Re: [ozmidwifery] Afterbirth pains

[Lois Wattis]

An addit to my previous comments - forgot to talk about the kids.  Most children are attracted to the tub, and often ask if they can get in before the birth.  However when they see anything 'icky' floating in the tub they're usually put off.  It is common for the Dad to be in the tub helping the mother during the labour and birth (maybe even catching the baby with the mother).  The children will probably be wide-eyed in awe of the arrival of their sister or brother.  My advice would be to just let them follow their own instincts regarding their level of involvement and contact... they will know what's right for them.  Just allow them plenty of time for their own personal adjustment.  Have a look at my website photo gallery www.birthjourney.com to view some wonderful moments of whole families participating in the birth of their siblings.  You could also show the children, so they see that it's "normal and OK" because they've seen other kids experiencing birth first hand.  I suppose you have shown them some of the lovely children's books, like "Hello Baby" and "There's a house inside my Mummy"...  there are others too -- they are great.  Good luck.  Lois                ----- Original Message ----- From: Marty & Tina To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, February 22, 2003 6:57 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Afterbirth pains Dear All,   I am hoping you may be able to help.  I am expecting my fourth baby in approx. 2 weeks & need some advise.  I usually experience killer afterbirth pains that often seem worse than the labour.  For this birth I am attending the Birth Centre here in Brisbane & am planning to birth in the water & birth my placenta physiologically.  I have not had a physiological third stage in the past (nor a water birth) & I was hoping that this will make a difference to the afterbirth pains.  The acupuncturist I have been visiting has also suggested Chinese herbs (usually used in labour) to assist with this pain also... have any of you used Chinese herbs for something like this & if so, are they safe for breastfeeding?   Also, my husband & I are planning on having our 3 other children at our birth & I was thinking that if all goes to plan that they may like to touch the baby as he/she crowns & is born.  Do any of you experienced with siblings being present find that siblings want to be this involved?  I want my children to find this experience as wonderful & totally natural as I do.  I cannot put into words the way I feel about birth (as a woman, mother & midwife)... but would somehow like to share these overwhelming feelings with my children.  Do many of the children want to get into the birth pool / tub during the labour &/or birth?  I know all children are individual (my three certainly are)... but would not like to limit them & the way they would like to participate just because I have no idea about the normal reactions of children  I have never met anybody who has had their other children present at their births & I have never cared for any woman in that situation  (in fact almost everyone I tell of our plans look at me as though I've stepped from another planet).   Any suggestions welcome.... (I hope my questions make sense.... brains getting a bit foggy in the lead up to birth).   Tina H.