Labor Lessons - E28 Jenna: A Few Things Learned Through Three Different Experiences- severe UTI caused by catheter, induction by breaking water, fentanyl for pain relief

E28 Jenna: A Few Things Learned Through Three Different Experiences- severe UTI caused by catheter, induction by breaking water, fentanyl for pain relief

03/22/23 • 36 min

Jenna was induced with her first son at 41 weeks. She went into labor without having taken a birth class, and without doing any research because she believed that knowing too much about giving birth might hinder her ability to do it.
Her body didn't respond to the Pitocin, which was continually increased. When her provider broke her water, labor kicked in very fast. However, due to the increase of Pitocin, there was no gradual build up and she didn't have time to adjust. Jenna opted for an epidural to help relieve her pain.
The epidural left Jenna feeling out of control in her body, and she couldn't feel anything. She tore severely and a few days postpartum developed a very high fever. She had a severe UTI and kidney infection from the catheter.
Due to her first birth experience, Jenna wanted a different experience the second time around. She decided to go natural, and chose to be induced with her second just by having her waters broken. It was a much better experience and Jenna learned that she could have small doses of fentanyl to help with pain relief.
Her third birth, Jenna also chose to be induced by having her waters broken, no Pitocin. Her son was sunny-side up and she had painful back labor, but she felt in control of her situation and heard by her support team.
In this episode, Jenna shares a few things she learned from her three labors, how she learned to advocate for herself, and how she worked to have a better birth after her first experience.
PurposeIntended.com

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Previous Episode

E27 Kimberly Tara: Prepare for the Unexpected and Have Multiple Plans- precipitous labor, induced labor, birthing during COVID

At 36 weeks pregnant with her first child, Kimberly was concerned that her baby wasn't moving enough. Her doctor sent her for monitoring and even though she wasn't dilated, they decided to induce her. That night, she ended up going into labor naturally on her own!
The epidural didn't work at first, but her labor progressed slowly enough that there was time to fix it. She ended up with a second degree tear and had a rough recovery combined with breastfeeding issues.
With her second baby, Kimberly walked around 4 cm dilated for weeks. She was eventually induced and had issues with the epidural again. This labor was super fast at only 2 hours long! Kimberly's doctor joked about keeping towels and scissors in the car if she and her husband decided to have a third.
With her third pregnancy, Kimberly had a lot of anxiety. She was nervous about how the labor might go and how quickly it could progress. This was also during COVID, and she was worried about hospital policies and how that might affect her birth.
After dinner on her birthday, Kimberly felt her water leaking. She was determined to hold the baby in until her birthday was over, but life had other plans. She and her husband made it to the hospital just in time for the baby to be born in the wheelchair on the way to labor and delivery!
After deciding to have a fourth, Kimberly felt she needed a little more control over the labor, and was induced again due to low movement. Once her water was broken by her doctor, her baby was once again born very quickly.
Listen in as Kimberly shares about the wild ride she and her husband had during her four labors, and things she learned along the way that helped her navigate each one.
Kimberly's website and podcast- Messywonderful.com

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undefined - E29 Stefanie: Trusting Your Support System During Birth- asphyxiation, potential traumatic birth, importance of strong support system

E29 Stefanie: Trusting Your Support System During Birth- asphyxiation, potential traumatic birth, importance of strong support system

Stefanie lives in Scandinavia where she raises her two boys. Throughout her journey into motherhood, she experienced the benefits of a health system where midwives are the forefront of pregnancy and birth.
Stefanie's first son asphyxiated right after being born. What could have been a traumatic event for her was not, due to her strong support system. Her birth team calmly handled the situation, while keeping her informed of what was going on. She felt heard, supported, and involved in her birth.
Stefanie also experienced the benefits of living in Scandinavia during her postpartum period. She was seen and visited multiple times, cared for, and supported during her transition into motherhood.
In this episode, Stefanie shares about the importance of trusting your birth team. If there isn't a mutual trust, there is great potential for birth trauma. She also shares about the benefits of living and giving birth in Denmark, even without family or close friends.
Stefaniefernandes.com
Raw and Real with Stefanie Fernandes