Ways to make labor easier?

Question

I have a 10 month old son and I am 22 weeks pregnant with my next baby.  After I gave birth to my son I immediately decided that I would not be having another baby.  My labor was long and terrible, I started to feel my contractions at about 5 pm the evening before I delivered, and got an epidural about 3 hours later when I was 4 centimeters dilated.  I felt better after the epidural and it was getting late so I wanted to get some rest while I waited for things to progress, but every time I would turn over to try to get comfortable in the bed a nurse would come in and tell me I had to lay flat on my back so they could keep the baby's vital signs recorded.  I was so uncomfortable that I didn't end up getting any rest, just laid on my back wide awake ALL night.  Well about 10 hours after getting the epidural I started to feel my contractions again very intensely, they gave me more medication but it was helping.  It was a very intense pressure in my lower back, like I needed to push, but no one would listen to me, they just kept telling me that I needed to wait for the doctor to get there so he could break my water.  They also told me that my baby was turned around and he face was pressed against my spine, they called it back labor. 3 hours later the doctor finally showed up and broke my water, there was meconium in the water (doesn't that mean the baby was in distress?) and I pushed for about an hour and a half before delivering my son after 17 hours of labor.  I had no pitocen only and epidural, and I was 39 weeks and 6 days along when I went to the hospital with contractions, so I really don't understand why my labor was so long.  Maybe I'm just being dramatic, but it seemed to me like things could have gone a lot smoother and less stressfully. Well they say after awhile you forget how bad labor was but for me it has only been 10months, I was not planning on having another baby and was on birth control, but I ended up getting pregnant anyways, so this is my dilemma.  I am terrified to have a similar experience this time around.  Does anyone have any suggestions on ways to make labor easier?  I am fairly certain that I want to have an epidural again, but want to try and hold out for a little bit longer this time.  I've read that not being attached to monitors and being able to move and walk around makes things move along a lot faster.  But the hospital I will be delivered at seemed to want me on my back in the bed even before I got the epidural.  Again any suggestions would really be appreciated.

&#39;sup · Accepted Answer

I read your question carefully and I don't think your problem was so much labor but that your doctors and nurses were incompetent idiots who didn't listen to what your body was telling you. These are my suggestions:
1) Pick your hospital more carefully this time and don't be afraid to start yelling for the patient advocate if they don't listen. (Yell for the patient advocate and watch things get done!!) 
2) You have the RIGHT legally to tell the hospital "no" If they want you on your bed, you say, "no, I don't want to, make me b*tch" You have the right to refuse monitors and so forth. They can not force you to do anything you don't want to, remember this and have your partner be your voice/advocate.
3) Have you thought of a birthing center? Besides the whole no epidural thing, it sounds as if you might enjoy your experience their better overall. I would personally look into it to see if it sounds right to you.
4) I found staying away from the hospital long as possible was the way to go for me personally. I ate to keep my energy levels up (who has the energy to push after 20 hours of no food like hospitals seem to think is ok??) I walked around and did things to keep my mind off of things and it was 10 times better. I actually went shopping, lol

I wish you all the luck!!

Anonymous · Answer

I think now that you know how it is and you want to wait longer to get the epidural stay home, or go do something until you really need the help with the pain. They are a pain in the butt at the hospital, they act like you have to do these things and you don't. You can make a birthing plan with your doctor so things are the way you want them and it is clear the way it will be before they piss you off. 

The meconium in your water is your baby's first poop. Gross. They get a little worried about it because it can be bad if the baby gets it in their lungs. That would be a good reason to monitor the baby more closely. My son did that too, but it was because I had to wait for the doctor to deliver another baby before I could push. HAHA. It was bad. He was ok though. Just another adventure.

I ♥ my Squeaky Turtle · Answer

Ask your hospital if they have walking epidurals, I've heard they're much better. My town doesn't administer them, so sadly I'll probably be pinned paralyzed in bed.

Ways to make labor easier?

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