My Ideas on How to Save on Baby Stuff (Part 2)

Hi! So I forgot to update my list after giving birth because life has become busy.

But because I have friends who are pregnant, I decided to update my list haha

My baby is now a healthy 1 year and 8 months old, so I may have other tips to add.

Anyway, I will revert back to my previous post last year.

A. Feeding

Yes! I am so happy to say that I breastfeed my baby til 1 years old. I still had a lot of milk when she turned one, but it was my choice to stop. Why? Because (1) I heard stories of hard-to-wean babies especially when they have memories already, (2) I want to try to get a loooong night's sleep, instead of being interrupted every 3-4 hours to feed, (3) milk content at this time is watery and not fatty anymore, and (4) I'm a bit tired of pumping and washing while at work.

So, what are the techniques? How was I able to sustain it? I thought I wrote a different post here.

Anyway, what were the things that we find most useful:

1. Nursing bra - I had 5, ordered from Shoppee because it's so much cheaper there haha and they're comfortable to sleep.
2. Silicon pump - BEST BUY! This was so useful, that I had 3 from Shopee (99 pesos versus the original Haakaa 1200)
3. Nipple cream - OMG, I wouldn't survive without this! I was able to consume 3 tubs. I tried Purelan by Medela (I bought 2), and also finished the nipple balm I brought from Shopee.
4. Nursing cover/dress/shirt - I didn't buy a nursing cover because I had sarongs and well, I kind of liked the nursing dresses haha only priced less than 400 pesos from Shopee, so in the end, I had like 5 dresses and several nursing shirts.
5. Nursing pillow - most important during the first 3 months when the baby has no head control yet; but since it's very useful during the first 3 months only, it's advisable to borrow if you can
6. Nursing supplements - I ate oatmeal, malunggay capsules, lactation cookies, fenugreek capsules

When I started going back to work, these things became more useful (breastfeeding and pumping):

1. Wisemom Portable Pump - BEST BUY! Bought this at Baby Mama Centris for less than 3,500 only (I was able to borrow a Medela, but I preferred this so it will depend on your preference). But I advise you to buy this on 3rd to 4th month of breastfeeding, when your milk is already a lot and sustainable. Some buy before giving birth only to find out that they don't have enough breast milk. 


• My sister bought the Freemie (it was released when I was in my later stages of breastfeeding already so it was already too late for me), but she raves how useful it is, hands-free, and discreet underneath her clothes while she's working. Problem is when she wants to order spare parts (so less washing), it has to come from the US because it's very expensive here.
2. Breastmilk bags - bought from Shopee because it's really cheaper there as compared to baby stores and department stores
3. Portable UV Sterilizer - BEST BUY! this costs 1200-1500 by UVCare and Wisemom. Very useful so I use this to sterilize my pump stuff at work, and can also be used to sterilize baby's stuff including toys, our phones, etc
4. Bottle - we bought Avent Naturale and Tommy Tippee from US due to sale in Amazon (10 USD for 4 pcs already if I remember correctly)

Looking back, with a lot of money saved from breastfeeding and cloth diapers, we should have invested in Ecomom UV Sterilizer (or something like it; there are cheaper versions like the one listed below). It's a sterilizer, bottle rack, and storage rack. It can also sterilize toys, and our phones in there.

At age 1, we started to wean. We became successful after 1 or 2 months haha So these stuff became more useful:

1. Milk - we got Nido 1+ based on my judgment when I compared nutrition facts of different milk (DHA and good gut bacteria). We also tried to wean from drinking milk every 3 hrs to drinking milk when ever she needs to take a nap (So usually 3-4 bottles a day), so she would eat more solid food.
2. Milk storage container - we actually got this as a gift but was able to use it for short day trips

For feeding solid foods, we started to introduce Maple at 7 months. We attended a baby buffet class where we were able to learn the baby-led weaning principles very early. I should start another blog about it another day. She's a very independent eater already at 1 yrs old. Anyway, started at 7 months, we used:

1. 3-in-1 high chair - BEST BUY! P 1,199 only from Shopee. This high chair is convertible and can become a table and chair for her when she grows older.
2. Suction Bowl with spoon and fork (got this very cheap from Shoppee) or Suction Placemat with divider (got this as a gift)
3. Sippy cup - she was only able to use this for a few months only
4. Waterproof bib - only use this when we're out, because Maple doesn't like it because it's hot (long-sleeves kasi)

B. Diapers

We were able to do cloth diaper since birth! Not exclusively, but we got a huge savings from using it. We only use disposable whenever we're out traveling, or at night.

Anyway, we used:

1. 2 dozens of bird's eye lampin - given as a gift; it's so easy to dry 
2. 10-15 pcs Cover-type diapers - from Shopee (my favorite shop is yuxi; go for double gusset); can also double as swim diapers; my favorite because it's very easy to dry
3. 10-15 pcs Pocket type cloth diapers - from Shopee (go for double gusset so it won't leak) 
4. 15-20 microfiber inserts - from Shopee
5. 10-15 bamboo charcoals - from Shopee

Experimented so we have 1 bamboo cotton, 1 hemp, 1 coffee diaper inserts, but we preferred the bamboo charcoal (hindi halata ang poop stain, and so absorbent because it's usually 4-5 layers).

1. Disposable wipes - because I ordered a box from Shopee when I was pregnant for P23/pack (Tender Love Unscented). We were only able to consume it after 1 yr and 6 months! We actually gave some of it away
2. Waterproof changing mat - we had 3 from Shopee. It was cotton so Maple can sleep on it comfortably
3. Disposable diapers - we only use this at night and whenever we're going out (and for emergencies if there's no cloth diapers left)

C. Sleeping/Nursery

We had several cribs and playpens given as gifts, but in the end... we settled for a Montessori-style where the bed is at the floor, so Maple wouldn't fall off the bed (which happened once), which means we didn't need cribs anymore.

1. Firm mattress on the floor
2. Waterproof protector - from Shopee
3. Halo/wearable blankets - we had this, but we didn't find it useful because Maple gets awakened all hot and sweaty (even when the aircon is really cold)
4. Rocking chair - BEST BUY! useful for me even during third trimester of pregnancy

We gave the cribs to my niece. Currently, we're using the playpens to store their toys.

D. Bathing and Health

1. Bath tub (Megabox) - BEST BUY! Aside from being a bath tub, it also serves as a storage (and hamper) whenever we're traveling. When our baby gets too big for this, we can still use it.
2. Bath net - very useful during the first 3 months (without head control), and also until when she was able to sit on her own; this is advisable to borrow since you'll only be using it for a few months
3. Towel - we were able to use the hooded towel for the first 6 months (or I guess until she will still fit).
4. Bath hat, nasal aspirator, nail cutter - we had this, but wasn't able to use it. If my daughter had a clogged nose, I would rather nebulize with saline solution haha

E. Clothing

1. Newborn clothes - very useful tie-sides tops! But... I don't know if it's just Maple, but she doesn't like the bonnet, mittens, booties, socks.
2. Onesies - sets in Shoppees are very cheap
3. Sandos - presko!
4. Shorts, pants, socks - we didn't prioritize bottoms because Maple was wearing cloth diaper. And she easily feels warm 
5. Shoes - we started Maple with socks with rubber bottoms, then eventually shifted to real shoes and sandals with rubber soles. If the sole is too smooth, she tends to slip up.
6. Wash cloth + Clip holder - I kind of lost our clip holders, but I find them so useful. Aside from the versatile bimpo that easily converts into a bib/burp cloth/towel, we can put clips on toys that she might throw and be dirty. But yes, I think it's a smart buy!

F. Travel

1. Carrier - BEST BUY! For Maple, she doesn't want to sleep in the stroller and constantly wants to be carried around, so the hip-seat carrier is very useful for me. I'm still using it until now.
2. Stroller - we had the lightweight portable stroller by Aprica given as a gift, but Maple only stays there for several minutes at a time. Longest was when we were at a mall, and she stayed for 30 minutes :| But for my niece Casey, her stroller is so useful for her. She can sleep on it, and just stay there for hours! So I guess it will also depend on your baby.
3. Car seat - we bought one from HMR at 999 pesos only! We got it in case the car seat law comes into place. And actually, Maple knows that it's her own seat in the car.
4. Diaper bag - we already ruined the backpack diaper bag, and on our way to our 3rd bag. In my opinion, it doesn't have to be a baby bag, but it needs to have a lot of pockets. (And not so girly, so my husband will carry it.)

Hmm... For now, I think those are the essentials. If I'm going to have our 2nd child soon, I will revert back to this list haha Perhaps, we'll buy the Owl or Babybee UV Sterilizer then. There's so much stuff that Maple didn't really use much.

In summary, I usually window shop in department and baby stores. Then I search online to compare prices, because it's usually cheaper to buy online for me :)

My Breastfeeding Journey

Maple is actually turning 7 months tomorrow, and I can't believe that I still have milk! But let me tell you, this breastfeeding stuff is not easy. The newborn phase was not easy. It definitely is NOT easy to take care of a baby without someone to help you.

So... it's also about mindset. "I can do it. I will breastfeed." The mindset and determination is very important, because this will help you endure all the possible problems that you will have.

I was lucky enough that starting on Day 1, I already had milk. At first, I don't know that I had. But Cardinal Santos Medical Center had a lactation consultant (24/7) while inside the hospital, so she helped me position, squeezed my areola, and colostrum came out! It really was thick, creamy, and yellowish. Yehey! I was breastfeeding before I knew it.

But my happiness was short-lived as I encountered many problems that I understand why some don't want to pursue breastfeeding. For some, they say the transition period was just 1 month, but unfortunately for me, it took me almost 2 months to adjust.

Sore Nipples
My nipples started getting sore at 1st week post-partum. It started to hurt so bad that I seriously think the pain associated with labor is minimal as compared to the breastfeeding pain (which occurs every 2-3 hours round the clock for several weeks). Sometimes it would hurt so bad that when Maple would latch, I would kick my legs in pain. And I would cry silently, and feel sorry for myself (and can lead to postpartum blues). So what did I do?

1. Warm compress on my breasts 30 minutes before breastfeeding - to increase flow
2. Put breast milk on the nipples, and air dry - breastmilk has antibacterial properties to heal the nipples
3. Cold compress on my nipple - only to numb the pain. But if breastfeeding, you can still feel the pain
4. Nipple cream - after 2 weeks of inducing pain every 2-3 hours, my OB friend asked me, "Bakit ka nag titiis? May lanolin cream naman." I bought purelan lanolin cream. My miracle cream! Haha! Bakit nga ba ako nag titiis?! Within 2 days, I was getting by and enjoying breastfeeding again. I also tried the organic nipple cream, composed of virgin coconut oil and other organic stuff. It's very soothing, but I feel that the lanolin cream is more effective. So I used the VCO more extensively on my breast (because it's also cheaper), but used the lanolin on the sore parts of my nipple.
5. Pumping - pumping and giving my expressed breast milk once or twice a day gave my nipple some break to heal

Milk Blebs
I thought I was already good with the sore nipples. But then, I noticed that there's a white blister-like on my nipple that hurts every time Maple feeds. Apparently, it's a milk bleb! It's like a clogged milk duct, but on the areola. What did I do?

1. Warm Compress
2. Nipple cream
3. Nipple shields - I tried it last because they say some babies have a hard time sucking if with shields, but Maple was able to do it. Anyway, it greatly diminished the latching pain.

Clogged Ducts
Finally, the milk bleb was gone, and the sore nipples were in the past. I was enjoying breastfeeding again. I used to count how long before the pain disappeared after latching (longest was 30 seconds), until suddenly it doesn't hurt when Maple latches anymore. But... I noticed a little discomfort after breastfeeding (usually at 10 or 11 pm, when I'm supposed to be asleep) that started out for a few minutes then lasted to excruciating sharp pain within my breast that lasted for 2 hours! It was driving me crazy again. And there were times that I would cry myself to sleep because of the pain. So what did I do?

1. Lactation massage - done by a specialized lactation consultant, who told me I had clogged ducts. The massage was a bit painful (especially on the clogged areas), but it did give relief afterwards. It was done at home, a bit expensive than my usual massage (less than 500 pesos compared to 1200 plus) and expect a lot of milk spurting out.
2. Lecithin - 2 caps 2x a day if there's clogged ducts, then reduced to 1x a day for maintenance
3. Massager - I was thinking of buying this vibrator massage thing in babymama, but the pain went away with the Lecithin, so I didn't.

Finally, after the excruciating adjustment period, breastfeeding is now a breeze. I can breastfeed easily in the car, in the reclining sofa, in the bed (my fave). I am looking forward to the moment when Maple will just sit in my lap, reach out, and just take my breast.

Fortunately, I didn't have mastitis. Though I did feel some lumps on my breast when Maple slept straight (rarely happens) or I didn't pump. These lumps maybe a discomfort, but there weren't painful, and they were easily relieved with feeding or pumping.

I would like to thank all my friends who has been very very supportive, particularly to my husband, Tin (who have a daughter 9 months older than Maple), Che (breastfeeding pedia friend/lactation consultant), Reyn (who have 2 daughters older also than Maple), Miko (OB friend).

My Labor Experience

It has been 20 days since I gave birth, and I finally found time to write about my experience. Since I am a doctor, I know the signs of labor already and know when to go to the hospital and when to stay put in the house. Should know anyway.

On the friday before I gave birth, I thought I had an episode of leaking bag of water but my contractions weren't regular. But upon check up, everything was fine and I was sent home, my IE or internal exam showed my cervix to be 1 cm, high which means it's a long way to go yet.

So in the meantime, I tried eating dates, walking around a lot, doing acupuncture and electroacupuncture on myself, and even tried to get some massage (and eyelash perming but not related to inducing labor) but wasn't allowed because they don't want to risk me going into labor (which is what I wanted anyway). I also tried the evening primrose oil, which I inserted vaginally.

On July 31, I had an episode of bloody show and knew this is one of the signs but my contractions still weren't regular. So I went for an ultrasound, a non stress test with amniotic fluid index. There was no problem with the NST but my amniotic fluid showed decrease amounts, also known as oligohydramnios. Complications of that include mecomium stained birth and fetal demise. So I went to Cardinal Santos Medical Hospital to be admitted.

My internal exam showed me to be still at 1 cm, good results in fetal monitoring via NST.  Since I wasn't in active labor yet, they just put me in my room, had my vital signs and fetal heart beat monitored, and inserted 6 caps initially then 4 caps of evening primrose oil intravaginally every 4 hrs, with internal examination monitoring also done.

In the morning, my IE was still 1 cm but it was soft and doesn't hurt as much as the previous. I was brought to the labor room after breakfast at around 8 to 9 am where I could be monitored via NST continuously.
I was given oxytocin at 10 am when they saw that my contractions weren't regular. Eventually I could feel the contractions closer every 2-3 minutes. And I could feel myself bleeding and gushing out during and after contractions.

At 2 pm, IE was done, where I was at 5 cm but my cervix was paper thin already. My doctor said I could suddenly fully dilate anytime. At this point where my previous IE were just 1-2 or 4 cm, I was thinking if I may eventually end up with a cesarean section. But that gave me hope. Anesthesia was then given because I was officially in active labor... And that the labor would progress quickly so I better have the anesthesia already in.

At this time, contractions were getting intense with my hip pain eventually at 7/10. At first, I can describe the hip pain as numb, which doesn't really hurt at all. Then it became tingling or feeling of "nangangawit." Eventually, it felt like I was being grounded (as in a small electric current). So I was a bit glad that the anesthesia is being prepped already.

I was put in a fetal position for the spinal anesthesia. They might had a bit hard time putting the needle in because I felt several pricks before it was successful. Yes, imagine doing a fetal position to extend the back, but I have a huge uterus in front that is contracting and giving me electric shocks to my hips! It was sooo hard to kept still but I had to because I also know the consequences if the needle hit anything else.

Eventually, it was inserted successfully and, I can feel the pain going away. I was even able to take a nap. But the medicine only lasted for 2 hours. So I may have to be given more if needed.

At 4 pm, IE was repeated and showed I was fully dilated. Yes! But... My doctor wasn't around yet. I was given anesthesia again 2x before I gave birth.

At 6 pm, I was wheeled to the delivery room. My legs were a bit like jelly and numb from the anesthesia. My hips were also numb. I couldn't feel the contraction anymore. I was a bit scared but anxious thinking, "this is it!" my whole 9 months has been preparing me for this ultimate moment!

My husband was called in because he was going to cut the umbilical cord hehe I was  bit anxious for him because he's scared of blood but well atleast he didn't faint hehe I cannot feel my contractions so I was just coached when should I take a deep breath etc. The anesthesiologist also did a fundal push. I felt like I was either going to vomit or cough. And I did. My OB suggested vacuum assisted so it would also be easier also. After 4 tries, at 6:11 pm, Maple was out and crying even though I have yet to see her it my abdomen yet.

When Maple was put in my abdomen, she had her eyes open and was looking at me, but she didn't want to breastfeed or atleast suck. She was just staring at me.

Honestly, I didn't feel like a mother at that instant. But it did feel weird and kind of incredible still that a little baby came out of me. It was a surreal experience, that's for sure!

Inducing Labor Naturally

So I've been ready to give birth for the last 2 weeks, and still... waiting.
I don't want to wait beyond August 1 that's for sure because of the complications that may arise when the baby stays too long in the womb. So I tried to find and did some research on natural induction methods. Some of which, I do wish I started earlier.

This are generally the requirements for a successful vaginal delivery: 1. regular labor contractions, 2. cervical dilatation and effacement, and for the 3. descent of the fetus to the vaginal canal. To induce labor contractions, one needs oxytocin while cervical softening requires prostaglandins. Descent of the baby usually is not a problem when there is no problem with the pelvic area (which causes cephalopelvic disproportion); this part cannot be helped much.

1. Exercise
There are a lots of exercises out there for pregnancy. Mind you, I did my "normal" walking (applicable with commuting) through out pregnancy. I even incorporated some yoga mornings and stretches to "open my hips" more (though those poses I already did prior to getting pregnant).

In pregnancy, the hormone elastin allows the pelvic bones to move in preparation for birth, enabling it to become wider... and supposedly this stretches are supposed to help.

What I should probably do is climb lots of stairs...

2. Dates
There's a research journal saying that this is effective if taken in 4 weeks before your estimated time of birth, taking a daily dose of 6-7 dates/day. My OB friend who is also working in the middle east, also swears by this based from the patients she'd seen. Eating dates are supposed to shorten the labor time and soften the cervix effectively.

3. Acupuncture and acupressure
Because I'm an acupuncturist, of course I would do this to induce myself into labor. The most effective points is LI4 and SP6, but I am also doing GB21 (just because I also love my shoulder massages), BL32 (back massage), BL 28 and BL 48 (butt massage), KI1, KI3 and BL 60 (foot massage).

I read that some are effective without the need for electrical stimulation, but if it doesn't work, I am going to apply TENS also to my needles.

4. Sex
Nipple stimulation causes oxytocin to be released (which is similar process to producing breast milk), prostaglandins from the semen, and reaching orgasm to stimulate contraction of the uterus are all said to help induce labor... but really, it's a bit of a challenge to do this when you're so big and you easily get shortness of breath with certain positions.

5. Evening primrose oil
My friend took this orally for several weeks before giving birth, and it wasn't very effective.  I tried to look it up in journals also but oral intake doesn't seem to be much effective.

My OB told me that on the day of induction, she will use 6 caps of evening primrose oil 4 hours before IE. Apparently, she was one of the authors in a study in PGH, where it was said to improve Bishop scoring (and cervical dilatation) to more than 4... Though in that study, only about 31% had successful vaginal deliveries and the rest had cesarean sections due to fetal distress (46%), intraamniotic infection (1%), and arrest in cervical dilatation (15%).

Because almost half the reason for cesarean section was due to fetal distress, I am contemplating on doing that the night before we get admitted, or just doing it in the hospital.

6. Malunggay capsules
One OB in a prenatal class I attended said that Malunggay capsules can also start contractions, that's why she recommends giving it when the patient is already term. When I asked my OB about it as a supplement in preparation for breastfeeding, she just told me that it's a supplement, so you have to establish breast milk first. And it may have constipation as a side effect.

Anyway, I started drinking 1 cap 500 mg since I was in 37 wks old, but I don't think it's very helpful.

7. Pray
Probably the best thing to do is also to pray. Pray for a safe and successful delivery to a healthy baby. I am constantly in anxiety over the possibilities of stillbirth and postnatal infection and complications, especially now that I'm getting past my ideal 38-39 weeks AOG.

Every night, I listed to my fetal heart tone... sometimes, twice! Especially if I don't feel her move as much. I noticed that there is less tendency for movement in my last month of pregnancy as compared to the 2nd and early 3rd trimesters. The reason for this is because the baby is accumulating fat and getting bigger, and the uterus is getting cramped.


Anyway, I will update on how my labor goes. I don't know else what to do when there's only less than 48 hours before my scheduled admission!

Where to give birth? Cardinal Medical Center VS St. Luke's QC

Yes, we are now officially term at 37 weeks AOG, and I can finally have my massage and whatnot! Hehe Anyway, just when the time is about to come, we realize that we better check out St. Luke's QC too as an option for giving birth, since our OB-Gyne is also affiliated here too. I will also post their recent packages and room price list if anyone is interested as of July 2018.

St. Luke's QC

Room Rates and Packages

Room Rates in SLMC QC

SLMC OB Packages

In case that the above picture is too small or can't be read, we just want to emphasize on the following rooms (price is per day):

Private Rooms

Executive private - 6,400

Deluxe private - 4,400

Regular private - 3,700

Small private - 2,800

Two-Bed Private rooms

Two-bed private with TV & Ref - 2,400

Two-bed private w/o TV & Ref - 2,000

Ward - 1,200

Birthing Room - 13,100

Birthing Room Rooming in charges (single baby) - 14,100

High Risk Pregnancy Unit (HRPU) - 5,400 (for 24 hrs)

Labor Room - 1000+

Rooming-in charges:

Suite Room/HRPU - 1000

Executive Private - 700

Deluxe/Regular/Small Private - 600

Two-Bed Private - 500

Ward - 400

I have highlighted our possible room choices.

Pros:

Location is nearer (about 1 km from our home)
I can call my acupuncture friends to do that technique with me, right? Because they aside from acupuncture, they also practice as Pedia, OB, and a medical acupuncturist in St. Luke's (though there might be a conflict because I haven't really told my OB-Gyne about this part)
More HRPU units as compared to 1 Lamaze room in Cardinal (where the husband can stay during labor)
Admissions staff was very friendly and even offered us an admission papers already

Cons:

Rooms are way smaller as compared to Cardinal
More expensive than Cardinal (?)

Others:

Admitting kit is already provided in the room, containing toothbrush, toothpaste, medicinal cup, kidney basin, etc
Newborn kit contains EVERYTHING daw according to the nurse, including 2 swaddles, 1 set of clothes and bonnet/socks/mittens, 2 pcs baby diaper, alcohol, etc



Cardinal Medical Center

Room Rates and Packages

Room Rates in Cardinal

OB Package in Cardinal

In case that the above picture is too small or can't be read, we just want to emphasize on the following rooms (price is per day):

Big private - 3,690

Regular private - 3,480

Small private - 3,160

Semi-Private - 1,930

Lamaze room - est. 2,200 (first 2 hours) + 229/every 30 min

Labor Room - free for first 8 hrs + 250/hr

Pros:

Rooms are bigger as compared to SLMC
May be cheaper than Cardinal (?)
My friend Karen gets to be my Pedia
NICU nurse, DR nurse, and admitting section were very prompt in replying to my email

Cons:

Only 1 Lamaze room (and they will give priority daw for those with certificates)
Location is farther... especially if school resumes for Xavier and ICA
Admission papers weren't given yet (a relative will come down for me to be admitted)

Others:

Admitting kit contains toothbrush, toothpaste, face towel, soap, spoon and fork, medicine cup and glass, 1 roll of bathroom tissue, 1 500 mL water, 1 pillow.
Newborn kit contains EVERYTHING I will need like white basin for bathing, kidney basic, cotton buds, cotton applicator, alcohol 70%, J&J top to to wash, diapers, digital thermometer, cotton, and 1 box of gloves. I will provide the swaddle and clothes when the baby is roomed in.
(Since I already have the swaddle, I am leaning towards Cardinal instead.)

*Not sure if all medications and supplies are required to be from the hospital, but from Mariel's inquiry with her chemo drugs, Cardinal is not as strict as SLMC.

Though I have posted their OB packages, a lot of nurses and staff don't think that they are economical because a lot of doctors prescribed medications and supplies that is not included in the package, so this would be a waste, and you have to pay extra for the excess. So one still has to consult with their OB-Gyne.

Conclusion

Our preference would still be for Cardinal Santos Medical Center mostly because of the bigger rooms... But if I feel that I can't make it because of traffic, etc.... Well, I guess St Luke's would still do because it's nearer. Or I was thinking, I should just have my IE in St. Luke's first and decide from there if I could still transfer to Cardinal Santos.

We weren't also sure about the Lamaze room. Though I did told myself, maybe depending on the IE? If I was dilated already, like more than 8cm dilated, perhaps I will just choose the Lamaze room. But if the contractions aren't closed enough yet, or I am less than 8 cm dilated, I know that it will take several hours of labor so I would just have to do with the labor room.

Regarding my anesthesia, I was wondering if I could have an epidural without having sedation? Or if I could only be administered once my VAS is more than 7 or 8?