This is a very common question from first time moms, with both easy and complicated answers. Can you eat while in labor?
Absolutely!
However, if you are in a hospital they will not let you have anything but clear liquids or Popsicles (find out what the rules are for where you are delivering). If you have an epidural, you cannot have anything but ice chips.
Why is this?
Primarily health care providers are concerned about the need for a c-section. If there is an emergency and intubation is needed there is a risk of aspiration, which is when stomach contents are thrown up and go into the lungs and can cause many problems. The likelihood of these things happening is not great, but hospitals are not likely to take chances with this.
Therefore, if you are wanting to eat while in labor, I recommend staying home as long as possible or plan to have a birth at home or in a birthing center that allows you to eat.
Did you eat during labor?
Showing posts with label Labor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Labor. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Thursday, July 16, 2015
When Should I Get An Epidural?
This question is one I get frequently from new moms wanting to make the best decision possible about getting an epidural. This is an easy and tough question all at the same time, so I will share my general guidelines from what I have seen in the hospital.
For first births I recommend waiting as long as possible simply because first births can take awhile so if you get it too early you could end up lying down for hours and prolonging your labor. If you are looking for dilation, I would recommend waiting until you are at least a good 4 cm dilated before getting an epidural for the same reason. If you are able to wait until 6 or 7 cm this is ideal because you will be getting it right around transition, which is the hardest part of labor, but is generally quick compared to the rest.
What if you are having trouble dilating? These recommendations are thrown out the window. If you are having trouble dilating, it is likely that your body is struggling to relax to dilate. In this case, an epidural may be very beneficial in helping you to dilate. This is not a, "I haven't made any progress in an hour" recommendation. This is a, "I have been stuck at 5 cm for a few hours" recommendation, because the first part of labor can be long and slow and can take quite some time to get to 5 or 6 cm, especially if it is your first.
Trouble dilating could also indicate there is some kind of complication, and having an epidural may be a good idea in case a c-section becomes necessary.
If you are being induced, then it does not matter as much when you get an epidural because your labor is being done for you. The question you need to ask yourself is how long to I want to be stuck in bed?
For subsequent births, there is a little more ambiguity. Your first birth will likely give you a good indication of when you should get an epidural with your next.
As with everything else, pray about when the best time to get an epidural is because everyone is different. These are my recommendations based on years of experience. Often times you will know if and when you need it, even with your first.
How did you decide when to get your epidural?
For first births I recommend waiting as long as possible simply because first births can take awhile so if you get it too early you could end up lying down for hours and prolonging your labor. If you are looking for dilation, I would recommend waiting until you are at least a good 4 cm dilated before getting an epidural for the same reason. If you are able to wait until 6 or 7 cm this is ideal because you will be getting it right around transition, which is the hardest part of labor, but is generally quick compared to the rest.
What if you are having trouble dilating? These recommendations are thrown out the window. If you are having trouble dilating, it is likely that your body is struggling to relax to dilate. In this case, an epidural may be very beneficial in helping you to dilate. This is not a, "I haven't made any progress in an hour" recommendation. This is a, "I have been stuck at 5 cm for a few hours" recommendation, because the first part of labor can be long and slow and can take quite some time to get to 5 or 6 cm, especially if it is your first.
Trouble dilating could also indicate there is some kind of complication, and having an epidural may be a good idea in case a c-section becomes necessary.
If you are being induced, then it does not matter as much when you get an epidural because your labor is being done for you. The question you need to ask yourself is how long to I want to be stuck in bed?
For subsequent births, there is a little more ambiguity. Your first birth will likely give you a good indication of when you should get an epidural with your next.
As with everything else, pray about when the best time to get an epidural is because everyone is different. These are my recommendations based on years of experience. Often times you will know if and when you need it, even with your first.
How did you decide when to get your epidural?
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Epidural
What is an epidural?
An epidural is placed in the epidural space in your spine. A needle is used to place a catheter in this space and medicine is giving continuously through the catheter. What is put in the epidural depends on where you are and is typically a combination, for example, fentanyl (an opiod) and bupivacaine (a local anesthetic). Ask your provider what they use in their epidurals.
What are some pros of an epidural?
An epidural is placed in the epidural space in your spine. A needle is used to place a catheter in this space and medicine is giving continuously through the catheter. What is put in the epidural depends on where you are and is typically a combination, for example, fentanyl (an opiod) and bupivacaine (a local anesthetic). Ask your provider what they use in their epidurals.
What are some pros of an epidural?
- If placed well there is complete pain relief with the ability to feel pressure when it's time to push (yes feeling this pressure is a good thing)
- Ability to sleep/rest during your labor
- If you have been in labor for a long time with out progressing it can help speed up dilation
- If a c-section is needed you already have it in place
What are some cons of an epidural?
- Can cause your blood pressure to drastically decrease- If too low can lead to distress with the baby
- Unable to get out of bed in most places
- Cannot eat or drink (ice chips only)
- Can slow down labor process- (if this happens you may be given pitocin)
- May not be able to feel to push
- Catheter is needed to empty your bladder
- Other unforeseen complications
When needed, epidurals are great tools to have. Again I encourage you to pray over whether or not this is the best option for you.
What have been your experiences with epidurals?
Updated from "Epidurals" posted on February 19, 2014
Updated from "Epidurals" posted on February 19, 2014
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Ultimately God Starts Labor
People are always trying to find ways to start labor so that they can give birth. I'm in one of those modes currently as I am ready to have my baby and have been for a couple of weeks. A week ago my doctor asks me, "This is your 6th and you do not know what puts you into labor?" which really frustrated me because the answer is NO! Of my previous 5, three of my babes were induced and the two that were not induced had not connection of me doing this or that to put me into labor.
The conclusion: only God can ultimately start your labor.
This is true even when induced. My 5th took forever to kick in even with pitocin running through my veins. God and God alone puts us into labor. God and God alone brings forth life. With my first I tried everything I was comfortable with to attempt to get my labor to start on its own, and nothing worked. My body was ready, but it never kicked in on its own. By God's grace a pictocin induction worked for me. With each I have tried different things at different times and for me nothing is the "Key". This is not true for everyone. Some people know exactly what puts them into labor, which is God's grace. Some never go into labor on their own, but need help. This is God's grace too, because it reminds us that He is ultimately in control and we are not.
What is your experience with labor starting? How have you seen God working in it.
The conclusion: only God can ultimately start your labor.
This is true even when induced. My 5th took forever to kick in even with pitocin running through my veins. God and God alone puts us into labor. God and God alone brings forth life. With my first I tried everything I was comfortable with to attempt to get my labor to start on its own, and nothing worked. My body was ready, but it never kicked in on its own. By God's grace a pictocin induction worked for me. With each I have tried different things at different times and for me nothing is the "Key". This is not true for everyone. Some people know exactly what puts them into labor, which is God's grace. Some never go into labor on their own, but need help. This is God's grace too, because it reminds us that He is ultimately in control and we are not.
What is your experience with labor starting? How have you seen God working in it.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
When Should I Go To The Hospital in Labor?
If you are planning a hospital birth, I am quite sure this question is on your mind. Is any time to early? Is any time to late? The answer is a bit complex, given we all have different expectations of labor and birth.
If your water breaks you need to go to the hospital. Your labor may not start right away or it could come on quickly after or you may already be in the middle of labor. Either way, when your water breaks you know your baby is headed into the world one way or another. It's time to head to the hospital.
Doctor's tell us that we need to go to the hospital when contractions are every 5 minutes for 1 hour. While sound advice, I have found many people are not yet in labor when they come in for this or they are still in early labor with frequent contractions that are not strong enough to dilate the cervix. If your contractions are strong and this frequent, then go to the hospital if you desire. With a first baby, it is likely you still have a ways to go with one hour of contractions like this. With subsequent babies, it is a good indication you are close. Pray and ask for wisdom if it's time for you to go.
If you are desiring an epidural for your labor, the above rule is a good one to follow as long as you are in active labor. If you are wanting to avoid an epidural, then stay home until you know it is close to time to deliver. You ask, "How do I know?" All I can say is, you will know. When you move into transition it is obvious. When you move from early/prodromal labor into active labor it is obvious. Pay attention. Pray throughout.
If you are in any doubt about whether you should go ahead to the hospital, call your doctor's office. Generally speaking, if you are contracting regularly they will tell you to go. That's just the way it is. Know, then, how you desire to proceed once at the hospital, and make your desires known.
How did you decide when to go to the hospital?
If your water breaks you need to go to the hospital. Your labor may not start right away or it could come on quickly after or you may already be in the middle of labor. Either way, when your water breaks you know your baby is headed into the world one way or another. It's time to head to the hospital.
Doctor's tell us that we need to go to the hospital when contractions are every 5 minutes for 1 hour. While sound advice, I have found many people are not yet in labor when they come in for this or they are still in early labor with frequent contractions that are not strong enough to dilate the cervix. If your contractions are strong and this frequent, then go to the hospital if you desire. With a first baby, it is likely you still have a ways to go with one hour of contractions like this. With subsequent babies, it is a good indication you are close. Pray and ask for wisdom if it's time for you to go.
If you are desiring an epidural for your labor, the above rule is a good one to follow as long as you are in active labor. If you are wanting to avoid an epidural, then stay home until you know it is close to time to deliver. You ask, "How do I know?" All I can say is, you will know. When you move into transition it is obvious. When you move from early/prodromal labor into active labor it is obvious. Pay attention. Pray throughout.
If you are in any doubt about whether you should go ahead to the hospital, call your doctor's office. Generally speaking, if you are contracting regularly they will tell you to go. That's just the way it is. Know, then, how you desire to proceed once at the hospital, and make your desires known.
How did you decide when to go to the hospital?
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
What Does Labor Feel Like?
This question came up during our last childbirth conversation and it's a really good one. With this question people answered from their experience, but no one could really answer the question.
Why?
Because, there are as many answers as there are women who have had babies. Labor is unique to each woman and in many ways unique to each birth. One of my friends when she found out about the first Childbirth Conversation I had she told me to tell the women there that it was the worst pain of your life. I obliged to share her experience, but that is not the case for everyone. For me it was like having a period that got intense toward the end, but not the worse pain I have ever had in my life.
Some women have dull aches in the front of their abdomen. Other women have sharp pains throughout their abdomen, perineum and back. Still other women have intense back pain. And every woman feels it differently. Therefore, unfortunately, I cannot tell you exactly what labor feels like. I can only tell you what it feels like for me.
How about you? Share what labor feels like to you.
Why?
Because, there are as many answers as there are women who have had babies. Labor is unique to each woman and in many ways unique to each birth. One of my friends when she found out about the first Childbirth Conversation I had she told me to tell the women there that it was the worst pain of your life. I obliged to share her experience, but that is not the case for everyone. For me it was like having a period that got intense toward the end, but not the worse pain I have ever had in my life.
Some women have dull aches in the front of their abdomen. Other women have sharp pains throughout their abdomen, perineum and back. Still other women have intense back pain. And every woman feels it differently. Therefore, unfortunately, I cannot tell you exactly what labor feels like. I can only tell you what it feels like for me.
How about you? Share what labor feels like to you.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Who Should Be Present At My Birth?
This question was asked of me at my last Childbirth Conversations class. Having spoken briefly about it on my last post, I would like to speak a little more on it and hear what others think.
This question gets into knowing yourself and the type of birth you are desiring to have. Birth is already an intense time just by the nature of giving birth. Whether you are planning a completely natural birth or as many medical interventions as possible you need to be able to relax to the best of your ability. A stressful environment makes it difficult for the cervix to dilate. I'm not 100% sure why this is, but it is true. (Please note their are other things that can effect dilation, this is just one possibility.)
Personally I recommend your husband being there. This is such an amazing time and something that we have the privilege of being able to share with our husbands in our culture. It can be a time of growing closer together, which is a beautiful thing.
When thinking of who else should be there think about these things:
This question gets into knowing yourself and the type of birth you are desiring to have. Birth is already an intense time just by the nature of giving birth. Whether you are planning a completely natural birth or as many medical interventions as possible you need to be able to relax to the best of your ability. A stressful environment makes it difficult for the cervix to dilate. I'm not 100% sure why this is, but it is true. (Please note their are other things that can effect dilation, this is just one possibility.)
Personally I recommend your husband being there. This is such an amazing time and something that we have the privilege of being able to share with our husbands in our culture. It can be a time of growing closer together, which is a beautiful thing.
When thinking of who else should be there think about these things:
- What are your husbands thoughts on someone else being there?
- Will your husband be able to give the needed support? (I say this because some guys cannot handle seeing blood or their wives in pain without freaking out.)
- How many visitors are allowed to be in the delivery room (if delivering at a hospital or birth center)?
- Do you want more people in your room?
- What are you expecting of the people at your birth? (This is super important to ask yourself and then make clear to anyone who you invite to your room so that it doesn't add to an already intense situation.)
Whether it's a doula, parent, sibling, child or friend think through it carefully and pray over it. Invite people that you know will respect you and be a support to you.
Who did you have in your room for your birth? How did you decide who would be in your room?
Friday, April 11, 2014
Labor Contractions
The only way to know for sure that contractions are true labor is to have cervical change, but many times you can have contractions for awhile before that happens. So how can you tell from your contractions if it might be labor? These contractions tend to be more intense and can be felt both in the front and in the back. They start at the front and move to the back or vice versa. As time goes on they will get closer together and feel stronger. Both walking and relaxing will not effect the contractions. Feeling an increase in pressure in the vaginal and/or rectal area is also prevalent as labor progresses. You may have some bleeding, called bloody show, that is indicative of cervical change. If your contractions cause your water to break, that is a very good sign it is real labor.
Every woman is different and will have any combination of these things. Some labors are less intense than others. Some women's water never break. These are just guidelines. If you think you are in labor and are wanting to be checked out, call your provider and they will tell you if they think you need to go to the hospital or not. If things get intense quickly, feel free to go ahead and make your way there, calling your provider to let them know.
How do you know when you're in labor?
Every woman is different and will have any combination of these things. Some labors are less intense than others. Some women's water never break. These are just guidelines. If you think you are in labor and are wanting to be checked out, call your provider and they will tell you if they think you need to go to the hospital or not. If things get intense quickly, feel free to go ahead and make your way there, calling your provider to let them know.
How do you know when you're in labor?
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Today I want to talk a little about Braxton Hicks Contractions, also known as practice contractions. Being at the end of my pregnancy, I have contractions on the brain. I'm always evaluating them and wondering if this could be the start of labor.
Braxton Hicks are very common and, as the common name implies, helps your uterus practice for labor. Generally speaking Braxton Hicks are contractions that feel like a mild cramp. They are not regular and they do not get stronger over time. These can happen at anytime. Changing positions, especially sitting down if you have been on your feet for awhile, will generally help them subside. Also drinking water, emptying your bladder and relaxing will generally cause them to go away.
These are all general as you can have contractions that are strong and do not go away and it still not be real labor. In fact you can have contractions that feel like the beginning of labor for hours and it not be labor. This is better called prodromal labor, but still falls into the Braxton Hicks department as they are not real labor.
What is your experience with Braxton Hicks Contractions?
Braxton Hicks are very common and, as the common name implies, helps your uterus practice for labor. Generally speaking Braxton Hicks are contractions that feel like a mild cramp. They are not regular and they do not get stronger over time. These can happen at anytime. Changing positions, especially sitting down if you have been on your feet for awhile, will generally help them subside. Also drinking water, emptying your bladder and relaxing will generally cause them to go away.
These are all general as you can have contractions that are strong and do not go away and it still not be real labor. In fact you can have contractions that feel like the beginning of labor for hours and it not be labor. This is better called prodromal labor, but still falls into the Braxton Hicks department as they are not real labor.
What is your experience with Braxton Hicks Contractions?
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