Seeking Advice/info. on C-section

This may not help at all, but I just thought I'd say that on the Friday before I had my twins (35 weeks along), one was breech and the other wasn't. The doctor was thinking we'd have to start looking at doing a c-section, because I told him I wanted to avoid having two points of exit for the kids. I was ok with the c-section idea, although not thrilled, but my main concern was I didn't want to deliver one of them vaginally and the other by c-section. Two days later on Sunday, I went into labor and the one that was breech had flipped around and they were both head-down. I had a totally normal vaginal delivery with both kids; and they were decent sized at 5 lbs each, so it's not like they were teeny and had tons of room to move around in there! You never know if that baby will flip around!

My suggestion is to meet with the anesthesiologist before hand and explain the situation. He/She may have some suggestions and will be aware of the issues before hand and have time to find options.

Good luck!! (my first daughter's birthday is June 7th)

Hi, L.!

I'm not anti-C-section, so I'll answer the question you actually asked instead of giving you unsolicited advice.

I actually have an anxiety disorder and my doctor was aware of that when we were discussing the possibility of a C-section. I can't relate to your specific issue of scar tissue around the needle site, but had plenty of fears of my own. I found comfort in information and I hope you do too, so here goes:

First, you will not get an "epidural" like most people think of for a planned C-section. You will get a spinal block instead. An epidural goes in next to your spinal column and stays there, pumping medicine into you as you go through delivery. A spinal is a ONE-TIME poke. They will sit you on the side of the table, have you lean forward and try to be as still as possible for about 45 seconds. They will clean and numb a small area on your back and you will hardly feel the actual poke, but will feel a burning sensation as the injection occurs. Before you even have time to think about it, you will be completely numb from your chest on down. You will feel your shoulders and arms, neck and face, but nothing else. Your husband won't be allowed into the room during this initial procedure, but will come in wearing scrubs once you've laid down.

They will help you lay down and will place a breathing monitor on one finger and have your arms spread out to the side. There will be a sheet blocking you from seeing the surgery and my husband chose to stay behind the sheet with me and hold my hand. I had been told that I would feel pressure when the surgery started, but I felt none. I was about to ask when they were going to start when one of the doctors said, "This baby has a lot of hair! Almost out!" I hadn't felt a thing and here they were almost done! I heard the cries of my son and everyone congratulated me and I sent my husband over to the baby. I know they had to stitch me up, but I was so busy asking about weight, length, hair color, and apgar scores to pay attention.

I was wheeled into the recovery room and watched my son get his footprints taken and snuggle with my husband for the first time while the nurses did what they needed to do for me. I was then wheeled down to my room where I got to snuggle, try to nurse, and witness his first bath. The numbness wore off after about an hour and I was thrilled to be able to move my feet again! I had pressure cuffs on both legs (and you will too) to stop the possibility of blood clots, but I was sitting up by lunchtime and standing by dinner.

I won't lie to you, the next day when the pain meds wear off and they take out the IV, you WILL hurt when you sit up or stand, but it's the movement that hurts. Once you're in the desired position, you can get comfortable and get to know your little one.

Please talk to your doctor about your fears - they can help you understand exactly what they will be doing for you personally and put you at ease. I see you're a new Christian, so congratulations on that decision - get yourself on a prayer chain, the most powerful tool of all!

Hope all this info helps - good luck!

L.
I feel for you!
Our first child was breech also (but not planned, she turned the day before or the day I went into labor). My water broke with her and when I got to the hospital she was breech, so there really was nothing at that point that they could do. I have heard that there are things you can try to do to turn the baby (but sometimes they are quite painful). But if it's not successful or too late I just want to encourage you that a c-section is not as bad as I imagined it would be. I will admit when I was in the hospital with our first and they said the words "OK, prep her for a c-section" I just lost it and had to cry about it for a few minutes. I did have a little something to calm me down 'cause the labor and all was making me shake so badly I was scared I wouldn't be able to hold still for the spinal they gave me. I do not remember what it was but it was just supposed to take the edge off the contractions. So you could request something like that.
I don't know if this has helped at all, but most of all if you have friends and family that can surround you with prayers on your delivery day I know God will honor that.
Hope everything goes well!
H.

I was manipulated into a c-section for a breech baby at 39 weeks, and I still regret it to this day (my son is 5). As a result of that experience I'm anti-UNnecessary c-sections. Now, with that being said, there is still plenty of time for baby to turn. I second (or third) the suggestions of finding a chiropracter, and practicing Optimal Fetal Positioning. I would also NOT schedule a c-section. Babies can and do flip up to *and during* labor. If I'm doing my math right, June 1st would only make you about 39 weeks. That is still skirting the edge of full-term. As a FTM, you have no idea how long it takes you to cook babies. Most FTM's will go 40w3d...some take longer than 42 weeks. My babies happen to usually cook for 41 weeks. I would wait until you are in *full-blown labor* (not the prodromal stuff that happens like crazy with a malpositioned baby) and then see if baby is still breech. They will have no problem getting you a c-section, and you will be sure that your baby is ready.

I would say with the history of your back issues, I'd try to avoid all pain meds delivered by that route, so if baby does flip you'll want to be prepared with Hypnobabies or something similar. And the PP is correct in that if you do have a c-section, you will probably have a spinal. Good Luck, and let us know if you get that bub headed in the right direction!

L.-
Don't be scared of the c-section. If you trust your doctor then trust in him/her. My 5-yo was delivered by emergency c-section. I was scared to death! They did not give me anything to relax but I didn't have the same concerns as you. I would discuss them with your doc and make sure he understands the issues. I have an extreme pain issue and my docs understand that and make sure my pain is usually under control. The spinal I had for the c-section was not pleasant - something you understand already. So going in to this you have an advantage I didn't. Or maybe it is a disadvantage. I had an emergency c-section for my 11-mos old also. My pre-eclampsia just got too much and they chose to take my son 4 weeks early. Due to the difficulty I had with the first spinal I was beyond sensitive to having another. But the only other choice they had was to put me out/under. And I didn't want to miss the birth of my child.
Again, be sure to discuss the problems with your doctor so that they know what to do and are not surprised at the last second by issues.
Everything should go smoothly - and my scar has healed both times very well and it is below the bikini line. Something that worked well for me was to wear a belly bandit (bellybandit.com) to compress the belly back into shape after pregnancy. Works wonders! I didn't have one with my 1st and I couldn't get my tummy back into shape. It took my 2nd and the belly bandit to flatten it back to pre-pregnancy shape. Also, the rowing exercise machine helped to stretch my scar (once I could work out again) and I have had no longterm pain or excess scar tissue problems that others have had.
Take care and good luck!
J.

I'm no expert, but isn't there still a chance that your baby girl will turn on her own? You should try to research as much as you can on ways that people have gotten their babies to turn head down. There are different positions you can try laying in, etc. Some have had luck with hypnosis. I really really think you should not give up hope that you can have this baby vaginally. Then you wouldn't need an epidural at all. There are other ways you can alleviate the pain during labor. I hope others reply on here with ideas on how to get that baby turning! For now, try googling it. C-sections are taken so lightly these days, and I think if you can avoid it, that's best. Of course, they are also quite common and no need for you to worry over that if it comes down to the wire and you have to have one. Good luck!

Oh, and here is one link that I found with some info in case you're interested. http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/breechcl.html

I'd really like to hear what happens with you. Feel free to update us all. I hope I didn't go too far off the subject of your question. I get really into this stuff ;)

I had my baby vaginally, but they gave me a sedative that nobody seemed to have any qualms about. I was really opposed to an IV, so they just gave me a shot in the thigh. Not the greatest thing in the world, but it worked! I don't know about drug interactions, but as far as baby's safety, they can definitely do a sedative, or at least a sedating drug. I'm wondering, though, if there's a topic anesthetic that might be a better option?

Since you don't seem very comfortable with the epi, there are some good posts on here about turning your breech baby, but I don't know much about turning babies (other than that you can sometimes do it), but it's another option to consider if the epidural is really making you uncomfortable.

Good luck--however it turns out, you wind up with a baby! Congratulations!!!!

Regarding relaxing during the procedure. I've had two epidurals now and each time, in order to relax and make sure I was still, I pictured myself in my happy place. I know this sounds funny but it worked both times. My happy place is lying on the beach in Cabo San Lucas with my husband. It's a very vivid memory I have of feeling completely relaxed and comfortable. I try to remember the sound of the waves, feel the warm sun and breeze of my skin, smell the scent of the ocean and the sand, and picture the sights of the beach. If you can get yourself imersed in a memory, you may be able to not feel it to as much. What about your wedding day? If it was a pleasant experience for you, try to relive the whole day from start to finish while they're doing the procedure. Good luck and congrats on your baby!!!

Hi L.,

I had a c-section last year and I was given a spinal block. I've never had an epidural, but the spinal block was painless. It was one small stick in the upper back and the effects were very rapid. My spinal block also contained morphine; which was excellent for pain management. I was clear headed, but I didn't even need other pain medication until 6 hours after the surgery. Just an extra tip, I always get very, very nauseous after anasthetic. If the oral medication doesn't work for you, ask for the anti-nausea medication that gets injected into your bicep. That worked just fantastic for me, and stopped the sickness immediately.

C-sections are drastic, absolutely, but please don't let fear of a spinal block and surgery stop you from doing what you think is best for your child.

Good luck and good health!

My first one was an emergency C-section and nothing to calm me down.
Second one was a scheduled C-section and nothing to calm me down. I was calmer though because I knew what was coming (as opposed to the emergency one).
I'm not sure how much of this is "normal" for C-sections. But from what I remember, there was the "small poke" and then the big one.
I would suggest calling your office and ask how your doctor does it.
The anesthesiologist told me "I'm going to give you this and that and afterward we do this and that because that's the way Dr. so-and-do likes it". Seemed like I could still say "No, I want this differently" but since I'm not the one performing C-sections, I went with what the doctor preferred.
The doctor answered our questions when we spoke to him to arrange the C-section (I usually see a midwife). You still have questions even though you've already been scheduled. Call them back!

You don't say where you are having your c-section and that can make a difference. I have had one at Fairview Riverside and one at St. John's. I have also had other surgeries at Woodwinds hospital. The surgeries at Woodwinds have been by far more relaxing and I took some of the techniques I learned there and applied them to the c-section that I had at St. John's. Woodwinds has a more holistic health approach and so they soaked a cotton ball (not soak completely, but put a fair amount of) with essential oils- lavender to relax and peppermint to calm and sooth the gastric response that seems to flair when I have surgery. They taped these to the hospital gown at the neckline. It worked very well!

I would ask your OB and ask them to allow you to speak to the anesthesiologist. My experience has been that the more info the anesthetist has about a patient before going in, the better experience it is for everyone concerned.

The other option you would have is to speak to a cranial sacral therapist and see if they can get the baby turned around. I have a wonderful cranial therapist that I go to who is also a doula and has given us different techniques to get the baby to turn that have worked. Email me if you want more info on her.

Good luck with everything!

M.

Congratulations on your little girl! My husband and I also got pregnant very shortly after getting married, so Happy 1 year Anniversary, too! ;)

You've already gotten lots of advice on here, but definitely talk to your doctor about your concerns and ask TONS of questions! You are the one who is in control of what happens to you and what you want for your pain management etc. I would push the scheduled C-section to after your due date, giving baby as long as possible to turn on her own. I'd ask your Dr why they want to do the C-section on the 1st? Is it just b/c that's the best for their schedule?

My first was also breech. She was in a breech position that couldn't be birthed vaginally (legs & head up - kind of like a 'V'). That would be something else to look into. Some breech positions can still be delivered vaginally, so I'd check into that(something I didn't know for my first). My C-section was scheduled 1 day before her due date b/c that's the day they did surgeries on and it would also give her as much time to turn on her own. My water broke 6 days before my due date, so I labored for a little while before we had the C-section. They did an ultrasound when we got to the hospital to confirm her breech position and then we waited (had 2 emergency C-sections come in after me so we had to wait). When it was time, they gave me an IV before we went into the OR. Once inside, I sat on the edge of the table and leaned forward to open up the spot for the spinal block. It will sting/burn some when they give that to you, but it's not bad. Then I laid down on the table and waited for it to take effect (didn't take long). You'll feel some tugging/pressure/strange feeling when they're taking the baby out, but no pain. Afterwards, you'll get to see the baby for a little bit, but they'll be mostly having you lay still so they can clean you up and close everything. That seems like it takes forever because all you're going to want to do is see your new baby! Once that's done, you'll go to your recovery room and get to bond with your new little one.
Basically, talk to your doctor, ask tons of questions, and make sure they put everything you've decided on in your file at the hospital so the doctors and nurses will have it there. That way if you go into labor before your scheduled C-section and you end up with a different doctor, he'll know what was decided between you and your regular Dr. I had the Dr. who was on-call, so he didn't know anything about me or my case except that I had a breech baby. If they can't put the info on file, get a copy of what you & your Dr talk about/decide on and make sure to bring it with you when you go to the hospital and make sure your husband knows as well.
Let us all know what happens! :)

My baby was head down and then flipped breech at the last second when i was in labor at the hospital at 39 weeks. I had a version where they manually turn the baby , but you normally get an epidural with that too. They did flip her back and then she delivered vaginally. Your OB should be aware of your history with your back and epidurals and should have you have a special consultation with the anesthesiologist before you go into the hospital. They can explain options to you before you are scheduled to go in for the c/s. Good luck:0)

I had an unscheduled c-section in Jan 08. Breech @ 36.5 weeks, just like you, and my water broke while I was sleeping. In my worried, nervous state I vaguely remember the anesthetist saying that I would be getting a numbing injection that also contained a very low dose of morphine before getting the actual spinal block. I didn't have the scar tissue problem you had, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it didn't hurt. I actually thought getting the IV in my hand hurt way more. Good luck. I hope all goes well!

I had 2 c-sections and 2 epidurals. I'm scared of needles , but NO, they did not give me anything to "relax" me. My first epidural was an awful experience so i was extra tense for the 2nd, but that one was a dream. You can ask your OB, but I'm going to guess they will say " thats up to the anasteseologist" (sorry for the spelling) Start asking now!! Good Luck!!

I was really nervous for my scheduled c-section as well. I found a video link on the Mayo Clinic website that walks you through the process of a c-section. I found that to be very helpful.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-section/MM00531

As for the epidural specifics, talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Good Luck

L.-
congrats on the baby! how exciting. we just welcomed our first in feb. i didn't have a c-section but like many of the responses so far, i'm against them unless its totally needed! a breech can be one of those reasons, but these moms are right...there IS still a chance she can turn. u just never know. check out www.spinningbabies.com that can be really helpful. as well as a chiropractor, accupuncture and just get that tush up in the air! other than that i would strongly suggest that you discuss this and your fears with your doctor. its important that the doc understands your concerns and explains everything to u thoroughly. its their job. i'm sure they can explain your options to help u relax and have the best birth experience u can! meanwhile i'd work on maybe gettin that baby to move and ask for another ultrasound before they go in and do surgery. good luck! you'll just be in heaven as a mom!

I had the same fears before my scheduled C-section last year - I was scared to death of the needle and the whole procedure.

They didn't give me anything to calm me down, but I didn't ask. The advice on talking to the anesthesiologist is a great one - as is talking to your OB before the procedure. One of the two might have something you can take to help calm you down - or something they can give during the prep to help you out.

I agree on trying to stay aware - my first c-section was an emergency one and I was out. The second was scheduled and I was awake and it was ... wonderful and horrible at the same time. ;-) I would not want to be "out" again.

Check out the advice and ways to get the baby to turn - I have never managed a "natural" birth but having experienced two c-sections I will say that if you can have a natural birth, do it. It's better for you and for the baby.

Hi L.~

I just wanted to type you a note to tell you to please NOT feel guilty about having a c-section. It may not be ideal for you, but it doesn't make you any less of a woman or mommy by going through this procedure. I, myself had to have a c-section with my first child and am very happy about that. I'm actually looking forward to my next c-section in September... easy breezy! (And no goofy shaped heads!) :)

To answer your question, I did not get anything to relax me with the epidural, and I was nervous, but I hardly felt a thing. Not sure what the case is when you've had so many. But they will more than likely give you a spinal block as well as the epidural.

Talk to your doctor, and I'm sure he/she will be able to give you something to soothe your nerves.

Good luck, congratulations, and again, don't beat yourself up over having a c-section! Be thankful that in this day and age that it's an option!

My boys were both breech until 38wks, so I would make sure your doctor keeps checking to see if she is head down. It would be a total bummer ot have a section for no reason!

I've had two c-sections, one emergency and one scheduled. Both times the anesthesiologist came in to talk with me before the surgery. So, I'm sure you'll have a chance to discuss your fears with them beforehand. I would also mention your fears and ask the doctor at your next check up if there is anything they can give you. I've never had a plain epidural, but I don't think the spinal block they give for c-sections is much different other than once they get it in, you numb very fast!
The spinal was my worst memory from my first delivery, so I went into my second c-section (scheduled) with some anxiety about it. However, because it was scheduled, the staff all seemed much more relaxed and the anaesthesiology nurse who placed my spinal was even joking around with me. The second spinal was much better than the first.
I also draw blood for a living and know what you mean about scar tissue. If you mention your situation to the doctor and hospital staff before your surgery, they will be able to be better prepared to make things work smoothly for you.

Well, I have had two c-sections. The first was emergency, so I had had the epidural already. The second was planned, and they told me what they gave me was different from the epidural, it was more of a spinal block, it felt a bit different going in. It didn't hurt, either time, and I'm not sure what, if anything they gave me before inserting the needle. I do know that it was a fine experience, and I was conscious for the whole thing, although a wee bit out of it. I would strongly recommend you talk to the Anesthesiologist and your Dr. ahead of time, mention your concerns, the scar tissue, etc, and that should go a long way to assaging your fears! Good luck, and congrats on your baby girl!!

L.,
I know it is difficult, but don't beat yourself up over not being able to deliver her vaginally. It sounds like you have a whole slew of mitigating factors that are beyond your control, so don't stress yourself out about it. It's not how she's born, it's what you do after she's born that makes you a good mother.
My husband is an anesthesiologist and director of OB anesthesia. His recommendations are that you talk to your OB, and since you have a scheduled section, they will be able to request an anesthesiologist that they feel will do the best job with your spinal and also will be able to apprise him or her of your history and situation well before your section. That should also help give you some peace of mind. It is not typical to give any medicine before the spinal for a c-section as they do want you to be alert. He said you also might want to look into going to a hospital that specializes in obstetrics if it's possible. They will have staff that have dealt will all kinds of special circumstances like yours.
Best wishes.

i would go directly to your doctor with this one. he or she is the only one who can tell you what your hospitol has to offer you. be very clear about your concerns, and what you want or dont want. there are other options, but since i didnt have a c sec, i wouldnt know.

there are options to turn her, if you wanted to. be cautious about it because there are risks, and pain, one thing i know is being on hands and knees can sometimes cause baby to turn, so try it if you like. there are many midwives or doulas who would do a process on you to turn the baby. look in the phone book, or online or something for that kind of support.
doctors dont usually do the turning because they are not trained to do it. see if you can find someone who will, even la leche league leaders can usually find someone in the midwife or doula that might be able to help you. if you are really determined to deliver vaginally, there are ways, but you might be running out of time. is there a birth center near you? a place that has midwives, labors in tubs and the like, etc.

good luck. no matter how you have your baby, you always always have options beyond what your doctors tell you. doctors are pretty limited by insurance, protocol, etc. never accept their opinion if its not what you want. there are options. if it doesnt work, you are not going to lose anything, you still have the scheduled c sec.
pray.

I honestly do not remember much before my c-section (it was an emergency c-section because I was not doing well in the labor). Anyway I do remember asking for something through the IV to already help with the pain before I got the epidural. I do not remember what they ended up giving me but talk it through with whomever is going to do you c-section/giving you the epidural.

I can not give any input on having numerous epidural since that was my first. I did get the most experienced person on the staff to give me the epidural (just by peer luck) so maybe ask for the head/top person to give it to you, they usually are the best. Make out a plan down to all the little details, so you know what your options are for medication and how you want everything to be handled.

L.-

Congratulations-the time is getting so very close when you'll get to hold that sweet baby in your arms!

I had an unplanned c-section. I tried really, really hard for a natural delivery-sans epidural, but it was not to be. I was induced at 38 weeks due to pregnancy induced hyper tension. With the poticin i FLEW to 8 centimeters in 2 hours! Long story short...the contractions were to strong and to fast and asked for an epidural about 4 hours in. Once the epidural was in and I was at 10 I pushed for two hours only to find out that the baby was not progressing and probably would not because he was stuck behind my pelvic bone. With a great amount of heartache I conceded to a c-secion.

As far as the epi goes-I know there is something in there that relaxes you , but i don't know what exactly. Because the one thing i regret most about the c-secton, (outside of the fact that i really, really, wanted that natural delivery and to hold our baby immediately), was that something made me extremely sleepy. Granted I had been in labor since 9:30am, and it was about 7:30pm..but I know the sleepyness was also drug induced. I remember having to try very, very hard to stay 'present'. Here i am giving birth to my first child and I just wanted to stop everything and let me nap for a bit. I still remember his first cry, seeing him, etc...somehow i even managed to text people in the recovery room. BUT the effects of that drug lasted into the next morning so for a long time I just wasn't 'with it'.

So two things I guess...one, i'm sure there is something they give you to relax you, but be sure to ask how much, etc...that way you'll be as present as possible.

And two-as much as i mourned my c-section and am still a bit meloncholy about it now. I have come to realize it is so totally ok. It wasn't the way I wanted the delivery to go..but as you will find with all things in motherhood-the best laid plans hardly ever happen so you just have to resign yourself to doing the best with what you have, hang on and enjoy the ride.

good luck!