Birthing Class
My hubby and I started our birthing class last night. The class is using the Bradley Method and I feel like I have already learned more this time around in one class than I did the last time. We met at our instructor’s house along with five other couples and will continue to meet there over the next seven weeks. It’s a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere to be in someone’s home instead of a classroom somewhere.We love the class! I highly recommend a Bradley birthing class for anybody who is looking to take one.
Our first class has put a lot on our minds. Sweet Pea was a c-section birth and with this one I am attempting a VBAC. In one session, this class has helped me see that my c-section was most likely uncalled for. Which is bringing up some anger toward my OB that I had with Sweet Pea. It is more obvious than ever that she did not try everything possible for me to deliver Sweet Pea naturally. For her, my birth was just another birth. Not something that was special.
We have moved since then and I now have a different OB, but I am learning that I need to be much more assertive with my doctor about what I want. So next week at my appointment I will come with a list of questions and if we aren’t on the same page I will be looking for a new OB. I really hope I don’t have to do that because I like her a lot. But I want to be fair to her and to me. I don’t want to put her in a position that would compromise something she believes. And I don’t want to be in a position where I disagree with her. I want to trust that whoever I end up with knows what I want and will be on the same page. That way when labor comes I don’t have to worry about any decision my doctor makes on my behalf. I am well aware that I may end up with another c-section, but I want to be 100% positive it is necessary. And that is only possible with a doctor we trust. Updates to come…
Hey there…I’m not sure how much one grated bar of soap is as far as cups go, as I’ve never measured it! I’m sorry…
With the first baby, you don’t have the experience to be assertive. That leaves you open to being made to feel like you don’t know what’s best.
And the whole malpractice thing has made the situation even worse.
This time will be better however it happens. For me it’s all about the cuddling and the nursing and the bonding and the growing ‘em up in the nurture and admonition of our Lord. I miss those times so much…
You are so right that the older they get, the better it gets! (Regarding my last post).
I too did the Bradley Method and loved it. My husband and I took a Bradley course before our first baby was born and it was especially helpful for my husband to learn when we needed to go to the birth center. He learned what signs to look for in me and that we didn’t need to rush off at the first twinge of pain. We actually ended up almost waiting too long because she was born 1 hour after we arrived. It was very hard (I didn’t have an epidural) but Bradley had prepared both of us so well, that I wouldn’t change a thing.
Have you thought about looking into midwives? I had both of my children with midwives and loved it (actually had them at a birth center which I highly recommend). They were very in favor of using minimal interference and letting things progress naturally. My daughter was 8 days late and I’ve often wondered if I would have ended up being induced if I was seeing a doctor that was not as willing to let things take their own course (the midwives monitored me and were careful, but also laid back). Since you already had a C-section once, that might rule you out for a midwife; I’m not sure.
You are so smart, though, to go with your long list of questions and to find out what you want to know. I did the same thing and never regretted it.
I’m so glad to hear what you are learning in your class! Though sad to hear of the probable un-needed c-section that happened. I would be upset as well I know! Live and learn!
I do know that most midwives will still take you as a patient even if you had a c-section before. That is not a reason for not taking you as a client, though there may be other reasons which they could rule out during the interview if you ever chose to go that route!
I’m glad you have questions to now ask your ob! The more educated you are before the birth, the better you will be to stand your ground during the pregnancy and labor if they begin to suggest things that you do not want to go with. Example, inducing because you are just “late”.
I look forward to hearing more about what you are learning Wednesday!!
Good for you! I’m sorry to hear your C-section may not have been needed
But, all went well, and thank goodness you healed well and Sweet Pea is great. I’m keeping my prayers going that you get to avoid a C-section this time around 
Good luck!