Question 2 - (birth...here we come!)

Hillbilly Housewife wrote: What is your opinion on your child(ren)'s birth? Was it a pleasant experience? (well... as pleasant as birth can be... ) Would you go through it again? Or would you need to be convinced?

MommyToAshley replied: I don't think anything can prepare you -- so it wasn't what I expected. She was a BIG baby and it did hurt!!! But, I would go through it again in a heartbeat because the outcome was definitely worth it! I just love Ashley soooo much!!!

Kaitlin'smom replied: well it was deffinalty not what I expected. I was hoping to have a natural birth (no drugs), but I ended up with back labor and because of previous back problems, I was unable to handle the pain so I got an epidural, well in the long run I was happy I got it because I ended up with an emergency c-section. I was able to stay awake and have my DH in the OR for the birth. As for doing it again, I dunno I love Kaitlin, but I am really not planning on having any more childern. Course we we not planning on having any...........and you see where that got us


ps I did overall think the expericenc was plesant, the staff at the hospital was great (except that second lactation consultant...another time) They were so helpfull. If I were to do it again I would deffinalty go there again....Southview Hospital

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
Mine wasn't that big..and it still hurt!!! lol!

But I'd still do it again in a second!

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
We weren't planning on having any either! (well right away anyways - we wanted to wait a couple years) and now we're trying for our second!!

supermom replied: I guess I would have to say which child?? My first was my absolute worst experience, not because I had a Csection, but because of the way I was treated by the hospital staff. My two girls came next, different hospital and different doctor, and it was great because they were both VBAC - yes, it hurt, but much less worse than after the C - my recoup time made up for any "labor pains", in fact, I drove the nursery room nurses nuts! Did them both with just the puednal (sp) block, because the second girl they couldn't get the epidural positioned, and then it was too late and that block didn't help much at all!

Anders was the best, I was older, less "shy" about giving my opinion about how *I* wanted things, plus my doctor was wonderful. Had an epidural (never planned on natural at all). Even though I ended up with another emergency C section, it was overall my best birth experience!

And you don't have to talk me into doing it again - lol - we are getting ready in August for baby number 5....this one will be a scheduled C because of 2 previous and my age in combination with each other. Same doc as Anders and really looking forward to this one!!

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Awesome!! I don't want to have negative birth experiences... because now we plan on having at least 3 total!

supermom replied: Well, I am sure my negative experience stemmed partly from my age, and also partly because my XDMIL (and the D didn't stand for dear, either) worked as a nurse at that hospital, and I didn't want to "rock the boat" so instead of speaking up, I kept my mouth shut. If I had it to do all over again (hind site is 20/20) I would have definately spoke up!

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Ah. My MIL barged in on Zach's birth... fun isn't it? If I could not deal with my MIL (FIL is fine) I'd be very very happy!

ashade75 replied: My second one was a little unpleasant. I forgot to tell everyone I was pregnant (haha) and I was in labor. I called "MommytoAshley (my sis)" 3 or 4 times that night wanting to tell her so she could take me to the hospital only it was her birthday and I didnt want to spoil her plans. I eventually got to the hospital and everything turned out alright.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: EEp! how far along were you? And how did you manage not to tell anyone you were preggers?? lol! I spilled the beans almost right away!!!

MomToMany replied: I'd say the hardest one was the first, because you don't know exactly what to expect. They were all pretty easy, all vaginal, meds with first & third ones, otherwise drug-free. I was induced in some way or another with the first three, and went into labor all on my own with Hannah. I was always late, too! With Logan (oldest), I was 4 days past EDD, Quentin was 15 days past EDD, Ethan was 17 days past EDD, and Hannah was only 9 days past EDD.

The most disapointing one was with my third son. My DH at the time told me the night before that he was having an affair with my friend while I was pregnant. So that put me into labor somewhat; the DR. still ruptured my membranes to pick the contractions up. So I asked for whatever drugs I could (mostly for the emotional pain, I guess!).

Overall, I had pretty good experiences birthing my babies, although the post-partum nurses are something to complain about!



Mollie

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Oh Yuk!! That's not somehting any woman wants to hear... especially not while pg!!!



Hope everything worked out for you!!

MommyToAshley replied:
Yes, she calls me and finally says, "Sis, I am having a baby." I said, "ok, I will make you a doc appt and go with you." She said, "you don't understand, I am HAVING a baby!" Panic!!!!

She was very good at "forgettting to tell anyone" while wearing those big sweatshirts.

All ends well though -- she has three very darling kids and I love my two nieces and nephew!

Hillbilly Housewife replied: That's so funny!!! I wonder if i can pull that off with my family next time... just wait until they notice...