A few labor questions for the Cf moms

[Scarlett81]

Hi!
In class we went over the pushing positions and practiced them with breathing-
fyi, I am not doing the lamaze labored breathing-I am doing Bradley breathing, which is 4 pushes for each contraction, each push you hold your breath approx 10 seconds. I did the exercises in class, sat down at a reclining angle/"hospital bed" laying down, but not flat at all, did the breathing, held up my legs-it wasn't bad, but I had a very hard time getting enough air in bc of the way I was laying, and the baby pushing up on me so much-I felt all crunched up.
I am thinking it would possibly be better for me to push in a squatted position with hubby or doula holding my hands for support. That way my neck and airways aren't all smushed up. Makes sense, right?-But we'll see if the doc says its ok with her or not.
I'd like to know what positions you all pushed in, and if your docs were open to alternate positions, like a squat or all fours.
Did you find it difficult to breathe during pushing, or hard to hold your breath? Did you take any oxygen or albuterol to help during it?
Thanks!!!!

 

[Scarlett81]

Hi!
In class we went over the pushing positions and practiced them with breathing-
fyi, I am not doing the lamaze labored breathing-I am doing Bradley breathing, which is 4 pushes for each contraction, each push you hold your breath approx 10 seconds. I did the exercises in class, sat down at a reclining angle/"hospital bed" laying down, but not flat at all, did the breathing, held up my legs-it wasn't bad, but I had a very hard time getting enough air in bc of the way I was laying, and the baby pushing up on me so much-I felt all crunched up.
I am thinking it would possibly be better for me to push in a squatted position with hubby or doula holding my hands for support. That way my neck and airways aren't all smushed up. Makes sense, right?-But we'll see if the doc says its ok with her or not.
I'd like to know what positions you all pushed in, and if your docs were open to alternate positions, like a squat or all fours.
Did you find it difficult to breathe during pushing, or hard to hold your breath? Did you take any oxygen or albuterol to help during it?
Thanks!!!!

 

[Scarlett81]

Hi!
In class we went over the pushing positions and practiced them with breathing-
fyi, I am not doing the lamaze labored breathing-I am doing Bradley breathing, which is 4 pushes for each contraction, each push you hold your breath approx 10 seconds. I did the exercises in class, sat down at a reclining angle/"hospital bed" laying down, but not flat at all, did the breathing, held up my legs-it wasn't bad, but I had a very hard time getting enough air in bc of the way I was laying, and the baby pushing up on me so much-I felt all crunched up.
I am thinking it would possibly be better for me to push in a squatted position with hubby or doula holding my hands for support. That way my neck and airways aren't all smushed up. Makes sense, right?-But we'll see if the doc says its ok with her or not.
I'd like to know what positions you all pushed in, and if your docs were open to alternate positions, like a squat or all fours.
Did you find it difficult to breathe during pushing, or hard to hold your breath? Did you take any oxygen or albuterol to help during it?
Thanks!!!!

 

[wanderlost]

Christian, I had no trouble breathing at all during my labor, but, it was the few times I had to cough during contractions that were the worst. but those were not many either (I just remeber them!)

As far as pushing, with my son I was on my back in the typical hospital position due to an epidural, with my daughter I was on hands and knees until she crowned and then I had to flip over so they could cut her cord because it was around her neck.

I didn't really use any pushing techniques with either kid because I found it became really instinctual - like, you don't have a technique to poop probably and that is a lot what it is like. I think that many positions are better for pushing than on your back (duh- obviously!) but whereas I wanted to squat with my son - and thought that that is what I would then prefer with my daughter - but with her I HAD to be on hands and knees. Listen to your body and I think you will just know what position to be in and how to push.

But back to your original question, I personally don't think it will compromise your lungs or breathing at all no matter how you push - remember baby will be very far down in your pelvis by then so all that pressure in your chest now will be gone.

oh, I had no O2 or albuterol or anything with either of my kiddos

 

[wanderlost]

Christian, I had no trouble breathing at all during my labor, but, it was the few times I had to cough during contractions that were the worst. but those were not many either (I just remeber them!)

As far as pushing, with my son I was on my back in the typical hospital position due to an epidural, with my daughter I was on hands and knees until she crowned and then I had to flip over so they could cut her cord because it was around her neck.

I didn't really use any pushing techniques with either kid because I found it became really instinctual - like, you don't have a technique to poop probably and that is a lot what it is like. I think that many positions are better for pushing than on your back (duh- obviously!) but whereas I wanted to squat with my son - and thought that that is what I would then prefer with my daughter - but with her I HAD to be on hands and knees. Listen to your body and I think you will just know what position to be in and how to push.

But back to your original question, I personally don't think it will compromise your lungs or breathing at all no matter how you push - remember baby will be very far down in your pelvis by then so all that pressure in your chest now will be gone.

oh, I had no O2 or albuterol or anything with either of my kiddos

 

[wanderlost]

Christian, I had no trouble breathing at all during my labor, but, it was the few times I had to cough during contractions that were the worst. but those were not many either (I just remeber them!)

As far as pushing, with my son I was on my back in the typical hospital position due to an epidural, with my daughter I was on hands and knees until she crowned and then I had to flip over so they could cut her cord because it was around her neck.

I didn't really use any pushing techniques with either kid because I found it became really instinctual - like, you don't have a technique to poop probably and that is a lot what it is like. I think that many positions are better for pushing than on your back (duh- obviously!) but whereas I wanted to squat with my son - and thought that that is what I would then prefer with my daughter - but with her I HAD to be on hands and knees. Listen to your body and I think you will just know what position to be in and how to push.

But back to your original question, I personally don't think it will compromise your lungs or breathing at all no matter how you push - remember baby will be very far down in your pelvis by then so all that pressure in your chest now will be gone.

oh, I had no O2 or albuterol or anything with either of my kiddos

 

[JazzysMom]

Christian, I am just curious as to where you are taking the Bradley classes. Is it at St. Vinny's, thru Dr. S office or elsewhere?

 

[JazzysMom]

Christian, I am just curious as to where you are taking the Bradley classes. Is it at St. Vinny's, thru Dr. S office or elsewhere?

 

[JazzysMom]

Christian, I am just curious as to where you are taking the Bradley classes. Is it at St. Vinny's, thru Dr. S office or elsewhere?

 

[Shoshanna]

Hi.
I never took the breathing classes because my doctors didn't want me exposed to other people (colds/germs etc) and I did just fine. In fact, a vaginal birth was far less painful for me then many other things I've gone through for my CF. I had the epidural (piece of cake!) and had hardly any pain, just pressure. Had no trouble pushing on my back and my FEV1 at the time was about 29%. I coughed a ton...made the doc on call a little scared which was funny, but it actually helped to pop the baby out. I always laugh that I coughed my son out.

 

[Shoshanna]

Hi.
I never took the breathing classes because my doctors didn't want me exposed to other people (colds/germs etc) and I did just fine. In fact, a vaginal birth was far less painful for me then many other things I've gone through for my CF. I had the epidural (piece of cake!) and had hardly any pain, just pressure. Had no trouble pushing on my back and my FEV1 at the time was about 29%. I coughed a ton...made the doc on call a little scared which was funny, but it actually helped to pop the baby out. I always laugh that I coughed my son out.

 

[Shoshanna]

Hi.
I never took the breathing classes because my doctors didn't want me exposed to other people (colds/germs etc) and I did just fine. In fact, a vaginal birth was far less painful for me then many other things I've gone through for my CF. I had the epidural (piece of cake!) and had hardly any pain, just pressure. Had no trouble pushing on my back and my FEV1 at the time was about 29%. I coughed a ton...made the doc on call a little scared which was funny, but it actually helped to pop the baby out. I always laugh that I coughed my son out.

 

[LouLou]

I plan to labor on birthing ball, walking, squatting, on side and the one leg up squat (not sure what this is called) technique. For delivery, I will likely delivery squatting, on all fours or on knees with pillows/birthing ball under arms. Like others said, what ever feels natural. I don't plan to ask permission as no one has ever stated that a woman has to deliver in a certain position. For me, asking would take confidence away from me. Also, my hospital puts out this website that seems to encourage alt. positions (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.pennhealth.com/health_info/pregnancy/000135.htm).">http://www.pennhealth.com/heal...pregnancy/000135.htm).</a> I'm sure a lot of this is just PR and not what they practice or encourage but I see it as if they are willing to show it, then they are willing to put it in practice. I had posted something about being on all fours being strange and like I needed to prepare the team but Julie helped me realize that doc's are used to seeing buttholes.

My hospital outfits the room with a squatting bar and birthing chair if they know there's a plan for no anesthesia. You might want to ask about this in advance so that they'll have it there for you the day of.

I will be bringing with me:
birthing ball
yoga mat (because I don't want to have to squat on the bed unless they make me)
energy gels
extra pillows
a snap up the front moo-moo (because I don't want to labor or deliver in a hospital gown...again I feel it would take away my confidence and make me feel sickly. Not to mention what I've read about the babies sense of smell when it first comes out and I want him to smell "mommy" not "hospital"...as well as allowing better access to my breast. But who knows, maybe I'll be buck naked

...and the usual stuff that's suggested.

Here's the thread where people commented about birthing on all fours...
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://forums.cysticfibrosis.com/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=19218&highlight_key=y">http://forums.cysticfibrosis.c...=19218&highlight_key=y</a>

 

[LouLou]

I plan to labor on birthing ball, walking, squatting, on side and the one leg up squat (not sure what this is called) technique. For delivery, I will likely delivery squatting, on all fours or on knees with pillows/birthing ball under arms. Like others said, what ever feels natural. I don't plan to ask permission as no one has ever stated that a woman has to deliver in a certain position. For me, asking would take confidence away from me. Also, my hospital puts out this website that seems to encourage alt. positions (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.pennhealth.com/health_info/pregnancy/000135.htm).">http://www.pennhealth.com/heal...pregnancy/000135.htm).</a> I'm sure a lot of this is just PR and not what they practice or encourage but I see it as if they are willing to show it, then they are willing to put it in practice. I had posted something about being on all fours being strange and like I needed to prepare the team but Julie helped me realize that doc's are used to seeing buttholes.

My hospital outfits the room with a squatting bar and birthing chair if they know there's a plan for no anesthesia. You might want to ask about this in advance so that they'll have it there for you the day of.

I will be bringing with me:
birthing ball
yoga mat (because I don't want to have to squat on the bed unless they make me)
energy gels
extra pillows
a snap up the front moo-moo (because I don't want to labor or deliver in a hospital gown...again I feel it would take away my confidence and make me feel sickly. Not to mention what I've read about the babies sense of smell when it first comes out and I want him to smell "mommy" not "hospital"...as well as allowing better access to my breast. But who knows, maybe I'll be buck naked

...and the usual stuff that's suggested.

Here's the thread where people commented about birthing on all fours...
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://forums.cysticfibrosis.com/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=19218&highlight_key=y">http://forums.cysticfibrosis.c...=19218&highlight_key=y</a>

 

[LouLou]

I plan to labor on birthing ball, walking, squatting, on side and the one leg up squat (not sure what this is called) technique. For delivery, I will likely delivery squatting, on all fours or on knees with pillows/birthing ball under arms. Like others said, what ever feels natural. I don't plan to ask permission as no one has ever stated that a woman has to deliver in a certain position. For me, asking would take confidence away from me. Also, my hospital puts out this website that seems to encourage alt. positions (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.pennhealth.com/health_info/pregnancy/000135.htm).">http://www.pennhealth.com/heal...pregnancy/000135.htm).</a> I'm sure a lot of this is just PR and not what they practice or encourage but I see it as if they are willing to show it, then they are willing to put it in practice. I had posted something about being on all fours being strange and like I needed to prepare the team but Julie helped me realize that doc's are used to seeing buttholes.

My hospital outfits the room with a squatting bar and birthing chair if they know there's a plan for no anesthesia. You might want to ask about this in advance so that they'll have it there for you the day of.

I will be bringing with me:
birthing ball
yoga mat (because I don't want to have to squat on the bed unless they make me)
energy gels
extra pillows
a snap up the front moo-moo (because I don't want to labor or deliver in a hospital gown...again I feel it would take away my confidence and make me feel sickly. Not to mention what I've read about the babies sense of smell when it first comes out and I want him to smell "mommy" not "hospital"...as well as allowing better access to my breast. But who knows, maybe I'll be buck naked

...and the usual stuff that's suggested.

Here's the thread where people commented about birthing on all fours...
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://forums.cysticfibrosis.com/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=19218&highlight_key=y">http://forums.cysticfibrosis.c...=19218&highlight_key=y</a>

 

[Wendy]

With my son, I pushed in the standard "laying in the hospital bed" position with an epidural. I did not have any chest pressure or difficulties breathing during my pushing (which only lasted 15 minutes). I did not use oxygen, but did bring my own nebs to the hospital and took an albuterol treatment when I arrived on the advise (or demand) of my overly paranoid OB (about 3 hours before delivery). Maybe bring your meds just so you can take them as you regularly do if you end up laboring for longer than expected.

I agree with Wanderlost; the baby will be farther down in the birth canal at delivery and should ease the pressure and short of breath feeling that you have now. You may even get this relief before you go into labor. Sometimes the baby drops early.

I think you'll find that the doctors will probably let you labor and ultimately push in the position that is most comfortable to YOU.

 

[Wendy]

With my son, I pushed in the standard "laying in the hospital bed" position with an epidural. I did not have any chest pressure or difficulties breathing during my pushing (which only lasted 15 minutes). I did not use oxygen, but did bring my own nebs to the hospital and took an albuterol treatment when I arrived on the advise (or demand) of my overly paranoid OB (about 3 hours before delivery). Maybe bring your meds just so you can take them as you regularly do if you end up laboring for longer than expected.

I agree with Wanderlost; the baby will be farther down in the birth canal at delivery and should ease the pressure and short of breath feeling that you have now. You may even get this relief before you go into labor. Sometimes the baby drops early.

I think you'll find that the doctors will probably let you labor and ultimately push in the position that is most comfortable to YOU.

 

[Wendy]

With my son, I pushed in the standard "laying in the hospital bed" position with an epidural. I did not have any chest pressure or difficulties breathing during my pushing (which only lasted 15 minutes). I did not use oxygen, but did bring my own nebs to the hospital and took an albuterol treatment when I arrived on the advise (or demand) of my overly paranoid OB (about 3 hours before delivery). Maybe bring your meds just so you can take them as you regularly do if you end up laboring for longer than expected.

I agree with Wanderlost; the baby will be farther down in the birth canal at delivery and should ease the pressure and short of breath feeling that you have now. You may even get this relief before you go into labor. Sometimes the baby drops early.

I think you'll find that the doctors will probably let you labor and ultimately push in the position that is most comfortable to YOU.