Weekly Chat Thread - Jan. 27th-Feb. 2nd - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[scruffy too]

Originally Posted by writermama12 

On the way home I did guiltily think to myself, "well, if I have a c-section how bad could it be? At least it would be easier than labor and I wouldn't have to worry about position or making it to the birth center and I could schedule a sitter for the kids ...but then I immediately felt awful about it because birth is GOOD for babies and he needs the experience and the bacteria that a natural labor will bring!" 

I really hope your LO flips!!!  And STAYS flipped!!  Having a healthy baby at the end is what's important, no matter how they come out.

ATM - I had a meeting with HR and picked my last day of work.  March 5th.  So I'd really like baby to stay in until it's due date March 17th) so I can enjoy a couple weeks at home.  And it's another thing crossed off my to-do list!!!

[Melany]

ATM - I had a meeting with HR and picked my last day of work.  March 5th.  So I'd really like baby to stay in until it's due date March 17th) so I can enjoy a couple weeks at home.  And it's another thing crossed off my to-do list!!!

I've pushed out my last day to way after my due date so I can have more time off with baby, but I might be regretting that. My hope was that I would call and tell them to start it early since they will just "turn it on" at a set point.  I was working both times I went into labor, so my first day back was 12 weeks to the day and 18 weeks to the day. BUT, I am so done. Now. My back is in constant pain and I can't sit at my desk for more than a few hours, but I keep thinking of how sick my son got when we put him into day care so early and I just don't want to repeat that.

[Chapsie]

Originally Posted by writermama12 

Hi everyone, I just got home from my 34 week MW appt and baby was breech upon first palpation and then during a second one was transverse. He flip flops all the time but usually seems to stay head down. We then had the conversation about "what next" and that has made me nervous. I have two weeks to get this little guy into a head down position or I have to have an ultrasound and maybe a version. If he flips breech again after 37 weeks, then I either have to schedule a c-section or look into alternate providers that birth breech babies as my hospital and midwives do not. SUCK! This is kind of stressful. My MW did say that because my baby changes position a lot that he will probably be more likely to turn to a good position by 37 weeks. 

On the way home I did guiltily think to myself, "well, if I have a c-section how bad could it be? At least it would be easier than labor and I wouldn't have to worry about position or making it to the birth center and I could schedule a sitter for the kids ...but then I immediately felt awful about it because birth is GOOD for babies and he needs the experience and the bacteria that a natural labor will bring!" 

My DD was breech until 36.5 weeks and flipped.

As someone who has had a c/s and a natural birth, I have to say that IMHO, I would much rather labor and deliver vaginally and benefit from the faster recovery than have a c/s and recover from major surgery. I personally don't think that c/s is easier than labor based on my personal experiences (but my VBAC was complication free and my c/s was stat after laboring and not scheduled). I'm going to an ICAN meeting tonight, actually. I get fired up about this stuff, haha.

[cabbitdancer]

writermama, I've never been in labor, so I have no way to compare the two, but, trust me, a c-section is no walk in the park. Unlike Chapsie, mine was scheduled, because my daughter was breech and stayed that way up until my surgery, the day before her estimated due date, and recovery was still a miserable experience. That said, birth is good for babies, the bacteria is important, but, ultimately, you have to make the decision that is best for you and your family. Do your research. Ask your midwives for providers who will birth breech babies. At this point, they shouldn't be able to refuse you treatment without first suggesting someone else who will take you. Check out spinningbabies.com. Make yourself a list of the pros and cons of a c-section versus birthing a breech baby. In the end, you will go into whatever you choose knowing that you were armed with as much knowledge as you could be. I hope things turn out for you. I know how stressful a breech baby can be, and how tempting it is to simply give up and give in.

[withlittlelungs]

Writermama, try not to stress about it. Baby A was continuously breech for me until 31 weeks. All the providers I saw told me that if he didn't turn by 32 weeks, to count on a c-section because there won't be more room for him to flip. Well he turned, but then I was looking for reassurance that he would stay head down (with their no more room logic) but no one would even tell me that there was a good chance! Don't think it is the end all be all. babies can turn later than 37 weeks.
But definitely check out spinningbabies. Their exercises were what made baby a flip for me.

Chapsie,
I looked for birth photographers when I got pregnant and couldn't find any near our price range either. 700 was the cheapest and that didn't even include prints. This is really a blessing from the universe!

AFM- my group b step test came back negative!! I am very happy because now my dr won't require an IV during labor.
I had 3 hours of consistent contractions last night. It was so annoying because I knew it wasn't real.

[scruffy too]

Originally Posted by withlittlelungs 
AFM- my group b step test came back negative!! I am very happy because now my dr won't require an IV during labor.
I had 3 hours of consistent contractions last night. It was so annoying because I knew it wasn't real.

That's awesome news!!!!!!!!  About the test, not the contractions...  Had you over-done it yesterday? 

[SlimP]

WriterMama, I successfully turned baby from transverse to head down by spending a lot of time on my hands and knees, doing inversions and one session with a chiropractor-like therapist. There is a chance he will flip again, just like there is a chance yours will flip with no outside encouragement at any stage.

WLL and Chapsie, looking forward to seeing your photos!

[writermama12]

SlimP, That's good to hear. Any success stories are reassuring. That said, the knowledge of having more responsibilities and hard decisions to make right now is ultimately overwhelming. I am feeling down in the dumps about it. I'm sure things will perk up and maybe the babe will turn on his own. Maybe. But I now have the duty to try to get him to turn on top of all the other stuff I've got to do. UGH! 

IN response to others who've commented, I did not mean to say that c/s are a walk in park, but that the "act" of birthing in and of itself is easier (i.e. without pain, struggle, will power, overcoming feelings of wanting to give up) and I understand the recovery can be very painful and long and NOT easy. So I do not want a c/s and would by all means rather have a natural labor. I was simply trying to console myself by looking at any positives. 

I am doing inversions and will add many other positions and exercises to my daily stuff-to-do. I don't think I can afford professional interventions. I am pouting inside because I have to give up my favorite place to sit: my recliner. 

[ClumsySugarPlum]

Okay, here is my 34 week appointment update. The ultrasound showed that babe was head down, very far head down into my pelvis. We're thinking this could've thrown off the fundal height measurement. Baby's head measured at 30 weeks, 3 days (I'm 34 weeks tomorrow); and her femur and abdomen were both 32 weeks. While babe is a little small, they think her head measurement is off because it was so hard to measure because my pelvis is kinda in the way. Her overall growth percentile is 24%, but the midwife thinks this is not really a concern; whereas 5% would be a concern, and that the growth percentile is probably skewed due to the inacurrate head measurement. My placenta and fluid levels looked good, so things are looking okay after all. We'll do another ultrasound at my 36 week appointment just to double check. So relieved. Now if this cold would leave me alone, I might muster the energy to get some work done. 

We have basically made the decision to have our dog put to sleep (He will be 11 tomorrow and has lung cancer) this week. While I am really dreading this, I guess it will be a weight off of our family. So sad about losing him though. He is so sweet. 

[Melany]

Originally Posted by writermama12 

IN response to others who've commented, I did not mean to say that c/s are a walk in park, but that the "act" of birthing in and of itself is easier (i.e. without pain, struggle, will power, overcoming feelings of wanting to give up) and I understand the recovery can be very painful and long and NOT easy. So I do not want a c/s and would by all means rather have a natural labor. I was simply trying to console myself by looking at any positives.  

I can understand consoling yourself. The big sell my friend had after her 3rd c/s was that she didn't have to bleed for weeks. SO, there are some positives. I'm glad you are able to come to peace with it. 

[spughy]

I'm sorry about your dog, ClumsySugarPlum.   That's very sad.  But I'm glad your baby looks fine, and as someone who has reason to be concerned about a too-big baby, I'm even a little envious. 

writermama12 - I know how you feel about thinking "how bad would it be, really?"  I also wonder - and I'm going to ask my midwife, I just keep forgetting - if it's possible to do something like swabbing your vagina just prior to a c-section (or better yet, stuffing the suction thingy up there) and then using that to clean the baby's nose and throat.  I'm sure that would give an OB collywobbles and heebiejeebies, but it might produce better outcomes, health-wise.  AAaaaannd maybe questions like that are why I'm pretty sure medical school and me would not get along!

I'm actually feeling pretty good at the moment.  I've slept ok the last couple nights and have minimal pubic bone pain etc.  But, I'm having a really hard time not eating horrible things.  I've been craving sugar like crazy and while we don't have enough junk in the house to make it a real problem, I did make myself a white bread sandwich for lunch yesterday and today I bought myself a chocolate bar when I went to the grocery store.    And this morning I had a pain au chocolate with my coffee, but I justified that one due to the high fat content, the fact it was very dark, very good chocolate, and I ate it with a breve latte which is mostly cream.  (Aaaand this would be why I'm not a dietician...)  The really bad thing is, this HELPS.  I've been having a lot of stress over an issue with DH and extra sugar is how I normally deal with stress and it works, dammit.  I'm cheerful again, I'm not bursting into tears as soon as I drop DD off at school in the mornings and I feel like I can cope with it.  (This is something that's an issue for me now, but won't be after the baby arrives for some time; DH has a bunch of stuff he needs to deal with and it's NOT a good time to dump this on him as well - I just need to get through the next month and a half and then we can deal with the issue with no pressure.  BUT it is something we need to deal with, and there is a possibility that the issue will (eventually) seriously jeopardize our relationship.  But now is not the time to figure that out. I need to be patient, and I am not so good at patient.)  I think I need professional help - some tools to help me manage my stress in a way that isn't going to adversely affect my baby or my health.  Things like long walks and relaxing baths and whatnot are a little counterproductive because they just let me spend more time thinking and my brain goes places it shouldn't.  Being busy helps, but I can't work at the moment and I have zero motivation for anything beyond basic housekeeping... really, what I want is a series of never-ending coffee dates with friends, but that might be a bit much to ask for.  Today was good because in addition to the extra sugar I went for a walk with a friend and had a good chat.  I think I just need to be more proactive with my social life too.

[scruffy too]

ClumsySugarPlum - I'm really sorry about your dog!  That's a heartbreaking decision. 

Spughy -  hugs for you, too!  Sorry things aren't peaches and cream with your DH right now.  I hear you on typical relaxation methods leading to more thinking time - I over-think things as it is, and when I'm needed a stress break, more thinking time does not equal a healthier me...  But I'm so anti-social that I have a hard time reaching out.  Sounds like you did well today (fresh air and friendship!)

[Chapsie]

Originally Posted by Melany 

I can understand consoling yourself. The big sell my friend had after her 3rd c/s was that she didn't have to bleed for weeks. SO, there are some positives. I'm glad you are able to come to peace with it. 

Hmm, I don't know about this... My lochia was pretty much the same with both my c/s and my VBAC. I know some women who have bled longer after a c/s, too.


Writermama, I totally understand, and I'm sorry if I came off as insensitive. I just know that c/s has become so normalized in our society because 1/3 of babies are born this way, but it is not an easy way out, and I wanted to voice that. But, I agree that it is really good to look at the positives and see the beauty in all different scenarios. My DD was breech til 36 weeks and the MFM told me I'd likely need another cesarean and I tried really hard to look at all the positives, too. There are lots of ways to make a cesarean a more gentle and positive experience for women who do need them. If you look up "natural cesarean" you can find some really neat ideas to put into a cesarean birth plan if your LO doesn't flip (but there is still lots of time for that!).

[Chapsie]

Originally Posted by spughy 

I'm sorry about your dog, ClumsySugarPlum.   That's very sad.  But I'm glad your baby looks fine, and as someone who has reason to be concerned about a too-big baby, I'm even a little envious. 

writermama12 - I know how you feel about thinking "how bad would it be, really?"  I also wonder - and I'm going to ask my midwife, I just keep forgetting - if it's possible to do something like swabbing your vagina just prior to a c-section (or better yet, stuffing the suction thingy up there) and then using that to clean the baby's nose and throat.  I'm sure that would give an OB collywobbles and heebiejeebies, but it might produce better outcomes, health-wise.  AAaaaannd maybe questions like that are why I'm pretty sure medical school and me would not get along!

I'm actually feeling pretty good at the moment.  I've slept ok the last couple nights and have minimal pubic bone pain etc.  But, I'm having a really hard time not eating horrible things.  I've been craving sugar like crazy and while we don't have enough junk in the house to make it a real problem, I did make myself a white bread sandwich for lunch yesterday and today I bought myself a chocolate bar when I went to the grocery store.    And this morning I had a pain au chocolate with my coffee, but I justified that one due to the high fat content, the fact it was very dark, very good chocolate, and I ate it with a breve latte which is mostly cream.  (Aaaand this would be why I'm not a dietician...)  The really bad thing is, this HELPS.  I've been having a lot of stress over an issue with DH and extra sugar is how I normally deal with stress and it works, dammit.  I'm cheerful again, I'm not bursting into tears as soon as I drop DD off at school in the mornings and I feel like I can cope with it.  (This is something that's an issue for me now, but won't be after the baby arrives for some time; DH has a bunch of stuff he needs to deal with and it's NOT a good time to dump this on him as well - I just need to get through the next month and a half and then we can deal with the issue with no pressure.  BUT it is something we need to deal with, and there is a possibility that the issue will (eventually) seriously jeopardize our relationship.  But now is not the time to figure that out. I need to be patient, and I am not so good at patient.)  I think I need professional help - some tools to help me manage my stress in a way that isn't going to adversely affect my baby or my health.  Things like long walks and relaxing baths and whatnot are a little counterproductive because they just let me spend more time thinking and my brain goes places it shouldn't.  Being busy helps, but I can't work at the moment and I have zero motivation for anything beyond basic housekeeping... really, what I want is a series of never-ending coffee dates with friends, but that might be a bit much to ask for.  Today was good because in addition to the extra sugar I went for a walk with a friend and had a good chat.  I think I just need to be more proactive with my social life too.

I am also craving sugar! I bought a birthday cake for my dad yesterday and the leftovers were so tempting today! Yeah... Didn't have much will power with a "death by chocolate" cake in my fridge!

I agree-- for me, coffee dates with friends are the best therapy and stress relief!!!

Hope you and DH can resolve your issue soon. So hard to have something like that loom overhead.

[writermama12]

Spughy and Chapsie, I also just had a sugar binge which sucks because now I WANT it. DH and I went out for a hot chocolate and kumquat danish and sticky bun at our favorite bakery in Salem. It was really nice but the next day I was out buying knitting needles and also snagged a bag of chocolate covered pretzels which I never do. I ate half the bag!! This has got to stop now. 

I have been posting a lot this week but I really have a lot to get off my mind and this thread is a great vessel. I discovered during research last night as I was reading on the Spinning Babies site and other sites that my issue with baby's position is not that he won't turn from breech or transverse. He turns all the time, everyday, and won't stop. Each time he is in a good postioin he jsut flips over again. My muscles/ligaments are too weak to reign him in! I didn't realize there was a term for this (unstable lie) but now realize my problem is much different and that my plan of action also has to much different. I have less options. But realizing it does help me come to terms with the fact that this birth very well may not go as I planned and that a simple, natural water birth might not happen.  

[Melany]

Originally Posted by Chapsie 

I am also craving sugar! I bought a birthday cake for my dad yesterday and the leftovers were so tempting today! Yeah... Didn't have much will power with a "death by chocolate" cake in my fridge!

I would have caved on that one, too. :) 

[Melany]

Originally Posted by Chapsie 


Hmm, I don't know about this... My lochia was pretty much the same with both my c/s and my VBAC. I know some women who have bled longer after a c/s, too.

That's interesting! My friend told me it lasted for a week for her. She told me her doctor suctioned before closing. Perhaps it depends on the doctor. 

[maydaymom10]

spughy - I'm also having the sugar cravings. It's cupcakes for me. They are just so darn good!! I don't feel bad -- here I am about to teach a prenatal nutrition class and teach exercise classes & still fall victim to the cravings. IMO it's just part of pregnancy... as long as we balance it off with some other things then it's OK. I also stress eat, so I get you there too. Have you tried some relaxation/meditation tracks? I find that at least it gives my brain something else to focus on for a little bit. It doesn't always work, but sometimes it's helpful. Also, you breakfast sounds so good & now I'm jealous!

 

writermama - I am dealing with similar positioning issues with this little one, although she's usually head down. But she flips all of the time!! I've been a little paranoid about going into labor with her being OP and then having to deal with back labor & extended labor. I've also been doing research & talking with other professionals. The word is still out if the exercises really help to get the baby in better alignment & a lot of babies will turn even during labor as they move down the birth canal. So I've decided that yes, I'm going to continue to do the exercises and practice good posture techniques, but that I'm also going to try to not stress about her position right now. I'm 35 weeks and she still has plenty of time to make up her mind -- there is still room in the uterus for her to play around in. That being said, I hope you LO finds a good position and stays there for a bit.

AFM - I got a full 8 hours of sleep last night! Just had to share. 

[spughy]

maydaymom - you can have my breve latte and pain au chocolate if I can have your 8 full hours of sleep.  (Does that mean no waking up to pee?  That would be heaven.  I figure it might happen for me in about a year.)  I am not a fan of cupcakes - they don't do much for me - but good, french-style pastries?  oh my.  And chocolate bars.  Mmmm.  Today, though,  I have no appetite at all.  I couldn't finish my breakfast (perfectly inoffensive cottage cheese & banana) and have since managed one stick of beef jerky.  I am sitting here looking at a small orange but somehow having non-sticky fingers to type is more appealing. 

On the positioning - I read somewhere (? heard somewhere?) that being on hands and knees as much as possible in late pregnancy helps baby get into a good position.  I certainly find that when I have the time in the shower to do cow/cats and hip rotations and as much child's pose as I can without getting shower water up my nose, the baby feels WAY more comfortable after.  And apparently, old-fashioned floor-scrubbing (like, with a scrub brush, on your hands and knees) can be good too.  I'm gonna give it another few weeks but I have vowed that once I hit 36 weeks, my kitchen floor will be scrubbed twice weekly, minimum.  It won't know what hit it, LOL.  I will get knee pads, though - it's weird how weight distribution works, on all fours now seems really hard on my knees, much more so that a few weeks ago, but I'm not any heavier, it's just in a different place.

[Melany]

Originally Posted by maydaymom10 
AFM - I got a full 8 hours of sleep last night! Just had to share. 

I'd give anything for that. :)

I did something silly. I posted on FB to everyone that is local to me that I would be at a coffee shop using their WIFI to work this morning and would love it if anyone stopped by to say hi. I usually run into everyone I know when I go there and I just needed some non-quiet and human contact. Of all the days to have no one I know walk into the shop.  I know it's my stupid hormones, but I feel like the little girl who had no one show up to her party. Blah. I know it didn't help that I started work at 7:30 and left by 10 (30 minutes after my 2 hour parking expired) because most of my SAHM friends don't get out that early, but it still made the sad and lonely in me feel more sad and lonely. And, now, I cannot even make myself walk upstairs to my cave-like office to finish what I need to get done this morning. Blah.

I did see one person I knew and I'd love to know how she was able to swing this deal. I know she works full-time in my husband's office, but she was taking her daughter to a  weekly dance class. Pete promised not to say anything because we don't know what the deal is and if she can do that, good for her! It could be her taking her lunch hour early, but his office gives him SUCH a hard time about leaving early to take the kids to music even though he comes back to the office and works past 5:30. It's just the act of walking out the front door a little before 4 that causes people to judge and assume you're leaving that early for the day.