Back to Wondering...

After doing quite a bit of Webbing, I must go back to Wondering. What do I want to know about the different options for controlling pain during child birth?

Here are a few of the questions that came to me as I was searching and learning:

What is the actual process that the doctor/patient goes through to carry out the particular method?
What are the reasons the different methods work or don't work for individuals?
What are the side effects -- for mother and baby?
Are there any reasons the method should not be used?

I guess I am experiencing recursion at it best. Stripling and Hughes-Hassell stated it best -- "recursion...is invoked any time the researcher determines that the emerging complex of relationships has undeveloped areas, logical errors, or incongruities" (141). I have found undeveloped areas in my need for researching this topic and am going back to clarify my search.

Still Webbing...

I spent quite a bit of time yesterday searching for information on medicinal and alternative methods for dealing with the pain of labor and delivery. Those are the two key concepts that I found gave the most useful information when searching. I was amazed at how many I actually had heard of, but lack the details. Some of the information it too detailed and I will have to continue searching or ask my OB for clarification, but it is neat to learn about. I think I am most intrigued by the reasons WHY the different methods assist with controlling the pain -- covering it up (as with drugs) or coping with it (as with breathing). Most seem to fit into one of those categories.

Initial Webbing...

Upon my initial search for different methods for controlling pain during childbirth, I was bombarded with information that was WAY over my head. I was, however, able to make a small list of words that I need to further research.

analgesic medication, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), Lamaze, acupuncture, and music

Some of these I have prior knowledge of, but others are either brand new to me or new in the realm of childbirth. I will keep you posted on what I find out!!

Watching and Wondering...

When thinking about my favorite activities I have to say they are pretty wide spread. I like to relax and watch TV or read. I love to be outdoors when the weather is nice -- hiking, riding bikes, running, etc. Spending time with friends and family playing games or just talking is great also. I like to learn all there is to know about situations I am going to experience in the future, so I am ready for anything that may arise. I know this is impossible, but I like to think being prepared will help out!

Below is a list of topics I created that would fit into the above activities that I enjoy.

* Top movies that are a must watch before you die
* Starting a book club
* Plan the itinerary for a camping trip
* Options for controlling pain during child birth
* How to begin saving for your child's college

Virginia Rankin discusses the presearch process and states that one must think of questions that are of interest to the researcher, but also to others, which are called "workable questions"(Callison 38).

I think that the topic that I am most interested in at this time in my life is "Options for controlling pain during child birth". The past 6 months have been the most exciting yet scary time in my life. The closer I get to my due date the more being scared of the delivery is taking over. I feel choosing this topic will calm my nerves and make the exciting side move back into the forefront! There are many first time mothers out there that are probably feeling the same way. Hopefully the information I find will benefit them as well.