Ugh! Annoying co-worker

[mammamo]

My coworker, I'll have to say isn't the brightest bulb in the tanning bed. Is telling me about her daughter, just recently diagnosed with Scoliosis.The same co-workers stepdaughter also has scoliosis and says to her sister "You know, when you have kids you'll have to be put under and have a c-section. They can't put an epidural in your back. That's how I HAD to have my babies." I freaked a little bit, and said "God forbid someone give brith vaginally without an epidural!" I left it at that, but this little girl is in high school and is now scared of having kids and says she isn't having any. : I get soooo mad about things like this. And who would want to have their babies this way, you know, you don't even get to see them until you wake up and then, they won't let you hold the babe until it's "safe" Ugh....

[cathicog]

I wish there was a way for you to un-misinform her daughter, but i would have told her the probable truth-- the reason for the c/s was probably for convenience and safety- of the physicians! There is the possibility however that the scoliosis made it necessary for the c/s(depends on the severity). I have had a doula client like that, and she got to about 9 cm, and the baby had problems rotating down any farther.(she was unmedicated up to this point) ..so she had an epidural and c/s, but excellent apgars and recovery...she is the only client I have ever had with scoliosis, so I don't know if that is standard operating procedure(pardon the pun) or if general anethesia is unusual...Guess I better study some more literature...

[JD5351]

Not promoting the epidural..BUT

I had a classmate in high school with pretty severe scoliosis, and she gave birth vaginally with an epidural. They thought they MIGHT do a C-section when she wasn't progressing. Then all of a sudden everything picked up.

[Romana]

I bet she'll be okay. I didn't want to ever have kids when I was in high school, either! I think I was 22 or so before I decided I wanted to have kids someday.

I have scoliosis and I thought I'd need a c-section. I did a little research and I've had two completely natural births (no epidural, IV, etc.). Having scoliosis can make it harder to place an epidural, particularly depending on where the worst curvature is. It's a good idea to have a consult ahead of time with the anesthesiologist just to have that information in case it's needed (I didn't do this, but should have). And I would say that any woman who's going to give birth and has moderate to severe scoliosis should be prepared for a natural birth since the epidural is less likely to work.

But generally, scoliosis is no impediment to giving birth.

[ShwarmaQueen]

My sis has scoliosis (like visible if you look at her naked back) and she has had 2 medicated vaginal deliveries. Neither were extremely long (#1 was a sunny side up, forceps assisted though- caused by the pit IMO). The epidural for #1 was hard to place but she was overweight so that added some difficulty, #2 not a problem.

I think you should spread some crunchiness around the office so she doesn't get sucked into the medical-childbirth model.

[sarah1122]

ummm...I have scoliosis and had a totally normal birth at home

So thats the choice? A c-section OR an epidural? Yikes.

I agree...spread the crunch.

[RachaelsMommy]

I know somebody on another board (you know her too) who had scoliosis and had and epidural. Not to mention there are IV meds. Not that I'm pushing drugs, but better than being put under for a c/s.

ETA: I agree with the PP. I'm sure when she gets older and gets married she will want kids no matter what. It was very irresponsible of the mom to tell her that though. Especially being a nurse you'd think she'd realize there have been advanced in medicine since then.

[MommytoTwo]

I hve scoliosis and have two spinals and an epidural.