Upset About Breech Baby:( EVC Info?

If your baby doesn't turn and you need a cesarean, you can advocate beforehand to make arrangements to have some of the things important to you, even if it isn't their normal procedures. My first child was breech, and I have now delivered all three children via cesarean. I was disappointed with my first two birth experiences because I really wanted to have the time with my babies like mothers do after vaginal deliveries. My hospital almost immediately takes the baby to the nursery after a quick peek. At the hospital before my third, I spoke to my nurse about my feelings. She made arrangements to change a few things to help me get as much contact after birth as possible given the situation. They put my son on my chest/neck (due to the drapes) for a very short time-operating rooms are cold. As soon as they then checked him out, they brought him back and held him next to my face for quite awhile. As soon as I was in the recovery room my nurse placed him skin to skin and helped me nurse him. He was with me the entire time. She had even arranged for the nurse to give him him his first bath in the recovery room right next to my bed so that I could watch. I will be forever grateful to that nurse because I didn't miss out on so much in those first couple of hours.

Heads up, but a LOT of babies flip within days of delivery. My last was breech up to about 37/38 weeks, and my doctor was not concerned.

As for turning the baby, some places do it, and others don't. Some feel the risk outweighs the benefits and a lot of babies will just flip back.

As for the whole c-section....isn't the goal of any pregnancy to have a healthy baby? Yes? So while I understand the feeling of disappointment I'd focus on what the result is, and not so much how the baby get's there.

I'm also going to second spinning babies...lots of friends have tried it with great success.

I had a c-section 4 years ago.
1. He was put on me immediately, and then cleaned while I was being cleaned up.
2. They would allow me to nurse, but it didn't work for me.
3. My c-section was planned, and it was seriously wonderful. SO peaceful and lovely. The doctors were talking with us, explaining, smiling, and just so amazing. (I have heard the completely opposite about emergency sections.)
4. My son was being born, the excitement and anticipation was through the freaking roof.
5. I had my son 3 weeks AFTER my close friend, who has delivered all her children vaginally. I healed very easily, and she was still having issues far after I did. You can NOT predict healing time, not even based on past experiences. Ever birth should be considered a separate event. Every birth has the chance to be more difficult then the last.
6. I had a version and it didn't help. (The Dr. suggested it, so I assume it was pretty routine there.) I have heard the frequently, that they are not successful more often. I'm not saying it won't work for you, but to spare yourself...don't assume it will work perfectly.
7. A version is typically done 36-37 weeks, because they will usually flip unless you are close to labor. You have very little time to find someone who will do it, without having seen you previously.
8. Your baby still has time to turn on it's own. Plenty of time. See a chiropractor and look online for advice on turning your baby's naturally. A LOT of doctor's and midwives will not do versions now, because of perceived risks and low success rates.

I had twins one of which was breech but that wasn't really the reason for the Csection, it was because of the multiple births. Anyway, just want to encourage you because it sounds to me like you are making the csection sound way more horrible than it really is. I've had both kinds of delivery, the csection was easier than my vaginal because I had terrible pain for about 10 months post vaginal delivery. Anyway, I don't have to tell you that the goal is not the type of delivery, the goal is a healthy baby. Whatever means your health professional decides is the best route for that should be what you decide. Life is full of surprises, not everything will turn out exactly like we planned. So don't stress yourself out too much, a csection is not the worst thing in the world, I promise! :-)

M third preferred mostly sideways most of the third trimester.
I was told about the website Spinning Babies http://spinningbabies.com/ by the wonderful ladies on this site.
I religiously did the exercises each time she flipped. In my case she would flip head down, stay that way for a couple days. Then go back to sideways and at one time breach.
If she didn't flip and stay I would not be able to deliver at the birth center and would obviously need a C-section, something I wanted to avoid at all costs.
She turned and stayed that way in time and I went on to deliver vaginally. I am certain the exercises I did from Spinning Babies is what helped coax her down and ultimately kept her there.

I also wanted to touch on what ziggy said. Both my kids were born by c section. My first was due to issues with my son so i didnt get to see him for several hours and with my second she never left the OR my husband held her next to me the whole time. C sections can be just as wonderful as vaginal births, unless you have a negitive mindset.

My son was sideways up until I was 36 weeks (he was born at 38 weeks). My Dr. told me that she could try to move him head down but it's very painful to me and they can always just flip back around if they wanted to. What worked for me was swimming. I had read somewhere that swimming can help them to wiggle around and flip. I went swimming everyday, lol. It worked :)
Try talking to your dr. about other options besides a C section if you really don't want to do that.

Had an EVC, 14 years ago. My regular OB , did it. We tried it twice, actually. It hurt, horribly & left me very bruised. Also, it wasn't successful. I've had 4 sections & while I don't know the difference because I've never had a vaginal delivery... My recoveries have been very easy. I was able to hold & nurse my babies not more than a half hour after delivery & that was mainly because my husband was able to hold the baby first .

I was a Labor and Delivery nurse before having my twins (by c-section). I have seen EVC numerous times. Some, yes, turned out just fine and baby turned and had no problems, others went fine but baby didn't turn around. Others however, I have seen the baby go into severe distress and end up with an emergency c-section with the mother having to be put to sleep and not getting to experience anything you are wanting and the baby ending up in NICU. Not fun... I would honestly say having seen this done and the bad outcomes of it, I wouldn't chance doing that to my baby.

Yes, there is a chance the baby could still turn, if it doesn't and you know you'll have a c-section talk to your doc about what you want with the baby. Other then not being able to put the baby on your stomach, there is no reason that the baby can't be swadddled up after delivery and kept with you for the end of the surgery and the rest of your hospital stay.

As for a c-section, everyone's experience is different, all depending on your pain tolerance. Most docs have you stay 3-4 days, however it can be less if you're pain is under control. Honestly I stayed only 36 hrs. after mine. I tolerate pain very well and my twins were born extremely early and not coming home, so I wanted to go home and sleep in my own bed and came up to the hospital everyday/all day until they came home.

First of all, one of my daughters was breech and turned herself at 36 weeks, so it is still possible. Another option is to find a chiropractor who is trained in the Webster Technique, which worked for a friend.

As far as EVC, we had planned to do it, and my OB/GYN was going to do it, but no need as she turned on her own. However, it was years ago, so that may not be current practice.

Both of my boys were born via c-section. The first was an emergency (I wasn't even in labor yet) and the second was a scheduled c-section, as he was breech. I'm telling you this part, because it's only fair that you know I've never been in labor, and I've never had a vaginal delivery.

I just wanted to tell you that I held and nursed both of my boys very quickly after they were born. True, I did have to wait until the nurses cleaned them up and weighed and measured them and whatever else they needed to do. But it was very soon after they were born.

At our hospital, a c-section takes place down the hall from the hospital room. As soon as my OB finished cleaning me up, I was taken back to my room and the nurse helped position me so that I could nurse my son. Rather than have a recovery room, the nurse stayed with me and monitored me for a period of time.

You also mentioned the "excitement and anticipation" you and your husband shared. My husband was with me the whole time. We were watching together as our sons were born and even took pictures in the OR. It was probably a shorter amount of time than what you're used to, but it was our time, and we treasure it.

Also, you mentioned you are disappointed that this baby's birth will be different than that of your other children. But doesn't that make it even more special? Sometimes kids like it when something about them is different form their siblings, as it makes them special.

Finally, keep in mind that baby can still move. It really is possible. I have no idea what the odds are, but I have heard several moms tell me their baby was breech and turned at the last minute.

Good luck with the birth of your baby! I know you'll have good memories of his/her birth no matter what the circumstances!

I also had a breech baby and I do understand the anxiety of knowing for weeks about this looming surgery. It's nerve wracking. You should look into options, but consider them carefully before deciding. I was actually scheduled for a version (baby spinning) and we did the routine ultrasound first and found that the cord was wrapped around my baby's neck and that if we did the procedure it could cause harm to the baby. So, of course we didn't do it. After that experience I heard from a lot of friends/acquaintances who also had the versions done and found out it was not successful for any of them. Plus, it seems to be pretty painful.

The perinatologist that I saw seemed to be performing them frequently (although this was about 5.5 years ago at this point) but was also very quick to point out that in my case he wasn't going to and if it was his wife wouldn't recommend it. There was a doula that ran my birthing classes and she gave me some techniques to try it myself and I'll tell you they worked...for about 10 minutes. Usually as soon as I was done my baby would flip immediately back around. Now I was doing these techniques before I knew the cord was wrapped around the neck and would not have been doing that had I known, which is why I suggest a higher level ultrasound before making any further decision.

I will say this...I've had two c-sections and the recovery is not as bad as you expect, especially b/c you won't be laboring first.

Also, yes, it is a bummer that you don't get the baby put on your belly and you're right that you can't hold the baby immediately, but my husband got to hold the baby immediately and that was a big deal for him. The rest of the surgery doesn't take all that long and I was able to try nursing just as soon as I got back to my room, which was maybe 30-40 minutes tops after delivery. Plus the baby stays in the OR with you and my husband and baby sat right next to me and they let me hold them while being pushed back into my room.

It's a hard decision, it really is, but after 3 easy deliveries I would follow medical advice on this one and plan for a c-section.

The outcome that everyone wants is a healthy baby. C section the way to go. I would not risk turning. My fourth was breech. For me I had a section. Would not risk an injury to my child.

First, I have to tell you that my friend had a breach baby for 5 weeks, went in for a scheduled c-section, and baby flipped that morning and was delivered vaginally! So there is always hope! Check out the website "spinning babies." Have you talked to a chiropractor? They can have some suggestions that are not as extreme as the external version. I would absolutely consider EVC as a last resort, but you have a lot of time to try things. Also, I would not do EVC right now unless you are in labor. You could go through all that just to have baby flip again. Start calling doulas, midwives, and chiropractors and try some of their tricks. Best of luck!!!

Well, my daughter turns 12 next month. She was carried breech, and when it was determined that she was breech at (oh what was it?) 35 or 36 weeks, the doctor gave me a week to see if she would turn on her own. She did not. He told me at the time, that if she had not turned on her own at the one week mark check-up, that we could A) walk across the parking lot to the hospital and try version, or B) go ahead and plan and schedule a Csection for a week or so ahead of due date. It was up to me.

We opted to try the version. I heard lots of horror stories from others who had tried version while we waited for the week to go by. The time came, we went in and no, she had not turned. So we went next door and got a room at the hospital and they gave me something to stop the contractions I was having (they were so mild I wasn't even aware of them, but the monitors picked them up), lubed up my stomach, and we gave it a try.
It was very uncomfortable, for all of maybe 2 minutes. (literally, not exaggerating the time). The doctor stopped pushing on my stomach and I asked if it was starting to work... He told me it was DONE. (I couldn't tell, lol)

I asked him why I had heard so many horror stories of the pain, and he indicated that it was probably from people who had waited until too late in the pregnancy, and the space was too cramped already. He said that most doctors will not even attempt it. He didn't really elaborate, so I'm guessing it is a money thing. That, and if it does begin premature labor (a possibility) then your doctor's plans are immediately out the window for at least the rest of the day/night. With a C-section, they schedule you right on their calendar like a coffee break, and then their day isn't "messed up."

That is not to downplay the risks. There are risks. But I had no issues whatsoever, and delivered a healthy 7 lb 6 oz daughter about 10 days or so later. She was a week early.

I will also throw in that she had some mild hip dysplasia. She was treated for it by 3 days after birth (a foam brace she had to wear 24 hours a day for weeks on end, even though we stopped making her wear it 24 hours a day before the treatment period ended), and she eventually had hips that could not be told that there had ever been a problem with them (by 6 months old). I understand that being carried breech is one reason that contributes to hip dysplasia. And I wonder if we had not done the version, and went with the C-section option, if her hips would have been worse, or if she would have needed treatment for a longer period of time to correct the problem. Of course I will never know the answer.. but it is food for thought.

I had a very good relationship with my doctor. And he listened to me about what I wanted or didn't want during my labor/deliveries. I probably should have asked more questions than I did at the time.. but I was young and didn't have much knowledge/experience with all the potential for medical error that I am aware of now. I trusted my doctor, and that he would not suggest something to me that would involve serious risk to me or my baby.
I looked at it like this (and my doctor agreed): if you do not even ATTEMPT the version, then you are guaranteeing major abdominal surgery and anesthetics during your delivery, plus major recovery. Every surgery has risks just because it IS surgery. Regardless of recovery time.
IF the version works, then you can likely avoid the major surgery (and all that entails) and still enjoy a natural medication free birth (which is what I had). If it doesn't, then you still have the Csection to look forward to, but knowing you did what you could to try to avoid it.

You are monitored during version. There is a risk you can go into premature labor from it. But they don't just send you home the minute they are done. You stay in the hospital being monitored for a number of hours. I was fine. I went home that night and continued on. And, it may not work. Or it may work and the baby might turn back breech again. That happens, too. Didn't happen to me, though.
:)

Best wishes to you and your new little one.

My son was breech but I was not a great candidate for version so I opted out although it was suggested. My friend had a version with her second baby and it was a success. I think unless the ultrasound shows that it's dangerous, try to get the version as they are done all the time (I live in Jersey too). I had a C-section and nursed my son successfully shortly after he was born. I then nursed successfully for over 2 years. But the recovery is rough...

I'll keep fingers crossed for you. My baby was breech at 36 weeks. I went home, put my hands on the counter, and leaned down toward the floor for several minutes. No kidding, she flipped that evening. I was so relieved, that at my 37 week sonogram my blood pressure went through the roof. There's a good chance your baby will turn. If not, you'll still be fine. The most important thing is that the baby is born safely. Hang in there, and keep hoping. Update us when you can. Hugs.

ETA: My friend was prepped for a c-section due to breech baby. As they wheeled her in for surgery, the baby flipped and she had a successful vaginal birth. It can happen.

My sister had the EVC with her second. She wanted a VBAC after going through a scary, emergency c section with her first. Her doctor was willing to do it. I think she had it done at 38 weeks. She said it was painful, but well worth it. It was successful and her son stayed head down. He was born vaginally a short time later after a very quick labor. She barely go into her hospital room and he was born. She didn't even have time for an epidural! It was a completely different experience than her first.

My second child was breech at 36 weeks. By 38 weeks, he had turned. I was so excited that I treated myself to a banana split! (Finally at the end of my pregnancy I could eat again...!)

What I DIDN'T know was that he was not face down. He was face up (OP). I labored for 23 hours because of this. He was stuck and it wasn't until I got a new nurse in who had midwifed many babies, that she told me she thought he was face up. She was right. SHE turned him. As soon as she did, he went shooting down the birth canal and I'm lucky the doctor made it in the room to catch him - my son was born without a contraction. If I hadn't given birth by the morning, I would have had a section whether I wanted one or not. My blood pressure kept getting dangerously low, and I was already on oxygen for the baby's sake because of it.

I do know that the doctor's malpractice insurance won't allow a breech birth delivery. Some won't allow EVC because there ARE risks involved. But don't lose hope that the baby won't turn - you've got some time. Just be sure and ask them to check to see if the baby is face up or face down. If they had known that he was face up, I wouldn't have gotten into the mess I was in with my blood pressure and back labor. So now you know what to ask for...

I chose a planned csection over a version because I know two people whose babies died that way. And because I didn't want to risk having an emergency csection. If you can find a way to do the chiropractic Webster technique or acupuncture, they work really well!

They still offer versions out here in socal