My babe was vertex until 34 1/2 weeks, and has now been breech since (36 1/2 weeks today). I am doing occasional moxibustion, daily chiropractic visits (Webster technique), and some inversions on land and in water, but so far this stubborn babe is not cooperating! S/he will sometimes go transverse, and moves about quite often, so I am optimistic, but just doesn't seem to make it to vertex.
I have an external version scheduled for one week from today, so if babe is still breech then that's the next step. I would rather not have to do it, but I had a consult with the doctor who would/will perform it and feel comfortable with the safety of the procedure. I think if it gives me a 50% chance of success, that's a chance worth taking. I have struggled a lot with not knowing how things will turn out, and feeling like I may have my birthing options taken away from me (most times it's a mandatory C section for breech, as I am sure you know) But I am still hoping that this babe will turn, either naturally or through the version procedure.
I also found out when meeting with the OB that he has attended vaginal breech births before, and he actually told me that if it came down to it and he was working when I went into labor and the if baby is still breech, he'd be comfortable and willing to go for a vaginal birth, depending also on the nursing staff available. So, I am thrilled to know that I may still have options open to me at that point, although obviously my ideal would be to have this baby turn vertex and continue with my natural birth plan with my midwife, rather than have to transfer care.
I know I should just wait and see how things go and then deal with these decisions, but I can't help but stress a bit about how I will make that choice if it comes to it. I know that a scheduled c-section would completely remove my chances of a vaginal birth if the baby does not turn.. but I also know that if I wait for labor, hoping that this doctor will be on call to do the vaginal birth, I run a pretty good chance of winding up with a panicky medical staff rushing me off to a c-section. I guess part of me wants to go for the hope of a vaginal birth at all costs, and another part thinks that if it comes to that, I am better off scheduling a c-section so that I can prepare myself for that experience and get comfortable with the doctor who would be performing it, ensure my wishes are respected, etc. I just don't know. But, in the meantime.. turn baby turn!!
Anyone else in my shoes? I would love to talk to other mamas who are dealing with all the unknowns and the difficult decisions that come with this situation.
I have an external version scheduled for one week from today, so if babe is still breech then that's the next step. I would rather not have to do it, but I had a consult with the doctor who would/will perform it and feel comfortable with the safety of the procedure. I think if it gives me a 50% chance of success, that's a chance worth taking. I have struggled a lot with not knowing how things will turn out, and feeling like I may have my birthing options taken away from me (most times it's a mandatory C section for breech, as I am sure you know) But I am still hoping that this babe will turn, either naturally or through the version procedure.
I also found out when meeting with the OB that he has attended vaginal breech births before, and he actually told me that if it came down to it and he was working when I went into labor and the if baby is still breech, he'd be comfortable and willing to go for a vaginal birth, depending also on the nursing staff available. So, I am thrilled to know that I may still have options open to me at that point, although obviously my ideal would be to have this baby turn vertex and continue with my natural birth plan with my midwife, rather than have to transfer care.
I know I should just wait and see how things go and then deal with these decisions, but I can't help but stress a bit about how I will make that choice if it comes to it. I know that a scheduled c-section would completely remove my chances of a vaginal birth if the baby does not turn.. but I also know that if I wait for labor, hoping that this doctor will be on call to do the vaginal birth, I run a pretty good chance of winding up with a panicky medical staff rushing me off to a c-section. I guess part of me wants to go for the hope of a vaginal birth at all costs, and another part thinks that if it comes to that, I am better off scheduling a c-section so that I can prepare myself for that experience and get comfortable with the doctor who would be performing it, ensure my wishes are respected, etc. I just don't know. But, in the meantime.. turn baby turn!!
Anyone else in my shoes? I would love to talk to other mamas who are dealing with all the unknowns and the difficult decisions that come with this situation.
Let me know how things are going!
)
