Advice anyone??

[ilovemykids]

Ok...I'm still about 3 cm dilated but have been having contractions literally for about a week...some of the time about 3 min apart for over 20 hours and not really progressing. My hubby is gone and I'm completely exhausted!! My baby is in OP position (same as my last which ended in a c-section). I have totally planned on a VBAC this time, but I certainly don't know how I'm going to labor feeling like I do. I'm wiped!! I know the recovery with a c-section is no picnic, I've been there too. I'm just anxious to get this baby born and get on with something a little more "positive" in my life. I also feel like I'm a terrible mom right now. I'm so exhausted that I'm just snippy with the kids (not to mention everyone else around) I could have an elective c-section this week or next if I choose. I'm not due for another week. Can anyone share their opinion or advice?? I really could use some unbiased opinions. Thanks.

[SammyLucasNHarper]

I feel your pain (not with the c/s but with everything else)

I am just taking it one day at a time and trying my best to keep my pacience. These are the last days before new baby comes....charish this time alone with your other DC.

Wait it out and try for a vbac....I have never had a c/s but, I know how easy a vaginal birth recovery is.

[Hazel]

I'm not in the exact position as you are, but I am also facing the possibility of a c-section as the baby is not cooperating or turning at all. I have tried all the positioning 'exercises' to get her to turn and what not but she is being very stubborn about it. I am having a lot of contractions and am not sleeping well bcz of them. I am also becomign super cranky with my dc's and everyone else as well (poor lady I talked to on the phone today about an inaccurate charge to my acct). I have the option of scheduling a c-section for a few days before my due date or waiting until after my due date to schedule it if she doesnt turn/come on her own.
I'm really torn. It would be the first c-section I have had. My last delivery was with a midwife but it was a really really horrible delivery, which is part of why I am high risk this time (my cervix is incompetant and sewn shut, they havent taken it out yet since the baby is not head down yet).
I too am struggling with this decision.
anyway, I cant really offer you any advice or experience with a BTDT type of thing but I wanted to send you some

[noteworthy]

I think that you need to follow your heart and do what decision feels the best. "try on" the notion of having the section for 24 hours and see how it feels. Then, try on having a VBAC and see how that goes. This helps me make decisions. Sending you lots of support vibes!
We are all feeling a little edgy these days.

[littleteapot]

This happened with my first pregnancy: patience is key. You DON'T want the recovery from a c-section. Now that I've had both the 44 hour hard labour (preceeded by days and weeks of what you're describing) and the c-section recovery I'd rather repeat the 44 hours and weeks of prodromal over again in a SECOND!

It is definitely exhausting, but a lot is in how you view it. Are you telling yourself negative things? "My body isn't working", "Why isn't something happening?", "Why am I not going into labour?", "This baby is never coming out" - or are you trying to be positive?
STOP the negative tracks in your head. Don't let it happen. Period. That will make a significant difference in how well you're able to handle this.

Instead, say this: "My body makes as many contractions as it needs; no more and no less", "Every squeeze is another step toward the finish line", "there are no steps backwards".

Believe it to your core. Breathe in and out, stay well hydrated and rest and eat as much as you can. It will happen, don't worry. All babies come out.

(PS. I've had two posterior labours. One was very hard, one was so easy I didn't know I was in labour).

[Mrs_Hos]

Hey there! Been thinking of you a lot lately, so very glad you posted!
First...are you going to the Dar A Luz mtg?
Second...call me and I will bring by my 'birth affirmations' CD for you--really empowers you to believe in your body's ability.

Jen S (from Dar A Luz) had an over 50 hr labor (VBAC)...maybe because her body hadn't really 'done that' since #1 was a C/S.
Whatever you need, just call me. has your doula been by?
I definitely hope your body cooperates since c/s is definitely not what you want...even tho our hospital gets lots of 'practice'...ugh...
Did you get my PM? I sent my phone number! Hope to see you at the mtg tonight (tues!)

[deleria]

Hey mama, I'm not in your DDC, but I just want to say that I'm right there with you. I'm only 37 weeks but have been contracting for three weeks, every day, and am still 2cm dilated with virtually no effacement and no engagement. My child is HUGE (both his brothers were born before their due dates and weighed over 10lbs - I was measuring 42cm at 36 weeks. I'm quite uncomfortable!) I'm also planning a VBAC and was offered the option of a repeat section.

My first child's birth was an induction, 48 hours start to finish, an episiotomy and some hemmorhaging. My second was a 27 hour labour which ended in a cesarean for 'failure to progress' (the cord was around his torso and he couldn't decend - I never dilated beyond 5cm).

I would choose the somewhat traumatic vaginal birth over another cesarean any day, even if it means another three or four weeks of prodromal labour. I recovered extremely well from my cesarean, but it was still difficult in comparison to the vaginal delivery. Also, I'm facing a hernia repair sometime in the future due to a weakened area around the scar. Surgery is still surgery, after all, and it can have side effects. I'd rather avoid another one.

I'm frustrated and miserable and tired. I know those feelings well and I'm sorry you're going through them, too. I think the biggest factor for me is wondering how I'd feel about my decision down the road. Would I feel better having a VBAC? Would I regret a repeat cesarean without trying vaginally first? Those are questions only you can answer and there's no right or wrong. It's your body and this is personal.

Hugs to you, mama

[ilovemykids]

Thank you all for your posts!! I am seeing a chiropractor tomorrow to see if they can help with baby's position and my appt with the midwife is tomorrow. I'm going to hold off till at least next week to see what the baby (my body) does before any decisions, but thank you all so mcuh!!!