Those who had a Vacuum Assisted Birth

Sdeux

I'm a Proud Auntie again after my brand new Nephew was born last night. My poor SIL had a hell of a time during delivery and the dr. ended up using the vacuum to get the baby out. His poor little head looks terrible. Purple and raw with a bit of skin missing. He looks like he would be in a lot of pain but the hospital won't give anything for him. Not sure the reasoning or if he is truly in pain or not. It just looks so tender. For those of you that had an assisted birth, how quickly did their little heads heal? And were they given anything for pain? My heart breaks for him and my SIL & BIL.

And a pic of the good side of his head for your time. Baby boy Bryce 9 lbs.

elllaf

Aww congratulations to everyone!
I had a vacuum but she didn't have to use much suction/force she said (I wad posing like hell at that point)
From what you describe my LO's head wasn't that bad. His looked more like a hickey. It took maybe a week to disappear I think...?
I hope he's OK!
I'm sure other ladies will be much more helpful than I've been lol

EmJ&B

*raises hand*

DS was 6 lbs 14 oz and vac assisted. I haven't really posted about it. His poor head was super pointy and bruised. It was about a week before it looked normal. They didn't give him anything but did keep checking on him.

Also, make sure (as much as you can) that SIL is getting good follow up care. The vacuum really jacked me up and they checked me at 2 weeks (as well as the 6 week check).

Congrats on your nephew!!!

EmJ&B

Here's a pic of his head

Sdeux

Bryce's head is quite pointy on the opposite side. I guess the vacuum came off 3 times during the delivery. The on call OB she had is known for poor bedside manner and he is very old school. He was telling her that he was pulling hard and she needed to push harder etc. I'm sure it was a very traumatic experience for her. Baby's heart rate was dropping and she was pushing for almost 2 hrs. It looks super bruised like dark purple. He is a little red head baby so I'm guessing he may have delicate skin too. I'm hoping he will heal quick. But I will mention to her about keeping an eye on him and herself. Her normal OB is in to see her today thank goodness. I was just curious how others experienced were because it just looks so sore.

elllaf

The vacuum pops off when a certain amount of pressure is applied. It's a safety thing.

apritchett50

I had the vac too, her head was super long for a little bit. She was also red and bruised. She looked like Amy Winehouse. Just keep an eye on it! Congrats to all!

lightninglarose

I had a forceps assisted delivery, and @emj&b is right about the follow up care. I had two follow up visits. I am still sore in one spot too and it's been three months. My son had some small marks in his head and some swelling. It took a few weeks for everything to go to normal and his head was a little pointy but is just fine now.
Congradulations to everyone and good thoughts for the LO.

kkeating22

EmJ&B said:

*raises hand*

DS was 6 lbs 14 oz and vac assisted. I haven't really posted about it. His poor head was super pointy and bruised. It was about a week before it looked normal. They didn't give him anything but did keep checking on him

This. My DS was 7lb 14oz. He was crooked in the birth canal and after 2 hours of pushing I needed some help. I think his head was cleared up in 2 weeks. Here's a pic on day 4. It looked like it was scabbed over at that point.

Ballstategrad

I had a vac assist birth. LO had a huge bruise around her forehead and hairline, it lasted about 2 weeks. It was pretty tender and she would scream if anyone touched it but she wasn't given anything.

Jalee85

Vaccum baby right here. She had a particularly rough one. This picture is several days after her birth. It took about 2.5 weeks to heal. It really messed up breastfeeding for us because I couldn't hold her head properly. The nurse told me doctors are against using Tylenol at all, because of some studies and how sleepy it makes them. However my Daughter was literally screaming in pain so they gave her Tylenol. It was only really bad for about 4 days. She still has a tiny scab on her head that won't fall off too. If baby is screaming in pain then I would ask for something if not then the baby should be okay. They heal really quickly at this age. I wish I had a picture of it right after it happened and the next morning what a huge difference!

Congrats on being an Auntie!

calibr8te

I had a vac assisted birth and the back of his head stuck out a good inch and a half where they attached. He also had quite a big scab but the swelling went down within two weeks and the scab disappeared in that time too. The doctor told me to expect that it would take a long time time to heal. LO didn't seem to be bothered by it, but then again, they are discovering a whole new world at this point, I am sure they have no reference point as to whether the back of their head should feel that way in the new dry earth they are born into.

Jalee85

@sdeux at my hospital they had a little gel pillow, that she could lay her head on. That helped tremendously.

Sdeux

Thanks ladies! I was very curious. I will mention to her about the gel pillow. She was having a tricky time nursing him on the one side because of his head

Jalee85

@sdeux I used my boppy to prop her up instead of my arm, that helped.

Sdeux

Thanks so much @Jalee85

We went and visited again tonight. It's Looking much better. A picture for your time. My hubby and our DS born October 12th and my BIL and my new nephew born yesterday, February 1st!