 |
 |
 |
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
||||
The Birth of my ChildFrom: K.Tice (anonymous@obgyn.net)Fri, 30 Jan 1998 17:59:16 -0600 (CST)
Some of you may remember that around the middle of last year I began corresponding to this website. I was pregnant with my second child and had alot of questions I needed answers to; both from professionals in this area and also from women who have experienced childbirth. My first pregnancy went well with no complications, however after 15 hours of labor with baby in an occipto posterior position (back labor), suddenly starting to present with the widest part of her head, I ended up with a caesarean delivery. I recovered exceptionally well from this and was home after 3 days in hospital, with a healthy baby. My second pregnancy progressed as normally as my first, but I was most anxious about going through the pain of labor again. I knew I would be unable to cope with the pain, and the only way I could handle it would be to have an epidural assisted labor. That option terrified me, not the epidural, but the fact that I would be at a higher risk of requiring intervention such as forceps, ventouse or my worst fear - an episiotomy. I discussed all my options with my OB. We were happy to try for VBAC as there was nothing preventing me from doing so (previous c-section given for one of reason)at this stage. I became more and more in favor of planning an elective caesarean section after alot of research and discussion with various health professionals; although it was still unecessary. My due date was 1/9/97. About three weeks prior after I had sorted out my own feelings about the upcoming birth, I advised my OB that I wanted to plan for a caesarean section. Over those last three weeks I had feelings of guilt in that I knew I should be strong enough in myself to attempt birth the way it is meant to be, but I soon became positive about it, and that I had made the right decision. I had spoken with my OB who delivered my first child and discovered something I was not aware of at the time, and that was that my baby had became quite badly stuck just prior to the decision being made that I was to have a c-section. All the way to theatre I was being urged not to push, but it was something I found I had no control over. I required vaginal and abdominal assistance to get the baby out in the end. My current OB for my second pregnancy did say that there really was no way of knowing wether it was a one of problem, or if my pelvis was too small, and that if my chance my pelvis was too small, I could be putting my baby at risk by trying for a normal labor. The choice was mine to make. Weighing this all up I knew I had made the right choice. Finally my mind was at ease, and I relaxed and enjoyed my last three weeks. The birth of my child(caesarean) - a girl so I was told, was scheduled for 1.30pm 26 August 1997. It did feel strange knowing her birth date in advance of the actual event, but I grew used to it. On the day we were to arrive at hospital (I was a private patient) at 10.00am. We took our time that morning, and were happy in the knowledge that this was planned and we knew exactly what was happening and when. My husband and I arrived at hospital and I was checked into my room. I gave a birth plan to the midwife outlining our wishes for the birth (as limited as they are with a planned c-section), i.e. no bottles of water, formula etc, no pacifiers, rooming in, photos to be taken of the birth etc. My anaesthetist came and spoke with me and we went over the whole procedure of the epidural for the delivery etc. At 12.00pm the midwife came and prepared me, and at 12.30pm we were taken up to theatre (my husband stayed by my side throughout). The only pain I suffered was the insertion of the epidural into my spine, which felt rather like a blunt knife being jabbed into your back, and a kind of dull stinging sensation. I almost leapt of the bed, even though I was aware that I had to lie as still as possible. I was grateful that my husband was there next to me, as he was very supportive, and held onto me at that moment to prevent me from moving and causing injury. I was nummed immediately, infact it felt a little to strong in that I could feel it numbing me right up into my neck. It was quiet a shick as I couldn't feel oxygen circulating in my throat and was at first frightened that I would stop breathing. As with my first c-section birth, but much more severe this time, I almost instantly felt itchy in the face - a reaction from the morphine. It became so bad that it completely overwhelmed me and i was unable to concentrate on the birth. It was eased by the administration of another drug through the IV to counteract the effect the morphine was having on me. I felt a pulling sensation when the incision was being made, but absolutely no pain. Photos were being taken and I knew that delivery would b very quick. At precisly 1.48pm our beautiful daughter was born. She was immediately placed on my upper stomach to hold. I was delirously happy, and for those of you who think a c-section is not as emotional or meaningful as a natural labor - YOUR'RE SO VERY WRONG. I was handed my child as is a mother in natural labor; the only difference I felt was that I was calm and relaxed and able to be totally there in the moment, without the pain. She weighed in at 6lb 4oz. She required assistance to clear her airways as when my membranes were cut, she opened her mouth and swalled alot of amniotic fluid. Repairs were done to my stomach which was stapelled rather than stitched. The sound of this being done was a little frightening at first, but the benefit of stapelling the wound site is that both sides of the wound that are joined are joined level to one another and the scar is much neater than it would be if stitched. I was taken back to my room, our daughter, whom we named Eryn Ruby moments after her birth was taken to special care for a few hours observation just to ensure her airways had been cleared thoroughly (nothing severe or life threatening). Around 6pm that same day, once I was awake, she was brought up to me for her first feed. She breastfed without any problems at all. My milk had come in over the next day or too. The following morning, the midwife came and saw me to ask how I felt and if I wanted to try and get out of bed. I remembered back to my first c-section, and I wasn't really able to walk without feeling pain and also being hunched over. Even so I felt really good when I awoke, so I thought I would give it a try. I levered myself gently over to the edge of the bed, and got up into a sitting position with my feet resting on the floor. I knew my Anaesthetist had told me that in the 2 years (since my first c-section) the pain releif drugs had improved significantly. When I stood up and felt very little pain at all, I realised how right he was. I walked up strait, with almost no pain at all. I spent two and a half days in hospital then went home. I was so pleased at how good I felt, and I recovered very well. The scar is no bigger than 10cm, and is a bikini line cut. Now almost six months after Eryn's birth we are both happy and healthy. So I am pleased to say all went well for me, and I am glad I made the choice I did. The benefit of a c-section (though there are risks) in my opinion is that I delivered a healthy baby, avoiding the stresses of labor to baby and myself. And most importantly for me, I sustained no damage in a place (despite what your OB's tell you) where it does matter!
|
|
Return to ![[ Women's Health Forum ]](http://www.obgyn.net/images_women/wh-forum.gif)
Report TECHNICAL Problems ONLY to: webmaster@obgyn.net
Last Updated: Mon Nov 2 07:08:19 2009
Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote
home | medical professionals | women | industry | forums | international