Feeling disheartened about VBAC - Page 2

[justKate]

Congrats mama! Wnat to repsond more but only have mobile right now. Speedy recovery vibes for you both!

[Blue Eyed Baby]

Congratulations on baby. I'm so sorry you didn't get your desired birth and you're right, how your body will react to the Epi is nothing but a crapshoot. Love the picture of him weeing everywhere. I had a failed TOLA2C, did great through the first 48 hours and after 2 spent pushing she still wouldn't descend past 0 station due to being Occiput Posterior. I understand your disappointment, but you know what, it wasn't a failure, alot of women aren't "brave" enough to even attempt a VBAC. Kudos to you for going for what you wanted!

[justKate]

Hey cameragirl, there's a lot that I'd like to say, because I have so much respect for the fact that you attempted to VBAC under the circumstances, and with your condition.  You're a rock star.  I don't really know how else to put it.  

I hope you're home now with your son and that you're recovering alright--the bruises on your arms looked painful, not to mention everything that goes with a TOL and a c-section and the stress of a NICU babe.  Take care of yourself.    And thanks for sharing your story and photos.

[cameragirl]

Thank you. It means a lot. Mentally I'm doing a lot better, but physically I'm in rough shape. I got a uterine infection, likely from laboring and then having a section. I got a course of IV antibiotics, only to spike a temperature right when they were getting ready to discharge me. I'm stuck here until at least Monday to get two different antibiotics that are stronger, and they're culturing my blood to make sure that it isn't something else infected.

Avery should be transferred back upstairs with me tomorrow after rounds and some lab work to make sure he isn't carrying any bacteria from my infection. We have had a really hard time with the neonatologist. He should have been back up here a few days ago, but the neonatologist was making them force feed him for no apparent reason. They'd only let me nurse for 15 minutes every three hours, then force feed him 75 mls within 15 minutes. Of course he'd vomit, and the doctor would count that against him. The nurse told me this morning that he woke up hungry, and she had to wait an hour and a half to feed him because of the orders. He wouldn't give us any kind of goal for him to achieve, any idea when he was coming home, etc. He was supposed to either talk to us in the NICU daily, or come up to my room to go over Avery's condition with us. He failed to do that two days in a row, and then gave us the run around again when we tracked him down. My OB, the on call OB, and nurses were LIVID when I told them what was going on. Luckily there was a different doctor on today, and she agreed with us that it was ridiculous. They want him to get 50 mls averaged over each 4 hour period (and on demand) which is easy for me to do nursing.

So, it hasn't been the best experience. I'm coping pretty well, and we'll likely go above to complain when we've had a chance to better process all of this. I'm feeling okay about the actual birth experience. I just want to hold our little guy without the wires, monitors, constant supervision, etc. I don't want to scare anyone wanting a VBAC, because my situation was already complicated to begin with. I'm glad that I decided to try, and that I did so well up until the end.

[Mom2M]

Congratulations!
I was following your story and really, I'm so impressed by your efforts and courage in trying to have a VBAC, especially with all that you have to work with. I know how it is to deal with an underlying neuro condition and pregnancy. You did awesome.
I hope that doctor doesn't get back on Avery's case, that's horrible! It's good that you have others on your side now.
Hope your infection clears up soon and that you are feeling great!
Deb

Oh yeah, love the pictures!

[cameragirl]

Thank you. Avery was discharged Sunday after I spoke with the charge nurse, and stayed in the room with me until I was discharged yesterday.

[justKate]

Originally Posted by cameragirl 

He should have been back up here a few days ago, but the neonatologist was making them force feed him for no apparent reason. They'd only let me nurse for 15 minutes every three hours, then force feed him 75 mls within 15 minutes. Of course he'd vomit, and the doctor would count that against him. The nurse told me this morning that he woke up hungry, and she had to wait an hour and a half to feed him because of the orders. He wouldn't give us any kind of goal for him to achieve, any idea when he was coming home, etc. He was supposed to either talk to us in the NICU daily, or come up to my room to go over Avery's condition with us. He failed to do that two days in a row, and then gave us the run around again when we tracked him down. My OB, the on call OB, and nurses were LIVID when I told them what was going on. Luckily there was a different doctor on today, and she agreed with us that it was ridiculous. They want him to get 50 mls averaged over each 4 hour period (and on demand) which is easy for me to do nursing.

  I've been exactly where you were with the garvage feeds, mama.  It was horrible.  I'm so hoping that is all behind you now that he's with you.  It definitely contributed to the PTSD I experienced.  I'm so glad that you're both home now!