positive c-section/induction stories? - Page 2

[kwilki8]

I have had both an induction and a c-section, and, while they were not what I had envisioned and hoped for, they were a lot better than I had expected.

My induction was pit-induced at 37 weeks due to pre-e. It was pretty intense because there was some urgency as my OB was concerned that my condition was deteriorating. I opted for an epidural, and it worked very effectively--the pain was gone, but I could still feel the urge to push, and the birth went smoothly, no tears. My recovery went well, though I had a longer hospital stay because I was on mag sulfate for 3 days after the birth.

My second birth started as an induction at 36.5 weeks (I had some complications again that made early delivery necessary). Before labor was established, the baby was not tolerating the contractions well and so we opted for a c-section, which was something I was tremendously afraid of. I was very upset, but the entire staff treated me with great compassion and understanding, which made it a lot easier. Everything went well, and my boy was healthy. The recovery was a bit longer than with my first birth, but it wasn't too bad. I left the hospital just under 48 hours after birth and had 2-3 days at home where I really couldn't do anything, but then I was able to get by quite well.

It has taken some time to resolve my disappointment over not having the birth I wanted, but I've arrived at a point where I'm really satisfied with my decisions (and, of course, the outcome, which was 2 beautiful and healthy children). If I have another child, I will be scheduling a c-section due to a lack of other options, and I'm okay with that.

[hildare]

both..

i had both, with the same birth. we planned for natural hospital birth, but my water broke and i labored all night, went to meet the dr at the hospital the next day (14 hours later) and he wanted me to do pitocin as i hadn't even effaced. (normally, dr's freak out a little about broken waters w/no labor, so i feel like i got plenty of time to labor on my own). i took the pitocin, didn't need any pain meds, labored with the pitocin for 8 hours and STILL not effaced.
at that point my waters had been broken for 24 + hours, which is kind of dangerous / plus i had refused the strepb test earlier on, so we did a non emergency c section. i was TERRIFIED of the spinal. it honestly turned out to be not that horrible. it was over pretty dang quickly, and i did have a very good ob, and i know he has a reputation for doing excellent surgeries.
he did do a good job, i had no pain whatsoever, i only took an anti-inflammitory and no real pain meds. i was up walking around as soon as they took the catheter out (ick ick ick)
but in retrospect, it wasn't horrible. i'm not going to focus on it. it was the opposite of what i wanted, but we're both healthy. also, my baby turned out to weigh 10 pounds. who knows what might have happened, there could have been some reason she chose to come that way.
i felt the whole time i was pg that having a section would be the worst thing -- i couldn't even fathom that possibility. one of the reasons i wanted ncb was that i am terrified of needles/medical interventions, etc.
one thing that did help, is that we tried to be very positive with our birth plan, after debating even writing one- included the possibility of section there ("hands free, not strapped down" kind of thing/ immediate skin to skin/ baby to dad kind of requests) and at the beginning of the birth plan we had requested a nurse experienced in & pro- ncb. turns out, they read the birth plan and pick at shift change which nurse gets assigned to which mama. we got a good one, and she stayed with me even after it turned out to be a csection and was awesome & supportive... i'd recommend putting those things in a birth plan. also, be aware that they will usually only let one person attend the c section-- doula had to wait outside
good luck!

[HappyTomato]

My first induction (pre-e @ 40 weeks, first baby) was a long process. I didn't know what to expect. I showed up at the OB's office not feeling well with high BP and was wheeled straight to L & D so it happened suddenly. My cervix wasn't effaced or dilated and the baby was still really high but I pushed him down and I was able to have normal delivery. If it hadn't been for the dang OB cutting me severely and unecessarily, it would have been a good experience. My second induction (pre-e @ 35 weeks, second baby) was a fantastic experience. I had several weeks of bedrest to prepare and had my birthplan ready. I had cervical ripening the night before then they started pit the next morning at a low dose. It took the OB breaking my water to really get things moving though. I made it to 7 cm before deciding I needed an epidural to continue. It wasn't more than 30 mins later that my DD was born. They stopped the epidural and I never lost feeling in my legs because I only had it a short time. She got to nurse right away but wasn't able to breath very well (preemie lungs) so she went to the NICU for 10 days. Other than having to leave my baby in the NICU, DD's birth was a great experience that I wouldn't mind repeating if induction became necessary again.

[Redheaded_Momma]

Induction at 41w 3d. Went in at 8pm, started pit about 9. Realized I was in labor about 12 midnight, doula came and made a world of difference. No pain meds were used and my pit stayed at a very low dose. The nurse asked once if I was interested in an epidural and I said no, she didn't ask again. She stayed out of my room most of laboring. I only wish I could have done more walking around. Ds was born at 5:49AM after 1 hour of pushing. The mw barely made it in time.

It's possible to have the "natural" birth you want with an induction.

Good luck!

[Lovinmum]

I was induced both times. Both labors progressed beautifully and we had no I'll effects from either. Would I CHOOSE to be induced? No way but its wasn't the horror story you hear about either. I understand too that some women have probelms but for ME, none. My babies were healthy and nursed like champs from the first minute. Pitocin definitely does have an effect on your contractions (makes them stronger) but I managed to get them out without any pain meditcation so it IS possible. If you want to hear about the specifics of my births feel free to PM me! s:

[buttercups.nest]

For my first birth I had an epiosotomy and morphine for pain. My daughter was right on time, labor came naturally. Breastfeeding was not successful so with my second baby I was determined things would be better.

I took the doula course in June...my due date wasn't till September. I lined up a doula, attended LLL meetings and did a lot more preparation. Wouldn't you know it though, the little guy was stubborn. I was originally scheduled to be induced when he was a week late. The thought really made me nervous as I didn't want to end up having a c section. I put it off for almost another week but at that point my doctor wasn't comfortable with me going any further (me and my husband weren't either). I went into the hospital at 8am and within minutes of getting the gel I was having contractions. At this point I was already 4cm dilated and 75% effaced. Contractions happened all morning but there was no progress.

At 12:30 my doctor broke my water. The next 1/2 hr was incredibly difficult and trying for me......it was one long incredibly painful contraction. But then at 1pm I was ready to push and at 2pm I was doing skin to skin with my beautiful baby boy I was able to do skin to skin for an hour before the nurses took him to do their thing but he had already breastfed and we had a really good snuggle

Even with the induction I am ok with how the birth went. I was able to go drug free and breastfeed and for that I am grateful.

[HappyHappyMommy]

Originally Posted by ithappened

On the small small chance I have no other options or it becomes an emergency, a true emergency, Id really like to be able to go into the situation not terrified and fully informed (I have been reading about all types of birth) without only having heard horror stories, something positive would be really nice to grasp onto when/if the moment comes.

I believe life is 10% event and 90% attitude and if my 'worst fear' happen, Id like to be able to go into them with some peace and acceptance

It sounds like you have a wonderful attitude.

I too found it very helpful to be knowledgeable about a lot of aspects of birth including what was likely to happen if everything went smoothly and possible complications. The more I knew, the more relaxed and calm and confident I felt! I continued to feel strongly (like many women here) that I did not want an induction or a c-section for convenience, but felt comfortable that if I truly had a medical need for an induction or c-section, I could still have a positive birth experience.

As it turned, I had an induction due to preeclampsia. I was on bedrest (first partial, then full) for several weeks and was monitored closely during that time so I was aware that things were slowly getting worse. I was grateful that things did not get worse quickly and that I was able to carry my baby to full term. I felt very comfortable with the decision to have an induction when I did (40w 6d) because it was medically necessary.

Many of things that I wanted to try in labor (moving around, different positions, the tub and shower) were not possible due to my high blood pressure. (I had to remain laying down on my side because my blood pressure spiked if I did not.) That presented some challenges, but my goal was to just take things one moment at a time and think positively. I reminded myself of the positives...
My baby is not in distress.
My partner is awesome.
I am going to meet my baby soon!
The sky is beautiful.
My body is doing an amazing thing.

I was given space whenever I wanted (mostly my partner and I were alone and there were never more than 2 people in the room in addition to us). When I needed help and encouragement and suggestions, my partner and OB were so supportive.

Some of it was easier than I expected (pushing, for example, was much easier than I thought it would be!) and some of it was more challenging than I expected. Labor surprised me and I also surprised myself.

My labor (including pushing) was 17h50m and my amazing daughter was born. Wow.

It was not the labor and birth that I had first dreamed of, but it was everything I hoped it would be.

[Kelly1101]

*hugs*

By having an open mind and not going in with the attitude that it's a "failure" if you need those things, that's half the battle right there.

Really, the most important thing is that you trust your HCP to treat you well, and use medical interventions only if it's warranted. If you have that trust that they are just going to do everything to keep you and the baby healthy, you'll be fine.

I had pitocin, and still had a great delivery. I did it without pain meds, so it is certainly possible. However, labor pain is different for EVERYONE, and needing pain meds does not make you a wuss or make you lose any type of "points." Everyone's body is different.