Csection Support Thread April 2005 (cont discussion from March) - Page 15

[Storm Bride]

I agree with Shannon that you should talk to the original OB/OBs (your regular one, and the one who did the section) with copies of your records and your dh's journal in hand. That is absolutely outrageous!! And, they can't claim that you're nuts or your husband's journal is inaccurate, so don't worry about that. The fact that your little boy has an intact foreskin while the records clearly state that he was circumsized proves that your record is false!

If you don't feel like doing that, I definitely agree that you should take the records and the journal to any first meeting with a prospective new OB. They need to be aware of your history, and if they don't take your concerns seriously, find another one!

With respet to your dh...I suspect he doesn't realize you need to work through some of this and is afraid that seeing the records and such are just going to make you feel worse. Some people don't seem to realize that some of us need to talk/work through things and that avoiding talking about the things that upset us makes the situation worse, not better. I hope he comes around and understands that you need to do this.

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by OnTheFence

I think sometimes we have to give a little to get a lot in the case for trying for a VBAC in a hospital setting. Try to think about before hand what you are willing to make concessions on and focus on the big picture. I've come to realize that if you approach working with your OB hand in hand, that they are more likely to give a little.

Kim

I agree completely. I don't want to be too rigid, but I can see the monitoring requirement making my labour a lot harder than it has to be. I remember when I was labouring with my son...I constantly moved around, and couldn't stand having to stay still for any length of time. I've heard and read a lot about how much CFM limits your movement, but I don't think they'll attempt a VBAC without it.

Well..I'm not going to get stressed about it. I don't need the stress...baby-under-construction doesn't need the stress - and I can't address this until I see my doctor, anyway!

[its_our_family]

I'm not sure how your insurance works but you can also notify them of the errors. They have been charged for things you didn't get...like the circ. Those are like 350.

My FIL did this after my SIL was born. THey were strictly self pay. So, he went to the hospital and demnded he get his gauze and meds they claimed they use and such....the hospital took the chgs off and refunded his money.

[its_our_family]

Originally Posted by Storm Bride

I constantly moved around, and couldn't stand having to stay still for any length of time. I've heard and read a lot about how much CFM limits your movement, but I don't think they'll attempt a VBAC without it.

You will have limited movement with constant monitoring. Also, some hospitals have wireless monitoring. I'd ask about it

[Leilalu]

Can I join? I haven't beehere in awhile. I read alot of the posts, not quite all.

I am actually finally feeling somewhat normal at 10 months postpartum. It is so strange, when so many women seem to "bounce back" BUt only for the past few months has pilates not hurt like crazy for me, and the pain in my lower back keeps lessening. I think both times(I've had 2 sections, 19 months apart) my back was somewhat hurt from the spinal. My back isn't 100 percent yet, but getting stronger all the time. I still have some weight to lose, and a little pouch, but I am getting in better shape steadily

Someone was asking about how many c-sections are safe?
My O.B.( who REALLY WAS wonderful- I know, VERY rare)told me, after surgery,me still on the table- that he thought I could have at least 2 more c-sections and still be healthy and strong after. Because he was very concerned for me since I told him having a second surgery might seriously skew my thoughts of having more children, which I want to do. So, I don't know if that helps. I think if next time I prepare my body evn more and especially after than I could have one or two more. we definitely want a third child.

[Leilalu]

I am curious, how many here have read books by Henci Goer, and the other author, um , can't think of her right now- but she wrote a book about VBACs?
I have read many of Henci's books and some others and even though I wasnot able to birth vaginally they realy armed me with knowledge and helped my experience

[OnTheFence]

Originally Posted by Storm Bride

I agree completely. I don't want to be too rigid, but I can see the monitoring requirement making my labour a lot harder than it has to be. I remember when I was labouring with my son...I constantly moved around, and couldn't stand having to stay still for any length of time. I've heard and read a lot about how much CFM limits your movement, but I don't think they'll attempt a VBAC without it.

Well..I'm not going to get stressed about it. I don't need the stress...baby-under-construction doesn't need the stress - and I can't address this until I see my doctor, anyway!

See if you could do monitoring 20min an hour. There is no reason they couldn't get a good strip on you that way. Then agree to having them check with a doppler maybe once or twice an hour after that.
Also, ask if they have the monitor that you can walk with. They have those now, not sure how great they are but it might could be an option.

[OnTheFence]

Kimberly,

Yes, your records are to be complete. Mine where half ass. I did read mine in prep for my last csection. I didn't go over them with my OB at the time but one of her partners who was "green". I told her that some of what was written was BS and inaccurate. Then there was this line in there, it was vague and it said something about my pain level in the OR -- when I asked the green OB what it meant she said "O that means you didn't die and were able to tolerate the pain." Lovely. I told her that sure was a nice way to put something when you are in excruciating pain due to the failing spinal. Also there was nothing noted in there about the spinal not working properly, it made a comment about the block not being dense enough, but made it sound like it worked. There was comments about me needing oxygen, about my BP and the list of drugs they gave me. The green OB was FLOORED that I had so many drugs -- my OB at the time, who read my report later never really commented but assured me I would have to be near death before she would allow one of her patients to be that drugged.
They did note my uterine deformity, that I had an ECV that led to an "urgent surgery" and that I had a baby in distress and that my bag of waters was full of meconium.

I think its wise to read past OR records. Most the time there are blatant lies and misinformation. It took me five years to read mine though, so I can understand any hesitation in doing so.

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by OnTheFence

See if you could do monitoring 20min an hour. There is no reason they couldn't get a good strip on you that way. Then agree to having them check with a doppler maybe once or twice an hour after that.
Also, ask if they have the monitor that you can walk with. They have those now, not sure how great they are but it might could be an option.

I'll look into that. I'm still going to have to wait to see what the OB thinks about my next u/s before I know what's going to happen, anyway. I may not be attempting the VBA2C at all, but I'm still hoping. Let's see if this baby decides to be a last-minute acrobat, as well. My babies love to be breech...and they won't try a VBAC with a breech baby.

And, I'll try to get the more intermittent monitoring if I can. I remember my labour well enough to know that I need to be able to move!!

[prophetmother]

I went into labor Tuesday at 2 am and had to have a c-section Wednesday because the baby wouldn't drop far enough and I had been 8 cm for 6 hours. I'm so sad, I can't even say anymore right now. I'm glad this thread is here, don't know when I'll be ready to read it all. I can't stop crying sometimes.

[edamommy]

Originally Posted by prophetmother

I went into labor Tuesday at 2 am and had to have a c-section Wednesday because the baby wouldn't drop far enough and I had been 8 cm for 6 hours. I'm so sad, I can't even say anymore right now. I'm glad this thread is here, don't know when I'll be ready to read it all. I can't stop crying sometimes.

Oh mama, I'm so sorry you're having a rough time of it. Is your little blessing well? Are you healing physically? You will! Please come back for support.

[its_our_family]

Originally Posted by prophetmother

I went into labor Tuesday at 2 am and had to have a c-section Wednesday because the baby wouldn't drop far enough and I had been 8 cm for 6 hours. I'm so sad, I can't even say anymore right now. I'm glad this thread is here, don't know when I'll be ready to read it all. I can't stop crying sometimes.

I am so sorry.

Welcome to your little girl.

[shannon0218]

Welcome Zoe and her mom! I'm sorry your birth wasn't everything you wanted it to be. Please read and post when you feel comfortable.

[Storm Bride]

I'm so sorry you had such a disappointment. Welcome to the thread...these ladies have helped me a lot.

[alaska]

Storm Bride (or anyone with info...) is there a problem with BF after C/S? The only info I can find is that the stress of the section may interfere, or the time mom and baby are separated. ARe there physical problems (besides the incision site... I mean with milk production?) This has me worried. I'm trying to remain calm and peaceful with my decision, but every time I think about it, I still get angry.

Kimberly - I agree with the above posters - I hope you speak to someone - whomever you are comfortable with - about the discrepancies in your records. I would not let that slide.

Tori - I'm sorry for your disappointment. Congratulations on your new babe.

amy

[shannon0218]

Amy, I was unable to breast feed for reasons unrelated to my section but I did try so I did research this aspect. The biggest issue is if you have a general because you are separated from your baby for quite a long time. If you try to have all your pain relievers via your epidural then there are really no issues--otherwise you could have an issue with a sleepy baby. There are specific breast feeding holds that are better for mom's with a section and make sure you bring a nursing pillow into hospital with you.

[Storm Bride]

My d/d just hit the back button and cleared my post about two words from the end. Toddlers...

Okay - let's try again.

My son was an emergency section, following 20+ hours of labour. I had problems b/f (cracked nipples, bleeding, etc.), but they were latch difficulties, and had nothing to do with my more than ample milk production.

My daughter was a scheduled c-section after she turned breech at 39 weeks. I had not gone into labour yet, and I did have some problems with milk production. The first couple of days were a bit rough, as she seemed to be soooo hungry. But, by the time I left hospital, my milk was coming in just fine, and everything was okay. I persisted in offering the breast as often as possible, and her suckling seemed to get the milk going - it just took a little longer than I'd have liked. The separation - about 75 minutes - after the surgery probably didn't help. (I will admit that d/h and I resorted to single formula feeding in hospital...very small amount to get her calmed down enough to nurse - she was nuts!!) D/D was exclusively b/f to about 5 months, and self-weaned at 21 months...so things worked out just great in the end!

If my intended VBA2C doesn't work out and it goes to a planned section, I'm going to talk to my OB about possibly waiting until I go into labour to go to the hospital. I really think my milk would come in more easily if my body was expecting to have the baby!! On the other hand, if I do have a scheduled section, I'm much more emotionally prepared this time. I don't think it will be too bad. There's no way around the fact that the first couple of days after a section are...hellish (maybe others wouldn't put it so strongly, but that's how I feel), but the b/f will work out.

Try to keep your baby with you during recovery - mine have been separated from me both times (I had a general with d/s), but I'm going to try to change that this time. And, just keep offering the breast...from my experiences, I'd say persistence is the key.

[shannon0218]

Oh I forgot the advice my lactation consultant gave me before Molly was born. We were assuming I would not produce any milk but we were trying to maximize the chances I'd at least produce a tiny bit.
She told me because my section was planned to use lots of nipple stimulation and ideally a pump for at least a week before your section is scheduled. Because I was in hospital for 10 days prior to my section I was using a hospital pump 3x a day for a week before (didn't help me, but as I said it was pretty much a guarentee I wouldn't produce)

[melixxa]

Congratulations on your new baby, Prophet! I hope you will heal very fast.

Re: the b/f after c-section discussion, I wanted to say that I had an emergency section after 42 hours of labor. I went into labor at night (after walking around in the heat all day, showing my sister the town while having prelabor contractions - she had just arrived to be on hand for my homebirth). So I was exhausted and starving by the time I got to hold my baby for the first time. That was in Recovery. I guess we were separated about 45 minutes while my DP went with him to the Nursury to get checked out and I was stitched up. DP showed me the baby before he left but I didn't remember it because of the narcotics/relaxants they had given me (which I would *DEFINITELY* refuse the second time - I want to be lucid rather than loopy when I meet my baby for the first time).

Anyway, our nursing relationship had every reason in the world to be in jeopardy from the start, really, but it was OK in the end.

It was worrisome that my milk didn't come in for 5 days - though more so for the hospital staff and the pediatrician than for me. I felt, I KNEW, that my baby was OK, would be OK. He couldn't latch too well at first, mostly because he was soooo sleepy and because he had injested a good amount of meconium. I did pump colostrum while at the hospital to give to him via syringe. We kept waking him to feed him, but he just wasn't too interested. Finally, on the day my milk came in (which happened without my even feeling it), he latched on with a vengeance and ended up gaining back his birth weight in record time. We had an excellent, smooth, minimal-problem nursing relationship for 17 months (at which point - when I was 4 months pregnant - he self-weaned).

Just my story. I know that problems can ensue, particularly from the initial mother/baby separation and the many drugs involved in surgery, but FTR that was not my experience.

[edamommy]

after my emergency csection Bay was airlifted to Denver. So, I didn't see him at all for 3days. The cards were stacked against me nursing him but we stuck to our "no nipples, no aim" rules. He had donor milk. He latched on within moments of meeting me... 3 days later!