I didn't see a place for mama's to talk about past or future c-section worries, questions, etc.. So I thought I'd make this thread.
I'm a stm and had to get a c- section with my first due to failure to progress after trying to be induced with preeclampsia. Some hospitals require a repeat c- section and some doctors encourage vbac. I've made the difficult decision to have a repeat csection and would love to hear other mama's stories.
Re: C-Section Mamas
this time around I'm using a different doctor who only recommends a rcs because she didn't do the first one and doesn't feel comfortable letting me try a vbac. I'm definitely not thrilled to be having another c section but at least I know what I can kind of expect 🤷🏼♀️
Basically, I didn't want to repeat family history, especially because I knew about the fibroids long before we started trying. I would have never forgiven myself if I knew about the fibroids, got pregnant anyway, and ended up in the same situation as my mom. Maybe if I could go back in time I would have worked with my doctor to monitor the fibroids' growth and see if they grew or shrunk based on different hormones, but I don't know if that was a possibility.
It is disappointing knowing I will never experience vaginal birth (unless my anatomy scan shows a miraculously healed uterus...even then I'd be skeptical), but I keep telling myself, "At least I can have children," "At least I live in a time and place where I can have a safe, sterile delivery," etc. I'm glad to see us CS moms come together
I hate surgery of any kind because I am terrified of anesthesia, but I still feel that at my age it is the safest choice for me personally.
SO will be in the room and will go with baby while I get stitched up.
@PeacefulFrenzy I haven't heard of any friends or acquaintances in any states who haven't been allowed to have a partner in the surgical suite for a planned cs. I've heard of some hospitals allowing 2 people to be present. The only exception I've heard about is in the case of an emergency, often there isn't enough time to allow a partner in the room before the surgery must be performed.
I had a CS at 41w with DS. They told me I had to have an induction, and I was terrified of pitocin and the possible complications that could arise from that. Since they estimated he might be 10lbs, they allowed for an elective CS instead. As it turned out, and wasn't diagnosed until much later, I have spina bifida occulta, which meant that they couldn't make entry at L5 for an epidural when they were prepping me for surgery.. which would have meant that I couldn't have had an epidural for induction. So it all kind of worked out the best way it could have, given the options.
This time I am working with a midwifery birthing center. I'm working towards a vbac. They will ultrasound my uterus to check scar integrity closer to due date but it's been almost 5 years and they are confident that I would handle it well. If something goes awry, we'll pick a nearby hospital as plan B to transfer my maternal care to.
I got an infection afterwards. We aren't sure if it is from the c-section or from the after care, but I nearly died. This time, I opted for a c-section for a few reasons:
1) I can ensure that everything, including me, is totally sterile, there is no rush.
2) I wanted a great surgeon in case I needed a c. I could not find a great surgeon who does vbac.
As for your hubby being present, I'm pretty sure it's allowed. You can always ask your dr ahead of time. My hospital allowed my doula to be with me and even let me pick the music that was being played in the OR (Elton John all the way!)
As for this time around I am with the same practice and they feel comfortable planning for VBAC at this point. If any of the later ultrasounds turn up any scarring concerns we will adjust then. Fingers crossed!!
@Panaceia was your baby in transverse lie?
@mamanbebe I was induced twice with no epidural so it's possible. Unpleasant... But it's doable. Did you have apprehensions about induction in addition to the pain? I'd be interested in hearing.
I have an OBGYN in the same network of doctors (just moved recently) who is encouraging of a vbac but only if conditions are right, and they want me to have the baby before 40wks. Absolutely no induction because the meds increase the chance of the scar rupturing. The longer we go, the more I'm considering a scheduled c-sec as a better option, despite the recovery period, because I was so tired, stressed, and anxious after the long labor that I'm pretty sure it was a trigger for my PPD. Plus, given my due date, I am thinking I'll schedule for 7/18/19 if they let me - how cute would that birthday be?!
Funny story: my mom had my sister when I was in kindergarten, so she explained to me ahead of time that the baby was going to be born on a certain day. This led my five-year-old self to believe that all moms choose their baby's birthday, and that "rushing to the hospital" was just made up for TV.
@hestia That does sound sound pretty rough. From my own experience, the CS recover wasn't so bad after I got home. I think the most painful part of it was just the uterine contractions that push out the old lining combined with the healing incision. I would be doubled over in pain every time I went to the bathroom
I am having a repeat c/s. My first was because I had pre-e and also developed HELLP syndrome and the baby needed to come out asap. Because of the HELLP I wasn't able to have an epidural and I wasn't actually awake for delivery and was given general anesthesia. This time around I just hope that I am awake for the moment my baby takes their first breath, I feel like I got robbed last time.
@peacefulfrenzy I am in CT and husbands are allowed in the delivery room with a c/s. Mine was not because I was under general anesthesia, but otherwise he would have been able to be there.
If you ever see pictures of Frank breech babies they keep their legs up by their head after they're born!
I actually like the 'familiarity' of another c-section. The recovery is a B, but at least I already know what to expect. My only worry is that I passed out while he was placing my epidural last time, and I am not sure why. I didn't even know it had happened until everyone in the room was saying weird things like 'do we need to start a resuscitation?' and 'I don't THINK that was a seizure.' I had no idea they were talking about ME! I just feel like tipping over while someone is jabbing a needle into your spinal cord isn't terribly HELPFUL in the process.
Second, I was working towards VBAC when a NST showed no movement. He was fine but it turned out the cord was wrapped which was probably why he was so still. Anyway, had a “scheduled” rcs late that afternoon and it went so much better. Relaxed atmosphere. Anesthesia was right. And everything felt better.
I have no choice for #3 but super zen about that. I’ll take a scheduled c/s over one after hours of labor anyday.
After the hour and a half, she said I hadn’t moved him at all and was just squishing his head. *sigh*
I would have to compare threads to answer this myself...have you considered a doula? When I was pondering whether or not I was interested in trying a vaginal birth, I thought that a doula might be ESSENTIAL to the process. I feel like in the birth INDUSTRY there can be so many factors working against your decision, and it would be so helpful to have an extra voice in your corner. Not to mention the championing voice she would be to YOU through the whole process!
I had a CS with my son because he was breech and they couldn't turn him. Recovery was painful but overall it went really well. I haven't totally decided whether or not to do a RCS or VBAC but I am leaning towards RCS. The doctor who did my CS said that all my babies will likely be breech in the future based on the shape of my uterus, so I may not even have a choice this time anyways.
Question: This is so vain, but my CS scar from last time is so small and pretty much invisible now. I have friends who hate their CS scars. I think it had something to do with the doctor who did the CS/stitching. I am a little worried that my second CS will result in a worse scar. Anyone else concerned about it?