North Carolina Babies
Unplanned c-section-anyone else feel like I do?
Hey everyone! I had a wonderful baby girl April 30, 2010.She was a whopping 9 lbs. 9 oz. and 22 in. long, much bigger than the dr.expected. After being in labor for about 21 hours, I pushed for 2 1/2 hours. With how big she was she couldn't fit through my pelvis. They did a c-section, and I was very fortunate all went well.However, the stuff that numbs you wouldn't work fully, they tried two different kinds and eventually had to knock me out. Therefore I was not conscious for my babies birth, and my husband had to leave the room. I am so disappointed that neither of u were"present" when she arrived. I know its out of my control but I am really upset, and now afraid of having another c-section. So I have two questions: 1. did anyone else have to be put under during their c-section? and 2. anyone that had a c-section did you get to have a vbac the next time? I am so happy but a couple of times over the past month when i think about this I get upset and cry to my hubby. He reminds me that it was out of my control, but I thought maybe hearing from some of you would help, being that no one I know had c-sections. Thanks so much in advance!!
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Re: Unplanned c-section-anyone else feel like I do?
I had an unplanned c-section but I wasn't completely knocked out...however, I was pretty terrified and scared and out of it, so not entirely "with it" so to speak. I think, for me, the worst part was not being able to hold her right away...then, she ended up having some fluid in her lungs, so they had to watch her for a few hours, so I wasn't able to hold her for the first time until a few hours after she was born. My husband did, but not me
As far as next time, I guess it all depends on your dr. and where you deliver, and the reasons for the c-section. For me, after all was said and done, I won't mind having another c-section if needed and honestly have no desire for a vaginal birth!
But, I can definitely understand feeling upset about it, especially if having a vaginal birth was something that was really important to you...
I was put to sleep for my baby girl's birth too. I could feel them cutting me. It was awful. I still have times I get upset about it. I missed that first cry, etc. So did DH. And our families all held her before I even saw her. It kills me.
I am scared to death of this happening again. I don't know if I will try for a VBAC or not yet. Not even TTC yet, so I have time to decide. I am afraid if I try for a VBAC, the same thing will happen. If I go for a scheduled csection, I will get a spinal... so hopefully that will work better then an epidural. I don't know.
BTW... when was your baby born? It says April 30, but that is not for a couple days!!
I had an unplanned c-section for the same reason you did. I was not knocked out, but they threatened me with it because none of the medication was working, but it finally kicked it. We were a little disappointed because DH didn't get to cut the cord, and also when you make that decision, you don't think long term, like for me, dealing with a raised and tender scar. The feelings you are having do pass after time, but it is hard.
That being said we are trying for #2 and I plan to get a repeat c-section, due to the fact the baby could not fit through my pelvis bones and I don't want to labor again and push and end up in the same situation, and it takes a toll on your body. I do plan to talk to my OB about my options for the c-section, and being able to see/hold the baby right away, DH cutting the cord, etc.
You may want to page Racey on the board, she really wanted a vbac and talking to her dr. at length about it.
I had an unplanned c/s with DD#1 and was very torn up about it after. I cried on and off for weeks and up until I had DD#2, I was still pretty unhappy with it. My labor stalled to pretty much nothing, DD#1 didn't react well to the pitocin they then gave me and my contractions never picked up again after they removed the pitocin so I ended up with a c/s. I was incredibly nervous, scared and disappointed. I ended up freaking out on the OR table and although I was awake when she was born, I was quickly put out after (when they took her away, I started freaking out that I was dying -- I know, dramatic!). I am extremely thankful that my daughter was healthy and I had no complications during the surgery but I did feel like I missed out on something for a long time.
I had intended to try for a VBAC with DD#2 but it didn't go that way. I was torn about what to do for about 33 weeks of my pg. I really wanted to have the experience of a natural birth but was scared of the risks (and the unknown), even though the risks aren't any greater than repeat surgery. I decided to plan for a c/s and then see how things went -- if I went into labor on my own before then. But at 38 weeks, I found out she was breech and so the c/s was my only option given they don't allow VBACs if your baby is breech.
I was surprised that I was relieved to have the decision decided for me. And since having my second c/s, I don't have the same feelings about missing out on a vaginal birth. I wish I didn't have a keloid scar (although smaller than my first, I still developed one this time around too).
I know how you feel and know it's a hard feelin to get over but it does get better! I think some people who had vaginal births and talk about how we really didn't miss anything because of the pain from a vaginal birth really don't understand what it feels like to not have gone through something you felt you were preparing for for 9 months.
I absolutely agree with this. Although I am so happy DS was healthy & we didn't have any major complications - I don't remember the birth process as a happy one. I feel like the c/s was so out of my control and took away an experience I wanted to have. I'm not sure if I'll try for a VBAC with #2, pretty much for the same reasons posted above. I think its great you are talking about this - it's a lot of emotions to deal with!