Or am I doing the consulting? Dunno
I shall be having a consultation with my obstetric consultant on Friday, re: the birthing of baby.
Also included is this fortnight's ante natal check, so unless I suddenly start being muchly unwell and/or I swell up, I'll leave worrying about my BP till then.
And so to prepare for the consultant.
I would like my baby to be delivered by elective c-section for the following reasons:
The rate of successful VBAC is somewhere between 34% and 50% - depending what you read - which means at least 50% end in an emergency c-section. At nearly 37 years old, having never been in labour before (I only got as far as stage one of induction with the twins, and nothing began at all) my own chances of a successful VBAC would be less than this.
An emergency section carries the greatest risk to baby and me, as well as having the longest recovery time. The only sure method to avoid an emergency section is to have a planned one.
My pelvis limits labour options, but not as much as my previous c-section. I cannot be induced or helped along hormonally, nor should I have any form of assisted delivery as both of these increase the chance of uterine rupture or general distress on the part of mother or child. Additionally there are time restraints in a VBAC. The trial is abandoned and a section performed in a number of scenarios of an attempted VBAC. So, the chance of an emergency section is pretty damned high.
Reasons I won't be sharing with the consultant:
Supposedly female obstetricians and GPs have a much higher rate of repeat elective sections than the general population. They have the facts and that is the decision they take.
An entirely vacuous and not vote swinging reason, but I am happy with having a definite date to make arrangements around, and not being left to overcook.
With regards to a trial of labour, that involves, well, waiting, trying and a probable emergency section, having put my body through an unsuccessful labour. If I could know it would work, then yes, I would go for it, but statistically, I'd like to minimise the risk. Baby's health is far more important to me than my experience of being a complete woman etc etc. I do not fear pain or worry about saggy bits (although avoiding them would be nice, I am aware of the udder effect/recovery period from a section). I am not too posh to push, I am too prudent to persevere.
Doesn't quite have the same ring/dismissive tone to it though. Huh.
Showing posts with label VBAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VBAC. Show all posts
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Monday, 18 July 2011
Changes that have come over me
Pelvis watch: not good. I had to do a fair amount of crutch free walking today and oh, I can't! Swimming lesson for the boys first off, which is every day this week and involves rather a lot of stairs.
I then spent most of the rest of the day lying down, but had to nip out to asda in the evening. I cannot do supermarkets. Trolleys are out as I can't push them, crutches are out as I need my hands. So it's a basket waddle. Not good. And the pain by the time I got back was ridiculous, I could barely put one foot in front of the other.
I am displeased to note that despite the bump now being on the very large side of huge, I still have the flap of skin below. How unfair is that? I guess twins make that flap inevitable, but still.
On a brighter note, we have booked a short break for the last weekend of the holidays. Just to Dumfries, I'm not prepared to travel far, but it will be ace to have that to look forward to.
And I received my Practical Parenting subscription gift: an Avent breast pump with two bottles and a thermal bag. We have an Avent steriliser and we used Avent for the twins, so its familiar. I was drawn to Tommee Tippee but they don't fit well in the steriliser. We were a little underwhelmed by the Avent bottles on account of slight leakage when mixing, but all bottles have some people who have that same complaint! Well nifty for zero cost though, I priced it up in asda and it would cost well over £30 to buy what I got. The subscription is less than that, and I'd buy PP anyway, I like it best of the pregnancy/baby mags.
A breast pump, yes, I did mean to get that as I do fully intend to give breastfeeding a try. Having spoken to a friend about birthing options I found myself pondering a VBAC again, but I think not. Stats are not favourable.
Many thoughts. Many.
I then spent most of the rest of the day lying down, but had to nip out to asda in the evening. I cannot do supermarkets. Trolleys are out as I can't push them, crutches are out as I need my hands. So it's a basket waddle. Not good. And the pain by the time I got back was ridiculous, I could barely put one foot in front of the other.
I am displeased to note that despite the bump now being on the very large side of huge, I still have the flap of skin below. How unfair is that? I guess twins make that flap inevitable, but still.
On a brighter note, we have booked a short break for the last weekend of the holidays. Just to Dumfries, I'm not prepared to travel far, but it will be ace to have that to look forward to.
And I received my Practical Parenting subscription gift: an Avent breast pump with two bottles and a thermal bag. We have an Avent steriliser and we used Avent for the twins, so its familiar. I was drawn to Tommee Tippee but they don't fit well in the steriliser. We were a little underwhelmed by the Avent bottles on account of slight leakage when mixing, but all bottles have some people who have that same complaint! Well nifty for zero cost though, I priced it up in asda and it would cost well over £30 to buy what I got. The subscription is less than that, and I'd buy PP anyway, I like it best of the pregnancy/baby mags.
A breast pump, yes, I did mean to get that as I do fully intend to give breastfeeding a try. Having spoken to a friend about birthing options I found myself pondering a VBAC again, but I think not. Stats are not favourable.
Many thoughts. Many.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
VBAC??
I had a chat today with a friend who delivered her second child naturally, following the caesarean birth of her first some years previously. I was of the impression she had a rotten time of it and would be loathe to recommend a VBAC.
On the contrary, she said she'd do it again happily, it was far better. She had it as a trial of labour, which is where they let you go into labour, but will intervene and section if there are any complications.
Which sounds ok. They won't induce you, or they shouldn't, or to put it another way, if it is me they will not be inducing me. I don't know what Forth Park do, but a lot of hospitals constantly monitor the foetus for any signs of distress. The "experts" say that they shouldn't because the likelihood of any complications are lessened the more active a birth can be. "They" also don't recommend epidurals for the same reason, which loses me a bit.
Reasons to intervene and perform a c section include:
Foetal distress
Failure to progress in a sensible time frame
Mother changes her mind about a natural birth
When I hear tales of people who have their children easily, quickly (for a labour) and relatively painfree-ally then I think, well, do I really want unnecessary surgery for no reason? Diabolical it may be, but it is all over once it's over. No big recovery (apart from the ripped bits, ugh). And supposedly you feel dead proud and all that. But supposedly you also feel close to suicide if you cannot breastfeed and I sure don't sign up to that school of thought. I didn't feel bad about any of it last time and I failed all my NCT badges of honour.
Basically, my aim is a healthy baby. It is my considered opinion that I don't want the risks of a failed natural delivery, and so an elective section would remove those risks. But maybe - maybe - a trial of labour would see if the normal/sensible/conventional/nonsurgical method could work, with consultants and what not on hand to operate if required would be a good way to proceed. Maybe.
We'll see what they say at the scan. If the baby's a sensible size, in a sensible position and all looks shiny, I could be persuaded to try on the strict understanding it's a trial not a no-matter-what, and that in the event of going overdue they perform a section rather than leaving me to overcook or any hint of induction.
Possibly. I have a meeting with the consultant at 34 weeks to discuss the birth.
Baby is currently at least two or three centimetres higher than should be. Not mad, confirmed by heartbeat. This can be indicative of a breech position, or placenta praevia - where the placenta covers the cervix, both of which are situations where a section would be essential. So as I say, we'll see what they say at the scan. (We'll not think about the bad things that can be indicated with a large for dates uterus). Most likely it's due to having a stretched and battered uterus having had twins last time.
Or there's a twin in there this time and it was hiding at the scan...
On the contrary, she said she'd do it again happily, it was far better. She had it as a trial of labour, which is where they let you go into labour, but will intervene and section if there are any complications.
Which sounds ok. They won't induce you, or they shouldn't, or to put it another way, if it is me they will not be inducing me. I don't know what Forth Park do, but a lot of hospitals constantly monitor the foetus for any signs of distress. The "experts" say that they shouldn't because the likelihood of any complications are lessened the more active a birth can be. "They" also don't recommend epidurals for the same reason, which loses me a bit.
Reasons to intervene and perform a c section include:
Foetal distress
Failure to progress in a sensible time frame
Mother changes her mind about a natural birth
When I hear tales of people who have their children easily, quickly (for a labour) and relatively painfree-ally then I think, well, do I really want unnecessary surgery for no reason? Diabolical it may be, but it is all over once it's over. No big recovery (apart from the ripped bits, ugh). And supposedly you feel dead proud and all that. But supposedly you also feel close to suicide if you cannot breastfeed and I sure don't sign up to that school of thought. I didn't feel bad about any of it last time and I failed all my NCT badges of honour.
Basically, my aim is a healthy baby. It is my considered opinion that I don't want the risks of a failed natural delivery, and so an elective section would remove those risks. But maybe - maybe - a trial of labour would see if the normal/sensible/conventional/nonsurgical method could work, with consultants and what not on hand to operate if required would be a good way to proceed. Maybe.
We'll see what they say at the scan. If the baby's a sensible size, in a sensible position and all looks shiny, I could be persuaded to try on the strict understanding it's a trial not a no-matter-what, and that in the event of going overdue they perform a section rather than leaving me to overcook or any hint of induction.
Possibly. I have a meeting with the consultant at 34 weeks to discuss the birth.
Baby is currently at least two or three centimetres higher than should be. Not mad, confirmed by heartbeat. This can be indicative of a breech position, or placenta praevia - where the placenta covers the cervix, both of which are situations where a section would be essential. So as I say, we'll see what they say at the scan. (We'll not think about the bad things that can be indicated with a large for dates uterus). Most likely it's due to having a stretched and battered uterus having had twins last time.
Or there's a twin in there this time and it was hiding at the scan...
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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