u/tiniweenie2

Very disappointed in myself for only just having discovered this sub, I’m 39+4 with my second child and planning a TOLAC. My first was born in Dec 2024 via unplanned C-section after a failed ECV because he was breach.

I’m not showing any signs of labor, other than baby being SUPER low, so I’m on the schedule for an induction at 40+4. The plan is to place a balloon Tuesday afternoon and start pitocin Wednesday morning. I’m not thrilled about this, but also not very comfortable with going past 41 weeks.

I was planning on trying to skip an epidural, but my OB strongly recommends I get one as soon as possible because 1) in case of uterine rupture to avoid general anesthesia and 2) they think baby is measuring large, so if I need assistance in delivery I won’t be in as much pain.

I’m still feeling like I want to try to labor without it if I can, is that crazy? For starters, my son measured “very large” also, was projected to be around 9-10lb at 40wks, and he was born at 7.5lbs at 39+3. This baby doesn’t feel noticeably different than he did, if anything she feels smaller, and my OB has mentioned that 2+TMs are usually better at gauging baby’s size than an ultrasound. So I feel like this risk may be a bit overstated.

Besides that, I feel like the risk of rupture is relatively small, all things considered. I had a low, horizontal incision almost 18 months ago. I plan to really advocate that we take the pitocin really slow, and my goal is to move around as much as I can.

Of course, if I get into labor and decide I can’t cope, I’m open to an epidural, just not sure I want to start off with one immediately. I don’t love the idea of having it placed early but not dosed either, honestly the act of placing it is a big reason I don’t want one to begin with.

Am I being unreasonable?

He sleeps independently at home for all naps/overnight sleep. 1 nap, awake no later than 6:30/7am, nap 12:30-2:30pm, bedtime at 8pm

He sleeps fine everywhere else, except my in-laws. My MIL can put him down for a nap/bed at our house, but nobody can put him down for a nap at their house. They have his pack n play, sleep sack, blanket, sound machine and lovey from home. Super dark room. We mimic the same exact nap routine. He’ll just stand in the pnp and scream until he falls asleep standing up, then he’ll fall which will wake him up and he starts screaming again.

He’s slept fine other places with less than perfect conditions, it’s just my in laws. We spend a lot of time at their house, they’re his favorite people and he loves playing over there so we wonder if that has something to do with it. But I’m 39 weeks pregnant and they’re our childcare while I deliver, and hopefully will be helping us out more for a bit once new baby is here, so really would love to get him okay with napping over there.