Answers for Sew

 Sew from Sew Infertile, a first time mom-to-be, asked a bunch of questions on my last post.  It was too much to get into in the com box, so I’m answering it here.  As always, I’m not a medical professional, just a seasoned veteran.  If you think I’m wrong, have something to add, or just want to holler “Amen!” please feel free to do so.

So do you need an iv if you think an epidural is going to be needed. 🙂 It’s my first and I don’t expect to go into this thinking I’m going epidural free with not knowing what to expect. 😉 I’m going to go as long as I can but am prepared for whatever happens, happens.
If you are getting an epidural, then you have to have an IV.  If you are a wienie about them (like me), then ask them to put it in your foot.  By ask I mean, insist that it go in your foot.  The epidural will numb you from the waist down.  Your foot is part of that “down.”  

I like the epidural man.  I think I’ve offered to have a few of his babies just to show my gratitude.  Nobody hands out medals for pain.  If you want an epidural, get one.  If you want to experience the wonder that is an unmedicated birth, I wish you godspeed.  You are a tougher broad than I am.

What about that gooey stuff they put on the babies eyes. I’m vain, personally I hate the way it looks, I know, is it needed. 🙂 I know vanity, vanity, vanity. 😉
The baby needs the goop.  They can wait a bit to give it to him.  They can put it on his eyes while you hold him.  Wipe off the excess.

Apparently, you don’t need this.  (See comments)  I have medical history which makes it a good idea for us.  Check with your doctor/midwife for recommendations.

Do they give the baby sugar water or something I heard and that is not necessary? This varies by hospital.  If you want to know the answer, ask.  I never let my babies out of my sight, so there is no sugar water.  I also insist on leaving 8 hours after birth.  I like my own house. My experience of what goes on after birth may not be the norm.

If a night in the nursery is okay then would a bottle through the night be okay if you are ultimately going to breastfeed? I just don’t know what to expect so I guess being prepared for it all is good.
The La Leche League ladies may hunt me down for this, but a bottle in the nursery won’t hurt anyone.  Your milk supply won’t come in for  a day or two after birth.  One bottle wouldn’t upset me, but two would.  With two or more you’re affecting supply.

How painful is it? I mean is it the worse pain you have ever felt. I had stage IV endo for years and that was hell and then the surgery and bowelresection were I think the pit of hell. It was painful.
It hurts.  A lot.  The good news is that the better shape you are in, the easier it is.  Not easy, but easier.  I’ve had 3 with drugs, 2 without, and a c-section.  None of them were so terrible that I decided not to have more babies.

I hear at least you get breaks from contractions as you don’t with endo? Contractions rise and fall like a wave.  You’ll get breaks.  The breaks will get smaller the closer you get to delivery. 

I hear of a lot of episiotimies (sp?) when are they necessary? I really would like to avoid that at all cost. 😉 hahaha That is a matter of big debate.  Very large babies can tear their way out.  (ouch!)  Some doctors think an incision is easier to repair.  Both hurt.  Ask for warm compresses for the perineum while you are in labor.  I’ve heard good things about perineal massage to stretch things out.  I’ve never tried it, but it couldn’t hurt to look into it.

Do I need someone to teach me how to breastfeed like a lacation cosultant. Do they have those at the hospital or do I have to find one? Can I read a book? Yes, you can read a book.  I don’t have one to recommend.  My babies and I have always figured it out on our own.  Most people figure it out.  If you can’t, the lactation consultants are good, but don’t know everything.  If you need more help, call La Leche or ask an experienced mom.

I hear the first few weeks your nipples hurt and it’s painful. Is that normal, should it be painful? It can be painful.  It should not be excruciating.  They may crack and bleed.  They should not get infected and pus filled.  Hot showers help.  The cream they give you in the hospital helps.  Knowing that it is temporary helps.  The sight of that sweet face helps the most.

I hope I’ve answered them all with the information you were needing.  Please email me if you need more help, information, or moral support.