Advocating for Your Birth, Second Labors + MORE | Sarah Lavonne

[@victoriahogue6852]

At 37 weeks, I switched from a doctor to a midwife. Not only was I not thrilled with my doctor the whole pregnancy, but my patient rights were also violated more than once, and the most recent time just did it in for me. Now at 38+5, I have seen my midwife twice and am already looking at birth in a whole new way and am actually excited to deliver my baby.

[@libbymccabe2953]

Omg yes please create a video about staying in the zone/focusing on mindset. Bubble of peace sounds magical. Could you add in how to phrase this in your birth plan/preference (lights dim, soft voices, etc.) - basically how to communicate this with your birth team that you may meet for the first time that day? Thank you!!

[@stacywallen5245]

Thank you for talking about rude or abrasive doctors/nurses! I've had the hospital doctors/nurses where I'll deliver this week or next week (had 1st baby at the same hospital 10 years ago & dealt with the same issues) that have been downright rude, brush me off when I want clarification or tell me "it's not about you, it's about your baby" & "if you don't do what we suggest your baby could die" instead of explaining or listening to me. If I didn't love my OB office I'd have switched to one affiliated with a different hospital system for sure. It's hard to feel safe to give birth when the people taking care of you & baby don't want to listen or get mad when you want things explained fully to make informed choices for you & baby.

[@LilEagle2015]

Really appreciate that first question! Due like literally any day now. I’ve grown less nervous over actual birth through your class Sarah as well as other avenues of education and preparation I’ve chosen to take but my biggest fear is still the medical personnel day of. Hoping and praying i have someone kind and not abrasive. Also nervous for triage cuz covid policy at my hospital dictates being separated from my husband and doula in triage so really hoping that’s not for long 😢

[@RosannaChistiakov]

QUESTION FOR NEXT COFFEE & QUESTION VIDEO: Is colostrum harvesting a real thing? Is it save, is it worth it or should I just wait till after birth like a normal person? 😅😂❤️

[@ElizabethJetter]

Love your videos, and thank you for all the information! Wanted to provide a quick update that in the USA, physical therapy has been a doctoral level prepared specialty since 2016, and pelvic floor physical therapists have additional coursework/ training beyond the entry level doctorate. Like all parts of the medical field, there is variation regarding the quality and breadth of services at different facilities. When going to pelvic floor PT, especially in "chain" PT facilities, and especially when pregnant, a good question to ask is if the company puts any constraints on the services that can be provided, and how much training/ experience the PT has with your specific concern, including whether or not you are pregnant. There are many companies, for example, that blanket forbid PTs to perform internal exam or treatment on pregnant women based on CYA rather than evidence, limiting the effectiveness of the PT. Good to know this upfront so you can go somewhere else.

[@denisebooth4065]

*how do I remove my last name 🥴 Hi! You know you’re my favorite, right?!!!! As a doula/birth support person and have a birthing person verbally and somewhat physically abusing their partner during labor - how can you help that partner from experiencing this trauma?

[@averyheussner640]

As a fellow Pelvic PT, this comment is everything! Thank you ❤️

[@conradfamily7394]

Coffee & Questions! I ALWAYS miss your IG poll for these 😭 I’m really curious your thoughts/insights on PCOS and breastfeeding. I have had two different lactation consultants, dealing with two different babies, tell me that “sometimes milk just doesn’t come in for moms with PCOS”. Is there any evidence to back this up? Have you found that to be the case with your patients?

[@Kittykat5kits]

You’re the best Sarah! Thank you so much for your informative and uplifting videos!

[@vekitten8322]

Hey Sarah. I had my second baby (a little girl, my first was a boy) nearly 2 weeks ago no. From first contraction to delivery was approx. 5 hours. My waters broke in the car (the journey took 30 minutes due to road works), and had her less than 10 minutes of arriving at the hospital. My first took 3 days, one of those days was spent in the hospital. Just wanted to share.

[@sarahlavonne]

Amazing!!!!!!! Congratulations!

[@SmolAliens]

I’m switching my insurance now while we are TTC in order to ensure we can use the right provider/hospital. On my current plan there is only one hospital and it’s basically a ‘baby factory’, no autonomy, just get in and out as fast as possible. The other hospital system has a much more chill location and CNMs whose bios talk about physiologic birth and advocating for birth plans. Make sure you look into these things!!! You can always self advocate in most environments but you’d be doing a disservice to yourself by choosing a provider that is going to push back on anything/everything you want.

[@mxx6901]

Wow Sarah!! I followed you when you had less than 50k subscribers and it's amazing how much you have grown in such a short time frame! Congratulations! I'm onto baby number 2 so you'll see me around :)

[@AdellsNaturals_]

Your videos have been so educational even the second time around. I’m 35+3 weeks today, and I can’t wait to meet my little baby girl. Got an epidural last time around, but just laid there. Well contractions stop, and have could have been 5-6 hour labor, turned into a 12+ hour process. Believing to go as long as possible before epidural, but if I need it sooner, I feel better equipped and educated on what I need to do. Thank you love for sharing something your clearly passionate about. You are a God sent ❤️

[@SpiritofProphecy999]

I’m so grateful for your videos. My first birth experience was SOOOOO traumatizing!!!!!!! They were so hateful/rude. I had no idea how to interact. So clueless. But I’m at a different hospital this time and they seem wonderful but I’m still so stressed about it. But anyway, thank you so much. I feel so much better. Your perspective is essential. Thank you ♥️

[@KendallGreenEl]

I’m 34 weeks today and every time I feel frustrated with something having to do with pregnancy or birth fears. I say out loud FLEX and Flow Kendall!!! Flex and Flow!! 💙 thank you 😊

[@sarahlavonne]

Love

[@ShadesofSage]

I LOVE you Sarah❤️❤️❤️! I’m actually on the way to the hospital for weekly BBPs and non stress tests because I was diagnosed with IUGR last week. I’m 35 weeks today. This is my 4th pregnancy and I’m a doula also and I just don’t agree with the growth scan. I just think I make small babies. My biggest was 6lbs. 11 oz and he was full term. Induction was suggested at 37-38 weeks but I’m doing my best to stay calm and trust my body to go into labor as before. This will be my 3rd VBAC also. Praying I make it to 39 weeks🙏🏿! This video definitely encouraged me! Thanks so much for sharing 🥰! Congratulations to your sister also🥳! How exciting!!!

[@LeftieLoosie]

Good luck Mama! I am also 35 weeks this week AND scheduled for 37 week induction but due to cholestasis. I think we talked about this before when you suggested I check out your channel! I get 2 Nsts a week but my baby is measuring big. We are almost there mama! 🙌

[@LeftieLoosie]

Oh yeah and this is also my 4th lol

[@TheMaternityMentor]

Good Luck, hope all turns out fantastic!

[@ShadesofSage]

@@TheMaternityMentor Thank you so much ☺️!

[@ShadesofSage]

@@LeftieLoosie Aww! You’ll be meeting baby soon🥰! We have so much in common🤗! Thank you for your support on my channel❤️! Praying everything goes well for you and baby🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿!

[@RosannaChistiakov]

I brought up giving birth “naturally” to my OBGYN, she didn’t seem completely on board, and I felt like I have no idea what I was talking about based on her attitude and answers to my questions on that topic. Which made me feel very anxious (although I’m usually a very calm person who doesn’t stress too much about things going not according to plan) and that I cannot trust her to be on my side when the time comes! Long story short, after many calls to different providers and my insurance, at 26 weeks (!) I was able to find THE perfect place to give birth at with THE most supportive team that I TRUST!!! And I’m now actually EXCITED to give birth! 😍 Coming up at the end of March btw. So moral of the story: YES, having the right provider is 100% a game changer, please don’t hesitate to bring up to your provider things that are on your heart. Sooner rather than later ❤️

[@Farxadiyoguul]

At the end of the day you have to make your own choices because you don’t really know what will really happen when it gets serious. You have to stick to your choices and not rush to the hospital especially if it’s the second baby.

[@camillalissidini]

I hope you will have a beautiful and positive birth experience 🤰❤️

[@RosannaChistiakov]

@@camillalissidini aww, thank you Camilla! ❤️

[@Daymickey]

I just love and appreciate what God is doing through you Sarah. Not pregnant yet but I already feel so equipped for that journey when it comes. You’re helping so many people walk into their most important day with confidence and security. ❤️ I’m just so thankful. wish you lived nearby so that when my day comes you can be in the room with us. Haha. I hope I get a bundle birth trained nurse at least.

[@racheldoula]

Tricare is looking into paying for doulas and testing to see if that improves birth outcomes!

[@mayesjoyessha527]

Sounds great

[@Lauren-yq3ds]

That would be so wonderful!

[@20018385sb]

Twin information, anything you know/ can help when having twins. May be nice to have a video just about having twins and what to expect. Thank you

[@xylophone1212]

Whoooo! I’m due June 2022 as well! Congrats to your sister!

[@erinw6726]

My first labor was just under 6.5hrs from start to finish with the significant cervical change happening in the final 2.5hrs and only 25min of pushing. My second labor was again about 6.5hrs from when I realized I was feeling contractions and delivery, just under 13min of pushing. I was extremely vocal about my concern about being sent home when in labor and how quickly I could progress. I was fortunate that my OB for my second pregnancy took my concerns seriously and basically told me to just head to the hospital as soon as I thought I was in labor, not even to wait at all and he made a note in my medical chart about my birthing history. When I arrived at the hospital in labor, I kept telling every medical person and staff member that I progress extremely quickly (between the contractions since I was doubling over every 3min at that point). They all took me seriously and wheeled me right into a labor room. I had arrived at a 6 and was only at the hospital for about 2hrs before delivering my baby. I am so thankful that I felt heard by my medical team! The OB in my first pregnancy was not as supportive and I wish I had switched providers as soon as I had that icky feeling. Even when I voiced my concerns or preferences that OB would be dismissive. My new OB is the exact opposite. At a brief follow up appointment where I had to pick up a prescription, I said I had some questions and he immediately sat down in the chair to listen and address all of my questions and concerns. That small gesture along with taking my preferences into consideration made all the difference in my care. I wish more providers had that kind of bedside manner with their patients, especially when it comes to pregnancy since that is such a vulnerable time for many.

[@rslama912]

❤ 1st question! Am 32 wks pregnant, live in the smoky blue mtns of NC-very rural. I can't get good internet or cell reception where I live and hospital is 2hr drive away! Have had several disrespectful phone calls from nurses this pregnancy berating me for not being able to come by the hospital for lab work whenever they ask, or not answering their calls to my cellphone right away. I'm terrified of dealing with these same nurses when I'm in labor and giving birth! Silver lining is, at this point, I'm fed up enough not to just sit there & take it but I'm ready to give them attitude right back. I had a wonderful L&D nurse three yrs ago with my 1st baby and can only hope & pray I'll get a good team this time too. But I'm also totally ready to kick a nurse out of the room if they start anything with me!

[@nicoleheinicke1467]

A few questions for you: 1. Can you explain how to push during delivery? I had no idea how to push while delivering my daughter & was super ineffective. Granted, I had an epidural and couldn’t feel much. Luckily only pushed for 10 minutes but they ended up using a vacuum to assist due to baby’s heart rate dropping. 2. Can you please explain why or why not to allow baby to have sugar water during circumcision? 3. Thoughts on open glottis pushing instead of holding your breath? Love love love your videos! Thanks so much!

[@Alx_mckn]

Thank you, Sarah. Will definitely look to be in my “bubble of peace” 💕💕💕

[@victoriathomas6210]

Next coffee and questions: my anatomy scan revealed a chorionic plexus cyst in baby’s right ventricle. My midwife said it’s not a huge worry, and I have a 4-week follow-up scan. Just wondering if you might share more medical info/experience for us moms out there who had never heard of this before…

[@mayrrrad]

love your videos so informative!! 🤗🤗

[@christinawest2266]

Sarah, thanks for such a great answer to my question yay! I will reach out to my OB about a PF therapist. (And let's pray for baby #2, TBD. Only in God's plan.)

[@coffeecrazedparenthood7289]

My last baby was pretty big (9 lb 6 oz) and ended being born with a shoulder dystocia. Can you talk a bit about what a shoulder dystocia is, how it's addressed during delivery, and what the chances are of it happening in future births? Thanks so much! Love watching all your videos!

[@JenaLockridge]

Question for next Coffee & Questions: Can you discuss epidurals more, please? I am 35 weeks pregnant and I admit that I’m more afraid of the epidural than I am of actually giving birth. I’ve had a previous procedure where I wasn’t allowed to move from the waist down for almost a whole day and that left me in more pain than the procedure itself which is one thing I’m worried about with an epidural. On top of that, I’ve heard they are extremely painful when they get put in even though you are experiencing contractions at the same time. Then of course you have the risks of it not working and the epidural headache, which I am prone to headaches and practically with them so I want to avoid causing one. Despite all of this, absolutely everyone who has an opinion about giving birth says that the birth experience is so painful and traumatic that I won’t last without one. Can you help dispel some of these fears or discuss alternatives to the epidural? Thank you so much!

[@kristinscott2277]

If you had an episiotomy first time around, what is the likelihood of a significant tear due to the scar tissue second time around? Sorry that was a mouthful.

[@erinalyssapace]

Questions for next time. Background on my labor: first baby, elective induction 39.5 weeks (looking back I totally regret that, it wasn’t a good experience for me). 26 hour labor. Epidural. Sunny side up baby. - I was given a pill in my cervix at midnight and then pitocon the next morning. Four or five times they had to stop the pit and add something they were calling “terb” to reset everything because my body was just contacting continuously with no breaks. Can you talk more about this? I was so tired and confused about the entire situation. - At 3pm the next day I was only dilated a 1, and they said if I wanted to just go home I could. I was about to chose that honestly but then my water randomly broke! I was so confused. How does water break so early? Also, right before that my doctor asked to break my water and I said no. Why did she want to break it? - I got an epidural after that since I knew I was staying. It hurt SO bad. It felt like the weirdest cold thing twisting my spine. I honestly had always seen the numbing shot hurt and not the rest. Is this normal? - since the baby was sunny side up, they had me on my hands and knees for almost 2 hours. I was soooo exhausted. She still didn’t flip. I had the worst back pain. Was there anything else that could have been done to help? - around 10pm; the word C section started getting toss around. I told my nurses that was absolutely not what I wanted if it wasn’t a medical necessity. They really advocated for me and one nurse tried a new position she had recently learned where I lay on my side with one leg over the bed kind of like that yoga pose where you stretch your back. It felt SO good. 30 minutes later and I was dilating fast!!!! YAY. Are there certain positions that specifically help you once your water has broken verses earlier in labor? - I was about 8-9cm and they were worried that something was kind of swollen and fatigued and blocking me from dilating more? It’s all a blur. They told me not to push yet because it won’t only make it worse. Does this make any sense 😭😂 -Postpartum- I read after all of this that you can say no to them taking the baby away for medical exams and such. Is this true? Is it annoying to ask that? I feel like that would have helped a lot with my anxiety. Woo. Lots of questions. Thank you!!!!

[@erinalyssapace]

PS: took all your classes!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ they were amazing!

[@carrietaylor8447]

Thank you for your videos! I would like to know more information on a velamentous umbilical cord and what I should be prepared for. My midwife told me it could only be an issue if the cord is near my cervix and she said it is not, but would my prenatal care change in any way from here on out? Would I be more prone to a c-section vs. a vaginal birth?

[@tayshaboone4093]

Hey Sarah u are the best! I have watched u since my last pregnancy and u now I’m on #3. Can u talk about the Ferguson reflex? I experienced it with my last birth and it was WILD!

[@shylo-dawngjerlaug770]

QUESTION FOR NEXT C&Q❤️ I’m a Canadian mama, and where I am we don’t get to choose our provider or birth Centre (unless you pick the local midwife). It’s whoever’s on call. Do you have advice for making a birth plan? I always hear that you should talk to your provider about it ahead of time and what not and get their opinion. For prenatal checkups we see the same OB & Prenatal Nurse But when you won’t necessarily have that provider the day of baby, how do I ensure my birth plan can be respected? My assumption is still bring to my next checkup & maybe they can put it in my file for the LDR to know ahead of time when I check into hospital?

[@candacehoban4945]

My second baby was both precipitous and breech. His feet came out while I was still in triage.

[@AverieE101]

Question: What to expect with a polyhydramnios pregnancy/ birth? *currently 31wks with my first child- no diabetes & nothing showing signs of abnormalities with baby Just recently found your channel whenever I started researching polyhydramnios and have found so much helpful information! Thank you for all that you are doing! ♡

[@jmt1217]

Yes this!!! Currently 38 weeks with a poly birth! No idea what to expect!

[@jessikaking8423]

Is it advisable to go unmediated if you have a hypertonic pelvic floor?

[@jacolynnforrest3397]

I had a fast birth (I’ll spell it incorrectly 🙈) with my first born (2:51) from first contraction to baby. Are the odds my next labour will be even quicker? If I want pain medicine for the next would a planned induction be a better option?

[@stephaniedion5798]

Question for Coffee & Questions: I was induced with my first, is it more likely that I’ll have to be induced with my second? My and husband and I can’t picture me going into labor naturally at all!

[@charleshillarydye2877]

Hi! Do you have any videos regarding twin pregnancy/labor?

[@emilyq3180]

For coffee qnd questions.....Can you share, in your experience, what complications have you seen from c*v*d positive moms during labor or up to labor. My hospital didn't test right away and started a treatment plan going one direction assuming one thing then I tested positive and then Drs couldn't agree what and why was going on. Very much depended on whoever was on call atm. This wqs a year ago so I was wondering if there had been more insight in the medical community.

[@MoviesAreMyThing]

I had a fast birth first time around, AND genuinely didn’t feel contractions until 6 cm. I am super stressed that we won’t be ready when active labor hits and our baby will be here without me realizing what is really going on.

[@leiaeverson8377]

Question for next video: I love going to baseball games and having fun with friends and my boyfriend. It just sucks that they all get drinks and have fun and I’m always the DD since I’m pregnant. I can’t wait to be able to have a drink again or especially sit in the bath with a glass of wine. (I don’t drink often) but if I want to breastfeed after birth am I allowed to have a drink every once in a while? How does the “pumping and dumping” work? Is it safe?

[@brooke4294]

Thank you so much for all your videos, I'm soooo thankful I found your videos and especially your labor-aid recipe (soooo delicious) I've been binge watching them with my husband and they've been super helpful for lowering my anxiety. Its my first pregnancy and im currently 39 weeks and 1 day. My doctor thinks I will go past my due date bc baby isn't engaged in The pelvis and he's OP. I really want to avoid an induction, can I go into labor naturally if the baby doesn't drop down? Does having an OP baby make it harder to get the baby engaged in the pelvis? Also, my mom had difficult births: her water broke and was induced but she never dilated so after 15 hours she ended up having a C section. What are the chances of that being hereditary and happening to me?

[@emilymcguire4174]

Baby one 2020 , baby 2 2022 after an iud . It took 6 months to get pregnant it was difficult because my periods never returned after iud ( I was still breast feeding but he was 9 months old )

[@christenmartin3054]

I absolutely love your videos. I have turner syndrome and I have been told by my doctor it would be dangerous for me to have a child. But didn't give me any specific reasons why. What are the complications of having a child if you have turner syndrome. Thank you for answering.

[@abeille1217]

i have pelvic floor dysfunction. i didn't realize my pelvic floor was the issue until almost 2 years after my daughter was born. ive been in pt for a couple of months, and I'm showing some improvement, but it's not internal, so it's hard to gauge sometimes. i am 8.5 weeks pregnant. do i still have time to improve? i would imagine it gets more challenging the bigger i get, but that's just a guess.....

[@meghantoomey4797]

Question for next month: I am pregnant with baby #3, 19w currently. Baby #1 is now 10yo and was a 12 hour labor. Baby #2 is 17m old and from water breaking to deliver was 32 hours (exhausting). So for Baby #3, should I expect this one to go a little faster than the second?!? I’m thinking so since my first birth was a million years ago and this may seem like my second, to my body?? Thank you!!!

[@jadebutler1495]

What’s your opinion of free births and lotus birth ? Worth it ? Is there risks with a lotus birth

[@camillalissidini]

Hi Sarah, I am a 17 year old girl, in the last two weeks I've had covid and now my period is 4 days late. To me this is strage because my period is regular (every 24 days). I was wondering if you knew if covid can effect period and when I have to start to get concerned. Thank you so so much❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Daymickey]

QUESTION: I plan on getting an epidural (I’m a wuss) but I hope to labor as long as possible before getting it (6/7 cm). Tips for delaying epidural? I also want to continue to move and change positions after getting it. Should I ask for a “walking epidural”? Do all providers give that option?

[@juliesemeraro663]

Very few providers in the US actually give walking epidurals. That is definitely something to ask about at your next appointment. As far as delaying, that’s another conversation to have with your provider. It really depends on what is happening during your labor and how fast you are progressing. If you wait until 6-7 cm to ask for it, you may be to far along before the anesthesiologist shows up. You definitely don’t have to get it right away when you show up, but make sure to take it through with your provider and put it in your birth preferences sheet.

[@birthinghope4868]

Hi Sarah! Question for you! I know the recommendation is to wait 6 months after a c-section to get pregnant again. If all other factors are good, is 6 months long enough to qualify for a vbac? Or do you have to wait 18 months to have a vbac? Thank you!

[@ashleyryan6916]

My first baby was delivered via scheduled c-section because she was breech (so I didn’t go into labour). If I go the VBAC route for baby #2, will I be likely to have the classic long first baby labour? Or will it still be a bit faster because it’s a second baby?

[@purplelilly98]

QUESTION: Is it a bad idea to try to give birth without an epidural if I have a hypertonic pelvic floor? I had an epidural with my first, and I'm pregnant with baby #2 and wanting to avoid an epidural... But my OB basically said "Oh, you'll definitely want to do the epidural the second time as well because of your pelvic floor". Do you think that's legitimate? Thanks!!

[@victoriablack2093]

QUESTION: if you haemorrhage with your first would you be at an increased chance of haemorrhaging postpartum with your second?

[@dawn7jones]

I had a footling breech vaginal birth.

[@SpiritofProphecy999]

You’re on the mismatch question/ realizing in third trimester that it’s not a match….. for me, I’m stressed because you never know what provider will actually be at the birth………. Every time I go to an appointment I have to meet someone new… and then I never who is going to actually be there…. So… how do you flex and flow when you have no idea where the boundary is… it’s totally unreasonable. I can’t ever feel safe when I have absolutely no idea who is going to have the knife in hand when it’s my turn…..

[@crystalcastillo9273]

This happened to me, so hard to pin down just 1 provider during the pregnancy and ended up with 2 different on call doctors anyway. It was not a great experience at all from beginning to end. I would switch offices completely if you can , wish I would have done that sooner for sure

[@valkyrie8169]

Love your videos so much you’ve helped me come up with so many questions to ask my OBGYN during this pregnancy (my first)! Wonder what are all the things that can cause the cone shape of the babies head? I always heard about it being caused by the vacuum thing but is there other things?

[@kylezimmerman685]

What I's labor for a mom

[@rainyday333]

While most L&D docs and nurses are really awesome, I would love a video on dealing with those that are not-especially when it comes to hospitals in the times of covid. I've had some really difficult ones that totally ignore paitent rights, like covid cancels them all out. I'm on pregnancy #3 and finally switched to a midwife in a different town at 7 months because my OB would walk in the room, ask if I got my vaccine yet, I'd say no because I want to see more studies first. He'd tell me I was going to kill my baby by not getting it and then slam the door and walk out. I understand that a bunch of things are intended to keep people safe, but there's a line that's been crossed and some are really aggressive to the point it feels like you have 0 rights at all, even with non covid things. So I guess what I'm asking is how do you stand up to the nurses and doctors that just don't care about your rights, without loosing your shit since your hormonal and in labor 🤣? I'm due any day so I'm trying to reign I'm the hormones.

[@ShadesofSage]

Aww momma! That’s horrible! Shame on that doctor. Hope you have a great birth experience and congratulations 🥳🙏🏿!

[@champaben]

Oh my!! I am proud of you standing up and staying firm! I am 8 months preggers, and told my OBG I am NOT taking the "V".He did not force but did mention 3 more visits and then stopped..very respectful..I say just keep saying NO politely..if you want to keep this OBG..else change OBGs! Its your right! I am a healthcare proff myself and am aware of the nonsense "V" Qs to patients.I know many women who refused due to pregnancy !

[@juliesemeraro663]

Oh mama that’s awful 🤗🤗 You made there right choice. Honestly, go over their head like you would with anyone in a “customer service” position. If a nurse is making you uncomfortable during your labor, ask for the charge nurse and express your discomfort and ask for someone else. If it’s a doctor, ask the charge nurse to page their superior. And totally check out Sarah’s patient rights video!

[@emiliaalvarado16]

I had my 4th baby august 29 2020 .I went to hospital and i was not allowed to take off mask while there at all not even during pushing 😫.It was horrible .I ended up getting epidural was so numb dead weight on both legs and one nurse gave me a peanut ball and fixed it .It kept moving and so another nurse comes and says fix that peanut ball its not doing anything like that .i could not move whatsoever and she was very rude .She eventually moved it in such a bad mood .Im due in november 29 with 5th and hoping it will be better

[@rainyday333]

@@emiliaalvarado16 I'm sorry to hear that ❤. Hope this go around is more enjoyable. Mine turned out interesting and somewhat similar to yours, except I totally feel like I was taken advantage of. The hospital policy was once you were in the room, no mask, and no testing if you went into labor spontaneously-which I did. The first nurse I had was a total b****. She spent 20 minutes lecturing me on my personal health choices (while I'm in active labor) and refused to let me take my mask off unless I consented to her tickling my brain with a q tip. She told me when she got the results she would let me know if I could take my mask off. Now in hindsight, I would have told her to sit on her thumb and rotate because I was in labor, my husband wasn't held to the same standards, and it wasn't hospital policy. However, at the time I was I'm significant pain and basically hyperventilating with each contraction because I couldn't breath through the mask. Long story short, I never saw her again, never receive any word about my test results, and it wasn't until midwife came in and asked why the heck I was wearing a mask, that I was able to take it off (and that was for my 3 pushes). So I spent that whole 4 hours needlessly laboring and suffering in a mask because of one b****y nurse. I should have said no. Not like they could kick me out, but I wasn't in my usual state of mind. The even crazier part is that the hospital (which provides free covid testing) also charged me $300 for the test I wa forced to take against my will. Prayers to you that you have a easy, safe, quick delivery, and a much more enjoyable experience. We'll, I mean as enjoyable as possible. It is labor after all 😆