John has taken to calling our little guy Frank, for “frank breech”. That’s the position he’s in right now. We’re at week 35 and my doctor scheduled a version for me for week 37. However, after a lot of consideration I have decided not to do the version. For those of you that don’t know a version is when the doctor tries to turn the baby by externally pushing on your stomach.
From what I’ve read versions have a 50% success rate. If they work than you are able to have a vaginal birth. If they don’t then a c-section is booked.
John and I spoke about it, I also talked to my mom about it and some other mothers too. I’ve decided that if this little guy doesn’t turn on his own than a vaginal birth was not meant to be for me. Like I’ve said in previous posts, all I want is for this baby to come out healthy. The version has its risks and if I may end up with a c-section anyway, I’m not willing to add another risk on top of that.
I’m still holding out hope that he’s going to turn on his own. It certainly feels like he’s trying some days.
On a lighter note, my mom and aunt came over today to help me wash the baby clothes I’ve received so far and to get the crib ready to go. The baby room is slowly coming along. Actually, truth be told, if he was born tomorrow we have everything we need. The wanna be interior designer in me is the one saying the room isn’t done. I still have to hang pictures and put up shelves. I also have to make the cushion for my window seat and the throw pillows. Last week I picked up some fabric for the cushion and pillows. I had never been fabric shopping before; what fun! I felt just like Sarah Richardson! These are the two I chose. They are fun and happy and will go well against the pale yellow walls.
I know that pillows are the easiest thing to sew, but even still I don’t have a clue. Luckily my girlfriend Emily is going to help me out. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I had a version done with Ollie and another friend tried it as well. It worked for her, not for me. It was sooo uncomfortable and my hips were killing me for days afterwards, so bad I could barely lift my legs to get into the car. In the end we had a c-section, straight from when I found out I was pregnant I knew I would end up with a c-section. Don't stress about it, if he turns he turns, if not, its not a big deal!
ReplyDeleteHeya Josie...don't stress yourself about little franky, I've got a few girlfriends who were in the same position as you and there are some natural techniques you can try in efforts to encourage baby to turn on his own without going through anything harsh for you like a manual version...sometimes these techniques work, and somethimes they don't. You've got to go with what feels right for you...for me personally, I'd try to entice my little guy to get into position for a natural birth, but then again I hate hospitals and the thought of a section for me would not be my choice (obviously) but like you I would feel if this is the way its going down, then I'd embrace the experience with a positive attitude and focus on the outcome...the arrival of a healthy happy baby boy!
ReplyDeleteHere are a few suggestions that I know of that have helped a few of my girlfrieds:
1)Chiropractic
2)Certain Yoga positions (ask your instructor) i.e. inverted poses (sometimes these work better when swimming, most of my girlfriends tried the handstands in the pool!)
3)Accupuncture
4)Moxibustion...this is an Anchient Chinese technique for turning breech babies, sounds kinda strange, but both of my girlfriends who tried it were successful and baby turned on their own!
5)Visualization...I'm a huge proponent of the power of the mind/body connection...visualize your ideal outcome and put it out there for the universe to make it happen for you!
Best of luck mamma, Chris and I can't wait for out families to grow up together...39.5 weeks and counting, home stretch!!! And, we still don't have a name picked!!
Much love, Hayley xoxox
I as well was scheduled for a version..i went to the appointment and as soon as the Dr just pushed on the stomach i felt pain..both the Dr and myself decided not to do it. She never did turn and i ended up having a c-section. I always thought she was uncomfortable but my OB ensured me she was probably more comfy that way then hanging upside down. He made me better letting me believe that When she arrived she was mad and screamed so loud the dr and nurses laughed and said this baby had a good set of lungs..i guess she was comfortable.
ReplyDeletecome on post some more girl mama!
ReplyDeletegl
Josie, are you not aware of the major shift in obstetrical protocols for breech babies? It has been proven that vaginal birth is the preferred option for many breech births, especially frank breech babies.
ReplyDeleteI had a vaginal breech birth in Ottawa in 2007, and here is a very recent story about the new Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' protocol:
http://rixarixa.blogspot.com/2010/04/transcript-of-cbc-radio-program-on.html
My favourite quote is by Dr. Glenn Posner, obstetrician:
"I’m feeling bad for all the people that I’ve sectioned over the last 11 years! My own wife had a cesarean section for breech for our second baby, and our second baby would have come out, probably, no problem also."
There is also a very low relative risk for a version if you for some reason don't want to choose a vaginal birth for your breech baby (one reason might be that not all obstetricians are skilled and willing, and you don't always get the best doc on call when you go into labour). It would seem to me that if you're afraid of risk, you'd be more concerned about the risks of cesarean section, which are far greater than risks of external cephalic version.
When a woman has a c-section, she is 2-3 times more likely to die in birth, bladder/kidneys could become infected, blood loss is often double vaginal birth, she will have a longer hospital stay and recovery time, she is more likely to have difficulties with early breastfeeding, she is more likely to have future reproductive problems like secondary infertility, a future ectopic pregnancy, placenta accreta (placenta seeps through uterus over surgery scar), and others. Babies born by cesarean are more likely to suffer breathing difficulties at birth, have asthma in childhood and face NICU care. Future babies of a woman who has had a cesarean are more likely to die in utero, to be born prematurely or have low birth weight.
Versus risk of version? Not equatable.
Best still, you could avoid the risks of the version AND the cesarean by choosing a vaginal breech birth.
Make your own choices, but make them INFORMED choices.
First off, I'm going to apologize for the last poster on here who has more than likely put all sorts of terrifying images in your head about what a c-section really is.
ReplyDeleteI had a c-section. It is not any of those things posted above. It's not the ideal choice sure... I mean it is basically abdominal surgery, but it is by no means as high risk as that last post made it out to be. We don't live in the dark ages anymore, and trust me, this is a pretty routine operation nowadays. The only complication which can be common is an infection, which by the way is easily cleared up by antibiotics. No harm, no foul.
And I wouldn't spend too much time worrying over whether having a c-section causes your child to have asthma, or you to have infertility, or dangers in future pregnancies. The only future risk is that if you have a second baby, you might have to have another c-section. And I say might cause it's not automatic and you could just as easily deliver vaginally.
So please take it from someone who was terrified of having a c-section but ended up having one anyways due to medical complications with my planned vaginal birth: It's not that bad, you are well medicated so you don't feel any pain, the doctors will take very good care of you, it's just a slower recovery and a few extra days in the hospital.
I really wish people would stop frightening pregnant women with all these horror stories. God, pregnant women have enough on their minds without adding this kind of fear mongering.
On that note - Congrats on the impending arrival of your baby boy!
Sending you positive thoughts :)
It's not horror stories. It's statistically true and significant. C-section is major surgery and is not benign or equivalent AT ALL in risk to vaginal birth or external cephalic version.
ReplyDeleteThat you and many other women have safe surgeries does not change statistical risk any more than saying "I was never in a car seat when I was a kid and I turned out fine." That doesn't change that the leading cause of death for kids is car collisions, according to the Canada Safety Council. It means you were fortunate.
Hey Josie, check out www.spinningbabies.com - it helped me with my VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). I too would suggest to try everything to avoid a C-section if possible. All the best!
ReplyDeleteI would be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit rattled after reading the above comments.
ReplyDeleteUp until now all of the comments have been so kind and supportive. Not to say that sharing information with me isn't kind, but when there is an undertone of 'What the hell are you thinking you unfit mother-to-be?'... it stings a bit.
All I can say is that throughout this pregnancy I have made decisions that I truly believe in my heart are best for the baby and myself. I will continue to do so even though not everyone will agree with the decisions I make.
It's a rainy morning in Ottawa, but there is something beautiful about it. I will be loading a new post soon... I know it's been a while.
Josie,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are going to follow your gut. I will echo that there is a change of scene in our area when it comes to breech presentation. There are many babies born in breech position because it is a version of normal and not a big deal with the proper care provider.
If you would like to try a vaginal birth (I believe YOUR body is not a lemon) then ask your OB to refer you to the Montfort where there are doctors with the skills to offer a vaginal birth.
Try visiting www.breechbirth.ca and talk to Robin, she is empowering breech Mom's everyday!!
Every option has opinions but major abdominal surgery should be your final option (IMO). Don't sell yourself short.
Most of all, keep FAITH that your babe will turn. They are able to turn right up until labour. My transverse babe turned in labour, just like I knew she would.
Josie,
ReplyDeleteMake sure your OB knows the latest protocol and insist they follow the guidelines.
http://www.sogc.org/media/advisories-20090617a_e.asp
Best of Luck!