Really?? Baby #4 a C-section?? Uuuggghhhh

You can have your baby turned....there are many different safe ways to guide him the right direction slowly.

let your googling skills work today

Dear A.,

You have very good reasons to be concerned. A c-section is very major abdominal surgery - no matter how routine. It is the most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. but very few pay attention to all of the complications involved and most people and OBs downplay the risks and complications and difficult recovery - and the fact that c-section is a major complication in nursing.

It is not too late to get your baby to turn. I would advise you to contact your local ICAN chapter ASAP to get resources including a chiropractor who specializes in the Webster technique and any midwives or OBs who perform versions - a procedure done to turn the baby. In most of W. Europe, a version is automatically done on any baby who is presenting breech towards the end. They usually work. Unfortunately, we have a whole generation of OBs who didn't learn how to perform a version and would prefer to practice their surgical skills.

Contact your closest group - I think it is:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA
ICAN of Hampton Roads
Portsmouth, Chesapeake, & surrounding area

Contact: Heather Edwards
eMail Address: ____@____.com
Telephone: ###-###-####
Website: icanofhr.wordpress.com/

Please, please at least make contact and see if you can get baby to turn. You can also try spinningbabies and seeing if you can find a local practitioner who delivers breech babies. (Vaginal deliveries of breech babies used to be common practice also before OBs became terrified of lawsuits.)

Best wishes and feel free to message me if I can be of any further support. If you have trouble contacting your local chapter let me know and I will reach out through a national network I belong to...

C.

Get on your hands and knees, butt up, chest down... baby's are antigravity and their heads float up. All 3 of my kids tried to flip flop at the last second (the wrong way), and the hospital either put me in this position or put me on my back in bed with my head declined and my feet inclined (but that made me puke)... kids flipped properly all 3 times (except my first one, she finally went head down, but came out 'sunny side up', meaning face up, OUCH).

One of mine turned at 36 weeks (and was born the following day),

I've heard of good results with the Webster Technique, usually done by Chiropractors. I would certainly try it.

Have you considered a vaginal breech birth? Is he a big baby?

I was real bummed to have a c-section after a normal vaginal birth for my first child. I didn't plan to, it just had to happen at the last minute in the hospital.
Recovery wasn't as bad as I thought. I didn't even really take many pain meds for it (just some Ibuprofin the first day) and I just kinda went on with my life (I had a 3 year old at home, ya'know?) They say you are not supposed to lift things and walk up stairs. Um.... 2 story house, my bedrooms are upstairs? Plus a 3 year old who needed a lot of reassuring and cuddling with a new baby around. So I was one of those people that didn't really listen to the restrictions they give you when you get home from the hospital.

For me, the most annoying thing was being a patient myself. With a Vaginal birth, after a few hours they leave you alone and it's all about the baby. With the -section they had to pay a lot of attention to me afterwards I felt.

It'll be fine though, By the time I went home I just went on as if I had had a vaginal birth. The pain/sticthes were only mildly annoying at that point.

Psychologically I was kinda grossed out by the whole thing too. I've never been cut into before. It was weird to me. That took longer to get over than anything. Probably because I wasn't expecting it, i had just assumed I'd have a vaginal birth again.

I had both c-sections scheduled, held my baby within 7 minutes, breastfed within 45minutes, walked within 24 hours. My second is 11 months, i have a flat and fit stomach, the incision is so low I have to be careful getting waxed and I can baraley see it. Both of my kids 4.5 y and 11m were never sick, no antibiotics, healthy beautiful almost 10lbs at birth babies. In a worse case scenario you will have a c-section, and you will be just fine. Good luck!!!

My little guy "flipped" at 34 weeks. I literally laid on an inclined ironing board and rubbed my belly counterclockwise every day for 15 minutes. Midwife suggested it and it worked. I ended up with a c-section anyway!

The recovery isn't fun, but the pain really only lasts for a week at the most. The second week is "tight", but OK. Week #3 you really are mobile, but not lifting anything heavy. Fill the pain prescription. You may never need it, but if you need it at 2 in the morning and don't have it, you'll regret it!

Do what the doctors and nurses tell you! When they make you get up and moving in the hospital, do it. It hurts, but it will keep your muscles from healing tightly. When they remind you to take it easy and NO SUDDEN movements, remember that. When your little one wakes up in the middle of the night, get out of bed carefully, DO NOT SIT UP QUICKLY.

Most important suggestion... have help at the house for the first two weeks. Hire a sitter if you need to. Let your MIL come if she wants to. YOU WILL NOT want to chase after the others, clean, cook and do laundry after a c-section.

Whoever says the recovery isn't bad is very lucky. Most of my friends would agree that you really need help for a good two weeks. You can't lift anything heavier than your baby (like a laundry basket), you have a hard time getting out of a seated position and you will be sore.

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I was in the hospital, schedule for a c-section the next morning because at 37 weeks my son was complete breech, AND not even enough amniotic fluid to get a sample. Next morning, they come to prep me for surgery, and find that during the night he had flipped, so I got induced instead.

You're only 35 weeks. It's normal for the baby to be breech at this stage. Your baby has plenty of time to flip into head down position, and your doctor was irresponsible to tell you that there's a "slim chance" he would turn before your due date. That's simply not true. Babies most often turn head down at about 38 weeks, give or take a week, and some don't turn down or even engage in the pelvis until labor has begun.

Definitely check out Spinning Babies, and don't let your doctor make you anxious about this. I wouldn't plan that c-section just yet, although I wouldn't keep it completely off the table. I'm just saying that you have plenty of time.

Acupuncture has been a really good way to turn babies. My first baby was breach but I was able to deliver her vaginally. No one in the dc area will do that. Not to even point out that most the hospitals in the area are 50% c-section rates!!!

Anyway, I know a couple doctors who claim that they have had it work about 80%. It would be well worth the try given you choices!

You're 35 weeks, so keep hoping. At my 36 week appointment, my baby was (and had always been) in the breech position, so the doc said they'd schedule me for a c-section at 39 weeks. Then she said "talk to your baby and tell her she needs to flip." And that's what I did! I know it sounds weird, but I talked to my baby, then leaned over while holding on to the counter for a few minutes and she DID turn! It was confirmed at 37 weeks. Plus, my friend was on her way into c-section prep when her baby turned! So keep up hope. If your baby doesn't turn, try not to worry, but there's still a good chance he will. Lean over a lot and let gravity take its course. Good luck! It does happen!
=)

Don't give up yet hon! I had a C-section with my first (I wouldn't progress because he wouldn't descend-caught on my hip) and I hated it because I wanted a natural birth and had essentially gone through 19 days of hard contractions with no pain meds...so needless to say, I was bummed! So #2 was a VBAC, but the stinker decided to go breech at 36 weeks too! I was devastated, but my doctor would not do anything until 38 weeks (version/turn the baby manually) because if the version fails, she just takes the baby that same day by C-section...so she told me I had 2 weeks to get the kid turned. We did an ultrasound and the baby was high and had lots of fluid around him so that gave me hope that he could turn.

My friend (who is a doula) and I tried TONS of things...I tried acupressure (I can't remember where I was supposed to push on my leg because my doula did it for me, but you could probably google it), sitting upside-down (watch this because I became VERY dizzy so only do for as long as comfortable), bag of frozen veggies on top of belly and heating pad at bottom (baby should move from cold to heat), flashlight "drawn" from top of belly to bottom, having husband talk "down there"...

Only things I didn't try was diving into a swimming pool/somersaults in pool and acupuncture...

The night before I was supposed to have a final ultrasound and schedule my version, my husband told the baby "turn around" and "spanked" his bottom and guess what?!?...the next day's ultrasound showed him bottoms up (I didn't feel him flip)! My OB didn't trust him though so I had several ultrasounds before he came...but I had a beautiful VBAC (with an epidural unfortunately...maybe next time...) and now he is 2! I am now preg with #3 and going for my next VBAC (hopefully all the way pain med free this time with no breech baby...lol)!

So don't give up and try, try, try all you can...don't be afraid to ask for more time before they make a final decision on you (version or c-section...though prob try not to go beyond 38 weeks for the version attempt or room gets too small-but sometimes you have to stand up for yourself...) and I am sending lots of upside down thoughts to your baby! Also google "spinning babies" because their site has a lot of good suggestions too!

If you do end up with a C-section...take it easy. Make sure to take stool softeners because the pain meds make you SUPER constipated and try to get up and showered and move around as soon as possible (I had my c-section with an astromorph (sp) in my spinal (meaning they put the morphine in my spinal so I didn't need the morphine pump...wonderful!!!) at 9:30 pm and by 6 am I was insisting on a shower because they were moving my son to the nursery-he was a sick baby and needed IV meds and lots of bili lights- and I didn't want him going alone.) When you get home, make a "changing station" beside you on the couch...towel, diapers, wipes, bags...whatever else you need (food/drink for you if DH or kiddos are going to be gone) because it is hard to move around those first few days! I would also put movies and puzzles and games for the other kids to do with you so you can rest on the couch...recruit people to help out that first week with meals, laundry, ect because you won't feel like moving around much! I was so sore with mine- tons more than with my VBAC even with tearing down there! And I didn't even have other children at the same time! Granted the scar heals small, but I am still numb on one side of my scar where my son's head ripped me further as he was being pulled out. And when they go/you go to push on your uterus afterwards (to make it shrink back)...use a pillow and push through the pillow. And be aware that removing the staples before you go home is uncomfortable and I don't know how long you stayed in the hospital with your other births, but plan on staying a good 2-3 full days in the hospital before they let you go home (you have to pass gas before they let you go...lol!)! Oh, and for the ride home, bring a pillow and lean over it/push it into your tummy if your trip is remotely bumpy...bumps are killer (and I live on a dirt road...I was ready to die by the time we pulled into the driveway)...something about how you hold your tummy muscles as you are going over the bumps to keep yourself straight is horrible!...anyway, those are my suggestions/experiences! Good luck hon and don't give up hope yet!

I don't know anything about getting a baby turned in the right direction, but I've delivered 1 baby each way & honestly, the recovery from the c wasn't that bad. Take your time, don't over-do it, take pain meds if you need them.

The worst part for me was that my oldest was 17 months old when I had the youngest (c-section) so I couldn't pick big brother up for quite some time. That was rough as he was still in diapers & not only adjusting to having a sibling altogether, but then Mama couldn't even pick him up kind of stunk.

www.spinnigbabies.com lot's of info for breech babies I used it & did the frozen veggies,& flash light technique & love the pelvic tilts to help baby move.Mine turned the last few weeks of pregnancy hurt but she did turn

I had two c-sections at 36 and 38 years old. The recovery really isn't that bad. Of course I haven't had a vaginal delivery to compare to. When I had my second, my daughter was 15 mos and in a bodycast (hip dysplasia) so weighed about 35 lbs... My second, my son, came home on oxygen... with tank. We managed fine. I was up and around - stairs etc in a few days. The scar is really not that big or noticable, and the soreness you get w/ a regular birth isn't there either! Just don't be a hero w/ the pain. There will be some. Keep on top of your pain meds and pay attention to your body. Don't overdo. Congrats and enjoy the new little guy!

Take a deep breath and have the faith that you baby can turn. Yes, you do have plenty of time. Your OB obviously hasn't read the literature about gestation and breech babies. They often do turn in the next few weeks. www.spinningbabies.com is great. Also talking to your baby works very well, as well as visualization of him turning. You can do a cold pack on the top of your belly and warm near your pubic bone. If you have access to a pool, handstands also work well. In my doula practice I have found acupuncture works the best, followed by a chiropractor who uses the Webster technique.

Go onto facebook and talk with Birth Without Fear. They are GREAT at supporting you through any difficulty. Ask this question and I'm sure you will get a dozen of amazing answers.
http://www.facebook.com/birthwithoutfear?ref=ts

Wait its not too late, its actually best to turn it late in the pregnancy so that it gets stuck in the correct position, there are many natural ways to turn the baby. I was relieved to have these, use them and deliver my fourth naturally. try this link http://brendalane.suite101.com/turning-a-breech-baby-a7421.
number four is what worked for me
good luck

My doctor told me that recovering from a c-section that was planned was very different from recovering from one that is not planned. If you have a lot of contractions and push a lot before the section it's a lot harder for you to recover. I was really worried about the recovery too. My son was breech and I tried some things to get him to flip, but it didn't work. My doctor didn't think I should do a version, there are risks and you could end up with an emergency section. My current baby is breech too. I'm only 31 weeks, but the baby is measuring at 36 weeks. My doctor doesn't think he's going to turn because there's just not that much room.

I friend of mine had her baby turn at 37 weeks. She wasn't interested in a vbac so it didn't make a difference but it is possible. Ask your doctor to try to turn your son (a version). Sometimes this works and they can get him in the right position.

You will need help after a C-section. If your MIL is willing to come - let her! Maybe she could do a week and your mom could do a week. You will be limited for a while. Take it easy so you can heal! Good luck!

My daughter was still not head down at 37 weeks (she was sideways and had been for weeks), and my doctor recommended having what's called an 'external cephalic version' or a 'version' for short. It's where the doctor actually turns the baby from the outside. One doctor works the ultrasound machine to monitor the baby's position and vitals, and the other doctor wraps their hands around your belly and torques and turns. I do not know the exact percentages of how often it works, but it worked for us. It was either that or a c-section, and even though I didn't personally want a c-section, my doctor highly recommended the version. I would mention it to your doc, and if he/she is not comfortable doing it themselves, then they may know of someone who is.
It was a quick procedure for us - it took all of 2-3 minutes, if that (and I was expecting 20). It was somewhat painful as there is alot of pressure and pushing and man-handling involved, but absolutely nothing compared to labor. Sometimes the baby just won't turn during the procedure, and sometimes once they do turn, they turn back, but for us, it worked like a charm. They will perform the procedure near the OR so in case anything starts to go wrong, they can bring you straight to an emergency c-section. I was scared hearing that, and nervous, mainly b/c this was our first baby, but looking back, I would definitely do it again.

Honestly, I would think and have experienced that most babies wouldn't turn at this point. I'm sure some do, just not very likely . My experience with sections (3), they are a breeze. I have only had sections though, hopefully you will get responses from moms that have had both. For me , the worst part of a section is what you're doing now, worrying about it before. Also, the spinal is far from pleasant. I was home from the hospital 2 days after surgery & pretty much back to normal activities ( well, normal for someone w/ a newborn). Pain was minimal , w/ few pain meds.

I have a friend whose baby flipped *during labor*! He grew up to be a very agile dancer!

You can also have a breech birth. For baby number 4, it seems the risks of a breech birth would be pretty minimal. Your muscles already know how to do this, and you're already nicely stretched. Contact local midwives. They should be able to refer you to anyone in your area who works with breech births.

I have heard of at least one mom who had a breech birth in the hospital by simply refusing to sign the consent form for the surgery. The labor was monitored, the baby never went into distress, the mom refused to sign for surgery, and the somewhat distressed OB/GYN caught the baby as he backed into the world.

My understanding is that butt-first or feet-first presentations are usually birthable without complications. Arm-first presentations require surgery.

Good luck!

moxibustion, Webster's technique, doing handstands in a pool, having your elbows and face against the ground with hips and butt as high as you can get them, an external version... Many babies definitely turn when you try multiple ways to get it done. I'd do the version LAST tho...

I would not schedule a cesarean until you really need to.

The first cesarean is the worst... you don't know what to expect, you don't know how to hold yourself so you won't be in excruciating pain, also you can't lift anything over 10-15lbs for awhile. That's not even bringing into account the possibility of infection, issues with breastfeeding/bonding...

My daughter was breech at my 35 week appointment....by week 36, she had turned. I think there is still a chance your little guy could get himself turned around!

Unfortunately, I ended up having to have an emergency c-section anyway. To be honest, I really didn't think the c-section was all that bad. I didn't really use much pain medication afterward. My best advice if you do end up with one is to get up and move around AS SOON as they tell you that you can. It will be painful at first, but getting up and getting moving will make for a much quicker recovery over all.

Good Luck!

My friend and I both had breech babies. Between us we tried just about everything we could except the manual version. My friend's little one flipped around several times before finally landing right side up at the eleventh hour. She successfully delivered vaginally. On the other hand my little one utterly refused to budge so I had to have a c-section. I don't have any other kids but the recovery was manageable by taking things slow. Also my husband was a tremendous help. If you go the c-section route, stay ahead of the pain and be good about taking the pain medicines. The only time I had trouble was when I overdid it or didn't take my medicines on time. Otherwise, frozen dinners and paper plates can be helpful those first few days. Good luck and congratulations.

My first two girls were natural birth but my third pregnancy, the boy, was c section. It was so hard for me because I wasn't ready for it being that it wasn't an option. I never thought about having a c section. My due date was October 30 of 2010 and he was a week late born on November 5th. When I went into labor, I went straight to the hospital to have my baby and they did a last minute ultrasound to see how big he was. Well they said he was around 11 lbs 14 ounces. They said it was gonna be too difficult for me to have him vaginally so they suggested the c section. I didn't want to have the c section done. The thought of having my stomach cut open was an idea taking over my brain and I couldn't think and I just cried. I was already dilated to 6 and then within 5 minutes, I was in the surgery room with a big needle in my back. Not a big fan of that since it was my first time getting epidural. The whole thing was very hard for me mentally and emotionally. I didn't remember seeing my son until two hours later but my husband was there the whole time with me during surgery and says I seen my son a few minutes after he was born. I don't remember that. The pain for me was really bad and you feel really sore. I was being stubborn and I wasn't taking the meds. All I had to do was push the button. I was actually being ignorant more than stubborn and the nurse came in and pushed the button for me since I wouldn't do it. I had a 4 and 5 year old at home and I couldn't wait to see them and they were not allowed on the floor I was on because they are too young. When I got home, I was very stressed because you can't do everything by yourself. So you need to ask for help and receive it when offered to you. The whole situation for me was terrible. But it only lasted about a week. So that's the good part. When I think back, I would SO SO SO do it again because this baby boy I have on my lap as I type is the one of the most beautiful creatures that I've ever seen and it's all worth it! I wish you the best of luck and just remember that these things happen for a reason. So just try to stay calm and relaxed and know that it does get better. Remember to take your pain meds because that will help a lot and the sooner you get up and walk after the c section, the better. Well I wish you the best and enjoy your new little one. TAKE CARE!