Friday, November 16, 2007

Natural or Not?

I have become a total stress case, what the heck. I stress over everything, and can't make a decision to save my life. Now I am freaking out about the delivery, and what I want to do. I would love to do it naturally and feel what is happening, and also avoid the giant epidural needle, I also don't like feeling numb. But, on the other hand, why not use the pain meds that are there for us now. We take tylenol when we have a headache, and novacane when we get a filling, so what is the difference. I just don't want to be pushing and not know if I am doing any good or not. I also don't want it to be really stressful in the room, I don't want my baby whisked away, I would like to keep it with me for a while. I know some people say take advantage of the time in the hospital, rest and let the baby sleep in the nursery. I don't need more time though, I have had 23 almost 24 years, and about 10 months to really prepare, I am going to want her with me the whole time. So really this is to see what you all feel about this and your experiences. I would love to hear all of them, I know it is personal, but I love to get ideas, and hear stories.

I also want to know if naming a baby was as hard for everyone else as it is for me. I have always had my names picked out, and was so sure of myself. Now I seem to hate all names and am stressing out that it is so permanent. Help me calm down somebody!!!

I feel my baby move so much now, it is the most amazing feeling I have ever felt, I can't explain it, but I find myself kinda moving my stomach to hopefully get her moving, I just can't believe there is this little life growing inside of me!

22 comments:

The Morrisons... said...

You are to funny. Labor may seem scary but, It is the most amazing thing EVER! I knew I wanted the epidural from day one. What it felt like to me was getting an IV. So...I if you don't mind that you will be fine, You will do great!

The hospital I had Cash at never took him to the nursery. (besides getting all the typical tests) They had a policy where the baby always stays with the mom for safety reasons. I am not sure about your hospital but, you could look into that. And then they naming part...OH MY, thats is the hardest decision ever, so good luck on that cuz, I have nothing for ya!

Marla said...

It is all going to be okay, I know with Makaela I didn't question going natural once I knew from day 1 it as an epidural and I wanted it then but with Frankie I really wanted to try it natural and I made it to an 8 when they told me it was my last chance to get an epidural I stuggled but chose to do it and I am so glad I did even though I felt like I failed and cried the whole time they gave it to me. Anyway I had problems in the end and if I didn't have an epidural they would have rushed me into put me out cause there was no way I could have dealt with the pain that was envolved. So not sure if that helps at all but I would get one for sure I won't question it again. I do understand the delimma though. On the other hand it is so old fashion to think that they whisk your baby away, they clean it there in the room and all (unless there is an emergency) and they won't take it until you are ready. They do have to do some tests and stuff in the nursery but not much and you get your baby all you want. But I will tell you get your rest in there if you can cause you will be suffering in the sleep department for awhile. As far as the naming goes Frank Charles Cavallaro III says it all. I didn't have much debating on that one. So good luck and I like the most recent name Bree told me if that helps at all. Just express your concerns with Petermen and tell him I miss him he will totally help ease you. Love ya, Marla

Marla said...

Whoa longest comment EVER would you like me to get it published for you? HA

Camie said...

Nichole,

My opinon is you should take advantage of the epideral. I think it makes it much more of an enjoyable experience for you if you can sit back and just soak it all in rather then withering in pain. It sounds like others have already consoled you about having your baby whisked away. That is not going to happen. When I had Drew I could have her or send her whenever I wanted. It was totally up to me.

As for naming your baby, don't stress about it. If you are not ready to committ to a name right now just a take a few names you like with you to the hospital and once your little one is here maybe it will be a little more easy. It will all come together in the end...the delivery, the naming, the enjoying the moment...all of it. Just don't stress about the details because you will miss it if you fret over everything thing, but I definietly agree with Marla, let your doctor know about ALL of your concerns even if you think they are so petty. Its worth it to have it go just how to want it. You are so normal for having worries and conerns, it already shows what a great mother you are going to be.

Camie said...

dang it...I didn't beat Marla's comment!

Phill, Allie, and kids said...

You so don't know who I am, but I had to comment anyway! Camerlee (Rhett's cousin) is married to my brother Nate. And I know Marla so that is how I found your blog! Are you seeing Dr. Peterson? I don't know if in Marlas comment it was just spelled wrong or if it is really Petermen. That's who I go to and I LOVE him! He has delivered both of my kiddos and I won't go to anyone else! It's so nice that he sees all of us- my husband, me and my kids. Delivering is such an amazing experience. I was stressed with the first one too, but the doctor and nurses will walk you through everything and let you know if you aren't pushing hard enough and stuff. And I say epideral 100%! I figure I don't need to try to prove how strong I am by not using the meds that are meant to be used! Good luck with everything!

Alli

Michelle said...

Okay so I do work in mother/baby in baby central (provo,Ut) And I am here to tell you that 90% of first time moms who come in and say they do not want an epidural, end up getting one. There will be no effects on your baby, some people try to say that. And if you do have an epidural you can still hold your baby for as long as you'd like afterwards. The only time they will whisk your baby away is if it is having troubles which could happen whether you do it naturally or not. It took me 12 hours with strong contractions to get from a 4 to a 10 and I would have killed myself if I had to deal with that strong of contractions for 12 hours. NO thanks. Second, I would definately stay. I know now you may think that you never want a break from your baby and you may not later but when you are recovering, there are times when you are so exhausted and just need a little nap and when you get home you will want sleep more than ever and will have no one to get up in the night with the baby because your husband has to get up and go to work in the morning and you don't want to wake him.

Michelle said...

PS I am also having a way hard time thinking of a boy name. I can think of about 5 girl names I like but I cannot for the life of me think of a boys name I like.

The Jones Family said...

Nichole-
If I did it all over again the only think I would do different is get the epidural SOONER! I waited until I was dilated to an 8 to get it, cause I couldn't feel my contractions. But then they started me on ptosin and then my contractions hurt way bad. Why make labor miserable for yourself when you can actually enjoy it? I say get it plus if you tear then you won't feel the stitches being put in. You can still feel pressure and I knew when to push. I say epidural all the way!

Nielsen Family said...

Hey Nicole I don't know if you'll remember me but I'm Shelly Robinson...Kenny's little sister to most. But I'm such a stalker and have been reading other pregnant girls pages since I became one too but I just wanted to say to try to take comfort in the fact that you get all the choices that you do. I'll be giving birth in a german hospital where they do things a lot differently and I know that I'll have to fight for everything that I want. So its probably hard but at least you're not being told what to do.

Rachel said...

Nichole, seriously call me! I would LOVE to talk to you! My comment would have beat Marla and Camie's both combined. really, call me!

Brynn said...

Epidural, epidural, epidural!! It is the best thing in the world. I couldn't even feel the shot. I couldn't feel one thing while I was pushing, and I only pushed for 45 seconds! Don't worry, the baby will come out as fast or as slow as it wants to whether you are pushing good or not.
I'm with Kasey, enjoy your labor!

jaesi said...

hey there....Im a friend of some of yours and read your blog once in awhile...congrats on your daughter! I too am having a girl close to around when you are..
soooo....I noticed your super cute maternity pants you have on in your picture...where did you get them? I am having the hardest time finding *cute* pants.
As for medicine....TAKE IT. youll love it. Needle shmeedle...better than the ring of fire!

Lindsey Lee said...

You are funny...i think freaking out in normal because you are facing something that you can't really prepare for. Just don't stress too much or you'll get high blood pressure (like me) and have to be induced (not fun). Anywho, im all about the drugs (epidural). I wanted to feel contractions for a bit but once i felt them i wanted them GONE. the needle wasn't bad for me at all...and when you start pushing, you can still feel your body pushing...you feel pressure for sure. You do whatever you feel you can handle. Some people go natural and feel great (not me). Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

nichole, I am with everyone else, also. take the epidural. it is the best thing. i also was way scared and nervous, and I almost cry when I get my blood taken. I think i hate needles more than anyone, but honestly i felt i tiny prick. that was it. you will be fine. it will relax you and you can enjoy all the wonderful things that are happening around you. i can't wait to see the cute little thing.
and for names you will know when you hear the right one. you guys will be fine. don't stress because stressing isn't going to help you with anything. if you need anything or just need to talk call me, really. I would love to chat.

brit said...

HI Nichole, This is Kris Petersons sister. And, I sometimes read your blog and just HAD to comment on this one. I have had two babies. One with the epidural and one without and although it hurts like a freakin' B....I liked the NATURAL way much better. I recovered so much quicker and when I did have the epidural I was so numb and stuff that I couldn't even hold my baby.....I'm not kidding, either. On the other hand, the natural one was a pretty quick birth (not minutes or anything, but quick as far a pushing a person out your cha-cha) and I know a lot of women who are in labor for a very very long time, and in that case, epidurals are helpful cause they allow you to relax. I ended up having one with my first although I didnt plan it cause I was so tense and stopped dilating because of it. It was just too long and since it was the middle of the night, I was sleep deprived. Whichever way you choose, just make sure you are getting what you want and make sure Rhett knows too so he can stick up for you when you are too tired and pissy to demand it for yourself!!! Good luck. Just remember, labor is not the hardest part. Either is name choosing. But, they actually end up being pretty amazing! Good Luck!

Marla said...

Sorry Brit but I have never heard of being numb up to your arms from an epidural. You are for sure numb though and I can say that my recoveries were cake so if I ever had a natural birth then I guess I would feel as though I didn't have a baby at all besides the hurting like a B---- part. Not worth it for sure.

Kelli Eudis said...

Hey Nichole, I've had both babies natural and I've loved it. Yeah it really hurts, but for some reason I just didn't care to have an epidural. But then I've talked to girls who wouldn't do it without. I think it depends on how long you're going to be in labor also. I have mine so quickly I don't even think it would be worth it to get an epidural. This last labor with Ava was so nice. Brandon and I got to the hospital. They got me all ready in the bed and Brandon and I just sat their and talked in between contractions. We were laughing and having a good time, even though every few minutes I had to breath and stop talking. It was just really nice and I could get up and walk around without any help after. I don't know it's totally a personal preference, but I don't like drugs, so I pass on them.

~..kass..~ said...

just calm down girly LOL you will be fine! I waited as long as possible with the meds because I wanted to know for myself that I went through labor. I was in lasbor with Kodi for 3 days BTW. And for me I could TOTALLY feel everything that was going on, I mean while pushing.
I am a bad one to talk to about staying in the hospital both of my kiddos where NICU babies. So I would say TAKE THEM HOME!
And the name wow what a huge thing! Darren had picked out Kenton for a long time and I had Kodi Anne picked out clear back in my 6th grade journals. I can't wait to hear what your will be!

Cassidy Legg said...

I have pondered that same thing for when the time does come. I have talked to my mother in law a lot about it and everyone has their own opinion. It is what you think is best for you and your baby. You will do awesome either way!

carly k said...

I can't say that I know from experience, so you can throw this comment out the window... But, I really want to go natural. Women did that for hundreds of years before modern medicine came along. My mom had 4 of her 5 kids natural and she says it was okay, so that really makes me want to try it...she is one tough cookie! I have alot of respect and awe for women who choose not to get an epidural.;)

Alicia said...

Hey it is so good to see...well...you and you are pregnant, and darling pregnant lady too! this might be late but I am just looking at your blog also.
Well I want to go natural but ended up having two epidurals. I never felt the needle go in because the pain before was so great.
I wanted Emma Lynn to be in our room the whole time, too. But she slept the first night in the nursery, due to me needing to recover and was incapable of caring for her.
The name thing, well I too had all of our names picked out before I even met my husband, but being pregant dose something to ya. Least to say once she was out I stuck with the name I had always loved and still to this day am even more in love with because of her!
You will know what to do for yourself and the baby. I'm sure you have hear the quote that goes something like " when a baby is born a mother has just been created" and it is so true! You will find hidden strength and do things that you look back on and will amaze yourself! You will be okay and you will make the cutest mommy ever!