif until they broke my waters and I had meconium in them the midwife said I could still deliver at home but I decided to hold on, the ambulance men came and I was in rather a delicate position with baby's head on its way and they had to get me form the bedroom to the ambulance outside. I held on though and hid under a cover on arriving at Queens Park but baby very nearly came in the lift up to the labour ward. I had a beautiful little girl.We still laugh now about the colour of the ambulance mans face ... id thought they'd seen alsorts and I haven't been put off having a home birth again and would recommend it to anyone even though I didn't quite manage it.

ShortStuff 05-04-2004 20:44

Re: Giving birth
 
Although woman have and still give birth completely naturally at home, we have been brought up to think that you can only have a baby at the hospital. I think I would probably like the security of knowing I was in the best place if anything went wrong, although I would definitely opt for a single room rather than a ward afterwards (if I have the cash when the time comes!). Epidural's sound quite scary - I know giving birth would be painful but I would rather be in control of my body. Also I have heard tales of when epidurals go wrong - not nice.

lettie 06-04-2004 16:08

Re: Giving birth
 
Home births are lovely when everything goes to plan. We have strict criteria for who is suitable and who is not. Everything has to be completely normal, including the mother's health prior to pregnancy, previous difficult births ie Caesarians are not recommended to have home birth. Funnily enough, a lot of people who want home birth do so because they have had a previously difficult birth in hospital. The Obstetricians usually try to talk them out of it and then wash their hands of them, because if the birth is not in hospital, they do not have to attend it. The midwife cannot refuse to attend a woman in labour wherever she may be, we will transfer to hospital in an emergency, but if the woman refuses despite all explanations to come to hospital we cannot make her. As long as she understands that if there is any adverse outcome, then she hasn't a leg to stand on if all medical procedures to prevent that outcome were followed (and they usually are). 2 midwives will attend a home birth (the GP's round here will have nothing to do with them) One midwife is usually very experienced at home birth and has usually had a lot of experience on delivery suite. The 2nd midwife may have had experience on delivery suite, but may never have attended a home birth (it's the only way to get experience). We do it a bit differently at home and it's really nice, but to be honest working full time and doing on call at night is knackering me at the moment. One of our home births delivered last week, and I have another due in a fortnight...

ANNE 06-04-2004 18:59

Re: Giving birth
 
Wouldn't recommend an epidural it was the worse experiance of my life.
Ended up using gas and air has well due to the fact that I couldn't have a top up coz the anethatist went home.

ShortStuff 07-04-2004 20:03

Re: Giving birth
 
Well Jo I hope you feel a bit more at ease now - but everyone's advise has put me off for a while!

Jo 03-05-2004 13:48

Re: Giving birth
 
Right that's it, I've decided - I've finished information gathering and I've decided I'm going private and to hell with it! You lot have scared me to death.
The deal is this. I try a natural birth with a water bath and homeopathic pain relief whilst listening to relaxing music. If that doesn't work I go for real medicine, like the stuff you take for period pains, and if I'm still too soft, I get an epidural. And if the baby refuses to come out after all that time, I get a cesarean.
Hope it doesn't go as far as the cesarean, cos that'll burn a whole in my pocket, but I've decided - it's worth every Euro!!
Ps. I'm well into the rasperry-leaf tea - I have a cup every night before bed!
Thanks everyone for your advice, watch this space....

Tealeaf 03-05-2004 13:50

Re: Giving birth
 
We will be doing....not long to go now!


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