prayers and advice desperately needed

I scheduled a c-section for middle of Dec but I don't really want to have a c-section.

I had a previous c-section and the doc says I can try vaginal birth if I want but there are complications either way.

If I have vag. birth, there is a 0.5% chance of uterine rupture and of course any other normal complication. If I have c-section it will build up further scar tissue which we crohnies know all to well what kind of probs that can cause. Most women who have c-section are able to have vag. birth afterward. My doc says I have a 70% chance of successful vag. birth. But first, baby will HAVE to turn on her own (she's breech right now).

I HATE the recovery of all abdominal surgery. Vag. birth would be better for me -- if it were successful and no stress to baby, and doc cannot guarantee that.

What would you ladies do if you were me? Would you try vag. birth or just have a c-section?

Also, please please please pray for me so I will have an easy delivery either way and fast fast recovery! Thank you!!!

Prayers and healing thoughts out to you.

Roni- I had a c-sec with baby#1 and went for the VBAC with baby #2. I had a super supportive OB who gave me every opportunity to have that baby the good old fashioned way. I ended up with a 2nd c-sec because I wouldn't dilate (same problem as the first time). BUT... I am SOOOOO glad that I went through the labor and tried because I know in my heart of hearts that I did everything I could. My problem has nothing to do with the crohn's. Just seems like my cervix doesn't want to dilate. I'm having baby #3 on Dec 20th - c-sec- and I'm crazy enough to want a 4th child! So far, the scar tissue is very minimal (couldn't tell you about the inside, but the outside looks GREAT) and it has NOT affected my Crohn's negatively in any way whatsoever.

Do you really want to go for a VBAC???? Then DO IT! I think it's a great idea. HOWEVER, if you really want a c-sec, but you're worried about future negative effects on the crohn's - don't give it a second thought. Yes, it terribly difficult to recover from major abdominal surgery, but the chances of it screwing with your crohn's is minimal.

I will totally pray for you that you are able to make a decision you feel at peace with. Congrats on your upcoming birth! Please keep us posted!!! ((((HUGS))))

Stef

I took the full 6 weeks to recover the last c-section I had, and did absolutely no exercise except walking as I could tolerate. After about 2 weeks, it became more bearable though, but I sure wasn't up for hiking. My hospital stay was 5 days.

Fitzy, How in the world could your friend do hiking in 10 days when the stiches/staples aren't even out yet?

Stef17, what was your recovery like for you c-sections? How was it while at home with cooking, watching the kids, etc? And how long did you stay in hospital?

OH and might I add she hiked the first part wearing her newborn in one of those front slings.

My daughter was born breach thanks to the ignorance of the dr. I should have had a c-section come to find out much, much later. I am not going to give you the gory details of a breach baby, lets just put it this way; if your baby does not turn-by all means listen to your doctor and have a c-section. You may not like the recovery time fron a c-section but try to look at it this way, at least you are able to have a healthy baby no matter what. One thing I will tell you, is to use a pillow pressed against your stomach when getting up & down. It really helps having this light pressure against your stomach. Walk as much as you can afterwards its the best strength builder there is. Good luck, Susie

((((((((((((((((Roni)))))))))))))))))))
Prayer always! I haven't ever given birth so I can't tell you without it being second hand info.

Fitzy,
"insane jumping out of planes army man"? Umm just call me your jumpmaster mod...LOL

Roni - with the first c-sec I stayed in the hospital about 48 hours. I begged my OB to let me go home because I was having a HORRIBLE experience there (long story) and so she let me go home. The recovery was about 6 weeks but I was mentally traumatized (part of my long story) so I think it took me a while to bounce back physically as well.

The 2nd c-sec was a wonderful experience. I was in the hospital about 36 hours. I just wanted to go home. I was ready. I never do well in the hospital anyway. I prefer my own bed and my husband is EXTREMELY helpful.  I was totally disappointed that I didn't get to VBAC, BUT I was also realistic that things might end up going the c-sec route. I remember driving my baby to the ped for his first visit at about 7 days old. It was hard to get up into the minivan, but I did it. I should NOT have driven, but I am stubborn. And it was 10 days post-surgery by the time all of my help left (mom or mil) and it was just me and the 2 kids. I did ok. I just told myself that it didn't even matter if we got dressed or not. As long as we were fed, that's all that counted. It went a lot better than I anticipated. So... I would say by 2-3 weeks post birth I was doing fairly well and by 4-6 weeks post birth I was doing really well. I think the first 10 days are the hardest, but I bounced back MUCH quicker this time.

I have a friend who had 3 c-secs and she told me that every subsequent recovery was much quicker. I don't know if that's because she knew what to expect or what, but I'm hoping that my 3rd c-sec goes the same way.

There is no way in hee-haw I would be hiking 10 days after. That IS insanity. :) BUT, I think you should be just fine to handle the kids and even cook if you have to. Can you plan some good freezer meals (lasagna, etc) OR do soup & sandwiches or breakfast for dinner? If you have them ready so you have meals prepared for the first 10 days or so it makes life easier. OR get your hubby to cook. :) Who will be helping you???

Post Edited (Stef17) : 10/25/2008 10:23:22 AM (GMT-6)

Yeah - I wanted to 2nd what Gail said - if the baby is breech and just won't turn, then let it be and have the c-sec. You still have about 8 weeks to go. Baby might turn between now and then and if so, then you are not obligated to have the c-sec. Those things can be scheduled and un-scheduled without any trouble at all. Don't let the c-sec be the deciding factor. Let baby be the deciding factor.

Ok now I am confused what is VBAC? I thought that was some abbreviation for a vaginal birth.

Both my mother and aunt have undergone vaginal and c-section births(9 children between the both of them!!), and I do believe that in each case the opted for vaginal birth first. I think the c-section was only chosen after the former was deemed too dangerous for mother and child. That being said, wouldn't it be okay to opt for what you want first and if it doesn't work then go ahead with the c-section? I know plenty of doctors are okay with that. I can definitely understand not wanting to have the abdominal incision and go through that kind of recovery. Mine didn't but I heard that in a lot of cases the incision burns so obviously not very many people would be choosing it anyway. My only concern about not choosing a c-section would be the tearing...of course you can always get an epidural.

lol sniper.

If my baby doesn't turn, I'll have to have a c-sec the doc said. They don't deliver a breech baby VBAC anyway. But I'm hoping the baby will turn and I can at least try VBAC.

I'm not scared of labour or tearing outside the "v", I'm only scared of uterine rupture or stress on the baby. But babies are born vaginal everyday, so I figure my only extra risk is the uterine rupture, which is a very small risk. 0.5% chance.

Has anyone heard of a baby not having enough room to turn? Because I'm a small lady and sometimes when she turns on the side, it is quite painful and my tummy is totally lopsided and I can hardly move ;-).

My first was an emergency c section. My second I chose to have another c section. My decision was made pretty easy for me, when I was handed 2 papers from my dr. One was a c section and the other a vbac. On each was the complications that could arise. With a vbac there is more risk to the baby than to you, with a c section there is more risk to you than to the baby. So, I couldn't in good conscience sign the one that says that there is more risk to my baby. If anything would of ever happened, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself. Also, they can't induce you if you have all ready had a c section, so since I was 10 days over and had to be induced with my first, I was pretty sure that the same thing might happen.

Anyway, only you can make this decision. Don't feel pressured to one or the other by ANYBODY! You need to be at total peace...it doesn't matterwhat anybody else feels. Good luck!