Ok PREGGO's Monday check in

[boxer13]

Hi Khristina,

I do not mind answering any of your questions. CF only really effects my lungs, I do not have any pancreatic insuffiency. I do not have a problem with gaining weight and I have never been put on enzymes or anything like that. However it does effect my lungs. The first time I was hospitalized was in December 2005 and it took me a long time to feel good after that. Before I got sick my FEV1 about 65%, while I was in the hospital it went down to 28% and I was able to get it back about 48%... but I felt good.

Anyway because I felt good I decided to try and get pregnant. (By the way my CF dr. was not for it but said she would support me if I did get pregnant.) Once I did get pregnant my CF doctor dropped me- I got an official letter from her in my third month saying she would no longer look after me- so I do not have a CF doctor at the moment and due to lawsuits in this area no pulmonolgist will take me on while I am pregnant. The only people I can rely on are my high risk dr., my OB, and my PCP. They have all been great.


I do feel really good- I have continued to exercise by walking everyday. I have been sick twice and put on antibiotics while I have been pregnant but recovered pretty quickly. Unfortunately I have no idea what my FEV1 is - probably in mid 40's. I will see a new docotr as soon as I have the baby. I have had a pretty normal pregnancy so far. My OB expects me to make it full term and is looking to induce me around 38 weeks because the baby is a little bit big.

My advice is to make sure you have a good CF doctor. Make sure that they support your decision. I would also suggest a good diet, and a lot of exercise. Just be truthful with yourself on how you feel and do what is best for you. I hope I answered your questions. Please feel free to ask me anything. Good Luck!!

 

[Scarlett81]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>LouLou</b></i>


How do you all feel about having a hep/saline lock

Also, did any of you mom's get the stocking fetal monitor instead of the synch belt? I am going to try to opt for the stocking...sounds a lot more comfortable.

"</end quote></div>

I know some women adamently don't want iv fluids-this may sound dumb but I couldnlt care less. I think it will help me stay hydrated and I know I get dehydrated easily.

I am not familiar with the stocking monitor-can you explain further about it? I know with my sil's births that belt was a pain in the you know what. It just wouldn't stay on and the docs wouldn't let her get up and walk till they had enough feed on the machine continuously to be sure the baby was fine, but the thing kept moving and falling off so we couldn't get enough continuous feed.

 

[Scarlett81]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>LouLou</b></i>


How do you all feel about having a hep/saline lock

Also, did any of you mom's get the stocking fetal monitor instead of the synch belt? I am going to try to opt for the stocking...sounds a lot more comfortable.

"</end quote></div>

I know some women adamently don't want iv fluids-this may sound dumb but I couldnlt care less. I think it will help me stay hydrated and I know I get dehydrated easily.

I am not familiar with the stocking monitor-can you explain further about it? I know with my sil's births that belt was a pain in the you know what. It just wouldn't stay on and the docs wouldn't let her get up and walk till they had enough feed on the machine continuously to be sure the baby was fine, but the thing kept moving and falling off so we couldn't get enough continuous feed.

 

[Scarlett81]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>LouLou</b></i>


How do you all feel about having a hep/saline lock

Also, did any of you mom's get the stocking fetal monitor instead of the synch belt? I am going to try to opt for the stocking...sounds a lot more comfortable.

"</end quote></div>

I know some women adamently don't want iv fluids-this may sound dumb but I couldnlt care less. I think it will help me stay hydrated and I know I get dehydrated easily.

I am not familiar with the stocking monitor-can you explain further about it? I know with my sil's births that belt was a pain in the you know what. It just wouldn't stay on and the docs wouldn't let her get up and walk till they had enough feed on the machine continuously to be sure the baby was fine, but the thing kept moving and falling off so we couldn't get enough continuous feed.

 

[wanderlost]

Lou Lou

When I had my son I had a heplock but didn't allow fluids until I got my epidural. I did not have constant fetal monitoring until that time either - in fact, if I recall I was monitored when I came in and then not again until the epi probably....oh, 4 hours later. If you're veins are bed it isn't a bad idea though.

With my daughter I had nada no IV, no monitor, no internal checks (well, no, I had one when I got there because the nurse told me I would need to know when to push...uh, yeah. you'll know when it's time!)- because, as I think I've said before, I stayed home ALAP and had her 13 minutes after getting to the hospital.

Did they say why continuous fetal monitoring??

I am glad all ypou mommas are doing well.

 

[wanderlost]

Lou Lou

When I had my son I had a heplock but didn't allow fluids until I got my epidural. I did not have constant fetal monitoring until that time either - in fact, if I recall I was monitored when I came in and then not again until the epi probably....oh, 4 hours later. If you're veins are bed it isn't a bad idea though.

With my daughter I had nada no IV, no monitor, no internal checks (well, no, I had one when I got there because the nurse told me I would need to know when to push...uh, yeah. you'll know when it's time!)- because, as I think I've said before, I stayed home ALAP and had her 13 minutes after getting to the hospital.

Did they say why continuous fetal monitoring??

I am glad all ypou mommas are doing well.

 

[wanderlost]

Lou Lou

When I had my son I had a heplock but didn't allow fluids until I got my epidural. I did not have constant fetal monitoring until that time either - in fact, if I recall I was monitored when I came in and then not again until the epi probably....oh, 4 hours later. If you're veins are bed it isn't a bad idea though.

With my daughter I had nada no IV, no monitor, no internal checks (well, no, I had one when I got there because the nurse told me I would need to know when to push...uh, yeah. you'll know when it's time!)- because, as I think I've said before, I stayed home ALAP and had her 13 minutes after getting to the hospital.

Did they say why continuous fetal monitoring??

I am glad all ypou mommas are doing well.

 

[blindhearted]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>boxer13</b></i>

Anyway because I felt good I decided to try and get pregnant. (By the way my CF dr. was not for it but said she would support me if I did get pregnant.) Once I did get pregnant my CF doctor dropped me- I got an official letter from her in my third month saying she would no longer look after me- so I do not have a CF doctor at the moment and due to lawsuits in this area no pulmonolgist will take me on while I am pregnant. The only people I can rely on are my high risk dr., my OB, and my PCP. They have all been great.
</end quote></div>

Is that legal for your doctor to do that?!? That is terrible. I'm sorry that happened to you. Can your PCP or OB request/schedule a PFT since you are high risk? I'm guessing that is something that is important to know.

btw, I'm glad to hear all Mommies-2-B are doing well <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blindhearted]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>boxer13</b></i>

Anyway because I felt good I decided to try and get pregnant. (By the way my CF dr. was not for it but said she would support me if I did get pregnant.) Once I did get pregnant my CF doctor dropped me- I got an official letter from her in my third month saying she would no longer look after me- so I do not have a CF doctor at the moment and due to lawsuits in this area no pulmonolgist will take me on while I am pregnant. The only people I can rely on are my high risk dr., my OB, and my PCP. They have all been great.
</end quote></div>

Is that legal for your doctor to do that?!? That is terrible. I'm sorry that happened to you. Can your PCP or OB request/schedule a PFT since you are high risk? I'm guessing that is something that is important to know.

btw, I'm glad to hear all Mommies-2-B are doing well <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[blindhearted]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>boxer13</b></i>

Anyway because I felt good I decided to try and get pregnant. (By the way my CF dr. was not for it but said she would support me if I did get pregnant.) Once I did get pregnant my CF doctor dropped me- I got an official letter from her in my third month saying she would no longer look after me- so I do not have a CF doctor at the moment and due to lawsuits in this area no pulmonolgist will take me on while I am pregnant. The only people I can rely on are my high risk dr., my OB, and my PCP. They have all been great.
</end quote></div>

Is that legal for your doctor to do that?!? That is terrible. I'm sorry that happened to you. Can your PCP or OB request/schedule a PFT since you are high risk? I'm guessing that is something that is important to know.

btw, I'm glad to hear all Mommies-2-B are doing well <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[LouLou]

I'll have to ask why constant fetal monitoring. I don't recall a good answer other than that it was standard practice for high risk pregnancies. If things continue to go as well as they have and my lung function doesn't decrease much, I will opt to not have high risk tracking with any add'l pregnancies. Also, I want to ask because I want to occasionally be off the monitor if I wish for such occasions as taking a shower (although I know I will likely not be allowed to if my water has broken). A part of me half expects to have a birth like your daughters Shannon....last minute. I'm going to stay home as long as possible. What are they going to do put a catheter in for peeing or is the toilet within reach of the monitor?? Ugh!

Did you all know that when they do internal monitoring of the baby they actually screw a probe into the baby's head ... WTF?? I'm going to try to opt out of that. Okay I won't get started. I've been very anti hospital this week which isn't going to help anything.

The stocking is literally like a big sock that goes from under your breasts to below your belly and the monitors are tucked under the stocking. My doula doesn't think my hospital has them but she suggested I ask in advance to put in a request in case they do have one. She described the belt option very similarly to the experience your SIL had Christian. She feels it will be unpleasant for me to have it on constantly. Also, with the alternate positions I plan for labor they darn thing might not stay on and I don't want them to lock me down on the bed just so they can get a good reading. I hope they have the sock or I might look into what one costs. The more I think about it, the more I think this will be a point of anxiety for me.

 

[LouLou]

I'll have to ask why constant fetal monitoring. I don't recall a good answer other than that it was standard practice for high risk pregnancies. If things continue to go as well as they have and my lung function doesn't decrease much, I will opt to not have high risk tracking with any add'l pregnancies. Also, I want to ask because I want to occasionally be off the monitor if I wish for such occasions as taking a shower (although I know I will likely not be allowed to if my water has broken). A part of me half expects to have a birth like your daughters Shannon....last minute. I'm going to stay home as long as possible. What are they going to do put a catheter in for peeing or is the toilet within reach of the monitor?? Ugh!

Did you all know that when they do internal monitoring of the baby they actually screw a probe into the baby's head ... WTF?? I'm going to try to opt out of that. Okay I won't get started. I've been very anti hospital this week which isn't going to help anything.

The stocking is literally like a big sock that goes from under your breasts to below your belly and the monitors are tucked under the stocking. My doula doesn't think my hospital has them but she suggested I ask in advance to put in a request in case they do have one. She described the belt option very similarly to the experience your SIL had Christian. She feels it will be unpleasant for me to have it on constantly. Also, with the alternate positions I plan for labor they darn thing might not stay on and I don't want them to lock me down on the bed just so they can get a good reading. I hope they have the sock or I might look into what one costs. The more I think about it, the more I think this will be a point of anxiety for me.

 

[LouLou]

I'll have to ask why constant fetal monitoring. I don't recall a good answer other than that it was standard practice for high risk pregnancies. If things continue to go as well as they have and my lung function doesn't decrease much, I will opt to not have high risk tracking with any add'l pregnancies. Also, I want to ask because I want to occasionally be off the monitor if I wish for such occasions as taking a shower (although I know I will likely not be allowed to if my water has broken). A part of me half expects to have a birth like your daughters Shannon....last minute. I'm going to stay home as long as possible. What are they going to do put a catheter in for peeing or is the toilet within reach of the monitor?? Ugh!

Did you all know that when they do internal monitoring of the baby they actually screw a probe into the baby's head ... WTF?? I'm going to try to opt out of that. Okay I won't get started. I've been very anti hospital this week which isn't going to help anything.

The stocking is literally like a big sock that goes from under your breasts to below your belly and the monitors are tucked under the stocking. My doula doesn't think my hospital has them but she suggested I ask in advance to put in a request in case they do have one. She described the belt option very similarly to the experience your SIL had Christian. She feels it will be unpleasant for me to have it on constantly. Also, with the alternate positions I plan for labor they darn thing might not stay on and I don't want them to lock me down on the bed just so they can get a good reading. I hope they have the sock or I might look into what one costs. The more I think about it, the more I think this will be a point of anxiety for me.

 

[julie]

I see you all are talking about constant fetal monitoring, I'm a pro on this one <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Any questions???? LOL!!


Lauren, yes the "non stocking" type monitors are a bit uncomfortable, but depending on how big you get, your stomach may or may not get numb. but whatever you use, it's going to be a bit itchy because you WILL sweat under there. IF you aren't on bedrest for contractions or other labor concerns, then there isn't a reason to put in a catheter. Actually having you cathed. is more of a risk because of the potential for infection. You should only be cathed. if they are ordering you to strict bedrest.

You can also use an ace bandage instead of buying a sock type thing. I haven't read through your other post yet (I keep trying but then get interrupted, welcome to mommy world <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">) but can your doctor hook you up to fetal monitoring device at your next check up so you can see what it's all about? IT's really not as hard and complicated as they make it sound (at least for me).

I'm going to go read your post now, LOL.

 

[julie]

I see you all are talking about constant fetal monitoring, I'm a pro on this one <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Any questions???? LOL!!


Lauren, yes the "non stocking" type monitors are a bit uncomfortable, but depending on how big you get, your stomach may or may not get numb. but whatever you use, it's going to be a bit itchy because you WILL sweat under there. IF you aren't on bedrest for contractions or other labor concerns, then there isn't a reason to put in a catheter. Actually having you cathed. is more of a risk because of the potential for infection. You should only be cathed. if they are ordering you to strict bedrest.

You can also use an ace bandage instead of buying a sock type thing. I haven't read through your other post yet (I keep trying but then get interrupted, welcome to mommy world <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">) but can your doctor hook you up to fetal monitoring device at your next check up so you can see what it's all about? IT's really not as hard and complicated as they make it sound (at least for me).

I'm going to go read your post now, LOL.

 

[julie]

I see you all are talking about constant fetal monitoring, I'm a pro on this one <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Any questions???? LOL!!


Lauren, yes the "non stocking" type monitors are a bit uncomfortable, but depending on how big you get, your stomach may or may not get numb. but whatever you use, it's going to be a bit itchy because you WILL sweat under there. IF you aren't on bedrest for contractions or other labor concerns, then there isn't a reason to put in a catheter. Actually having you cathed. is more of a risk because of the potential for infection. You should only be cathed. if they are ordering you to strict bedrest.

You can also use an ace bandage instead of buying a sock type thing. I haven't read through your other post yet (I keep trying but then get interrupted, welcome to mommy world <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">) but can your doctor hook you up to fetal monitoring device at your next check up so you can see what it's all about? IT's really not as hard and complicated as they make it sound (at least for me).

I'm going to go read your post now, LOL.

 

[Wendy]

I am 29 weeks as of yesterday (Monday) and I'm feeling pretty good. My pft's are the same as pre-preg, holding steady at 62% and I 've gained 13 pounds (not including the 5 that I lost and gained back in Oct/Nov with a cold). I'm due June 11, but I'm preparing to go two weeks early since that's when I went into labor with my son. So, if history repeats itself, it will be Memorial Day or the day after - what a drag! Oh well.

Christian,
I'm glad you are feeling better - this is the time you want to be happy, not miserable! I know how you feel about trying to get the 3000 calories in a day. I almost always feel full. I haven't felt short of breath like I did with my first pregnancy, but I feel like I've run out of room in my stomach much sooner! That's about the only discomfort I've felt. Oh.. and the lower back ache. I had this with my son in my last couple of weeks, and have had it this time for a couple of months already.

I have kept my excercise schedule, as sparse as it was to begin with. I only make it to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays when my son is at preschool. I walk from 1.5 to 1.75 miles (about 35 minutes) and then do some arm weights.

As far as my birth plan goes, I don't have too many stipulations or things that I feel too strongly about. Maybe I'm more relaxed about it because this is my second time around. *** shrug*** I plan on a vaginal delivery. I also plan on having an epidural in place because I want to avoid having anaesthesia or being put out in the event that I need an emergency c-section. I will request as small a dosage of the meds as possible so I can maintain enough feeling to push effectively and so as not to slow down the labor. I think my epidural before slowed my active labor.

Lauren,
As to your question about the IV hep/saline lock, my hospital will not give an epidural until a complete bag of fluids have been administered by IV. So.. I don't really have a choice, but regardless of their policy, I feel the same way as Christian. I really don't care either way.

I was also monitored with the fetal monitor after getting my epidural with my son, which was actually prettly soon after I arrived at the hospital. Since I was already dialated to 7cm upon arrival, there was a rush to get the IV, fluids, and then epi all before I hit 8cm since that is the cut-off for an epidural at my hospital. So, at that point, we were almost in the home stretch and they wanted to monitor the baby after that. Like I said before though, my labor did slow down after the epi and we waited another couple of hours before I was ready to push. I'm guessing this labor will proceed fairly quickly, too, so I anticipate that most of the laboring will be done at home. And, having said that, I know that I'm not really the one in charge, my little girl will be the one calling the shots! I'm just along for the ride. Haha!

Julie,
I'll probably post another belly pic next week, since I've been doing my "monthly photo shoots" at the first of each month. Thanks again for keeping up with our progress and thinking about us mommas. It's fun to share the journey with others! I also love seeing the pics of your precious babies. They are such "punkins" , as we say in these parts (yes, Texas)!

 

[Wendy]

I am 29 weeks as of yesterday (Monday) and I'm feeling pretty good. My pft's are the same as pre-preg, holding steady at 62% and I 've gained 13 pounds (not including the 5 that I lost and gained back in Oct/Nov with a cold). I'm due June 11, but I'm preparing to go two weeks early since that's when I went into labor with my son. So, if history repeats itself, it will be Memorial Day or the day after - what a drag! Oh well.

Christian,
I'm glad you are feeling better - this is the time you want to be happy, not miserable! I know how you feel about trying to get the 3000 calories in a day. I almost always feel full. I haven't felt short of breath like I did with my first pregnancy, but I feel like I've run out of room in my stomach much sooner! That's about the only discomfort I've felt. Oh.. and the lower back ache. I had this with my son in my last couple of weeks, and have had it this time for a couple of months already.

I have kept my excercise schedule, as sparse as it was to begin with. I only make it to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays when my son is at preschool. I walk from 1.5 to 1.75 miles (about 35 minutes) and then do some arm weights.

As far as my birth plan goes, I don't have too many stipulations or things that I feel too strongly about. Maybe I'm more relaxed about it because this is my second time around. *** shrug*** I plan on a vaginal delivery. I also plan on having an epidural in place because I want to avoid having anaesthesia or being put out in the event that I need an emergency c-section. I will request as small a dosage of the meds as possible so I can maintain enough feeling to push effectively and so as not to slow down the labor. I think my epidural before slowed my active labor.

Lauren,
As to your question about the IV hep/saline lock, my hospital will not give an epidural until a complete bag of fluids have been administered by IV. So.. I don't really have a choice, but regardless of their policy, I feel the same way as Christian. I really don't care either way.

I was also monitored with the fetal monitor after getting my epidural with my son, which was actually prettly soon after I arrived at the hospital. Since I was already dialated to 7cm upon arrival, there was a rush to get the IV, fluids, and then epi all before I hit 8cm since that is the cut-off for an epidural at my hospital. So, at that point, we were almost in the home stretch and they wanted to monitor the baby after that. Like I said before though, my labor did slow down after the epi and we waited another couple of hours before I was ready to push. I'm guessing this labor will proceed fairly quickly, too, so I anticipate that most of the laboring will be done at home. And, having said that, I know that I'm not really the one in charge, my little girl will be the one calling the shots! I'm just along for the ride. Haha!

Julie,
I'll probably post another belly pic next week, since I've been doing my "monthly photo shoots" at the first of each month. Thanks again for keeping up with our progress and thinking about us mommas. It's fun to share the journey with others! I also love seeing the pics of your precious babies. They are such "punkins" , as we say in these parts (yes, Texas)!

 

[Wendy]

I am 29 weeks as of yesterday (Monday) and I'm feeling pretty good. My pft's are the same as pre-preg, holding steady at 62% and I 've gained 13 pounds (not including the 5 that I lost and gained back in Oct/Nov with a cold). I'm due June 11, but I'm preparing to go two weeks early since that's when I went into labor with my son. So, if history repeats itself, it will be Memorial Day or the day after - what a drag! Oh well.

Christian,
I'm glad you are feeling better - this is the time you want to be happy, not miserable! I know how you feel about trying to get the 3000 calories in a day. I almost always feel full. I haven't felt short of breath like I did with my first pregnancy, but I feel like I've run out of room in my stomach much sooner! That's about the only discomfort I've felt. Oh.. and the lower back ache. I had this with my son in my last couple of weeks, and have had it this time for a couple of months already.

I have kept my excercise schedule, as sparse as it was to begin with. I only make it to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays when my son is at preschool. I walk from 1.5 to 1.75 miles (about 35 minutes) and then do some arm weights.

As far as my birth plan goes, I don't have too many stipulations or things that I feel too strongly about. Maybe I'm more relaxed about it because this is my second time around. *** shrug*** I plan on a vaginal delivery. I also plan on having an epidural in place because I want to avoid having anaesthesia or being put out in the event that I need an emergency c-section. I will request as small a dosage of the meds as possible so I can maintain enough feeling to push effectively and so as not to slow down the labor. I think my epidural before slowed my active labor.

Lauren,
As to your question about the IV hep/saline lock, my hospital will not give an epidural until a complete bag of fluids have been administered by IV. So.. I don't really have a choice, but regardless of their policy, I feel the same way as Christian. I really don't care either way.

I was also monitored with the fetal monitor after getting my epidural with my son, which was actually prettly soon after I arrived at the hospital. Since I was already dialated to 7cm upon arrival, there was a rush to get the IV, fluids, and then epi all before I hit 8cm since that is the cut-off for an epidural at my hospital. So, at that point, we were almost in the home stretch and they wanted to monitor the baby after that. Like I said before though, my labor did slow down after the epi and we waited another couple of hours before I was ready to push. I'm guessing this labor will proceed fairly quickly, too, so I anticipate that most of the laboring will be done at home. And, having said that, I know that I'm not really the one in charge, my little girl will be the one calling the shots! I'm just along for the ride. Haha!

Julie,
I'll probably post another belly pic next week, since I've been doing my "monthly photo shoots" at the first of each month. Thanks again for keeping up with our progress and thinking about us mommas. It's fun to share the journey with others! I also love seeing the pics of your precious babies. They are such "punkins" , as we say in these parts (yes, Texas)!

 

[wanderlost]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>LouLou</b></i>

I'll have to ask why constant fetal monitoring. I don't recall a good answer other than that it was standard practice for high risk pregnancies. If things continue to go as well as they have and my lung function doesn't decrease much, I will opt to not have high risk tracking with any add'l pregnancies. Also, I want to ask because I want to occasionally be off the monitor if I wish for such occasions as taking a shower (although I know I will likely not be allowed to if my water has broken). A part of me half expects to have a birth like your daughters Shannon....last minute. I'm going to stay home as long as possible. What are they going to do put a catheter in for peeing or is the toilet within reach of the monitor?? Ugh!



Did you all know that when they do internal monitoring of the baby they actually screw a probe into the baby's head ... WTF?? I'm going to try to opt out of that. Okay I won't get started. I've been very anti hospital this week which isn't going to help anything.



The stocking is literally like a big sock that goes from under your breasts to below your belly and the monitors are tucked under the stocking. My doula doesn't think my hospital has them but she suggested I ask in advance to put in a request in case they do have one. She described the belt option very similarly to the experience your SIL had Christian. She feels it will be unpleasant for me to have it on constantly. Also, with the alternate positions I plan for labor they darn thing might not stay on and I don't want them to lock me down on the bed just so they can get a good reading. I hope they have the sock or I might look into what one costs. The more I think about it, the more I think this will be a point of anxiety for me.</end quote></div>

Well you know me by now to know it seems I am always anti-hospital/doctor protocol - I like to dot hings my own way, which, so far, for me, has worked.

I would say you won't need constant fetal montioring - I mean, why would you? You're baby isn't at risk here, you (supposedly) are (which we know, you aren't).

I think you hiring a doula is the smartest thing. Will she come to your house when labor begins? It would be good to have someone well versed in birth to be there to help you gauge when you need to go.

Are you reading the Bradley book? I know we definitely used the emotional sign posts as a gauge - once you can no longer speak through contractions, you might need to go. I know in the book they tell of a couple who labored at home for like 5 hours, it was getting serious, the husband decides they need to go, so he bundles up the wife and as they are about to walk out the door and she laughs about something and he realizes if she can still laugh, it isn't time to go, so they stay home a few hours more and then go.

Birth is NOT an emergency! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> (well, I mean, it can be....but you know what I'm sayin')