BTDT moms who labored at home

We are trying to stay at home for as long as possible when I go into labor. I am going to do my best to have an un-medicated birth so I want to be in tip top shape by the time we head off.

I'm in the middle of stocking up on stuff to have at home while I'm in early labor.

If you stayed home for awhile -- anything you had on hand (or wish you had had) that might be beneficial?


-- I guess while I'm here too, anything I might not think of that I need to make sure I have at home for when we come home?

I'm open to all kinds of tips and suggestions. Thanks, ladies.

BTDT moms who labored at home

I stayed at home about 10 hours in labor. By the time I got to the hospital I was 9 centimes. Still took about 5 hours at the hospital to have the baby, which isn't in the norm. i planned on a drug free birth & I had one. I suggest trying to rest as much as possible. was able to sleep in the early stages by the time I was ready to go to the hospital I still tried at least close my eyes & breathe in between contractions. I took a hot shower before going. I sat on an exercise ball while I blew dry my hair & had cup of tea and an English muffin. I think the thing that helped me the must was someone suggested to me. A white tube sock filled with white rice. Put in microwave to be warm/hot. Put on your stomach while having a contraction. It was an amazing relief! Imy DH kept it warm/hot for whenever I needed it. I had tennis balls too for a back massage but I only used it once or twice throughout.
I also brought my own pillow which was a nice comfort thing for me.
Keep an open mind and be prepared to have to change your plan. It's ok if it doesn't go as you wanted bc in the end you will have a healthy happy baby no matter what.
I took a lot of yoga classes which was gave me my serenity as well as breathing techniques that allowed me to get through the contra tons. I also keep thinking it will be over soon. Kept me motivated
Good luck to you

Message edited 7/7/2013 12:21:49 AM.

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

thank you! all great suggestions.

I have a few already sewn rice packs but I might make more to swap out.

Re: BTDT moms who labored at home

With my first I stayed at home for most of my labor until my contractions were like 2-3 minutes a part and I couldn't take it anymore. I was almost 10 cm by the time I got to the hospital and had DS within 2 hrs or maybe even less. I had all back labor and all I really used was a frozen Poland spring water bottle that I would press into my lower back to counteract the pain. I would also suggest something that you could squeeze or bite really hard when the pain gets bad. It sounds nuts but, I had nail and bite marks on my arm after my DS was born. I had a completely drug free birth. I also distracted myself with LI families in between contractions lol. If you do a search you will find my crazy posts from back then! ha ha ha.


ETA my second birth since you never know! Plan was to do the same as #1 but, I was over 10 days late and although I was over 3cm dilated and completely effaced for wks I never went into labor! I had to be induced with a little Pitocin. Once they started the Pitocin I progressed quickly and had DC within 2 hrs. I again had an unmedicated birth and, believe it or not, even though it was MUCH quicker labor than with my son it was SO MUCH harder. Again, I suggest something you can bite or squeeze (see above!). My OB even gave me some gauze to bite down on and it helped dramatically. Used the water bottle again but, this time I had both front and back labor.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Message edited 7/7/2013 7:44:59 PM.