Breech :(

Dewey12 · February 2012

BF and I went in for an u/s this morning and the baby is still breach with his butt on my bladder and his head up in my ribs. I have 2 options and I have to decide by next week. My OB practice does not deliver breech babies (which I'm fine with), so I can either a) schedule a c-section for 39 weeks or b) schedule an appointment with MFM for 37 weeks to attempt a version. At this point, as scared as I am (I've heard it's painful!), I'm thinking I want to try the version. Sadly, it only has a 50% chance of working, but I'm really trying to avoid a c-section.

After the appointment, I called my mom crying. I just feel like I somehow failed. I know that's stupid and I never really thought I had a birth plan... but I guess I did. All I can hear in my head is my coworker telling me that when people find out she had a c section, they tell her she "didn't really give birth". Also, I've heard that I won't get to hold the baby right away (is this true?) and I can't stop crying thinking about that.

Hormones + hardcore disappoinment = hot mess March mama

MrsMincks · February 2012

I'm with you, lady. I have an ultrasound on the 21st to see if he's still breech...I have a feeling he will be. He still feels like he is, and now he's starting to move lower and lower. My practice does deliver breech babies normally, but they're really concerned because my hips are rotated forward in a way that makes the passage a little funky. I think as far as holding the baby goes, it varies depending on the practice and the situation, so you may want to ask and make it clear that if it's an option, you want to snuggle Mini!Dewey right away!

ChristinaBargholz · February 2012

Sad hugs!

Having a c-section doesn't mean you "didn't really give birth"... that is just mean to say. I'm so sorry!

As for whether you get to hold your LO right after... IDK. I would find out what your hospital does, but I have heard they have your hands strapped down so you can't hold her immediately after and I have heard that some places don't strap your hands down so you can "hold" them. Skin to skin and bonding with the mother is such a big thing these days... I have a hard time imagining that they would keep you LO from you for long...

I would look into other ways to flip the baby. My doula said there is countless ways to try!

BabyBear12 · February 2012

Dewey, sorry to hear this. My mom had a successful version with my brother around 37 weeks, she said it was uncomfortable but not painful. I would definitely give this a try before going the c-section route. Then you would know you did everything you could. Good luck!

TheMutleys · February 2012

You haven't failed in any way. I'm sorry that you feel that way.

Some babies DO still flip. I've heard of babies flipping in the 39th week, so do not lose hope.

Check out Spinning Babies. I've also heard of people having success seeing a chiropractor or acupuncturist. You could ask on your local if any one has a recommendation.

In terms of holding the baby right away, it depends on your hospital's policy. No matter how your baby comes into this world, you are giving birth. If all the children who were born by c-section had moms that didn't 'give birth,' then those children wouldn't have BIRTHdays.

MrsMincks · February 2012

Also: how rude for people to say your co-worker didn't really give birth. She had a freaking baby. Unless they beamed him out like something out of Star Trek, they don't have any right to say that.

If it helps, I was on the phone with my car insurance agent for half an hour yesterday (she's awesome)...she had a C-section and made me feel a lot better about the whole process. She said her experience was really great! So even though it certainly wouldn't be my first choice, it's nice to know that not everyone has a horror story about it.

Lanatir · February 2012

((hugs))

MeredithD · February 2012

YOU did not fail in any way!!!! I think you are making the right move though - trying to do the version first...this actually proves that you would do anything to avoid a c/s! Let's just all get in the positive mode that this will do it!! Thoughts and hugs coming your way!

And IMO - people that say that women who have c/s do not really give birth need to go jump off a bridge!! Did you not carry and nurture this child for 9 months? Did you not go through pain and heartache and joy and elation at the thought of him being born? It doesn't matter that you may not push him out - you will still feel your heart swell with joy when you hear his first cry!! Screw them!!

LilyPotter218 · February 2012

I would try some of the things on Spinning Babies.

Not sure if this is on there, but I have also heard to get in a warm bath, and then put an ice pack up by babies head. They will want to get away from the cold spot.

I have heard they are uncomfortable, but I would try a version before I would just give in to a c-section. My cousin tried it twice - said it sucked but she has zero tolerance for pain and didn't say it was horrific or anything (and tried it twice - could not have been that bad!)

mahtnamas23 · February 2012

awww Dewey I'm sorry you got bad news at your U/S. hopefully the version will work and get little dewey to flip. As far as I know you are correct on the not really getting to hold him right after a c/s. you should be able to see him and touch him for a second but then he and daddy will go to a recovery room to wait till doctors finish working on you.. and the thing about "not really giving birth" is so incensitive and you shouldn't listen to it. Of course you still are giving birth! The most importaint thing is to get that little one out as safe as possible and who cares if you have to have a c/s, hold your head up high, you are a momma who did what she needed to do for her child.

metzy144 · February 2012

I am so sorry baby is still breech.

If I were you I would probably try a version too because I would want to avoid a c-section. I had to have an emergency c/s with DD because she got stuck and wouldn't descend into the birth canal. I was sad when they told me we had to do a c/s but it helped knowing that it was the safest way to bring her into the world. Only really rude stupid people would say something like that to you, a c/s is definitely giving birth. It's not your fault and some times life happens. You know you have done everything you can. DH's grandma actually made a comment to me the other day about how I have to have another c/s because my body didn't do what it was supposed to do. Hmm thanks. Overall my experience was really good, and I got to hold DD right away (with DH's help). She was never out of our sight. My arms weren't strapped down, and after I held her DH took her to our room for her first bath. They stitched me up and then I was taken to our room, I didn't have to go to a recovery room. I think it took 20 min to stitch me up, and it went really fast. My hospital will also let you wait until the cord stops pulsing to cut it and do skin to skin contact right away. Good luck, maybe a version will work for you and you won't have to worry.

angelaggie · February 2012

Chiropractors have huge success in turning babies. I'd look into one and try to get in quick. Also acupuncture and ask about moxibustion, it's very hippy dippy but is suppose to work wonders.

Wifey1012 · February 2012

There is still time! Nothing is set in stone yet. In the back of our minds I am sure we all realize a c-section is a possibility. They can be head down, make it to 41 weeks and still require a c-section. There is no way you failed! Stupid comments from people like that make you not want to tell anyone anything!

shanad · February 2012

I'm sorry Dewey. If I was in your position I'd try a version. Go to spinning babies. Do everything you can do, before making the decision to have a c/s.

That said, I had a c/s with DS1. We are both South Jersey girls, and I delivered at a Virtua last time. I does depend on the hospital and little Dewey's condition after delivery, but DH held DS until I was stitched up and then as soon as they were finished, DH gave him to me and he never left my arms after that for about 2 hours. Virtua believes in skin to skin bonding with baby right away. They will help you try to BF right away too, if that is something you want to do. DS was nursing within an hour of delivery.

I hope Dewey flips but if not I'm sure you will be ok.

Zilly13 · February 2012

I'd schedule the c-section for 39 weeks and hope the little guy flips before that. I've heard that versions can be pretty painful and if he truly wants to flip back he would still have 3 weeks to do it. At least the scheduled c-section would give him two extra weeks.

Good luck!

shanad · February 2012

Oh and Dewey, if you decide to go the chiro route. I'm researching them now, bc my OB told me I have a narrow pelvis and I'm trying for a VBAC. I got some recommendations from other mommy friends.

www.drmollyphillips.com in Collingswood is supposed to be really good.

www.foleychiro.com in Bellmawr, from what my friend said, his focus is prenatal chiropractics.

I have a few more in Voorhees, Marlton and Medford, but I haven't looked into them yet.

Let me know if you want more info.

MelbaCat · February 2012

MrsMincks:
Also: how rude for people to say your co-worker didn't really give birth. She had a freaking baby. Unless they beamed him out like something out of Star Trek, they don't have any right to say that.

I HATE when people say c/s =/= real birth. I'm sorry Dewey, I know it's disappointing. But like several have said, baby could still flip!! I'd be trying everything possible too, version, spinning babies, etc.

FWIW, I had a c/s last time and it really wasn't that bad. seriously. I'm not just saying that. I have had the hardest time deciding between a VBAC and a RCS b/c my experience last time was a good one. So I don't feel like I have to attempt a VBAC and that I can have a c/s and have a good experience.

But you are fully entitled to be hormonal and upset. It's normal. Just know that if it ends up a c/s, it can be a good experience and you still will give birth!!

digwriter · February 2012

Either way you go you will be giving birth. Try not to listen to the negative people out there.

barnwife · February 2012

There is definitely still time for LO to turn. Are you doing inversions or anything else to encourage LO to turn?

FWIW, LO still flips back and forth all the time on me. (I can tell where his head is by where I feel hiccups.) At 37 or 38 weeks if he/she is breech, I will opt for a version.

Lisichka · February 2012

Dewey, I'm sorry he's still breech! He still does have time to flip, but I'd try some of the spinning babies techniques. And if that doesn't work, try going to MFM, then you'll know you've done everything you could. And FWIW, my mom was breech up until the last week or so and then flipped all on her own! And don't listen to fools who say that having a c-section is not giving birth - that is outrageous and plain stupid!!

Dewey12 · February 2012

Thanks everyone. I've been texting with my labor buddies, BF, and several friends. I'm going to give the spinning babies website a whirl. I'm also doing some reading up on versions. It sounds... interesting. If/When I get one, I'll be the first one of my friends to ever have it done, so they're all super curious about it. I guess at this point, all I can do is try some stretches and wait til my next OB appointment.

Thank you all for listening and being so positive!

Dewey12 · February 2012

shanad:

I'm sorry Dewey. If I was in your position I'd try a version. Go to spinning babies. Do everything you can do, before making the decision to have a c/s.

That said, I had a c/s with DS1. We are both South Jersey girls, and I delivered at a Virtua last time. I does depend on the hospital and little Dewey's condition after delivery, but DH held DS until I was stitched up and then as soon as they were finished, DH gave him to me and he never left my arms after that for about 2 hours. Virtua believes in skin to skin bonding with baby right away. They will help you try to BF right away too, if that is something you want to do. DS was nursing within an hour of delivery.

I hope Dewey flips but if not I'm sure you will be ok.

I just spoke to my friend who had two c sections. One at the old hospital and one in the new one. She said that the new hospital is totally different and she had her son in her arms and BFing within 20 minutes. That sounds pretty good to me.

bigv44 · February 2012

I am so sorry, sending you "GOOD TURN-BABY-TURN VIBES"!!!

((HUGS))

Sparks in training! · February 2012

All that matters is that you and baby are healthy! Dont EVER let someone tell you that becasue you deliver one way isn't really anything!! I was an ER C and felt a little cheated...however it was still an amazing event! Im sorry you are struggling... big hugs to you!!

MelBell829 · February 2012

MrsMincks:
Also: how rude for people to say your co-worker didn't really give birth. She had a freaking baby. Unless they beamed him out like something out of Star Trek, they don't have any right to say that.

Heh. Sometimes when I think about birth, I wish I could beam my LO out.

Anyway - don't let yourself get upset over this Dewey! There's really nothing you could have done that would have prevented him from getting into that position.

My yoga instructor was just telling us in our last class that if you want to try and flip the baby this late in the game the secret is SQUATS, SQUATS and more SQUATS! Get two yoga blocks and sit against the wall in the squatting position. Supposedly this gives baby the most room and a better chance to move around.

I have my hospital tour tomorrow and I know we're delivering at the same place, so I can ask about the skin to skin so you can get some peace of mind. I also have a friend who delivered via C-section there, so I can get her POV on how the whole process went. I do remember her saying that they were almost never separated from the baby unless they requested the nurses to take her.

clstar · February 2012

I'm sorry. The hospital I will be delivering at still does immediate skin to skin even after a section. The nurse told us on the tour that the only time the baby wouldn't be given to the mom right away is if there was a problem (for either delivery method).

Saying people that have sections didn't really give birth is preposterous. They still grew a baby and delivered that baby in a way that was safest for mother and child. I don't want a section by any means, but I'd rather have one than, you know, risking killing myself or my child. (This is not directed at you, but rather people that say things like that).

clstar · February 2012

MrsMincks:
Also: how rude for people to say your co-worker didn't really give birth. She had a freaking baby. Unless they beamed him out like something out of Star Trek, they don't have any right to say that.

Dang straight.

jgal84 · February 2012

nonasimonsen:
Between now and the version sit on the floor with your legs in a "butterfly" possition. (Put your feet together to make them like butterfly wings) It is supposed to open up your pelvis and encourage him to flip. It worked for me when she was 29 weeks and breech. I did it for about a week and she flipped on her own one night while I was sleeping.

Thanks for this tip! I'll be trying this out. DD2 has been breech almost the whole time. She flipped a couple of weeks ago to the head down position, but went back to being breech. I started seeing my chiropractor yesterday. She just did some stuff to loosen up my ligaments to encourage the baby to move. I think she's still breech, but I had more movement after that than I have ever had from her in a day. So....I'm hoping it will work! I will be doing this at least once a week. We're going to be scheduling my c/s either today or next week. I do NOT want to be cut open. Right there with you Dewey,

Alliebooberz · February 2012

::big fat smushy hugs:: I hope he flips. If not, you are still delivering your baby and giving birth to your baby. How else does he come into the world if not through a delivery/birth?? YOU are NOT a failure

kiarstin · February 2012

I am sorry dewey, I am confident a version will work if thats something you choose. I'll be trying out the whole positive thoughts makes positive results thing. There is still time try to stay positive and know that no matter wha thou will have your lil baby soon. I have hear they will bring the baby to you to see and kiss(and thats what I always see on the birthing shows) It wouldn't be long until you would be holding lil dewey!

psychgirl33 · February 2012

Oh, I'm sorry Dewey!!! I'd cry, too. Definitely a situation worthy of being upset. I also would be going back and forth between a version and c-section. BIG HUGS!!!!! Left Hug

u_rica77 · February 2012

I'm in the same position so I know how you feel. I went for my appt yesterday (35 weeks) and I don't think he's moved so I'm preparing for the decision in 2 more weeks- although I'm about 99% sure that I don't want to do the version. Based on what I've heard from people that have been through it, it's extremely painful and I'm not willing to go through that if there's a good chance of it not working. Also at my practice, they do the version in the hospital because of the possiblity of your water breaking and needing to do an emergency c-section. My thought it that if there is any possibility of a c-section, I would rather it be at 39 weeks when I'm prepared for it than 2 weeks earlier.

I asked my doctor if I should be doing anything to encourage him to move (I've read about all the techniques online) and he said he wouldn't recommend it. I never really thought about it this way but he said maybe there's a reason he is where he is and if he's doing well in his current position (my son is very active) then it might be better to just leave him alone. I'm kind of taking that sort of approach with it. If he flips, great- if not, then it is what it is. I don't think there's anything wrong with doing things to get them to turn- I'm just a super worrywart and I'd rather leave it up to him .

KatieMarie27 · February 2012

My hospital also doesn't allow vaginal delivery of breech babies.

I would try the version, but also go to a chiropractor and try any other advice to get baby to flip. Like taking a hot bath and putting ice on baby's head, etc.... And you never know, baby may flip.

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