How Birth Affects Breastfeeding
Everyone seems to be on one side or the other when it comes to epidurals. I have read stats that epidurals can cause additional complications 23% of the time. Now, these are not always major complications: they could be episiotomies, tearing or just head-aches.
Most of the mothers that I have talked to were either in the majority (77%), or they did not associate any complications they had with the fact that they had an epidural. This is not surprising, since most of us do not have anything to compare birth with, until we have had lots of children.
We learned in our pre-natal class that the worst position to give birth in is lying on your back, and yet, how often do you see a birth in movies which is anything else? Lying on your back removes the advantage of gravity, and causes more stress on the Perineal since the baby’s weight is on that area only. more info on labour positions
Every woman I have talked to who has had an epidural, has also had a difficult time breast-feeding (ok, I realize this is a really small sample of people, and most women find breast feeding difficult). Then I read an article from Today’s Parent with a section on “How Birth Affects Breastfeeding” which seems to agree.
Now, there are some cases when an epidural is recommended. So while I am going to try to avoid an epidural, I am also going to listen to the Nurses and Doctor and deal with things as they happen. While it is not ideal, an epidural is an option that I might choose.
Heartbeat
We had another appointment this morning and we got to hear our babies heartbeat. It was really amazing, at first it was just a mush of noise, but then the doctor got the Dobbler mic in a better spot and we could hear the whoosing sounds of our babies heart. The doctor said that everything was going well.
I am now in my 15th week, so the second trimester has begun. I am feeling much better overall, but still having problems sleeping. I used to sleep on my belly, but that does not work anymore, and I find I have a difficult time getting back to sleep after going pee in the middle of the night. But I don’t want to cut down on fluids either.
I asked about my concerns for flying next week, and she said not to worry about the security xRay or anything. I just hope I will be allowed to bring snacks onto the plane. I don’t think I can last a 5 hour flight with just airplane food.
I was also asked about my lack of weight gain and she said not to worry about it, I have gone up 2 pounds in the last 4 weeks according to her scale, but I know I have gone up and down over a range of 4 pounds during that time so I was a bit concerned. The waiting room was full of pregnant ladies at all stages and it was amazing to see how differently everyone carried. I felt out of place since I am not showing yet, but hopefully I will be showing soon.
We chatted in the waiting room about pre-natal classes and one woman said they saved the money and hired a nurse for three nights instead. However I think I would like to take the classes, also because it will be a chance to meet other expecting couples.
Are there post-natal classes? I think I am more worried about how we are going to take care of this little bundle.
