linzkg

A C section is major surgery - there are risks involved with that too - now you also get onto the subject of being told you take longer to heal and you may not be able to pick up your baby for a few weeks bla bla so that plays on your mind too .. not to mention I have a phobia of hospitals and unfortunately it is very bad so the thought of an edidural .. and I react to aesthetic so couldn't be knocked out either .. all of this would have definitaly had an impack on stress on my baby too .. so all the time you're looking for the safest way for both of you. Anyway, until you're put in that situation where you have to make such a major decision - added pressures of having a baby naturally or not you don't know what its like - and just once more the professionals certainly don't have it in black and white for you - its one of the most important decisions in your life yet its not a simple yes no answer - its completely frustrating and upsetting - so your simple 'just don't do it' answer isn't very helpful. (sorry but true!) when you've got professionals pulling you in a tug of war about what's the right/wrong thing to do and then you've got parents and friends etc - if only it was as simple as what you're saying. sorry but I'm very pationate about this. And with regards to living without regrets and the what ifs - I still look at what could have been done differently to have my son born healthy and well and not end up on life support and I honestly feel that having him at home somehow saved him (in a strange way!) as I was in complete control the entire 16 hours of my fully established labour and did everything the midwives told me to and he wasn't in trouble until the very end - I just think being in hospital would have freaked me out a lot earlier in the labour and stressed him out too and it would have ended very badly. I think men are becoming more and more ok with the subject and I know we had many ocnversations with friends, both male and female when we were pregnant and the boys definitely had some good pointers and questions etc so they are curious. my hubby research with me all our opinions - its funny - his number one was me and my number one was the baby! I agree with the above posts too though - its such an individual decision - and we're very lucky to have a forum like this where we can share experiences (both good and bad) and give opinions (in most cases unbiased and thoughtful ones) ps, ladies giving birth in bushes still happens all over the world - sorry that they don't all live in a first world country like you obviously!

Saila - its easy to say that from the outside - of coz no one ever wants to put their unborn baby at risk, or even themselves quite frankly - and yes I can see how its easy to shake your head at us even thinking of it .. but most women want to produce a child naturally etc and that also means going through labour (for some very strange reason!!) and you know its completely 'natural' and there are people living in bushes giving birth every day so why can't we bla bla bla .. so many things go through your mind and all you do is think about your options and no one, even the professionals can give you a black and white answer - my mom and my in laws (the older generation) were horrified at my dilema (and looking back, knowing now what I know I can't belive I even considered it, I'm almost embarrassed to admit I went through that thought .. but everyone's individual and labour is very personal etc - but in keeping with your thread I completely agree and I'd love to say - DONT DO IT :-))) and I'd love to offer to meet everyone for coffee and show them pictures of our son on drips and tubes etc .. anyway I'm harping on but I think hopefully you get what I'm trying to say here - I appreciate what you're saying and it seems so simple. let-them-eat-cake - experience is everything! My medical professional (the Doc at Kings) told me to go home and he was happy to take me on to 43 weeks!! 'No indication of a big baby .. 10.7 not big?' - a mother's intuition is important too!! Listen to me, I sound like I have it all sorted and my son is only 11 months!

doh - just now read properly and it seems the baby is heading south head first - great! ;-)

Hi there, have a read of my thread as my baby was also breech and I was very strongly considering a natural breech birth but I found everyone on the forum very supporting and helpful with their opinions so it may be of some use to you: http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?25,268504,page=1 My midwives from Brierley were supportive but there's always doubt. I tried everything to get him to turn as I felt strongly about a natural birth and eventually had a successful ECV done by an incredible doctor at Kings. I feel very strongly now though .. I wouldn't dare consider it .. my son was born the "right side down" eventually BUT if I'd gone the natural route with him being breech I'm pretty confident (and so are the midwives) that he wouldn't be here now. We had a dreadful and traumatic time and he was stillborn (the only reason he's with us today other then a small miracle is that the midwives reacted super fast and the ambulance got here in 2 minutes!) He ended up being 10.7 - and can I just say at my post date scan at 41 weeks I was massive and said to the idiot Dr Mike Marsh that I was concerned it was going to be a big baby he told me not to flatter myself and that there was nothing to suggest he would be a big baby - point being that if he was still breech and I'd gone it natural .. don't even want to think about it!! I am still battling now and my son's almost 1 with SPD and had MRI scans on my lumbar and hips. I was in hospital for a week expecting a blood transfusion etc. Just consider all the possibilities and outcomes. I'm really sorry if I've offended you by my post and put a negative spin on things but feel its important to share both good and bad experiences. I'm a relatively slender build and people do just laugh when I tell them his weight - it was completely unexpected and the topic of weight and size just never came into our decision on a natural breech birth. All the best though

And who knows .. maybe over night again he'll go back to sleeping through just in time for your big day! But at the moment family time is a great idea and a must surely ;-) and he's probably be feeling your stress and anxiety in the build up that some relaxing special time may be just what you all need .. All the best and enjoy it!!

CLare - I have Annabel Karmels book that you're welcome to use .. if you're keen send me a PM

Gubodge - good work - you make it sound so simple to explain!! not like my attempt!!

saw a recent thread - hopefully it helps? http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?25,460083,461936#msg-461936

I completely agree with Ryedalema - Claire told me to do exactly that too! (though in the end, after I'd even tried the diet she gave me I couldn't get through it as the diet made me feel even more poorly as there was so much I couldn't have that gave me energy and there was only so many times a day I could change bras and breast pads and wash hands etc etc .. but obviously trying the natural way is generally the best way for sure (and I did feel very bad for using medical intervention.)

I had mastitis / blocked duct and thrush from my little boy etc .. I battled it out for at least 2 months trying to make it work .. and almost 11 months on I'm happily breastfeeding still. (I was also over producing milk from one which made it even worse) Just try anything and everything until something works for you - or at least eases the pain - but it'll get better I'm sure! Claire, the breast feeding specialist at Kings told me that the most efficient part of the baby's mouth is the bottom lip as it needs the milk out (so to speak - bare with me here as I'm not quite sure how to explain this in the written word!!) so if your blocked duct is at the bottom of your breast (usually a definite red area) then make sure you're feeding lying down, so that your baby's bottom lip is pressing against the blocked duct so it's massaging the infected area but also emptying that area at the same time (and if I'm not making any sense ask Claire!!) but I actually did find that it worked for me. PS, if you and possibly baby end up on anti-biotics maybe buy some probiotics for your little one such as Udo's Choice from Health Matters. My son was put straight onto antibiotics when he was born and I didn't have the choice so I bought him a bottle .. thought better then not!

Elaine at Dulwich Therapy Rooms, above Dulwich Health Matters on Lordship Lane is fantastic! She is so good with the little ones. I have a load of friends taking their kids to her for various reasons and they all rate her. Our little one had a traumatic start and had some damage both physically and internally which she has worked through and managed to resolve some of it - and other then that he's always been a totally easy going, good natured, good feeding, good sleeping kid and I'm sure the treatments have helped .. all the best!

Bishberro - I would have to say this is true generally as it does give a false sense of security so as and when you can introduce the child to water without floats and aids and perhaps use the floats and aids as part of a fun activity during the session instead, ie. give them a board to practice kicking or a noodle where you can let them sit on it or use it to do a tandem float with your child. Please, I am not judging anyone or specifically saying my way is the only way but I do speak from a lot of experience as a swimmer and also I am qualified as a baby and toddler swim teacher. Just to add as well, its lovely when your kid can swim the length of the pool etc but foremost safety is a priority - if an unfortunate situation arises and your kid ends up in deep water you want them to be confident and able to float and be safe .. so teaching them what to expect is best done naturally ..

Countjc - so glad you seem to have things sorted and well on your way! Keep going - its definitely worth it! Was also going to suggest a cranial osteopath as my son has been seeing one since he was born almost 11 months ago and she's made an incredible difference to him and his health. All the best.

I also find that I wake through the evening while the little one is sound asleep! But he's a messy sleeper and moves up the cot hitting his head so I use these opportunities to pull him down again. But I would seriously consider having a massage of sorts? I find that if I've been for a treatment I sleep like a log and don't wake through the night - I wake up feeling great.

Interesting, don't have a clue, kiddies change so much all on their own but then you've got nothing to loose by seeking a professional opinion. I just wanted to add that you could contact Sunshine House on Old Kent Road, run by the NHS. My son is under their care and sees a physio and when he's older will see a speech therapist etc and I have found the services there incredible.

My son is 10 months now - we've flown to 3 different European countries and to SA and on all occasions we've taken the maclaren right to the door without any problems at all - getting the buggy back has sometimes been a pain though as there's often confusion as to if you should wait just off the plane for it otherwise it's sent onto a carousel or its dumped near the carousels! A sling is a very good idea - we use the Ergo and its worked well.

We've just recently used the Parent Company - had 6 ladies and babies in my front room - they were fantastic!

No I'm with you on that Ruth - I did want to say please not the end of May - so glad you said it instead - haha. Happy with a week night too otherwise ..

Ok so when's the next date then? Disappointed to have missed it too - but had to play hostess to our guests. Anyone keen to set a date for May - "strike while the iron's hot" and all that..

hmmm.. not sure I'll make it as got hubby's mates coming to stay this weekend and they're arriving tonight.. but dependant on when I can get them fed I will pop out for a quick one!

I've been asking around to get some troops along but so far I'll pop along for a drink too - thanks for organising!

He's getting used to having them maybe and exploring with them? Just wait for him to start grinding them.. that's the worst, I hate that sound. He just needs to learn 'no' and he'll soon get the idea ;-)

Hmmm .. my little one bit me hard a few times when his teeth were sprouting and I put it down to teeth pain/frustration/exploring etc .. but it was only a phase (a month or so, and certainly not every time he fed.) I had to keep my hook grip close to his cheek waiting for it to happen but it doesn't even cross my mind anymore! I also taught him 'no' and frowned at him and it definitely did help in my opinion as he seemed to understand (well he certainly does now that he's crawling about and grabbing at things!) I also took him off and I soon found out if he was hungry or just being a 'brat' ;-) There was a few times when I thought I can't do this then .. this is it .. he's going to bite my all the time now .. so I'll have to give up but I'm really glad I saw it through. Its difficult to relax and you worry you'll make it worse by the milk not flowing if you're on edge .. and the little one is confused and hungry etc but give it a little while and he'll settle - but guess its a good time to wean him off too if you're ready - good timing maybe?

The bunch at Health Matters on Lordship Lane are a good bunch - http://www.dulwichtherapyrooms.co.uk/#/reflexology/4522469199 Francine used to run the pregnancy yoga there too - she's a gem - I'd definitely recommend visiting her!

Fuschia, The Pavilion - http://www.bromleymytime.org.uk/pavilion-photo-gallery.html - see photo 2 and photo 3.