Ok I got some questions that I want to have the awnsers from other mums and not the midwife (though i will ask the midwife aswell)
1) What would happen if i dont realise my waters have broken?
2)What does it feel like when your waters break?
3)Do always sanitry pads work as maternity pads? (I cant find maternity pads)
4)What is the best brand of breast pad
5)How long would the keep me in hospital for (this is my first baby)
6) What do contractions feel like?
7)What do I need to pack for the baby in my hospital bag (i.e. how many nappies, do i take my own formula if i wish to bottle feed how many baby clothes etc etc)
8)Can I take my own drinks/food into the hospital (i'm a lucozade addict lol)
9)How long till after the baby is born can i go out (i.e. to the shops to to a realative)
10) what did u find the best form of pain relief?
11)What are the best positions to get in whilst giving birth.
I'm in the UK just in case it changes things
Thanks in advance!
1) My first baby I had my waters broken for me. (Yuck and ouch!lol) as I was overdue. My second baby I heard a pop and the had a gush of water which made me feel a little empty yet heavier. She was well overdue. At the hospital the 'hind' waters went and that was like wetting myself with no control for about 10 mins, with the gush getting stronger with each contraction.
2)I didn't really feel anything except wet! lol
3)I used san towles for the heaviest flow as i couldn't find any either. they worked fine but change reg as you will bleed a lot!
4)I used johnsons but when I ran out I used a Panty liner with cotton layer cut in two halves and this worked amazingly. Much more absorbant, half the size so no ugly round shapes through your tops and best of all half the price x
5)I was allowed home after 10 hours with my first due to having severe stitches. Some went home after 7 hours and other on the ward stayed a few days. It depends how the baby is delivered and what state you are both in post birth. This cannot really be planned until after delivery. sorry x
6)Like HORRENDOUS period pain, but you get a break between each one and no pain at all during the break. Plus they start off mild and get stronger so by the time you have the worst ones you will have got used to the pain.
7)Take a good few nappies. they dont go through as many in the very early days but the poo is like black tar make sure you have enough for up to 2 days/nights. you can always get more from the hospital/family visitor if you end up staying longer or running out. They will encourage you to try breastfeeding but have formular and bottles there too if needed. Dont take your own as it shows u r not willing to try feeding yourself and they may be funny with you (My hospital was..!) Make sure you take a few vests and baby grows as well as scratch mits and a cardi or coat. Plus a blanket as the hospital ones are quite stiff.
You can take your own drinks if you need to but they will prob have supplies there and you will be given your meals. Take Lucozade in case they dont have any. You may be told not to eat anything if you are having C section.
9) depends on you! I was desperate to show my first off and went shopping and reletive visiting within 48 hours. i had a lot of negative comments from random people saying I was 'silly' though! :0( my second i had an epidural and was exhausted so I stayed in and had people visit instead for the first three days x
10) My hospital offered a half and half epidural which meant I could still move into different positions/stand if needed. it was excellent as I felt when to push etc which a normal epidural does not allow for. Other than that Pethidine was rubbish and gas and air made me sick!! See what works best for you at the time but warn them early if you want to go for an epidural as they will need to get an anestitist and they cant do it if you are too far gone! lol
11) I had one laying down and one squatting. I couldn't tell you which was best as i was on autopilot and just got on with it.!
Good luck with it all!! you will do great. The best advice i can offer is to keep calm and happy.. makes things go alot quicker. As soon as u panick it will make the labour go slower and more painful xx
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by M Kerr RN L&D, on February 24 2008 @ 8:57 am
1) Most waters dont break naturally only around 2% do, you should know as it will feel like your peeing and cant stop, and usually contractions start IMMEDIATELY
2) See #1
3) Sanitairy pads work the same as maternity, just might have to change more often, ask the hospital if you can have some to bring home if your bleeding is heavy afterwards
4) Gerber? I really dont know I used the washables
5) Generally with an uncomplicated delivery 24hrs/overnite
6) Menstrual cramps x's 1000
7) Google for list of things to pack, dont need to take your own formula hospital will provide this, and (1) going home outfit, generally a sleeper
9) Keep the baby inside for at least 6 weeks it needs time to build up his immune system
10) EPIDURAL
11) Sitting up worked very well for me!
References :
RN L&D
by reggie, on February 24 2008 @ 8:58 am
1) You will, unless you can pee a gallon and not notice.
yes
2) Like you've just peed a gallon of hot water.
3) normal towels will do
4) just make sure they don;t have sharp edges - avoid Johnson & johnson
5) How long is a piece of string? All goes well - out within 12 hours.
6) Like your spine is being riped apart
7) Packet of nappies, few vests and babygrows, breast feed if you can
9) When you have got your strength back - 2 or 3 days, but it's up to you.
10) Pain relief for what? Labour? there is none
11) No one can answer this for you - go with how you feel
Good Luck xx
References :
by Jill, on February 24 2008 @ 8:58 am
1 & 2. Most women will know. It isn't always a big dramatic gush, it can be a slow, intermittent trickle. It does not hurt.But odds are you'd notice the leak. If you are ever not sure if, always call your midwife and let them examine you. A simple swab test can tell if you're leaking amniotic fluid or if it is just urine or a watery discharge.
Only 10-15% of women will have their membranes rupture prior to the onset of labor, so don't stress over it, it's unlikely you will rupture prior to labor.
3. Yes. A pad is a pad.
4. It's all personal preference - IMO, once again, a pad is a pad.
5. After a vaginal delivery, the standard in the US is 48 hours maximum, after a c-section, 4 days. Not sure about the UK, sorry!
6. Every woman feels them differently. Many describe it as menstrual cramps x 100. You might feel them in your belly or along your lower back, or both.
7. The hospital provides you with the supplies you need while there (in the US anyway) - diapers, formula, etc. - so don't pack any of that. All baby needs is an outfit to come home in, your carseat, etc.
8. Of course! The hospital is not a jail - you are free to eat whatever you want.
9. You can go out anytime you wish. Having a baby doesn't make you bedridden. Many women feel great a few days later (other than being tired from lack of sleep!) There's no reason to stay locked up in your home. And your baby doesn't need to be locked up either.
10. Epidurals are the most complete and effective and safe methods of pain relief. Narcotic drugs simply take the edge off, and during transition and pushing and the actual birth it does absolutely nothing.
11. Squatting, hands and knees, semi-supine. Anything but flat on your back.
Good luck
References :
by dylansmomma1, on February 24 2008 @ 8:59 am
1) You will realize when your water breaks even if its only a little fluid at a time it wont stop so you will know what it is.
yes you can take your own food and drinks
2) It feels like you are peeing your self and cant stop
3) The hospital gave me maternity pads while i was there and then the other pads worked just fine
4) i found the gerber ones worked the best for me
5) I was kept in the hospital 2 days ( it all depends on the health of you and your baby and if u have a c-section they keep you longer)
6) Everyone contractions are different, bad menstrual cramps, horrible back ache, stomach tightning very hard
7) The hospital will supply the formula and diapers while you are there
9) i waited a week before i took my son out
10) Tylenol worked the best for me ( everyone is different)
11) they only let me be in once position so i dont know about that one
Congrats and good luck!
References :
by ridingonthewind, on February 24 2008 @ 9:00 am
you will no your waters have broke end of
wet,can trickle down leg or gush but feel like you wet yourself
same thing just buy super pads
try boots for breast pads
maybe 2/3days if no complications
feels like someone pulling a tight band around your tummy and then releasing
take a pack of nappies will have formalla at hospital
take your own drinks yes
a week is a good time
pethodine
only you will tell what position you like as we are all different and what plans you do make will change!
References :
by mom to be again, on February 24 2008 @ 9:00 am
1 &2) You usually know when your water breaks because it's like you peed yourself but just keeps going. It never really stops. But if for some reason you don't know then your contractions will get much stronger after that and much more painful so you'll know something is up.
3)Most places give you your own maternity pads but if not then just get the thick pads. they're all the same
4) Really all the breast pads are the same. I would get some that have some breathable holes in them though. They don't leave your breasts as dry and cracked.
5)Usually with a normal vaginal birth it's about 2 days. If you have a c section it's around 5.
6) contractions feel like someone is taking a hammer to your stomach. It's very hard to describe. Just know that labor contractions will be a specific time apart and get shorter in length apart and stronger with each one
7)All you need for the baby is the carseat and a change of clothes to go home in. The hospital will provide the diapers and everything else it needs. They will also provide the formula as well
9) You can go out whenever you feel comfortable enough to go out. It's all up to you.
10) Definitely the epidural. Worked like a charm
11) I gave birth on my back because it was the only easy way to do it. They tried other things and it just didn't work and I felt really stupid!!
Don't worry! Everything will be fine. Good luck with everything
References :
mommy of baby boy 5 weeks with #2
by Sharon, on February 24 2008 @ 9:01 am
1) You will know when your waters broke.
Yes you can take your own drink into hospital but I dont think you will be allowed to drink anything untill after the birth.
2) Mine broke in the middle of the night when I woke to go for a wee. It just feels like your wetting yourself but you know that your not.
3) Normal sanitry pads will do the same job as maternity pads but make sure you buy the heavy ones. Maternity pads are sold in Mothercare, Boots. If you cant find them…ask.
4) Dont think there is a best brand, they all do the same job.
5) With my 1st I was in for 3 days but she was born with an abnormality and she was having loads of tests done. My 2nd I was out after only 10 hours. You can choose how long you want to stay in.
6) Very painful tightening around the stomace and around the lower back.
7) Just bring about a dozen nappies, the hospital will suply the bottles and you can choose which formula to give the baby…they normally supply most of the brands. Just 1 or 2 outfits and babygrows is all you will need. And a blanket to take the baby home in.
9) You can go out as soon as you feel up to it. I think I was out after about 1 week. You will know when you feel ready.
10) with my first epidural was great to start with I passed most of my labour without feeling it but my labour was so long. With my 2nd I did it completly naturally and it was so quick and the pain was bearable (just).
11) What ever you feel most comfortable with during your labour.
Good luck hope I helped you a little
References :
Mother of 1 boy and 1 girl
by balibee, on February 24 2008 @ 9:02 am
1&2 you will definately know that your waters have broken cause you will be very wet with a big puddle the midwife might have to break your waters for you.
3 Yes
4 Any
5 Depends on how you and your baby are usually about 2 days
6 Tightening around the abdomen with PAIN
7 You do not need nappies or formula the hospital will provide them just pack a few baby grows vests and a going home outfit
8 Yes and you could ask your visitors to bring you more so you are not taking too many in with you
9 You should try and rest when the baby is born as you will be feeling tired but if you are desperate to get out then there is no problem with going out right away
10 1st child had an epidural 2nd child didn't need anything varies with different people
11 Anyway that is most comfortable for you I was on my back for both
Hope this helps but no one can tell you exactly what will happen or what your pain will be like as no one is the same but remember no matter how painful it is you will soon forget all about it when you have that little bundle of joy in your arms
GOOD LUCK
References :
by jibs, on February 24 2008 @ 9:04 am
1) there is no doubt when waters go you know!
Yes you can and advisable to do this as I was starving and couldn't get anything.
2) First pregnancy like pop and gush, second baby ruptured water sac so felt like I was continually peeing myself until I was induced the following day.
3) Not really maternity pads are best and mothercare or boots sell them quite cheap.
4) Any really they have this new silicon one that suctions on to your boob so you don't need to leak at all now (obviously if not breast feeding)
5) If no complications you can be out within 12/24 hours easy, depends what time you have baby really first pregnacy gave birth 11:30pm was out 4pm next day but had few complications with baby etc.
6) contractions very hard to explain like you know when sometimes you need a pooh and really hurts magnify that by 1000 and half way there.
7) The hospital will supply baby milk, so don't need to worry about that, you need hat for baby, 3 baby vests, 3 baby gro's, change of clothes for baby for coming home and photos, if due anytime now snow suit, couple of blankets (like taking my own) and a small pack of new born nappies, nappy sack, wipes and cream.
9) They say because of you bleeding etc.. best to stay indoors for first 7 days and to be quite honest you will find that you won't want to as you have midwife coming round and baby to deal with etc…
10) I have only ever had gas and air and coped fine.
11) Depends on you but both times propped up on back.
Good luck mother to 2 and 37 weeks pregnant!
References :
by Tired-Mom, on February 24 2008 @ 9:05 am
1) It a lot of cases, a women's water never breaks and they will break it for you at the hospital. I was at the hospital with my son and my water broke without any help from the doctor. I didn't feel anything really, just being really wet. Water ran down my legs but other than that, you don't really feel anything.
4) breast pads, I always buy the cheapest brand. It works just fine.
5) They will keep you over night if you have a vaginal birth. If you go into the hospital late in the evening and have the baby, they might ask you if you want to stay an extra night. It's your choice. But You will have to stay one night for sure, two sometimes if you want. If you have a C-section, you have to stay 2-4 days depending on how you heal.
6)contractions feel like the pain you get when you have to go diahrea really bad. And they keep increases as time goes on.
7) You don't need to take any diapers for the baby. The hospital will provide you with diapers and you never use them all. You can take any diapers that are left over, home with you. You don't take your own formula either. The hospital will provide a bottle and formula if that is they way you want to go. You will really only need one outfit for your baby that you want it to go home in. Otherwise you can keep the baby in the clothes the hospital provides.
You will want a little hat to put on the baby's head for the ride home along with a blanket, and some socks to go along with the outfit you bring. You will definitly need a car seat.
8)You can take your own food or drink if you hide it in your suitcase. They won't go through your things so if you really want it, put it in your suitcase.
9) you can go out right away after having the baby. That is entierly up to you. Usually you have to go to the pediatrian for your baby's check up in the first 8 weeks after the baby is born. It's up to you.
10) I had an epidural with my son. I felt no pain at all, it was great but I had a longer time recovering after labor also. With my daughter I had no pain meds, and after labor I was fully recovered and up and walking around.
11)usually they will make you lay down when you give birth. They hook you up to IV's so you can't really get into other positions. They might have you turn on your side a little but that is pretty much all you can do.
The secret to giving birth without pain meds is to push against the pain when your fully dialated. It helps to lessen the pain.
References :
Mother of two
5 1/2 months pregnant with last baby
2 miscsarriages
by Xai, on February 24 2008 @ 9:08 am
Being in the UK makes a big difference to the answers on here!
1 - You'll know when they've broken. If baby is head down, it will be an uncontrollable trickle, if breach it will gush. However see poster no 1 about waters breaking.
2 - see above
3 - Sanitary pads are fine - some say on the back that they can be used for maternity as well. Look in boots and read the packets.
4 - Depends on how things go. 24 hours for a normal uncomplicated birth. 2-3 days if you need an emergency section for some reason (like my sister last week!)
6 - Very bad period pains. But not constantly. In between contractions you will be able to laugh and joke, then you'll know when the next one is coming on.
7 - You'll need enough nappies for your stay, a vest and sleepsuit. Car seat for going home and hat, jacket etc if it's cold when you go home. UK hospitals tend NOT to provide formula anymore as they encourage breastfeeding instead. In my opinion event hose that do provide it make you feel like an alien when you ask!
8 - You can take your own food and drink in
9 - You can go out as soon as you feel ready, the baby has natural immunity from your antibodies as soon as it is born (I expressed concern that my midwife came over with a heavy cold after my son was born and she explained that newborns are actually very hardy due to all the antibodies they are still carrying from the womb)
10 - Epidural is great if you don't mind it being less than natural. I did find it interfered with my ability to push though.
11 - Hands and knees, or crouching are the most natural position to be in. UK hospitals will let you do whatever feels most comfortable and natural to you (assuming you haven't had a full on paralysing epidural of course)
Hope this helps a bit! Just my own experiences!
References :
by k.madewell, on February 24 2008 @ 10:57 am
1) I was worried about this too…If for some reason you dint notice then you will start contractions anyway
2)A gush of fluid
3)Regular pads work just fine.they will give you some at the hospital anyway.
4)It doesn't matter anything works fine.
5)1 or 2 nights depending on what time the baby was born, If your young then 3 nights..I was 16 with my first and stayed 3.
6)Really bad menstrual cramps.
7)They will provide diapers and formula.. just bring an outfit to take the baby home in , Carseat And a blanket…the hospital will provide pretty much everything but a carseat.
8)yep if you want to take your own food thats fine but they will provide you with breakfast,Lunch and dinner.
9)Id wait untill the baby is 3 weeks old If you want to go shopping, but i took my son to a relatives at a week old.
10)EPIDURAL all the way!! It was awesome! And id have to say I loved it..I was laughing while giving birth to my son and I was wide awake….after birth they will give you pain pills also.
11)on ur back with an epidural…:) good luck!
References :
by gellygoggles, on February 24 2008 @ 11:14 am
1) My first baby I had my waters broken for me. (Yuck and ouch!lol) as I was overdue. My second baby I heard a pop and the had a gush of water which made me feel a little empty yet heavier. She was well overdue. At the hospital the 'hind' waters went and that was like wetting myself with no control for about 10 mins, with the gush getting stronger with each contraction.
You can take your own drinks if you need to but they will prob have supplies there and you will be given your meals. Take Lucozade in case they dont have any. You may be told not to eat anything if you are having C section.
2)I didn't really feel anything except wet! lol
3)I used san towles for the heaviest flow as i couldn't find any either. they worked fine but change reg as you will bleed a lot!
4)I used johnsons but when I ran out I used a Panty liner with cotton layer cut in two halves and this worked amazingly. Much more absorbant, half the size so no ugly round shapes through your tops and best of all half the price x
5)I was allowed home after 10 hours with my first due to having severe stitches. Some went home after 7 hours and other on the ward stayed a few days. It depends how the baby is delivered and what state you are both in post birth. This cannot really be planned until after delivery. sorry x
6)Like HORRENDOUS period pain, but you get a break between each one and no pain at all during the break. Plus they start off mild and get stronger so by the time you have the worst ones you will have got used to the pain.
7)Take a good few nappies. they dont go through as many in the very early days but the poo is like black tar make sure you have enough for up to 2 days/nights. you can always get more from the hospital/family visitor if you end up staying longer or running out. They will encourage you to try breastfeeding but have formular and bottles there too if needed. Dont take your own as it shows u r not willing to try feeding yourself and they may be funny with you (My hospital was..!) Make sure you take a few vests and baby grows as well as scratch mits and a cardi or coat. Plus a blanket as the hospital ones are quite stiff.
9) depends on you! I was desperate to show my first off and went shopping and reletive visiting within 48 hours. i had a lot of negative comments from random people saying I was 'silly' though! :0( my second i had an epidural and was exhausted so I stayed in and had people visit instead for the first three days x
10) My hospital offered a half and half epidural which meant I could still move into different positions/stand if needed. it was excellent as I felt when to push etc which a normal epidural does not allow for. Other than that Pethidine was rubbish and gas and air made me sick!! See what works best for you at the time but warn them early if you want to go for an epidural as they will need to get an anestitist and they cant do it if you are too far gone! lol
11) I had one laying down and one squatting. I couldn't tell you which was best as i was on autopilot and just got on with it.!
Good luck with it all!! you will do great. The best advice i can offer is to keep calm and happy.. makes things go alot quicker. As soon as u panick it will make the labour go slower and more painful xx
References :