Hypnobabies Week 3

This week's class is all about interventions in childbirth. It talks about vaginal exams, stripping membranes, inductions, food restriction during labor, receiving fluids by IVs, monitoring, epidural, coached pushing, pushing positions, and episiotomy. It goes over the pros and cons to each intervention and alternative options to each. It talks about the cascade of intervention, or the domino affect. One intervention leads to another. One example that seems very common (Quite a few friends have had this happen to them.) is to get recommended for induction. So before going into labor on their own, they go to get induced, often w/ pitocin. Pitocin causes the uterus to contract, but generally the pressure waves (contractions) are much stronger than a natural wave. This causes the mother to get the epidural. Epidurals are known for stalling labor...especially if gotten before the 5cm mark. So, a stalled labor means more pitocin. More pitocin means even harder, longer contractions, but that is OK, because mom doesn't feel it, right? Wrong! During contractions the oxygen to the baby is restricted, causing "fetal distress." Well, then THANK HEAVENS the medical staff is there to intervene to give a c-section. And certainly not always, but often c-section moms have a more difficult time breastfeeding, because often their babies are taken away to get checked over. Getting baby at the breast immediately after birth is the best way to get a good breastfeeding relationship started.

Don't get me wrong...interventions have their place. If I didn't think that, I would be seeking a homebirth. I just think all too often things are done that are unnecessary, for the convenience of the medical staff, for money, or for fear of being sued. And a mother in labor is at such a vulnerable state. I know when I finally gave in to pitocin and the epidural after 30+ hours of labor w/ my son, I was so upset. While they were putting the epidural in, I kept thinking, "I don't want to do this. I really don't want to do this." I was so vulnerable, and didn't have anyone telling me I didn't HAVE to do it. Ignorance isn't always bliss. And then while my son was born...I was a spectator - not an active participant. I didn't even know he was out, until the doctor held him up!

The hypnosis part of this week's practice is learning how to give anesthesia to my midsection and still be able to have the freedom to move around. This is by using the "light switch" I created in last weeks lesson, and taking it one step further. I now have a center switch (not just on/off) that I can use. The first session practicing this was quite fascinating. I literally felt a numbing sensation once I turned my switch to center from my breasts to my upper thighs. I was lying there in hypnosis thinking, "No way! This is amazing!" lol. It sounds so crazy, I know!

I had an ultrasound and appointment w/ Dr. Brown Friday. The cyst on Baby A's (the boy) brain is completely gone. But unfortunately he has a slight widening of his lower spine. I need to go in for a specialist u/s in 3 weeks to rule out spina bifida. Thankfully, Dr. Brown seems to think even if something is wrong, it would be a very mild case, w/ no neurological damage. He said that since everything else looks perfect, I shouldn't worry too much. His brain is showing no abnormalities. He suspects they may not find anything. Still, I will be a little anxious to get that ultrasound! The girl is looking great. Both babies are about a pound each. Baby A was head down (for now)! And Baby B was all over the place! :)

Some great news is that Dr. Brown now has rights to the hospital of my choice! My doula's (also a homebirth midwife) backup doctor is there, and we think she would have more of a chance of being allowed in the operating room. I am hoping this hospital might be more willing to let me have a birthing bed as well. I was thrilled with this news!

Total weight gain at 23 weeks is 25 pounds! Over half way there! Besides some very annoying heartburn, I'm feeling great!