Pelvis: uselessly sore.
Baby: lively
Baths: wonderfully soothing but getting increasingly difficult to get out from
Appetite: sweet
Opinion on VBAC: reiterated to me today that anything other than a section would be bonkers, by a mum who had what I fear in the way of non progressing labour and emergency section.
Aww, she also brought me baby's first present, on her birthday as well, which was lovely. It's a set of little girl 3-6 months clothes and is very cute. I have lots more to come apparently, which is ever so nice. :-)
People are kind.
Showing posts with label Caesarean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caesarean. Show all posts
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Monday, 27 June 2011
Crutched
Well, I've got crutches now. And I have to say, they help a LOT. I even slower than I was without them, and there's the obvious downside of not being able to carry anything - something I forgot to consider when taking my maternity notes and a tiny handbag. My rucksack will have to be my handbag in case of needing to carry anything.
The physio asked how I was when moving my legs to the side. For the last few days it has been very painful, if I'm sitting and I let my leg flop to the side, it hurts. Legs must point straight forwards at all times, or the pelvis objects.
Based on this, the physio reckons a c-section would probably be best, as I would be very limited in positions to labour in. This pleases me. For one, I feel less like a section is a cop out for every additional reason I have. Plus, I would guess a consultant would be less likely to try and talk me round to a VBAC if pain is a consideration.
I shortly have to go to the school to collect the boys. I am really apprehensive about going with crutches. Having had to walk a fair way back to the car at the hospital, I know that they will make the walking part less arduous, but I feel incredibly self conscious.
I do also feel that I should be used as a caution to young girls. What with my twins and my crutches I feel I make a far more effective deterrent than a crying baby doll.
The physio asked how I was when moving my legs to the side. For the last few days it has been very painful, if I'm sitting and I let my leg flop to the side, it hurts. Legs must point straight forwards at all times, or the pelvis objects.
Based on this, the physio reckons a c-section would probably be best, as I would be very limited in positions to labour in. This pleases me. For one, I feel less like a section is a cop out for every additional reason I have. Plus, I would guess a consultant would be less likely to try and talk me round to a VBAC if pain is a consideration.
I shortly have to go to the school to collect the boys. I am really apprehensive about going with crutches. Having had to walk a fair way back to the car at the hospital, I know that they will make the walking part less arduous, but I feel incredibly self conscious.
I do also feel that I should be used as a caution to young girls. What with my twins and my crutches I feel I make a far more effective deterrent than a crying baby doll.
Sunday, 19 June 2011
Grumpy superiority
Hmph. I'm in a grumpy mood so I'm going to ponder about the strangeness of others.
Today's lack of understanding applies to what people mean by natural birth. To me, a natural birth is one that is non-surgical. In other words, the baby comes out of the birth canal and is delivered naturally.
To everyone else, a natural birth means one whereby no medical intervention is present at all. No drugs, no forceps/ventouse. I'm guessing no induction or hormone drips to aid labour either. Not sure. I think gas and air are permitted for "natural" but I don't think anything else is. A membrane sweep might also be considered natural, but it does count as a smidgums of intervention so perhaps not.
With regards to the all-natural birth, the definition is largely irrelevant, but the attitude does seem to colour a lot of women's attitude. To fail to achieve the natural birth, whether it's been due to needing an epidural, or whether it's having a caesarean, is seen by some as failing somehow. Some caesarean mothers want to "experience" the natural birth in future pregnancies.
Je ne comprends pas.
As far as I am concerned there are two desirable outcomes: healthy child and healthy mother. The experience is a means to an end and isn't something in itself. It's not a very pleasant experience however it happens, with the exception of the moment you meet your child. Risk minimisation should be the prime consideration, whether drugs are used is entirely moot.
My decision to go for a second caesarean is based on one thing: I consider the risks of an emergency section to be too high and an elective section is the only sure way to ensure an emergency section is avoided. As an older mum with no prior labour and caesarean scarring, the risks are unreasonably high in case of a very likely emergency section.
Obviously I want to avoid surgery, I don't care about pain because when it's over, it's over. All I do care about is the safety of my child, and myself, and an elective section is the best way to ensure both.
The experience thing is idiotic. That is the same school of thought as people who cannot separate "wedding" from "marriage". As I said, it's a means to an end, not an experience in itself.
That's not to say all mothers to be shouldn't arm themselves with all the tools that they think will help them give birth. As long as they accept that relaxation techniques do not supersede (I'd spell that with a c, autocorrect won't allow??) medical necessity, and that their experience and happy memories are secondary to safety.
Today's lack of understanding applies to what people mean by natural birth. To me, a natural birth is one that is non-surgical. In other words, the baby comes out of the birth canal and is delivered naturally.
To everyone else, a natural birth means one whereby no medical intervention is present at all. No drugs, no forceps/ventouse. I'm guessing no induction or hormone drips to aid labour either. Not sure. I think gas and air are permitted for "natural" but I don't think anything else is. A membrane sweep might also be considered natural, but it does count as a smidgums of intervention so perhaps not.
With regards to the all-natural birth, the definition is largely irrelevant, but the attitude does seem to colour a lot of women's attitude. To fail to achieve the natural birth, whether it's been due to needing an epidural, or whether it's having a caesarean, is seen by some as failing somehow. Some caesarean mothers want to "experience" the natural birth in future pregnancies.
Je ne comprends pas.
As far as I am concerned there are two desirable outcomes: healthy child and healthy mother. The experience is a means to an end and isn't something in itself. It's not a very pleasant experience however it happens, with the exception of the moment you meet your child. Risk minimisation should be the prime consideration, whether drugs are used is entirely moot.
My decision to go for a second caesarean is based on one thing: I consider the risks of an emergency section to be too high and an elective section is the only sure way to ensure an emergency section is avoided. As an older mum with no prior labour and caesarean scarring, the risks are unreasonably high in case of a very likely emergency section.
Obviously I want to avoid surgery, I don't care about pain because when it's over, it's over. All I do care about is the safety of my child, and myself, and an elective section is the best way to ensure both.
The experience thing is idiotic. That is the same school of thought as people who cannot separate "wedding" from "marriage". As I said, it's a means to an end, not an experience in itself.
That's not to say all mothers to be shouldn't arm themselves with all the tools that they think will help them give birth. As long as they accept that relaxation techniques do not supersede (I'd spell that with a c, autocorrect won't allow??) medical necessity, and that their experience and happy memories are secondary to safety.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Guilt
First guilt trip, I had a complete paddy today. Full on she's lost her mind tantrum. Oops. It was in reaction to an overreaction of something so utterly trivial combined with complete lack of sympathy to my pain. I shrieked, I cried, I slammed. I made my children cry at my noise. I am ashamed.
Second guilt trip. I am a bad advocate for mothering. I have twice commented on a blog this last week to a new mother. First to profess the joys of caesarean birth - not scary, not bed riding for a fortnight - and today to encourage the use of formula.
Really, I should be shot. My opinion, yay, but probably best not shared as it doesn't toe the natural party line.
To be fair on myself, my stance on both issues are not "they are better" but more "do not beat yourself up if they happen".
Purchases arrived today: 2 pairs of maternity pyjamas and a maternity vest top. Maternity wear makes the bump look much more advanced than oversized wear which drapes. Maternity wear clings. Comfy though and there's no exposed udders.
Pain level lessened by not leaving the house and so not walking more than the length of the hall. On most days this is not a practicable solution but on a day off it's a relief. If immensely frustrating. One of the most painful things I have done today, which I have needed to do approximately once an hour, is go to the toilet. It's not the going that hurts - thankfully - it's the sitting down on, and getting up from, the toilet that's tricky. Hence the bad mood.
It has cooled down again which means two things: I can shut the window and the tools haven't been drinking in the sun all day. So a peaceful night may ensue.
And as if by magic, a car alarm starts...
Second guilt trip. I am a bad advocate for mothering. I have twice commented on a blog this last week to a new mother. First to profess the joys of caesarean birth - not scary, not bed riding for a fortnight - and today to encourage the use of formula.
Really, I should be shot. My opinion, yay, but probably best not shared as it doesn't toe the natural party line.
To be fair on myself, my stance on both issues are not "they are better" but more "do not beat yourself up if they happen".
Purchases arrived today: 2 pairs of maternity pyjamas and a maternity vest top. Maternity wear makes the bump look much more advanced than oversized wear which drapes. Maternity wear clings. Comfy though and there's no exposed udders.
Pain level lessened by not leaving the house and so not walking more than the length of the hall. On most days this is not a practicable solution but on a day off it's a relief. If immensely frustrating. One of the most painful things I have done today, which I have needed to do approximately once an hour, is go to the toilet. It's not the going that hurts - thankfully - it's the sitting down on, and getting up from, the toilet that's tricky. Hence the bad mood.
It has cooled down again which means two things: I can shut the window and the tools haven't been drinking in the sun all day. So a peaceful night may ensue.
And as if by magic, a car alarm starts...
Thursday, 12 May 2011
To push or to be pulled?
In light of a lack of anything specific going on bellywise, I have been mulling over the VBAC option.
And so we have my pros for each option:
Caesarean section benefits:
No risk from traumatic birth or picking up infection/injury on the way out for baby
Quick birth at prearranged time - no mad dash from daddy or babysitters required.
Lack of pain
No ripped bits or forever incontinence.
No chance of an emergency section if elective chosen.
VBAC:
No surgery to recover from - can lift baby and boys, and drive straight away. Even if I'm a bit torn...
Home from hospital quickly.
Baby should breathe better having been squeezed through the birth canal.
Baby should be properly cooked and born when ready - small concerns as to overestimation of dates.
Breastfeeding should happen; labour should trigger colostrum production and so it becomes a possibility. Would be nice to have option.
Saggy udder wouldn't be worsened by second scarring.
Yeah, the last one's a bit vacuous. So is lack of pain as a reason for having a caesarean.
So that's 6:5 in favour of the VBAC.
Hmmm. On a trial basis, am I convinced????
I have plenty time to decide. 34 weeks I have till I have to say. That's 14 and a bit weeks away. I may enquire about parentcraft classes as I didn't pay much attention last time as I was in course for a caesarean when the classes were. I understand they do special VBAC ones, I don't know if they do here.
Oh god. I'm coming over all NCT. Save me...
In case I didn't mention, the next scan is 8 sleeps away. Oooooooh.
And so we have my pros for each option:
Caesarean section benefits:
No risk from traumatic birth or picking up infection/injury on the way out for baby
Quick birth at prearranged time - no mad dash from daddy or babysitters required.
Lack of pain
No ripped bits or forever incontinence.
No chance of an emergency section if elective chosen.
VBAC:
No surgery to recover from - can lift baby and boys, and drive straight away. Even if I'm a bit torn...
Home from hospital quickly.
Baby should breathe better having been squeezed through the birth canal.
Baby should be properly cooked and born when ready - small concerns as to overestimation of dates.
Breastfeeding should happen; labour should trigger colostrum production and so it becomes a possibility. Would be nice to have option.
Saggy udder wouldn't be worsened by second scarring.
Yeah, the last one's a bit vacuous. So is lack of pain as a reason for having a caesarean.
So that's 6:5 in favour of the VBAC.
Hmmm. On a trial basis, am I convinced????
I have plenty time to decide. 34 weeks I have till I have to say. That's 14 and a bit weeks away. I may enquire about parentcraft classes as I didn't pay much attention last time as I was in course for a caesarean when the classes were. I understand they do special VBAC ones, I don't know if they do here.
Oh god. I'm coming over all NCT. Save me...
In case I didn't mention, the next scan is 8 sleeps away. Oooooooh.
Friday, 25 March 2011
Worry over
Well as predicted in my more positive moments, there's one baby and a healthy one to boot.
Much wriggling and a good heartbeat, a low risk for Downs on the nuchal translucency scan (and there is a nasal bone present which means not Downs) and everything is very good.
My new due date is 01/10/11 so although I was 12 weeks today, I have moved forward to 12 weeks 6 and will be 13 weeks tomorrow.
I had to wait around for almost an hour after I arrived with a very full bladder, which was unpleasant - but did mean I missed work altogether. My bladder was so full my baby was up at my waist when the sonographer was scanning! I had to empty some to allow the nuchal scan and it was still full after emptying about a bladderful.
I feel so happy, no twins so we can all fit in a regular car and I can do swimming and the likes, and above all else a healthy baby.
One concern: baby was very wriggly. O was wriggly and R was calm in scans. Ois a very hyper child, this may well be another hyper child.
As long as he/she (I think she) is as sweet as he is then it's ok though.
A doctor recommended a VBAC, I did not agree. We discussed and she wrote down that I understood and that I wanted a section. Phew. I've to discuss again at 34 weeks. Still want a section!
Much wriggling and a good heartbeat, a low risk for Downs on the nuchal translucency scan (and there is a nasal bone present which means not Downs) and everything is very good.
My new due date is 01/10/11 so although I was 12 weeks today, I have moved forward to 12 weeks 6 and will be 13 weeks tomorrow.
I had to wait around for almost an hour after I arrived with a very full bladder, which was unpleasant - but did mean I missed work altogether. My bladder was so full my baby was up at my waist when the sonographer was scanning! I had to empty some to allow the nuchal scan and it was still full after emptying about a bladderful.
I feel so happy, no twins so we can all fit in a regular car and I can do swimming and the likes, and above all else a healthy baby.
One concern: baby was very wriggly. O was wriggly and R was calm in scans. Ois a very hyper child, this may well be another hyper child.
As long as he/she (I think she) is as sweet as he is then it's ok though.
A doctor recommended a VBAC, I did not agree. We discussed and she wrote down that I understood and that I wanted a section. Phew. I've to discuss again at 34 weeks. Still want a section!
Sunday, 27 February 2011
"Bad" parenting
I am going to be a bad mother to this baby. It cannot be helped for I have been tainted by experience.
I do not undertake to breastfeeding against all odds until my child is 14.
I fully intend to try; if - unlike my firstborn - they manage to latch on within 72 hours, then they shall have my milk. Combined with formula, pretty much from day one. Reasons for this are many:
1) 2 healthy boys who never had breastmilk
2) 1 allergy ridden, UTI prone, asthmatic mother who was exclusively breastfed (thats me!) unlike her exclusively formula fed sibling who has none of the above
3) I'm not that good at eating nutritionally great food and would have palpitations at the thought of depriving my child. I also need rather a lot of medication when I'm not pregnant. I like the security of measured nutrients, safe milk and confirmed amounts.
I shall be offering my child a dummy.
It is called a soother and it soothes. People who think they are a cop out are idiotic; if a child is offered a dummy when something else is desired, the dummy is swiftly returned. Besides, current wisdom decrees it protects against SIDS.
I shall be fighting to NOT have a natural birth.
I want a caesarean. The survival chances and health of my child are significantly better with a planned caesarean. I have good reason to think that my pelvis would be rubbish at the whole delivery thing (also, son 1 has a ginormous head) A failed VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) bodes very ominously for mother and child. An elective caesarean has the most positive statistics. I don't remotely feel that I will miss out on a natural birth, I had no trouble bonding with my caesarean born twins and I am prepared to fight for the right to have a section. I'm not incidentally too posh to push, I don't have issue with pain, I do have issue with endangering my unborn child.
I shall be destroying the planet.
It's disposables I'm afraid. No child of mine is having nappy rash because I chose a different type of nappy from the one that I know works beautifully.
I shall be weaning at 17 weeks.
I liked the puree stage, theres something immensely satisfying about making a tiny pot of goo and feeding it to your child, and experimenting with foods. Given that the period from 14-17 weeks was a trial of not being able to satisfy hungry boys, I embraced the arrival of 17 weeks and weaning. No way could we have waited till 6 months. There are better first weaning foods now, I weaned mine on (gluten free, sugar free) rusks (don't tell my health visitor!!) as they understandably balked at baby rice, which supposedly means "they are not ready". Bollocks, it means baby rice is rank.
My child might well go straight into their own room.
Unless we haven't moved of course, but if we have they will. The boys did, we had no choice as there was no room for four of us in one bedroom. A midwife made me cry by insinuating that I was going to be tantamount to murdering my babies by not having them in beside me. My obstetrician arrived as I sobbed, he tsked at the midwife's words, informing me all three of his own children had gone into their own rooms. It makes sense to me, to have them settle early rather than having the heartbreak of separation later.
Shoot me now. I'm uncaring and old fashioned. I believe in happy children, I don't need to complete myself as a woman or save the planet. I want my children to be secure, loved and well. I shall do all of the above and if this baby is as healthy and happy as my twins are, I shall be satisfied with my job of mothering.
For the record, Dr Spock talked a lot of sense as far as I can tell. I am going to read his book and see if he was as awful as I've been told...
I do not undertake to breastfeeding against all odds until my child is 14.
I fully intend to try; if - unlike my firstborn - they manage to latch on within 72 hours, then they shall have my milk. Combined with formula, pretty much from day one. Reasons for this are many:
1) 2 healthy boys who never had breastmilk
2) 1 allergy ridden, UTI prone, asthmatic mother who was exclusively breastfed (thats me!) unlike her exclusively formula fed sibling who has none of the above
3) I'm not that good at eating nutritionally great food and would have palpitations at the thought of depriving my child. I also need rather a lot of medication when I'm not pregnant. I like the security of measured nutrients, safe milk and confirmed amounts.
I shall be offering my child a dummy.
It is called a soother and it soothes. People who think they are a cop out are idiotic; if a child is offered a dummy when something else is desired, the dummy is swiftly returned. Besides, current wisdom decrees it protects against SIDS.
I shall be fighting to NOT have a natural birth.
I want a caesarean. The survival chances and health of my child are significantly better with a planned caesarean. I have good reason to think that my pelvis would be rubbish at the whole delivery thing (also, son 1 has a ginormous head) A failed VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) bodes very ominously for mother and child. An elective caesarean has the most positive statistics. I don't remotely feel that I will miss out on a natural birth, I had no trouble bonding with my caesarean born twins and I am prepared to fight for the right to have a section. I'm not incidentally too posh to push, I don't have issue with pain, I do have issue with endangering my unborn child.
I shall be destroying the planet.
It's disposables I'm afraid. No child of mine is having nappy rash because I chose a different type of nappy from the one that I know works beautifully.
I shall be weaning at 17 weeks.
I liked the puree stage, theres something immensely satisfying about making a tiny pot of goo and feeding it to your child, and experimenting with foods. Given that the period from 14-17 weeks was a trial of not being able to satisfy hungry boys, I embraced the arrival of 17 weeks and weaning. No way could we have waited till 6 months. There are better first weaning foods now, I weaned mine on (gluten free, sugar free) rusks (don't tell my health visitor!!) as they understandably balked at baby rice, which supposedly means "they are not ready". Bollocks, it means baby rice is rank.
My child might well go straight into their own room.
Unless we haven't moved of course, but if we have they will. The boys did, we had no choice as there was no room for four of us in one bedroom. A midwife made me cry by insinuating that I was going to be tantamount to murdering my babies by not having them in beside me. My obstetrician arrived as I sobbed, he tsked at the midwife's words, informing me all three of his own children had gone into their own rooms. It makes sense to me, to have them settle early rather than having the heartbreak of separation later.
Shoot me now. I'm uncaring and old fashioned. I believe in happy children, I don't need to complete myself as a woman or save the planet. I want my children to be secure, loved and well. I shall do all of the above and if this baby is as healthy and happy as my twins are, I shall be satisfied with my job of mothering.
For the record, Dr Spock talked a lot of sense as far as I can tell. I am going to read his book and see if he was as awful as I've been told...
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