So here I sit; 14 weeks and 3 days pregnant with my second love child. For those of you that don't remember (don't worry, I don't expect you to...) here's my story on Kingston's labour and delivery:
Part One: Labour
Part Two: Kingston's Birth Story
To summarize, my labour was a total of 44, yes...44 long f@%king hours of labour. I did get all the way to 10cm on my own with no pitocin or "help" from the doctors. I took an epidural after 32 hours or so and relaxed slightly; although I had weird circles of pain that I still felt every ounce of. To make the really long story a bit shorter, I ended up with a c-section (thank the LORD after that many hours of contractions!).
SO....here's where I'm at...
I met with the surgeon yesterday who would perform my repeat c-section. He gave me a few things to think about and basically left me feeling like the decision would be totally up to me.
I know I can labour...hell, I survived 44 hours the first time around. I'm almost positive (although never certain obviously) that my body COULD deliver a baby. I don't remember clearly because I was so thankful to just be over and done with my delivery, but I do think that the reason for my c-section the first time around was solely because Kingston was coming through sideways...like 1/4 of a turn posterior (also helps explain the wicked back labour I was having).
After seeing a different doctor today, he really left me feeling so positive about attempting a VBAC...but only after I can see the delivery records from Kingston's delivery to confirm that he WAS indeed coming through sort of in a posterior position. The doctor today basically said that if I were his daughter or daughter-in-law, AND if Kingston was indeed in a semi-posterior (face up position for those that haven't been here before), then he would most definitely recommend a VBAC for me. IF, and that's a big IF, he was coming through face down and was having his heartrate drop due to distress, then he would without question say to just go with a repeat c-section.
I'm just so confused by it all. I really do want to keep an open mind about it all...but it's a scary and stressful situation to be placed in. And maybe you're wondering why I'm feeling such a dilemma?
My deliveries will be just over 18 months apart...for those that aren't aware, between 18 and 24 months there are increased risks involved. Having said that, I would be monitored in the hospital very closely and would almost be prepped for a c-section prior to delivery...just to be on the safe side.
Here's a great read on the guidelines for a VBAC: http://www.sogc.org/guidelines/public/155E-CPG-February2005.pdf
Okay...so thoughts???? Help me out...give me your opinions, your thoughts, your experiences...be honest!
Thanks everyone! I see the doctor and the surgeon again in August and will hopefully have more of a clear mindset on what I'm leaning towards....
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