Modern Maternity: Maureen's Momville

Pregnancy and labour help?

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) 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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