Moms - why is breastfeeding such a hot issue?

[Stainz]

Ditto.

I was terrified of the tearing / episiotomy part too. Read lots about perineal massage in the last couple of months of pregnancy, and requesting it from the doctor during delivery to “stretch” the membranes.

Ended up I didn’t have a choice - my labour was induced and thus went VERY quickly - I wasn’t ready and ended up needing an episiotomy so they could get my baby out quickly enough. (My b.p. was high and she was face-up so there were a few concerns and they wanted her out fast!).

I think I felt the needle for the freezing, and I remember the doctor being down there a looong time afterwards, doing the stitching. But honestly, it wasn’t a big issue later on. They gave me some painkillers and a water bottle to keep things clean while I went to the washroom - I got addicted to that thing and used it for the next 2-3 weeks!!! - the stitches dissolved, and all has healed up nicely.

[Elza_B]

@Velma

I know this is not the main point of the thread but I just wanted to maybe calm you a little on the tearing. I was terrified of tearing or having an episiotomy too, that was my biggest fear about labor. I told myself I would rather not have an epidural so I could feel when to push and not tear, etc.

Of course what ended up happening was a big ol’ episiotomy and lots of stitches. I still don’t know how many, just that as the Dr. was sewing me up (and it took a while) I asked her how many stitches I needed and she quickly deflected me with a cheery “just as many as you need.” And guess what - it was almost a nonevent in the birth process. Nothing to lose sleep over. I didn’t even know when the tear happened or when the Dr. cut me except that she told me after it happened, and after the stitches a little soreness was all I had left. Tylenol was all I needed.

I know it sounds horrible and women love to tell horror stories about tearing. I just remember how scared I was about that and I hope I can reassure you a little.

Thanks - that does make me feel better - in talking to a couple of my friends who are pregnant or have just had babies, we all seem to grab onto one thing that scares us, and that’s mine :smack: . I don’t know why it freaks me out so much.

I still definitely plan on the water birth - the hospital I’m going to really likes them for labor, and it’s something I’ve done a ton of research on and would really like to have to try and go med-free.

I’ve been reading the whole discussion with interest - I really appreciate all of the links and discussion. I’m just going to get as much help as possible from the lactation consultant and my midwife, and if there’s any kind of possibility of breastfeeding, I will. If not, I’m not going to feel guilty about it.

E.

[Elza_B]

@Velma

I know this is not the main point of the thread but I just wanted to maybe calm you a little on the tearing. I was terrified of tearing or having an episiotomy too, that was my biggest fear about labor. I told myself I would rather not have an epidural so I could feel when to push and not tear, etc.

Of course what ended up happening was a big ol’ episiotomy and lots of stitches. I still don’t know how many, just that as the Dr. was sewing me up (and it took a while) I asked her how many stitches I needed and she quickly deflected me with a cheery “just as many as you need.” And guess what - it was almost a nonevent in the birth process. Nothing to lose sleep over. I didn’t even know when the tear happened or when the Dr. cut me except that she told me after it happened, and after the stitches a little soreness was all I had left. Tylenol was all I needed.

I know it sounds horrible and women love to tell horror stories about tearing. I just remember how scared I was about that and I hope I can reassure you a little.

Thanks - that does make me feel better - in talking to a couple of my friends who are pregnant or have just had babies, we all seem to grab onto one thing that scares us, and that’s mine :smack: . I don’t know why it freaks me out so much.

I still definitely plan on the water birth - the hospital I’m going to really likes them for labor, and it’s something I’ve done a ton of research on and would really like to have to try and go med-free.

I’ve been reading the whole discussion with interest - I really appreciate all of the links and discussion. I’m just going to get as much help as possible from the lactation consultant and my midwife, and if there’s any kind of possibility of breastfeeding, I will. If not, I’m not going to feel guilty about it.

E.