QUESTION FOR MOMMIES!

[Osmara13]

 Yesterday in the class the doula had us hold a full hand of ice chips closed fisted for a minute. She compared this to a contraction- how right is she?

[amyrouse]

Yesterday in the class the doula had us hold a full hand of ice chips closed fisted for a minute. She compared this to a contraction- how right is she?

Depends on where in labor you are.  Everyone tries to compare contractions to something else...but there is really no comparison.  Its just one of those things...when you have them, you know.  Braxton Hicks contractions felt like poop cramps to me.  Pre-labor contractions felt like that as well.  Later on it was like getting hit with a poop pain but being nowhere near a bathroom.  But, even with my telling you this, you'll still question it, and will most likely question it when having Braxton Hicks whether you are really in labor or not.  I had a friend call me and ask what it felt like when her water broke, and it turned out she had just peed her pants.  Believe me when I say this, though: you will know.  I suggest waiting at home as long as possible, taking a shower, taking a walk (but don't go to the mall...my SIL did this and it backfired) because many women are turned away if it is too early in labor.  In retrospect...you will know.

[starjonez]

Skip the classes but had her natural

[jneff0603]

I didn't go through any classes either...you just know it's GOING TO HURT lol.....everyone handles pain differently and we all have a different threshold. My sis in law had her son the week (too the day!) before me and had no drugs whatsoever--v hard to sit there and watch her while I knew I'd be going through it soon too lol...I was very lucky though...my daughter came after just 4 hours of labor. There's no shame in giving in to the epidural...birth should be an enjoyable experience that you can get through with a clear head.

[hansendc]

Everyone's labor is different.  When I had our first child, my contractions were not bad at all. One  I had my second child, let me tell you they hurt.  Good Luck.  Just listen to your body and don't be afraid

[gurgelj]

I don't think you can really compare contractions to any pain. Is the most horrible yet rewarding pain ever.

[shernajwine]

that doesn't sound comparable to contraction pain. yes it hurts to hold ice in your fist but i never heard anyone screaming for death because of that. with my second i didn't get an epidural until 8 cm and up to that point i was getting pitocen so i was contracting pretty hard with no drugs! it was the worst and best pain of my life.

[momathome8]

Yesterday in the class the doula had us hold a full hand of ice chips closed fisted for a minute. She compared this to a contraction- how right is she?

In my opinion this is way off.  A contraction feels more like someone squeezing your had as hard as they can for seperate intervals.  some short and some for longer periods.  In between some sqeezes you get rest and as it gets closer to the end you get 15-20 seconds in between and then with thelast push you are home free.  After you see your beautiful baby, you forget all about the pain because you are so overwhelmed with joy.

[Annella]

I had a great doctor who plied me with drugs.  They had to wake me up to give me the Coddle (like a spinal).  I hear stories how women were in screaming labor for hours or days.  I feel kind of guilty in that my labor had a dreamlike quality to it.  I was fully awake though when they put my son on my stomach....wondrous!

Carried my second child 5.5 months and miscarried.  That labor was sharp and painful.......horrible!  That pregnancy felt wrong from the very beginning.  God took my child home.

[workmama]

Yesterday in the class the doula had us hold a full hand of ice chips closed fisted for a minute. She compared this to a contraction- how right is she?

That sounds quite odd compared to the unbearable pain I felt with my son 21 months ago!  I remember when I was in labor, I was recommended to eat ice chips because my mouth was so dry. I didn't get any pain medication. Turned out at the end of my pregnacy I had Pre-eclampsia, so the doctor had to induce me right away. My water broke about 5 hours later and I gave birth (the natural way) to my son right at Midnight! I was like half asleep eventhough I was in so much pain, but he came out pretty quick and to this day, I am so thankful for that.  You will know  most certainly when you are in full labor. Those contractions don't go away no matter what you do!      God Bless and I hope you have a healthly baby!   

[smarie84]

i skipped the classes there really is no preparing for labor, it comes if you're ready or not you have no clue what hand you've been dealt! i wanted so badly to do it with no drugs, but the pain became so unbearable i couldn't do anything but tell myself to keep breathing and my water hadn't broken yet so i knew i still had quite a while to go yet. the epidural was like walking through heavens pearly gates! my dr told me i was the happiest pregnant woman she ever met after it kicked in and the nurse had to tell me when i was having a contraction so that i could push. 23 hours later my daughter finally was out. but i have heard women who don't even realize they are in labor until this water starts running down their leg and they barely get to the hospital before the baby pops out.