I had an elective caesar with Max at my Ob's recommendation. At 36 weeks he decided that Max was going to be quite big and because my pelvis is slightly tilted at a funny angle there was a 'good chance' his shoulders would get stuck and I would end up having an emergency c-section anyway. I have no regrets at all about Max's birth, it was actually exactly what I wanted at the time. Well planned, organised and structured. The only thing that didn't go to plan was Max needing to go off to the nicu for 8 hours because he wasn't breathing well - you can read Max's birth story here.
 |
| Sean, Max and Me - December 2009 |
Max ended up being 8 pounds (at 38 weeks) and I really don't think he was as big as anyone expected. This time round the baby is measuring quite big again, and although I've only put on 3 kilos (I had plenty of spare ones to start with), my belly is enormous. But I was like that with Max too and like I said he really wasn't very big.
At my 20 week appointment the obstetrician I saw asked if I wanted to have a caesar or a vbac and I said that I hadn't decided yet. He then kept reading my file and after seeing I had MS said 'you're having a caesar'. At the time I just excepted it as I had always thought that's what would happen anyway.
I've had a fairly textbook pregnancy and except for a week back in July my MS symptoms have been mostly under control. I'm fatigued a lot of the time, but tell me about a 35 week pregnant mum of a toddler who isn't! Two nights ago I woke up in the middle of the night and just knew that I didn't want another c-section. I almost woke Sean up to tell him, but decided to wait until the morning. We had a good chat about it and he's happy with my choice.
I saw my Dr yesterday and she is backing me up too. So next Tuesday I'm going up to the hospital to meet with an Ob and have my plan changed. I'm fully aware that I could end up having a c-section anyway, but I really want to give it a shot. This is probably going to be my last baby and I want to know what it feels like to go into labour, I want to feel the contractions and I want to give birth to my baby. I'll probably regret all of that as soon as it starts, but that's how I feel right at this moment.
Wish me luck :)
Im 35 weeks today, and Im getting a tad nervous, also keep wondering what the contractions are gonna feel like ?! Im pretty small buildt and keep asking myself how she is gonna come out hehe. But we all do it :) Wish you all the best !!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Gaby! It's exciting and nerve-wracking all at once!! Good luck to you too xx
ReplyDeleteGood on you Tamsyn. Do what's right for you. I had both of mine 'naturally' and they were completely different. You get what you get. Good luck. Not long to go now.
ReplyDeleteKylie x
Thanks Kylie, I'm really excited to give it a go xx
DeleteAll the luck in the world. My MS diagnosis is exactly why I wanted to avoid a C-section so I hope you are successful. I was worried about getting fatigued during labor, but it was more important to me to try to avoid any procedures in order to prevent triggering my immune response. http://greekwife.blogspot.com/2011/08/you-had-youre-baby-where.html
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up your birth story Ashley, it sounds amazing! The fatigue has been one of the main things worrying me, but I think that will be easier to manage than the recovery from a c-section.
DeleteI was up and walking within the hour after delivery and the hormones totally wiped out the fatigue. I really hope you get the birth you want!
DeleteVBAC's are awesome, I've had two now :) Will be stalking IG for when the big day arrives! xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Holly, I'm confident I can do this :)
DeleteI am so glad you are doing what feels right for you. I had both my boys via c-section as they were both huge the first an emergency c- section at 4.1kg and Not so little Leo 4.2 kg.
ReplyDeleteI often think about VBAC but I think if I am lucky enough to have another baby I will probably go for a c-section again.
Good luck c-section recovery sux so I hope it works for you.
You certainly grow big (and incredibly gorgeous) boys Julia! The recovery is one of my main motivations for wanting a vbac, I can't imagine those first few weeks of recovery with a full on toddler as well as a newborn.
DeleteGood luck with everything. It really doesn't matter how your baby gets here at the end of the day, just as long as you end up with a healthy baby.
ReplyDeleteAnd trust me, contractions are nothing to look forward to. lol.... xx
Lol Melody! I'm working on the theory that 12 (or more, but hopefully not too many more) hours of pain is better than 6 weeks of recovery :)
DeleteFrom one expectant mother to another, good luck.
ReplyDeleteI am due for my first in Feb and am so petrified about giving birth!!!
I know what you mean Karina, this is number two for me and I'm still terrified! I'm sure we will both be great though :)
DeleteI'm following your blog now so that I can keep up to date with your progress xx
Oh Tamsyn! This is exciting! I know the most important thing is that the baby gets here happy and healthy, but I do hope that you can have the birth experience you are hoping for. I pray you have all the strength you need and that your body allows for a natural birth. I can't wait to see pictures of the little one!
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie, that means so much to me xx. I can't wait to share the pictures with you!
DeleteI think being open minded and ready to go with what is thrown your way is the key. Simon's birth (the second one) was better than Brian's (really only because Brian ended up in special care too). The midwife knew what we wanted and she really did everything to make sure that happened. It's kinda nice when they are on your side!! Good luck and good on you for making your own choice. Very excited for your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brooke, I'm prepared for any outcome (but I really hope things go to plan!!).
DeleteOh good luck with it all Tamsyn - I think you made a great choice there and perfect going in to it with an open mind. I think with all births, what will be will be. Can't wait to hear the news of the new arrival x
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna, I'm so excited and nervous at the same time. Hopefully he decides to make an appearance nice and soon :)
DeleteGood luck, good luck! Hope that the last few weeks of this pregnancy are peaceful and that your delivery is just as you hope it to be! That's a big decision to make! Congrats on your new family addition!
ReplyDeleteThanks Morgan!! My mother in law has arrived here so I've put my online stores into holiday mode and am relaxing with my feet up :)
Delete