VBAC roll call? (for ease of lurking LOL)
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Support
Forum Name: C-Section Support
Forum Description: Had a caesarian section? Planning an elective caesar? Or a VBAC? Or want to know about recovering from a c-section? Talk to other mums who have had c-section deliveries here.
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33868
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Topic: VBAC roll call? (for ease of lurking LOL)
Posted By: weegee
Subject: VBAC roll call? (for ease of lurking LOL)
Date Posted: 04 June 2010 at 2:47pm
So I know there are a few of us who are currently pregnant and have been doing lots of research and planning to get our VBACs. I was hoping to get a little list going in here so we know when we're all due so we can celebrate and learn from each other's births as they happen 
By "VBAC roll call" I don't mean those who've already had one (although I welcome your support!), nor do I mean those who are "going to give it a go" but are happy if they end up with another c section - I'm talking those of us who are really taking measures to try to ensure we don't end up being cut again. (Sorry if that offends anyone planning a "trial labour".) Can you please post your due date in here (or approximate due dates, if you're a hippie like me without an exact EDD)? If you'd like to share, you could also add things like what reading/prep you've done, what you think contributed to your c section last time, and how you're planning to avoid those this time? (I'm currently writing that stuff in a second post, but I'll put this introductory post up for now  )
VBAC roll call weegee - due mid-late July ------------- 
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Replies:
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 04 June 2010 at 3:13pm
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I've done MASSES of reading, a lot of it online, educating myself about labour and birth in general and learning to trust my body. I'm happy to post links if people want them but that'd probably be preaching to the choir in here so I won't for now.
What do I think contributed to my c section last time? Quite a few things all added up. - I had a few stretch and sweeps before I went into labour. I was just saying in my due date thread I think that could have weakened my membranes, so they ruptured earlier than they otherwise would have, which reduced the effectiveness of my contractions and contributed to the length of labour (and also adversely affected JJ's health - the c section was called because he was starting to go into distress, prolonged rupture of membranes can cause infection, and it was one of the reasons he spent 5 days in SCBU, that and just not effectively clearing mucous from his lungs because he didn't go through the birth canal). - I wasn't adequately mentally prepared for the idea of the second stage of labour in particular. I've blocked a lot of labour out of my memory but I do remember very clearly thinking "I'm not sure I've thought through this". I've combatted that this time by doing all that reading, watching and reading lots of birth stories. I also have prepared myself a list of quotes, affirmations and little reminders for during labour to help keep my mind in the right place. One of the hypnobirthing books I read suggested that the birthing mother shouldn't be told how far dilated she is - that was something I was going to try last time but I caved and asked early on, which demoralised me as I was only 3cm then. I know more about the maths of it all now to not be as demoralised in the same situation this time, but think I'm going to try that again. - The hospital environment really wasn't conducive to giving birth - so sterile and so brightly lit. Again, I don't remember much but I do remember so many bright fluorescent lights! Ideally I would be going for a HBAC but my mw didn't feel comfortable with that and I thought it was more important to feel comfortable with my mw iygwim (see next point). Anyway I'm not going back to North Shore Hospital (Caesar's Palace!) but planning to birth at Waitakere then get out of there as soon as possible and transfer to Helensville Birthing Centre. My birth plan has that I want to keep light levels as low as possible, I want to be only minimally monitored (writing a letter to ensure that the OBs are aware that's an informed choice!), am taking some home comforts like a couple of my own pillows and a blanket, that sort of thing. - Support. Due to the length of my labour, and the fact that my mw had already attended one birth prior to mine, my mw had to leave the morning after I had gone into labour, as she said she was now overtired and worried she wouldn't be making the best choices regarding my care, so handed care over to the hospital team. We had a lovely student mw there too but she was a walking zombie by that afternoon and basically got kicked out and told to go home and rest. After that I felt there was no continuity and nobody really had my interests at heart. DH was as solid as he could be but was more terrified than I was (he's had a bit of reeducating too now!) which I did take on board (anybody read any Michel Odent?) and he certainly wasn't going to argue with me about anything  This time around I am having a close friend be a "fairy godmother" to support me (and potentially argue with me if I start suggesting I want things I really don't) as well as a CBE student (because I know having the student mw there last time was actually really helpful). I know lots of people want an intimate setting in terms of people but I feel this will help provide me with a bit of continuity (and take some pressure off DH).
- Intervention. Partly because I wasn't mentally prepared I asked for an epidural quite early on, really. This meant that when JJ descended with asynclitic presentation (he was trying to come out ear first) I wasn't able to move around to try to reposition him - he and I were both stuck. Similarly I was given syntocinon reasonably early on as the contractions didn't seem to be working very well - they ramped up the intensity but the midwives and OBs disagreed on dosages and things and played around with it so much that they basically ended up overstimulating my uterus, so it was constantly contracting and achieving very little. My birth plan this time says no epidural and no syntocinon unless absolutely medically necessary. If I ask for an epidural, I want my support team to question me and try to change my mind. Perhaps I should put that I have to ask three times or something Certainly everybody in the room will be told that nobody is to ask if they can "give her something for the pain" because I don't want it suggested to me.
On the note of pain relief - we have attended a massage for pregnancy and birth workshop which was FABULOUS, highly recommended. I still need to investigate whether I'll be allowed in the water. Other than that, I'm happy enough with my body and feel confident that now I have let go of a lot of the fear and tension there will be less pain. There's more but I've got a mind blank for now, this has really helped me writing it all out like this though! I recommend it! -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 04 June 2010 at 4:50pm
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VBAC roll call weegee - due mid-late July [:) MelNel - 12 October 2010 -------------   
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 04 June 2010 at 4:52pm
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have a napping toddler on in my ar5ms so will come back for the rest -------------
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 05 June 2010 at 1:42pm
Links would be good for us who aren't VBACers but are VBA-traumatic 1st-VB (and hoping to avoid the traumatic bit the 2nd time round) ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
weegee wrote:Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 05 June 2010 at 3:42pm
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Ok, just went through my bookmarks, not exhaustive but a good range here.
A little not-so-light reading/viewing
http://www.zshare.net/video/62983863bf35922e/ - The Business of Being Born (a 700MB download or ask me to lend you a DVD copy) http://www.spinningbabies.com/ - Spinning Babies (about optimal foetal positioning) My favourite http://docs.google.com/View?id=dhcwj3xv_46g768cgcs - Birth Story - warning some graphic pictures so don't look if you're squeamish about perineums! Also very hippyish so possibly don't bother if homebirthing, tandem nursing and placentophagia are going to turn you off http://www.glorialemay.com/blog/ - Gloria Lemay's blog http://www.joyousbirth.info/childbirth.html - Joyous Birth (there's a special section on http://www.joyousbirth.info/birthtrauma.html - Birth Trauma too) Birth articles on the http://www.drmomma.org/search/label/birth - Peaceful Parenting blog (and for books, there's a great list http://www.drmomma.org/2009/06/best-pregnancybirth-baby-books.html - here ) http://www.birthinternational.com/articles/birth - Birth International http://www.sarahjbuckley.com/articles/articles.htm - Sarah Buckley's website http://www.theunnecesarean.com/links-and-resources/ - The Unnecesarean http://www.wombecology.com/inlabour.html - WombEcology by Michel Odent http://www.thepeacefulbirthproject.com/Links_and_Videos.html - The Peaceful Birth Project -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 05 June 2010 at 4:24pm
 ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 05 June 2010 at 7:40pm
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VBAC roll call
weegee - due mid-late July [:) MelNel - 12 October 2010 AzzaNZ (Tanya) - 02 September 2010 ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: fadeless
Date Posted: 05 June 2010 at 7:46pm
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Just wanna jump in and say i know how you feel 6years ago i was 9wks away from having my VBAC after LOTS of research and LOTS of positive thoughs and to show all those people (midwife) that said i couldnt VBAC as my pelvis 'must be too small' since i couldnt birth my 7lbs 12oz baby girl, i hate being told i cant do anything lol.
Chiropractor visit at 32wks into pregnancy #2 only to find out i had a twisted pelvis and 1wk later my DD was engaged and I VBACed my 9lb baby girl 13mths after my c/s! Going for my 4th VBAC and 3rd homebirth in 8wks time! Its an amazing time and stay positive and be surrounded with positive people and you can do it! Good Luck to you :D ------------- DD 9 ~ DD 8 ~ DS 7 ~ DS 5 ~ DS 2 ~ DS 14mths ~ DD 3mths |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 05 June 2010 at 7:46pm
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My c-section was "elective" due to my daughter being breech. We tried spinning babies, accupuncture, homeopathy, ice packs, torches, hot water bottles and begging to turn her. One midwife tried, then the OB tried. All agreed she had engaged bum and one foot down and that she was not going to turn, by which time I was exhausted and feeling like a failure so I asked for a c-section. I never went into labour.
This time I have found an experienced VBAC midwife. I am reading any books and websites I can get my hands on, I am doing an antenatal course and I am trying to stay calm and just take things as they come. I dont have a birth plan. My hope is that baby is not breech. Then my next hope is that I go into labour by 42 weeks (and I have ensured my due date as the doctors know it allows me an extra week). Then I aim to try stay home as long as possible (including the birth if I can cope). DH is not hugely supportive and believes anything a nurse/doctor says so I may try find a doula. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 05 June 2010 at 9:33pm
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Yay more VBACers! fadeless, what an awesome story, and I'm a bit jealous of your homebirth
AzzaNZ - she's not a doula, but my CBE student is on the North Shore and I think she's still looking for births to attend as a support person, do you want her contact details? -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 05 June 2010 at 10:21pm
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So my story...
I was induced at 38+3 with what I was led to believe was PE at the time. (Investigations with new mw have left us both puzzled as to the actual reason for induction so looking forward to meeting the OB in 15 weeks time!). At 34 weeks Jake was diagnosed with Asymmetrical IUGR and was in the 4th perantile and so our monitoring began. From what we do know is that my platelets were bouncing around like a yoyo and did get down to 105 at one point but went back up again and my Uric Acid levels were increasing at a very fast rate which indicates there were some issues with my kidney function. Jake however at 38 week scan was back in the 15th percantile and no longer IUGR although my induction notes state this as one of the reasons for the induction (confused, so are we!). So the first thing I think led to our section was an induction that may have been held off... Second, after 35 hours I was only 1cm dilated and my waters were broken. I was left on my own (DH had gone to grab some food) and my contractions came like a freight train.. from 0 to 100 in 15 minutes! I went into mental shock and this set me up badly as I panicked.. BIG TIME. 3 hours later I was checked again and I was 4cm dilated and still freaking out, instead of offering good suggestions (my mw back up new I didnt want drugs and least intervention as possible) she suggested pethadine (in hindsight I should have taken it and got a bit of rest but it makes me vomit and that was the last thing I wanted) so she offered an epi... which I took and still regret! Second contributing factor to section! 40 minutes after the epi was given synto was started... My mw did not wait and see if I continued to dilate without and prior to the epi I was having very good, strong contractions. My new mw and I think the added pressure of the synto led to J become distressed and turning from perfect position to transverse.. his heart rate soon started to drop to 60 BPM with each contraction and the section was called. Funnily enough, his heart rate was fine as soon as the synto was stopped but my cervix was swelling and he wasnt moving position and no way he was coming out that way.... I know more now, I should have questioned the induction, I should have told the mw to get lost when she offered me the epi and I should have said no synto for 1 hr 30 minutes post epi going in... You live and learn! This time I am armed and dangerous! (so is DH, no pushing us around now!).-------------
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Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 05 June 2010 at 10:43pm
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*Semi Lurking*
Already had my successful VBAC, so totally know what you guys are feeling, just to add, one thing that the MW is sure helped with a good birth even with a posterior baby, was taking 5W and EPO from 35 weeks, active labour was only 3 hours. I agree with you Weegee about having a really strong advocate in the room that can fight for your wishes, If the baby hadn't come out when he did, thanks to an episiotomy, the OB would have pushed for a c-section, which I didn't need or want, thankfully I had a brilliant MW. Good Luck Guys, best wishes for a happy and healthy pregnancy ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 06 June 2010 at 10:07am
JoJames, where can you get 5W and EPO? I know EPO can be taken both orally and vaginally but what is 5W and how is it used? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 07 June 2010 at 9:25pm
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I got them both from the chemist, you need one that has a good range of herbal products, also the naturopath sells it, Its made by natures sunshine, 5w is a herbal concotion containing
Black Cohosh root Squaw Vine herb Dong Quai root Butcher's Broom Red Raspberry leaf I took something like 6 a day so it got a little expensive, but I would have done anything to avoid another caeser. I only took the EPO orally 3x a day, but my MW swears by it vaginally. ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 07 June 2010 at 9:33pm
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LOL JoJames, thats my plan too but I am braving the EPO both ends too plus 5W and as much raspberry leaf tea as I can stomach!
Also planning on accupuncture too and am still in 2 minds about hypnobirthing... but need to make up my mind soon! Hoping to drag DH along to preg massage class too and really need to motivate myself back into yoga (have not done any since I feel pregnant!). Just want to give my body as much of a chance as possible! I am panicking about contractions this week though... I remember they hurt and I scared i will wimp out and take the evil epi  -------------
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 08 June 2010 at 4:03pm
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What a cool thread!
I'm a bit if an intruder here, cos I didn't have a c, but I had much more intervention than I wanted and I plan to do some things differently next time. I did heaps of research before I had Caty to make sure a home birth was the right choice, and my MW said my state of mind during labour probably avoided a caesarean. So I thought I'd share a few things that I've learnt... I'll start with my birth story: Waters broke at 9am, contractions started just after. Went about my day till about 2, rang MW at 4 - I was 3cm. Pocket of waters over bubs head, so break must be higher up. Waters had light meconium staining (not uncommon at 9 days overdue) but went to hosp for monitoring at 7pm. Everything looked fine so back home by 9pm to labour on our own for a bit. Called MW to join us at 1am. I was 5cm and fully effaced. Eventually got in pool, which was great. By 5.30am I was falling deeply asleep between contractions cos 'I was exhausted. Started to worry I'd drown if I stayed in the pool so got out to use loo. Still 5cm and no longer fully effaced - cervix starting to swell. MW suggests hospital transfer. 6.30am arrived in hosp, start to feel scared. MW offers gas which I take and instantly feel very faint. Lie down to prevent fainting and don't feel up to walking around at all. 7am OB checks - still 5cm. She breaks waters and recommends epidural and synto. MW agrees. The monitor shows my contractions are a mess so DH says he thinks we agree to synto but epi is up to me. At this point the room is spinning so I just agree when MW asks. Anaesthetist is called but refuses to come in - his shift ends at 8. At 8 the next bloke is called and agrees to come in. By 8.30 he is there. I am made to sit up and instantly feel better. Want to say I've changed my mind but know he's come in specially so I don't. Line is inserted and pain goes through the roof. I'm screaming in agony - apparently its not meant to be like that. He rings hospital specialist, who comes. He rings national specialist who advises they use it anyway. This takes nearly an hour. During the wait, someone suggests the baby might have turned posterior, so i'm checked again - 8cm and clearly going to dilate fully. I want to say take the epi line out, let me do this, but they now have the national specialist on the phone so I do what he says. Also during the wait, DH, whose hands I have in a death grip starts looking really scared, and I can see he is struggling to see me like this. Concerned for him, I tell him that I'm ok, and that labour is meant to hurt, but thats ok too, and in reassuring him, I've reassured myself too. It's meant to hurt, but I can do this. Then the anaesthetic is inserted and I'm instructed to sleep. MW explains that sleep is the best chance I've got to regain some energy to go on, so I agree. While I'm asleep, the synto is amped up and the epi is continually topped up - I didn't realise it was an ongoing thing - I thought it would be worn off by pushing time. Just as I'm dozing off, before the epi has fully kicked in, I tell the MW that I feel pressure in my bum. In hindsight we think this was me reaching full dilation. I go to sleep around 10 am and wake at 11.30. I lie there listening to the heartrate rocking along at 140 bpm. At noon the MW comes back (I'd had the backup for a bit). She chats for a bit before checking me at 12.20. I'm 10cm, the head is well down and baby has lots of hair. She says she'll just call another MW to attend and leaves the room. DH and I are alone for the first time since arriving at hospital. At 12.25 the room suddenly starts spinning and I'm fighting to stay conscious. I see/hear the heartrate drop to 70bpm and DH and I look at each other in horror. He hits the call button and MW reappears asking whats up. She doesn't even finish her sentence as she sees the monitor which now shows the heartrate stuttering at 40 bpm. She hits the emergency button and the room explodes with people. a hurried discussion between MW and OB and then I'm being instructed when to push and DD is quickly delivered into the waiting arms of a paediatrician, with the help of an episiotomy and vonteuse. It's an agonising wait whislt the paed resuscitates our limp, grey baby and then announces we have a healthy baby girl  .
So that was my story. Next time will be better! I think your rule of no-one offering pain relief, weegee, is excellent. I was fine (ok, it hurt a LOT, but my comments about how much it hurt were a way of dealing with it for me, which DH recognised, but MW didn't). As soon as someone offered pain relief, it was as if they'd said that this was too much to cope with and I instantly started doubting myself. I let myself get into a bit if a downward spiral once we transferred. I was all set to do the whole thing naturally at home myself, but I should also have prepared for the possibility of some intervention without it being a spiral of doom. I was right to agree to synto at the time, but I should have said no to the epi. Then I would have known I was fully dilated much earlier and not leave DD wedged down there getting distressed. I could have changed my mind about the epi later. In future I'll only agree to one thing at a time and give it a chance to make a difference before I accept something else. I should have been worried only about me, DD and DH. So I would have inconvenienced the anaesthetist? Who cares?! I think a positive experienced person would be great - I ended up being that for myself, but it would have been good to have someone do it for me sooner. So thats my novel. Hope you don't mind the intrusion And I'll be into all if weegee's links once I'm pg again...
I really hope you all get awesome VBACS  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 08 June 2010 at 8:27pm
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Hey T-Rex! I think we can learn from your experience!
I know I'll be making a note that if we need pain meds/interventions to do one at a time and wait after reading your story. I'll be doing EPO (both ends) from 35 weeks and will now also get myself some 5W ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 1:24pm
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Thanks Azza. I thought of a couple of other things too -
If you are able to, when you know that today is the day, even if its 3 in the morning, eat a meal such as a marathon runner or someone would do before a marathon. You'll need good, long-lasting energy, and you might not feel like eating later on. Of course, you may chuck it all back up later, but you'll hopefully have got something out of it. Keep drinking is also a biggy. I had a sipper bottle of water that I would take a sip from at the end of every contraction -sure it was only a tiny sip, but there were enough contractions that it added up Dehydration is a recipe for trouble. I had also meant to switch out my water bottle for powerade-type drinks periodically because I've found those are really good for giving you a bit of a boost when I've been doing other *endurance* events.
I should add that I actually forgot to do either of these things, so I think it would be good to have a list of duties that one of your support people is in charge of. DH was really good at reminding me to drink my water. I should have made it his job to replace the water with powerade every few hours or so. The other thing I really recommend is communicate with your MW about EVERY thing. Let her decide what is important and what's not. I wanted some things done, but waited for my MW's suggestions rather than making the suggestions myself. It's your body and you know it better than anyone, so if you think something might work, ask. Thats all for now ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 2:21pm
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Thanks heaps T_Rex I have also had powerade or similar suggested to me, definitely something to add to the arsenal. A grumpy OB last time told me off for eating in labour (I didn't even really eat anything, was mostly ice chips!) and I was pleased to see the http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/338/mar24_2/b784 - article in the BMJ reinforcing that eating in labour is absolutely fine (and not sure why, but got a little chuckle from "food consumed by the women included fruit juice, soup, cereal, biscuits, fruits, chocolate, toast, vegetable stew, Danish pastry, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, and rice." I think it was the danish pastry I found funny.) -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 2:50pm
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I guess the OB likes empty tums for surgery? I've had several people (MW, child birth educator) stress it was important. Mmmm danish pastry ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 3:12pm
Ooooohhhh I am itching for a rant. I loathe all these things we are supposed to do to make things easier for potential surgery - particularly when so many of them make that surgery more likely. Labour is hard physical work, women should be encouraged to keep hydrated and fed throughout. Instead they're discouraged from eating "in case" they need surgery. It makes me wonder how surgeons manage emergency surgery where the person hasnt refrained from eating for hours beforehand. Ditto to IV lines. If a nurse/doctor isnt able to insert an IV line under pressure in an emergency situation then I dont want him/her near me with a needle. I am certainly not going to get an IV in advance "just in case"  (as an aside my DH inserted the IV before my c-sec when the nurse couldnt manage and I ended up in tears after 4 failed attempts).
My midwife tells me that I'll be contacted by the hospital for a consult with an OB and just thinking about the hospital protocols gets my back up. I am wondering if the consultant will discuss the potential risks of a repeat c-section as well as the risks of a VBAC? Or if like the previous 3 OB's I have seen (in previous pregnancy) they will stress the dreadful risks associated with a vaginal birth and not mention any of the risks associated with c-section. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 3:23pm
And there I go outing myself as a militant 
Back to my chocolate... ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 3:32pm
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LOL Azza. I think it's allowed on this thread. I'm like T-Rex, bad birth but not c-s (though nearly) but yes, the not being allowed to eat (and not being offered food for 12 hours + after giving birth) really pisses me off. I also found it interesting that though I had explicitly said I would like to have the epi wear off while pushing, I was reading my MW's notes again the other day and they had actually kept ramping it up every 20 minutes during the 2nd stage.
I now take very careful mental notes of things that I want my (new) MW to know. Weegee, I like your idea of having a record of birth principles (not necessarily plan cos we know the baby doesn't always read them!). Thanks for all sharing your stories and ideas. Like I said earlier, not a VBACer, but I am trying to avoid a traumatic 2nd birth so figure it's OK for me to read and learn! Lurker out. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 3:44pm
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LOL don't worry I'm a bit of a militant these days too AzzaNZ. I have my hospital OB appointment tomorrow afternoon (they rang me this morning to tell me, lucky I'm able to make it really) and I can't wait actually In fact I remember the particular OB I'm booked in to see from my last stay at Waitakere and he was nice enough. Maybe I'll just smile and nod and ambush them with birth plan stuff when I arrive, although I just spoke to my midwife and she suggested I might like to talk to him about potential post dates management (although I'm thinking since JJ arrived pretty much bang on time it's unlikely to be an issue).
ETA - I don't think anybody needs to apologise for lurking here - if this forum allowed editing of thread subjects I would consider renaming it. Different forms of intervention-led birth trauma provide us with as much opportunity to learn as c sections. -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 4:36pm
I need to try and get my "smile and nod" face ready for my appointment. I foresee it lasting about 5 seconds before I cant restrain myself and tell them exactly what I think of the hospital protocols. Is anyone else birthing at North Shore hospital? My midwife does HBAC's so that would be preferable but never having laboured before I dont know if I will want to be home or in hospital and would like to keep my options open. I spoke to my midwife about going post-dates as she wanted to know what my plan was. I have said that I would agree to an elective c-section at 42 weeks (which will in reality be 42w6d or thereabouts)... hoping I go into labour naturally before then, I would so hate to have another c-section where I dont even go into labour. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 5:34pm
Whoops - distracted by a certain small someone whilst posting - I meant the MW and CBE stressed it was really important that I DID eat. Goodluck for tomorrow Weegee! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 6:05pm
I breathed a sigh of relief at that!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 6:18pm
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Tanya there's no way I'm going anywhere near North Shore, that's where JJ was born and has the highest rate of c sections of any public hospital in NZ (27% - Waitakere is 18% but National Women's isn't much better than NSH at 25%). If my mw was comfortable doing a HBAC I'd totally be heading that way - it's not like you live in the middle of nowhere and can't be transferred if things do go pear shaped. But I do understand it's not everybody's cup of tea.
(NB before I had the discussion with my mw I did a lot of research into HBACs and can point you in the direction of lots of resources on that subject if you need.) -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 7:11pm
Those figures aren't great 
I'm only about 4km's from the hospital and my midwife can deliver there so it would make sense to head there rather than to another hospital. Do you even have a choice or does it depend on where you live? My midwife has had successful VBAC's at North Shore hospital but I havent asked how many. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 7:12pm
Yes please! Any links would be great. I've looked through the ones shared previously (except the first link that didnt open for me) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 7:38pm
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To be fair NSH figures dont break down to elective versus emergency AND high risk electives are not done at Waitakere so are booked into NSH so the figures are slightly skew there.
Also the percentage of people who use private OB's as their LMC are quite high on the shore and a personal opinion that is why more electives are done at NSH (or failed inductions) as my mw says, the more unneccessary scanning the higher the chance of them picking up a potential "risk" leading to unneccessary intervention. I birthed at NSH and it was a horrible experience, but that was due to the circumstances and certain staff (one of whom will not be alllowed to come into my room without permission due to the way she treated me unless its an emergency... bit difficult considering she is charge nurse). I will happily go back to NSH because I have a fantastic MW whom I have had recommended to me by several people in the industry as well as the charge nurse at Birthcare as I didnt want to birth at NSH orginally and she gave me 4 names as people who are held in good esteem by the hospital staff (ie they have a fair bit of pull and can do things that push the protocol boundaries). As for the OB's at NSH, they are pushing VBAC's at the moment because they are under very strict KPI's around reducing the section rate... though not all of them are doing it I am sure. My mw is coming to my appt (fingers crossed she isnt in a labour) as she has some questions about my previous pregnancy and as I was under the hospital and was assigned an OB i can see the same one again. I think the most important thing is (as mentioned before ) to have someone in your corner.... I have a wonderful CBE acting as my doula and a mw who wont ask "do you want any pain relief" and I think thats the 2 most important things for me!!!! I would love to birth at home but my mw isnt comfortable with HBAC's (although she has done a few that were meant to be at hospital but they didnt make it LOL) and DH is really anti it. If it was up to him I think I would be having an elective as he sees it as the "safer" option.... It must have been quite scarey for him watching everything unfold and having not control over it! LOL sounds a litte PRO NSH, its not meant to! -------------
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 7:39pm
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I would read the ACH stats with caution given that they also are the regional fetal medicine service and do all the high risk babies incl cardiac and neuro kids where there may be good indications for c-sections.
I imagine the Waitak rates differ with the days - Tuesdays used to be the highest day b/c Dr C-Section was on. Fridays were lowest b/c Dr low-intervention was on ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 8:08pm
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LOL flissty... so true!!!! -------------
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 09 June 2010 at 9:33pm
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Excellent points about the stats Fliss and Mel. My appointment tomorrow is with Dr Low Intervention which is good
Azza it depends both on where you live and who your midwife is as to what choices you have for where to birth. Mel I agree that being comfortable with your midwife is more important than where you're planning to birth, that's why I'm heading to Waitakere (assuming they agree with me that I'm low risk!) and not doing a HBAC with a different midwife.
I agree with this too... hire a surgeon, get surgery! -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: fadeless
Date Posted: 10 June 2010 at 8:16am
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With the post-dates thing...... with my 3rd birth (1st HBAC) i went 18 days overdue from scan date! OBs were giving my midwife heat but i just said no, she did offer NST after OBs told her to and i said ok only to ring her back the day before it was supposed to be done and refused it and she said that was fine.
I credit my midwife so much with my HBACs, she was sooooo amazing, so calm and collected and didnt stress me even though she was stressed, she thought 3rd bubs might have been breech at one stage and 4th bubs shoulders got stuck. The midwife i have with this birth (she is a partner with my old midwife who is on holiday when im due) did a big study of Tga hospital and c/s's and they are most likely to happen on a Saturday or Wednesday evening/night, my c/s was on a Wednesday, wish i was told sooner! I never ate during any of my labours, just chugged down powerade lol. ------------- DD 9 ~ DD 8 ~ DS 7 ~ DS 5 ~ DS 2 ~ DS 14mths ~ DD 3mths |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 10 June 2010 at 8:28pm
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I'm sure I'll kick myself and say duh when you give the answer fadeless, but what does NST stand for?
Warning essay ahead: Well I am happy to report that my OB appointment today really couldn't have gone any better! I was so surprised to walk out smiling! The OB was completely lovely and didn't give me any big spiel about risk. He had obviously read through my notes and was familiar with my situation. He asked me why I had delivered at North Shore last time and I said it was just because it's a shorter travel time from home and my parents are on the Shore, but that I know that my chances of a successful VBAC are better at Waitakere so that's why I'm booked in for there this time. He suppressed a smile and said "well that's true". Instead of telling me what the risks are he asked "what do you think the risks are of a VBAC" and I couldn't resist, immediately said "well they're less than the risks of a c section" and he didn't bother to suppress his smile that time I did say "well it's the uterine rupture thing of course, but the risks of that are still very small" and he agreed with me. We had a bit of a philosophical discussion about why women don't realise that there are risks associated with c sections and that it is major abdominal surgery which was itneresting. Then he said "how do you rate your chances" and I said "90% or more, I know what I'm doing this time round, I got to 9cm last time, there's no reason why my body can't do it" and he nodded and agreed with me. He said I'm young and healthy and obviously smart and he doesn't think there's any reason why I should have any difficulty getting my VBAC. He also said they've had 3 successful VBACs there so far this week.
The only things he said that I expected to hear from an OB were something about how I may have to have more monitoring (that's when I smiled and nodded while thinking something else), and when he glanced back at my notes and said "your first was 4kg, that's quite a large baby for quite a small person". I explained I was a bit bigger when I was pregnant with JJ and that I've lost weight since then (I'm still not as heavy now as I was pre-pregnancy with JJ). He looked at the size of my belly and said "well from here it still looks like you're going to have a decent sized one" (sheesh like you can tell just from glancing at me). I asked about post dates management and whether he would want me to have a post dates scan or how he would prefer to approach it and he said if I was older he would be suggesting a scan at 38 weeks but since I'm young (I'm 30 - it's quite nice to have a doctor tell me I'm young) he doesn't want to see me until 40 weeks at the earliest, if I haven't gone into labour by then we'll reevaluate then, he won't necessarily want a scan or to start talking about induction (I didn't say I would refuse induction anyway). He smiled and said we probably wouldn't get that far, that a nice 3.5kg term baby would be good, and that he'll see me mid July ish. So all in all it was very empowering and I walked out practically bouncing! My midwife was stoked to hear it went so well -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 10 June 2010 at 8:30pm
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Glad it went so well weegee! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: fadeless
Date Posted: 10 June 2010 at 9:36pm
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NST stands for non-stress test, when they monitor bubs for a certain amount of time to make sure baby is fine, its done at the hospital and usually offer it if you go overdue.
Thats great your OB appointment went well, makes things so much easier when the OB is on your page. ------------- DD 9 ~ DD 8 ~ DS 7 ~ DS 5 ~ DS 2 ~ DS 14mths ~ DD 3mths |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 10 June 2010 at 10:18pm
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Ah, I didn't actually know that fadeless! Makes sense though.
Thanks girls -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 10 June 2010 at 10:35pm
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Great thread
Ive just had my first c section, and am looking for any tips I can get my hands on to have a successful VBAC next time. I havnt read the original links yet, but Ive bookmarked them for when I have a free minute or two. Ive requested my delivery notes and will be going over them with my MW. The OB person said there should be no reason why I shouldnt have a successful VBAC next time, and from what it looks like it was cos Lilla was so big (4.570kgs) and was OP. Awesome that your appointment went so well Weegee! Thats fantastic! ------------- 
+1 May 09 Angel 
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 11 June 2010 at 3:53pm
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Good appt weegee!!!!! -------------
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 11 June 2010 at 4:28pm
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Yay for good news Weegee ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 11 June 2010 at 9:41pm
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Not reeeeeallly on topic, but how did you ladies get a copy fo your medical notes relating to your birth? I really would like to read mine, as there was some conflict with the on-call registrar who made calls re. c-section (or not, in my case) without even coming to the hospital to examine me, against the MW's advice.
I will be going for a VBAC next time as well, all going well. |
Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 11 June 2010 at 11:36pm
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Kate you will probably need to write a letter requesting your notes through the Privacy/Legal department of the Hospital you gave birth at. If you need an example letter I can PM you what I sent (its pretty basic though). ------------- Our Angel July 08 Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived 
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 8:11am
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I just went to the hospital records dept with ID and requested them, they had a form which I filled in and they arrived in my letterbox about 6 weeks later.
Mine has conflicting info all through though.. it was shocking. Reasons for induction, reasons for section, position of baby at birth.. all varied depending on who's notes they were. Shocking!!!! -------------
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 3:51pm
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Just read a blog post via The Peaceful Birth Project on Facebook and it really resonated with me, so thought I'd share it in here - really recommended reading esp for anyone who had a traumatic first birth. (Would have just shared it on FB but I'm a little wary of posting too much birth and breastfeeding stuff on there.)
http://birthtraumatruths.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/there-is-a-secret-in-our-culture-but-it-is-not-that-women-are-strong-why-some-birth-quotes-may-be-damaging-to-women/ - There is a secret in our culture, but it is NOT that a woman is strong... There is a current trend in online social networking sites that cater to birthing women to broadcast empowering quotes about birth. Many of these quotes are wonderful reminders of the power and strength of women’s bodies and minds. Many quotes are testimonies to the transformative power of birth. But a few of them are easily misinterpreted, and can – when taken out of context – increase the misunderstanding and confusion that surround traumatic birth. Some quotes, if misread, serve to place birth as a competitive act, pitting women against each other. Others appear to point the finger at the woman herself as being to blame for a less-than-great birth, even though that interpretation is unlikely intended by either the author, or those who post the quote online. We are concerned about the impact of these quotes on women recovering from a traumatic birth, and also on women in general, as they perpetuate myths that potentially prevent women from supporting each other in the early mothering phase. -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 8:33pm
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Oh... I couldnt finish it because I started to cry...
Might wait until the morning when I am not so tired! -------------
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 9:58pm
 Mel!-------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: neivaD
Date Posted: 20 June 2010 at 4:19pm
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I had my second VBA2C 6 weeks ago and have posted my birth story online
http://neivad.blogspot.com/2010/06/kalinas-birth-story-7-years-of-planning.html - Kalinas birth story My first was an unplanned hospital VBA2C (was meant to be a homebirth or birth center birth) ------------- Natalie Mama to Miss Pie (04/04) Dude (03/07) Button (06/08) and Thumper (Due Autumn2010) |
Posted By: fadeless
Date Posted: 20 June 2010 at 4:54pm
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Congrats Natalie i read your birth story on TNN and it was beautiful, well done on a lovely birth and Welcome Kalina! ------------- DD 9 ~ DD 8 ~ DS 7 ~ DS 5 ~ DS 2 ~ DS 14mths ~ DD 3mths |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 22 June 2010 at 11:07am
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welcome to little Kalina! What a lovely birth story! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 28 June 2010 at 2:40pm
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Just a quick update from me at 30 + 4, we saw midwife this morning and baby is head-down and engaged.
We do the birth plan with the midwife next week and DH and I are already talking about where to put the birth pool and all that. Midwife said to start perineal massage this week. And then EPO vaginally, 5W and Raspberry leaf tea from 34/35 weeks. I got quite tense and tearful discussing even the possibility of going into a hospital. I have a phobia of nurses after a bad experience years ago - and with my c-section I was told that if I didnt calm down they would have to put me under GA so its clearly not something I hide well. I dont know how to get it under control ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 28 June 2010 at 3:34pm
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wow T, can't believe your 30w already!
Sorry I can't help, but want to wish you all the best, and I can't wait to hear about your successful vbac
Maybe some relaxation techniques might help? Then when you start to get tense you can let it go. Hmm I don't know, but maybe it would help? -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 28 June 2010 at 4:51pm
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Wow, engaged at 30+4, this baby sounds like it's in a bit of a hurry!
I definitely think some relaxation techniques could help or maybe even a counselling or hypnotherapy type session? It sounds like it also might be worth contacting http://www.tabs.org.nz/ - TABS , or some of the people listed through their page ( http://www.tabs.org.nz/counselling_feecharging.htm - linky ). I have a copy of the HypnoBirthing book if you want to borrow it? I'm kinda using it myself TBH but if you wanted it for a week or two (even that would be useful IMO) I'm happy to drop it off to you, esp if it's this week given I work in Albany and this is my last week of work, just PM me -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: neivaD
Date Posted: 28 June 2010 at 4:57pm
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I am happy to chat things through with you if you like... I am on facebook and msn, or we could meet up in person if thats better for you? ------------- Natalie Mama to Miss Pie (04/04) Dude (03/07) Button (06/08) and Thumper (Due Autumn2010) |
Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 28 June 2010 at 7:21pm
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weegee, is your book any good? whats it called?? Im on the hunt for a good book.
Oh and that video link you posted, the business of birth one, omg amazing. I bawled my eyes out pretty much the whole way through. The moments that really got me was when the mum looked so happy when she had bubs on her for the first time, a far throw from my first moments of Lilla on me feeling like I was about to throw up! -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 28 June 2010 at 7:26pm
Pfft... with my luck he'll decide to stay right where he is until forcibly evicted I have a copy of calm birth that I am going to read through. I think you'll need your hypnobirthing stuff because you're also due soon! What is TABS? I'll go look at the link ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 28 June 2010 at 10:30pm
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LOL, people keep saying I'm due soon, I wish they'd stop reminding me, I'm so not organised! I'm actually really looking forward to labour and birth this time and of course want to meet bubba, but I still need to do things like pack my bags
You're probably right, I should hang on to the HypnoBirthing book (Emmi, it's http://www.elgar.govt.nz/record=b2279015~S2 - this one - you can get a lot of the same information by googling "Fear Tension Pain Syndrome"). I got it when I tried a HypnoBirthing course with JJ (well, we made it to one session but didn't click with the therapist and found it all a bit new agey so quit - in hindsight CalmBirth would have been way better for us). -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 29 June 2010 at 9:37pm
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Oh T.. I have been hearing some horror birth stories coming out of SA lately!
I am starting to panic about pain, thinking CalmBirth may be needed after all... I keep remembering how much it hurt and how scared I was. I know that fear increases adrenalin which stops endorphin production, which increases pain levels and can slow progress... all that knowledge does is scare me more!!!!! I dont want to be the reason my vbac fails! At least I am having this freak out with 15 weeks to go, plenty of time to sort myself out -------------
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Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 08 July 2010 at 12:08pm
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Damn... so, turns out baby isnt head down afterall but in breech and the same position DD was in throughout my pregnancy with her.
I have accupuncture on Monday and am considering seeing a chiro/osteopath but we are severely cash strapped. Doing the birth plan with the midwife went badly! DH and I have barely spoken since. She asked about our previous c-section... he said it was "fine", I said it wasnt "fine" at all and he is furious about me "saying that to a stranger". FFS, she is our midwife, not a stranger - and she needs to know our c-section was NOT fine! He says he felt inadequate and ganged up on. I dont think this bodes well for the birth if he is already feeling antagonistic towards our - lovely - midwife. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: Mikkiblueyez
Date Posted: 08 July 2010 at 12:09pm
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Hi everyone
I'm 31 weeks pregnant and I also want a VBAC. I'm due 5 September and live in West Auckland. My son is 2 years 9 months old now. He was born overseas. The reason I ended up with a c/sec is a whole stream of things that happened. My waters broke at 37 1/2 weeks on Saturday night. I went to the hospital and sat there waiting for something to happen. I had no pain or contractions. The Sunday afternoon I had to have a drip with antibiotics in because my blood tests showed an infection somewhere. Still nothing was happening. When the OB did an internal he found that my son's hand was on his head. He said that my chances of a natural birth were not great but he'd give it a go because it meant so much to me. He adviced me to move around etc to try and get my son to move his hand. Monday morning still nothing had happened and he said it was time to induce. I was given prostaglandin gel and went from no pain at all to a sudden intense, constant pain. When my husband walked in he was in shock coz he'd just spoken to me on the phone and i'd been fine. The nurses thought I was crazy or weak or dillusional or something. It was just terrible and very scary. An internal showed I was still only 1dcm dilated and I wasn't having contractions. I couldnt cope so I asked for pain medication and got told it was too early. I knew something was wrong and I ended up saying I wanted a c/sec. This from someone who's birthplan was 'as natural as possible, i want a water birth..' kinda thing. They looked at me like I was really weak or something but when they told the OB he said ok, get her ready. Next thing I was being rushed into the theatre. I was under general anasthetic but thankfully my husband was able to be there so that at least one of us got to be there for our son's birth. Afterwards I was very confused and started to get very angry with myself and lost all confidence in myself. My husband spoke to the OB afterwards and was told that there was no way that my son was going to come out vaginally. I had had an allergic reaction to the gel which had caused pain and caused my uterus to swell up. Also my son's hand was pushed so hard against my head that it left a dent in his head and his hand was like a little balloon. My hubby keeps telling me that I knew something was wrong and if I had tried to push on my son could have broken his arm or worse. Still I have been very angry and balmed myself for being weak etc. It has taken a long time to come to terms with things. I wasn't sure I wanted to have any more children. I still worry about what if they were wrong and I am just weak and wont be able to cope but I am so terrified of another c/sec and I so want to have a natural birth. Hubby and I have been to the massage class for pregnancy and birth and it was awesome! We also went to another one given by the same people that is like an add on to normal antenatal classes and teaches you more about positions for birth etc. My midwife is supposed to encourage as natural as possible and be good and experienced. The only thing that I am worried about is that we have only just moved to Auckland halfway through the pregnancy so I havent had time to really build a relationship with her. I'm supposed to have my appointment with the OB at Waitakere soon. Quite nervous about that but it was nice to read a good story about how it went. Hope you guys dont think I dont belong on here because I asked for the c/sec last time or because I am less sure of myself. |
Posted By: Mikkiblueyez
Date Posted: 08 July 2010 at 12:12pm
| sorry i meant my cervix swelled up, not my uterus |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 08 July 2010 at 2:16pm
No way Michelle! We are all a bit unsure of ourselves, that's why we have a support section/thread like this And your husband is totally right, you knew something was wrong and sounds like you would have ended up with the c-section regardless. One of the most important things about parenting is knowing to trust your instincts and you did that from the word go, so yay you! And I really hope you're able to get your VBAC!
Do you know which OB your appt at Waitakere is with? I have to go back for another appt at full term, my mw made one for me this week, and I'm actually going back slightly before I get to 40 weeks which is less than ideal, but Dr Low Intervention (who I saw last time) is away for a week when I'm due to hit 40 weeks by the official dates, so I'm seeing him the last day I can rather than having an appt with Dr Scalpel the following week
I agree, that massage workshop was fabulous wasn't it? BUGGER, T, both about the breechness and your other half's reaction to the birth plan appointment. Do you have to take him along to see your mw or will he handle being left at home? Sounds like he has a real fear of not being in control of things. Have you read any Michel Odent? I really hope taking on DH's anxiety doesn't have a big effect on your labour Sounds like another support person might be a really good idea for you - you had one jacked up didn't you? If not, do get Sarah along to help stick up for you/look after DH!
32 weeks is plenty of time to turn bubs though... check out http://spinningbabies.com/baby-positions/breech-bottoms-up - Spinning Babies for some useful things you can try at home
You might like to print out http://birthfaith.blogspot.com/2010/05/parturient-relations-pr-for-dads.html - this blog post for your DH - I am for mine - really helpful I think! I know mine felt really helpless last time so this gives him a "job" to do -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 08 July 2010 at 6:10pm
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Azza, you could try the Osteo School at Unitec in Pt Chev. $20 a time. I go there twice a week at the moment, and probably will till the end of the PG. They are really good. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 08 July 2010 at 6:24pm
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Thanks weegee & Flissty!
Did all the spinning babies stuff last time and will again. That link for DH looks great and think if baby turns we will get a second support person... hold thumbs for head down baby ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 08 July 2010 at 6:57pm
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Oooh, I like the blog. Thanks
Michelle, I'm the fraud here - I had a vaginal birth not a CS, but it was rather traumatic and I'd like to avoid it. Have you got to meet your MW yet? Good luck with the appointment with the OB - many of them at Waitak are really good, and even the "high intervention" ones aren't that bad (I couldn't persuede Dr High Intervention to CS me, no matter how hard me or DH tried!). ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 9:21am
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Well since I started this for ease of lurking, figured I should update my story in here as well as keeping my due date girls up with the play.
So yesterday we found out that this little ratbag of a baby is breech and technically, by the hospital's dates, I'm 39 weeks today - which means the chance of turning baby by any method is pretty slim. Still, I'm trying everything... still have my full term appointment with the hospital OB on Friday morning.
Will keep you all posted! -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 9:25am
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oh no! I am so sorry weegee! I really hope he turns. Could they try an ECV? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 10:25am
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We have an ECV booked, quite cheekily, for the 20th (40 weeks exactly - it was the earliest appointment available!) and will se if we can convince Dr Low Intervention to give it a crack when I see him anyway on Friday (although he doesn't usually do them at those clinic appointments so he will probably say no).
My midwife has suggested a compromise - usually the amount they can do for an ECV is limited cos it apparently bloody hurts. But the midwife said she's heard an OB suggest this trick before, so it's worth a shot - if I go into labour and bubs is still breech, then ask them to prep me for surgery as if they're just going to do the c section, give me an epidural, and then give that baby a really good shoving around to try to get them to turn. If they can turn it, great, wheel me back out and I'll try to push the ratbag out. If it doesn't, well, guess we have to go the c section route. I didn't want an epidural at all but it's better than just going straight to the knife... course they might not agree to it but it's worth trying! -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 10:30am
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weegee that sounds like a great idea! I hadnt thought of that at all.
Would you consider a breech birth if he doesnt turn? Midwife asked me yesterday, said she'd be willing to deliver a breech vaginally but only in hospital. DH and I discussed and if he doesnt turn by the time I go into labour then we'll do a c-section rather than a vaginal breech birth. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 10:33am
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Oh weegee! I must admit my worst fear has come true for you!!!! I keep checking mine has moved (likes transverse atm) and the mw keeps telling me there is plenty of time...
Oh fingers crossed, as morale boost my friends baby was breech until the night before she went into labour.. all of sudden he just flipped. She said it hurt worst than labour (probably as it was a bit unexpected LOL) but the next morning her contractions started and he wasnt small either so it just does to show it IS possible! Did they scan to check (i know you were avoiding scans) or is it just by palpating? Oh and T did you say I was footling? So is this baby footling aswell? -------------
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 10:34am
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Never mind T, she wouldnt suggest a vbac with a footling...
Thats actually pretty cool as very few mw would do a vaginal breech birth let alone a vbac! -------------
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 10:37am
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Yeah I think we've pretty much come to the same conclusion as you. My midwife said she'd deliver vaginally if I wanted (in hospital) but the way she asked was "you don't want to try to deliver vaginally do you" - seems the idea of a breech vbac scares the living daylights out of all the professionals. -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 10:42am
Isabella had one foot wedged under her bum and the other up by her head. So far this little one has both feet down by his bum (but not underneath it). Midwife asked about the breech birth without having looked at the scans and seeing what position he is in - she'd likely only make a recommendation right at the end because he still has quite a good range of movement (unlike DD who was stuck good and proper) Its only been one day of accupuncture and moxibustion and I am already cranky about it... no problem with a session of accupuncture... no problem with moxibustion... what I have a problem with is sticking the accupuncture press studs into my toes at night and sleeping with them in. I already cant sleep! Now I am trying to sleep with needles stuck in both feet. At 2am I ended up pulling them out and having a good cry. There really has to be a happy medium between getting this baby to turn and getting some rest as well! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 10:44am
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oh my gosh, do these babies not know their mummas plans?! I hope both your babies turn for you...
I like the epi and turning plan Weegee, thats very clever! I hope no more of these vbac babies decide to go/stay breech! -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 11:25am
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oh hun, poor you!!!!! -------------
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 12:29pm
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Sorry Mel I didn't see you and I had cross-posted earlier! Yeah it was by palpating that it was picked up but we had a scan to check yesterday afternoon and it confirmed it. Baby has its head tilted back too (they need to have their chin tucked down to turn) so apart from the fact that it's not footling, it's in pretty much the worst position possible, little monkey.
Great to hear about your friend's baby flipping though, that's the sort of story I like to hear. Hugs T! I have bowen therapy this afternoon and acupuncture this evening... taking pulsatilla too which might be something for you to look into?-------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 12:30pm
I took pulsatilla with DD, havent done it this time because I'm a sceptic when it comes to homeopathy. What is bowen therapy? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 1:02pm
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LOL I'm a bit of a sceptic with most things anyway, but I want to be able to say I tried everything!
I'm trying http://www.bowen.asn.au/bowen-therapy/what-is-bowen-therapy/ - bowen therapy because Mum has a friend who does it... will report back tonight what it actually entailed! -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 1:05pm
Let us know what they do and how it goes! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 1:07pm
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Oh cheeky monkey Weegee!
Yup the ECV failed he would 3/4 around and flip back and then just all of sudden turned on his own! Was pretty amazing as she was set on a homebirth but had just agreed to go into hospital for a vaginal delivery which was against everything she wanted. Oh I will be watching you 2 very closely now! -------------
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 4:33pm
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Ok so just had the bowen therapy and actually it seemed quite positive. Definitely something for you to look into T - the therapist reckoned they can get babies to turn 9 times out of 10 (although she tempered that with "we don't usually start as late as 39 weeks though").
It's hard to explain what it is doing - I guess it's somewhere between acupressure and kinesiology, uses trigger points as far as I can tell to try to release muscles. She did say not to have other forms of treatment for the next few days (eg acupuncture, massage) so I have taken a big gulp and cancelled my acupuncture appointment tonight. That's not normally the sort of faith I would put in something but one of the features of this bowen therapy is that they work on a point and then rest for a couple of minutes, and in the rest period baby was definitely moving. I felt baby's head turn down at the very least, and the bulge is a few degrees further around from where it was - that's some positive progress anyway so I'm sticking with it for now. (Plus, the acupuncturist pretty much told me I was wasting my money going to him at this stage anyway.) She has a website - http://www.bodytarget.co.nz/ - www.bodytarget.co.nz - worth looking into anyway! -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 4:45pm
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Thats great news Weegee, fx it works! Will be willing that wee bubba to turn around quickly!!!! -------------
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Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 13 July 2010 at 6:52pm
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thats very interesting weegee!! Awesome you could feel bubs moving, I have everything crossed for you! (and you too T!) -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 14 July 2010 at 9:45am
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Come on babies, TURN!!
Weegee, that idea of turning after the epi sounds like an awesome back-up plan. Not ideal, but better than going straight for the ceasar. Fingers crossed for you both. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 14 July 2010 at 12:55pm
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Yeah it really does because you could let the epi wear off it the ECV is successful.. but then I guess they would need to induce you????
When will they book a section? -------------
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 14 July 2010 at 1:18pm
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Don't know - as far away as I can make them... my midwife said I could probably insist on not til 41 weeks although I imagine I will have gone into labour before then. -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 14 July 2010 at 5:41pm
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Well I am keeping everything crossed...
AFM have decided I will take an induction if allowed.. I have been going back and forth on this considering how horrible it was last time but I would rather try than wonder iygwim. I think we are pretty set on refusing to set a elective date (unless there are real medical grounds).. DH was a bit funny about this but I have talked him around. He liked the idea of having that safety net but as I pointed out at the end of the day if we need a section it will happen regardless of whether its booked in or not! In fact it will happen quicker an the booked electives will get bumped LOL My next decision is if I want the overdue scan... I am undecided on this one as yet.. my mw is pretty anti scans unless necessary so might ask her what she thinks, if she thinks I should than I think I will. It is nice to have DH coming around now and being able to make so firm (well as much as they can be when its not actually us calling the shots) decisions. -------------
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 2:02pm
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My apologies because this is like triple posted now, but thought I should update this thread
Went along to OB appointment this morning dreading what he was going to say. Have had a couple of really rough nights with baby wriggling massive amounts (even needed to get up and do some hip circles in the early hours of this morning to manage the pain) but didn't think baby had flipped, although I knew it wasn't in the same place any more. Walked in, OB says "how are things?" Me: "less than ideal" Him: "why?" Me: "baby's breech" Him (with some concern): "when did you find that out?!" Me: "Monday, here's the scan report" Him: "Let's go take a look now just to be sure" So we go into the next room and he does a quick palpation and says "I think that's a head down there actually" - whips out the scanner and sure enough, baby is LOA. Not only turned but in perfect position as if it had been the whole time. Little ratbag! Of course now I panic a bit at every little movement - baby is still kicking heaps and every time I put a hand on my belly and say "just don't keep rolling!" Keeping my Bowen Therapy appointment for this afternoon in the hope that she can help get baby engaged so he or she can't do another somersault - the OB said there's still a fair amount of room in there (there's a big pocket of fluid where everything used to be at the top of my belly now) which is one of the reasons he's not fussed about how long they let me go for. It was a great appointment really, perfect news about baby's position, placenta apparently looks great, and the OB didn't want to put any deadlines on me, just said we sit and wait now, I don't need to see him next week, just have my regular mw checkup and if I haven't gone into labour by the end of next week we can just make another appointment to see him sometime in the week after
I am SOOOOO relieved! -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 2:04pm
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Thats fantastic news weegee!!!! I am so excited for you... the countdown is on until your VBAC ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 2:05pm
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Mel - I have discussed all that re post dates management with my mw as well. I asked about postdates scans and she said she would suggets it only if there was cause to believe the placenta might be slowing down - eg if there was a noticeable decrease in fetal movements. She'd do CTG for a while instead of doing a scan straight away.
Try to put off getting induced as long as you can (again, unless there are real medical grounds)... remember you're not "overdue" until AFTER 42 weeks! -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 2:05pm
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T - it's definitely worth giving the Bowen Therapy a shot if your little guy is still being stubborn! -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 2:13pm
I'm in a holding pattern
We cant afford any more anything at the moment so I am sticking to moxibustion done at home every evening and twice weekly accupuncture sessions with my midwife. We spent a fortune trying to get DD to turn (unsuccesfully) and this time round we're in a much worse financial position. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 2:16pm
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Fantastic news weegee!! That is so awesome!!!
I almost posted in here an hour ago wondering if there was any updates from you and T
WG, how much is the bowen therapy? -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
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Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 4:09pm
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Weegee, the induction would only be if I was 42 weeks or medical indications .. just to clarify.. Fool me once and all that!
My mw has already said she wouldnt have let them induce me last time had she been my mw, she would have at the very least made them admit for the weekend for observation first. We also decided last night after some soul searching with T and weegees breech bubbas that we would try to vbac a breech IF it was in a good position.... and the OB/MW were on board of course. I am so glad your wee one has turned.. now for little guy to do the same T!!!!! -------------
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Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 4:50pm
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Wooohooo Weegee!!! That's made my day, that news. Good baby ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 16 July 2010 at 5:39pm
Normally $45 a session, although I got mates rates through my Mum so it was apparently a little less than that. -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 20 July 2010 at 8:40am
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Well, by the very vague dates my mw and I fiddled with right at the beginning, I'm "officially" due today, although not expecting to go into labour for a good few days yet. So just waiting here. Baby was still head down at yesterday's mw appointment (I'm thinking it'd be too hard for baby to turn back again and I'd feel it go). My mw did say we will need to be extra vigilant about the cord during delivery as the baby has turned both from breech to cephalic AND then from right to left so it's highly likely it's all tangled up in there.
House is still a bit of a mess although it's a more organised mess than it used to be My sister is arriving from Queenstown tomorrow for a few days to help me nest - who knows, could be really good timing on her part!
Everybody else - T has now been told about being gifted a session of Bowen Therapy from us, fingers crossed her baby is as easily persuaded as mine was -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 20 July 2010 at 10:33am
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oh how generous weegee, fx T!!!! Oh and I must pm you back, have been so slack -------------
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