I know I *need* a c-section, but I'm so so upset and miserable about it... - Page 2

[JTA Mom]

Originally Posted by StarMama

I'm waiting fro ICAN to approve my membership for the forums now...

I never got mine, but could log in. Try it to see, I waited days for no reason.

Ami

[StarMama]

This doctor LIVES at the hospital I swear, so you'd think a different day would be no biggie.... but yes I'm going to stand my ground on this one. I mean if there is a real reason for delivering when they want then tell me, right?

Thank Ami, I'll go give it a shot!

[pregnant@40]

Here is info for which your doc should at least have a counter argument. I also read on the Mayo Institute site that w/ placenta previa, labor should (ideally) be induced at 37 weeks or beyond. Now granted, these are internet resources for the lay public, and your physician may have good medical reasons for doing a cs at 36 weeks, but you do deserve a good explanation from your physician:

"Are babies born at 34 to 36 weeks gestation (late preterm) at risk for medical problems?

Late preterm infants are usually healthier than babies born earlier. More than 99 percent of these babies survive, though they are (16):

* 6 times more likely than full-term infants to die in the first week of life (2.8 per 1,000 vs. 0.5 per 1,000)
* 3 times more likely to die in the first year of life (7.9 per 1,000 vs. 2.4 per 1,000)

http://www.marchofdimes.com/professi...1157.asp#head8

[MeepyCat]

Pregnant@40, I presume that you mis-typed when you said "labor should be induced"?

If you have placenta previa, you do *not* want to go into labor.

[cristeen]

All Kaiser hospitals have an advocate on staff. Contact the business office a d ask who you need to speak with about a doctor refusing to communicate w you. If necessary, i believe they can even attend your appt w you to make sure your questions are answered.

Are you sure there's only 1 peri? Even in a relatively small hospital here, we have 2 peris plus "students" (interns?). And if nothing else, they are required to allow you to get a 2nd opinion. I'd call the advice nurse and ask how to go about getting an appt for a second opinion. You'll probably have to drive for it, but it can be used as ammunition with your local hospital.

Worse comes to worst, just call and resched the c/s. You'd just be talking to a nurse or asst, not the actual doctor and tell them that date doesnt work for you. 50/50 you get a phone call from the doctor then!

Also, have you had a special tour of the NICU, met the ped team, etc? Call and request that also, since there's a chance you'll need it.

I hope some of that helps. I've been navigating the Kaiser ststem for years. They dont tend to volunteer the info, but help is there.

And something to keep in mind is that Kaiser is not for profit. They dont want your little in the NICU because it costs them money. This doc may not be acting in the best interests of the hospital, either. They need to be informed of that.

Hope that helps.

[karen1968]

Lisa! I am in nearly the same situation - complete previa (although just the edge of the placenta) with a baby due 11/25. I haven't had any bleeds, though (knock wood!). I, too, am freaking out about having a c-section. I lost sleep with nightmares last night

I found the white papers on ICAN to be very helpful. It helps me to be proactive, so reading about Family-Centered C-section and creating a birth plan for a surgical birth really helped me. There are also a few good threads on here about writing a plan for a sectional birth. I started writing my plan this morning, and it seems to have helped my anxiety.

I really hope you are able to talk to the peri soon and get some answers. I am meeting with the surgeon on Friday, and I feel like it will help my general anxiety level to at least know for sure what is in store and what I'll have to fight for (like immediate skin-to-skin, which the CNM said she'd never heard being done after a surgical birth at this hospital!!).

[MT Mom]

As someone that had a really positive elective c-section, my advice would be to see if you can speak to the nurses and find out more answers to your hospital specific questions from them. I liked my doctor (and he was very willing to talk to me, answer questions, etc.,) but honestly the nurses pretty much ran the show once I delivered and my doctor's nurse suggested speaking to them about specific requests I would have post-delivery. Once I went in and met many of them, it helped to calm my fears and I was able to communicate what my priorities were and find out how to have them met. So sorry you are dealing with a rude provider, but I'm thinking positive thoughts and I hope *maybe* this might help.

[StarMama]

Thank you all!

I finally got to speak to the doctor, and the reason he wants to deliver at 36 weeks is because of 1) my bleed and 2) our prior loss of Fiona at 38 weeks. So he actually has reasons, they just never were explained to me. I feel a little bit better about when the section is scheduled after learning there were reasons not just 'eh close enough' or 'best schedule for me!'.

[karen1968]

I'm glad you got some answers! Are you going ahead with the 36 week c/s, or were you able to schedule it a bit later?

[StarMama]

I'm going to go ahead with the 36 week c/s.

[justKate]

StarMama

I'm so sorry for the loss of your child. Given the doc's explanation, I would do the same thing. Please share your birth story when the time comes!

[JessicaS]

I would do the same thing in your situation. I am sorry for your loss.

[lunarlady]

Sounds like you came to a good decision. So I guess now you just need to make sure to have a super cute newborn Halloween costume to celebrate with. And just think, costume birthday parties for life. That will be fun!

[karen1968]

I'm glad you are OK with the reasons now. Acceptance can be so hard in this situation.

From talking to one of the hospital surgeons yesterday, it looks like I'll be lucky to push off the c/s to 37 weeks. Still coming around to acceptance.

[pregnant@40]

Originally Posted by MeepyCat

Pregnant@40, I presume that you mis-typed when you said "labor should be induced"?

If you have placenta previa, you do *not* want to go into labor.

Yeah, it was dumb of me to type that. Not sure why I did.

[Canadianne]

I'm glad that you were able to get more information from your Doctor. It is so much easier to come to peace with decisions when you are given all the info!

[Kari+2]

I just want to say that I know how you feel. I am 25 weeks pregnant and also have complete placenta previa. I was hoping so badly that I could finally have a vaginal birth this time. I have had 2 c-sections - one was medically necessary and one was not. I went to a lot of trouble to find an OB who would let me do a VBAC2 and that was the plan and now this.

I wish you the very best on your delivery!

[StarMama]

Well at 25 weeks there is some time for it to maybe move!

Thank you for the well wishes. 2 days until baby! Amnio this morning, eek!

[Kari+2]

Originally Posted by StarMama

Well at 25 weeks there is some time for it to maybe move!

Thank you for the well wishes. 2 days until baby! Amnio this morning, eek!

My OB says that there is only a 10-15% chance that it will move with how much of it is blocking the cervix but I haven't given up hope yet!

So exciting for you! I always find those days leading up to birth to be such an exciting time of wondering what your little one will look like and thinking about holding a newborn again. Good luck!

[karen1968]

Lisa, I hope your amnio is going well! I'll be thinking about you on Friday

isn't it crazy that there are three of us due 11/25 that require sections for previa?? I just scheduled for next Firday 11/5.