G.K. asks from Sandy, UT on January 16, 2008
Breech Baby
I am 35 weeks along with my 2nd child. My doctor told me that the baby is breech and if she doesn't flip by next week I will need to have a external cephalic version to see if he can flip her. If not I might have to have a c-section. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what to expect if he has to flip her. I hear it is uncomfortable and even painful. Also, if I have to have a c-section what is that like? When I think about it now it kind of scares me. Thanks for your help.
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K.N. answers from Provo on January 18, 2008
My son was breech and I had a c-section. I went into labor before my appointment for the external cephalic version. I decided to have them try to stop labor so they could do the E.C.V. but the meds they gave me increased my heart rate for more than 15 minutes, so they said they couldn't do the E.C.V. My c-section went incredibly well. I felt back to myself after only a week or so. I also exercised throughout that pregnancy and had a doctor who had done thousands of c-sections. I had a vaginal delivery this time and the recovery was worse. I tore a lot, though. If you have a c-section, get as much help at home as possible and take it as easy as you can for the first week or two.
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A.A. answers from Kalamazoo on January 17, 2008
I like doing things naturally so I thought I'd pass these websites on to you. They give natural techniques for trying to turn breech babies. I hope one of them works for you. I'm sure it would put your mind at ease if the baby would just turn on its own! My prayers are with you.
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/birth/challenges/turnbab...
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May05/pf_childbeari...
K.A. answers from Omaha on January 17, 2008
I had my son by c-section, and will probably have to have all my babies by a c-section, cause my doctor thinks that I am just prone to have big babies (my son was 10 pounds). It scared me at first, but honestly...really truly honestly...I didn't have too hard of a time recuperating from it. I got home 2 days before Christmas, and was able to still go to Christmas eve and Christmas day without too much discomfort. If you just take it easy, then the recovery is smooth.
T.W. answers from Lansing on January 17, 2008
I had two c-sections, and they were fine. although, my pregnancies were so bad anything would be preferable to the experience of pregnancy for me!!
After you hold that little one, and go home--you forget all the pain, as I'm sure you did with the first!
I had staples too. I did have pain, but was up walking around after 2 days, and doing most of my usual things after about two weeks. I have always been a SAHM, so it was very easy for me to take is slow if I started to feel run down--you'll know. One sure sign is bleeding. So, both of my c-sections were positive experiences.
Congratulations and GL:)
K.N. answers from Provo on January 18, 2008
My son was breech and I had a c-section. I went into labor before my appointment for the external cephalic version. I decided to have them try to stop labor so they could do the E.C.V. but the meds they gave me increased my heart rate for more than 15 minutes, so they said they couldn't do the E.C.V. My c-section went incredibly well. I felt back to myself after only a week or so. I also exercised throughout that pregnancy and had a doctor who had done thousands of c-sections. I had a vaginal delivery this time and the recovery was worse. I tore a lot, though. If you have a c-section, get as much help at home as possible and take it as easy as you can for the first week or two.
A.I. answers from Lansing on January 17, 2008
i would go with the c section over the risk of flipping but that just me if you do go with flipping her you wil have pain i thought the pain of labor was easyer then the pain of flipping
T.S. answers from Grand Rapids on January 17, 2008
I have never had a c-section, so I cant comment on what is like, but I can tell you about a V-birth.
It was absolutlly wonderful and I would do it again in a heartbeat. My husband and many friends and family members think I am crazy to say it, but I actually LOVED every minute of labor.
I personally can not imagine having a c-section...or even having an epideral. I had both my children naturally with no drugs what-so-ever and infact got to pull my children out myself once their heads and shoulders were out. It was simply amazing! I also did not have any rips/tears therefor no stiches. (my boy was 9.14 and 22 inches. my girl was 8.12 and 22 inches - so its not like they were little tiny babies)
Now, I know not every labor goes as smooth, and there is always the chance of complications...but I would encourage you to do whatever you can to have a natural birth. It is the most amazing thing that you will EVER experience...as you already know considering this is your second child.
Let me also say, that I am not trying, in any way, to take away anything from a c-section birth = because I am sure that it is amazing as well...after all a new life has entered the world and that is beautiful.
But...for me I just cant imagine not actually going through labor and feeling ever single contration and the need to push etc.
BUT...I do know that in many cases you HAVE to have a c-section for many different reasons...breach being one of those.
I have 2 different friends who had breach babies. Both of them talked not only with the OB about different ways to "flip the baby", but also contacted a midwife and a naturalist drs. to see if they had any tips.
Both woman did what they were instructed to do...and one woman was success in "flipping" her baby and delievering naturally and one still needed the c-section. Unfortunetlly I do not know what those "tips" were to share with you.
I dont know that I have actually given you any tips that you were looking for...but....
Whichever way you deliever your baby, in the end doesnt matter...it is just important that your baby comes into the world peacefully and healthy - same goes for mommy.
Good Luck and Congratulations! :)
A.F. answers from Sioux City on January 17, 2008
I have had two sections and they were a snap. Our first was breech and we elected to decline the turning and just scheduled a section. The second was automatic schedule since I had had one already. It seems like it would be awful but the experience was so good. The worst part for me was having an IV in my hand because I have awful veins. You are going to get one of those section or not!!!
If you end up with the section my best advice is to walk as much as possible. This will heal you quicker. At night when my husband went home I would do laps in the hall pushing my precious baby.
You should have 6-8 weeks of leave and you will be back to normal in no time. Just don't rush it. The dishes will be there tomorrow.
Feel free to email me with any questions.
S.G. answers from Waterloo on February 17, 2008
I had the same situation with my daughter. Ultimately, I chose an elective c-section rather than trying the version. My doctor told me it was very painful and if it worked, then I'd have to stay to be induced. It also could result in an emergency c-section if the baby's heart rate drops and then I would be put to sleep and my husband couldn't be there.
The c-section was scary, but you're completely numb so you can't feel a thing. I did get sick during the c-section and threw up in the operating room and for a couple hours afterwards. One thing you have to think about with c-sections for breech babies is there is a liklihood your baby will take his or her first breath in utero. If that happens and/or there is meconium the baby might have some trouble breathing right away. That happened to my daughter.
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