Distraught

[alieh]

Fuschia, you poor woman. What an awful stress. I was having enough of a shocker when my FIRST was breech in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and I had none of the associated scheduling stresses you have.

I am really surprised that they would talk about admitting you for 2 weeks+ at 38 weeks rather than an elective section because even with just a breech baby they are gagging to book an elective section at week 38 whether you want one or not!

I think you're doing amazingly well, just keep putting in place as many plans as possible and thinking positive. If you did end up with a section at 38 weeks, there is every chance you could be out in less than 48 hours. I was and my c-section recovery seemed to be far, far worse than most people I know. Many people are up and walking after 12 hours. So don't add the stress of an elective section and post-natal recovery onto all of your other stresses - it doesn't have to be that bad.

TBH, if I had to choose between an elective section and a couple of days in post-natal recovery or TWO WEEKS + in hospital, I think I'd just go for the section (and this from someone who is desperate for a VBAC this time, so don't take sections lightly).

But hopefully none of that will matter because bubs will be happy with his/her new head down position!

[Dulwich Born And Bred]

Hope everything sorts itself out, thinking of you xx

[nunheadmum]

I would echo Sillywoman's advice to speak to Cathy Walton - I found her really good when everyone was telling me I needed constant monitoring for VBAC. It felt like she was able to balance the mother's perspective with the important bits of the medical reasoning and help clarify what was being said due to procedure and what was backed up by research etc. She spoke to me like I was still a reasoned, sensible adult - which was refreshing (and all too rare in hospitals, I find).

Re the CS, when I had a planned one first time for breech, I was out in 48 hours and certainly felt able to go sooner - was off painkillers within 12 hours. My main gripe was the night and lack of care - like you, that got to me. But second time round when I was kept in, I felt much better as I knew what to do with a baby. I kept the baby with me at night and all I needed very close by. It made it much easier being prepared and I didn't need help in the end, so didn't get as frustrated.

I really hope you find some solution that works for you - the stress can't be good for you or baby.

[Countjc]

Fuschia,

I am so sorry that you are having such a rough time. I agree with some of the others about the elective C section and I wonder if you could really push for one of the individual rooms? I managed to get one on the advice of lots of ladies on here and it meant my husband could stay over with me. Perhaps your independent MW could if Mr F needs to be with the kids?

They dont provide mattresses but my sister managed to buy a camp bed which you are welcome to borrow if you need it- I am v. close to Kings.

Hope it all works out well for you.

[darlin']

Hi Fuschia

I'm really sorry you are facing this and I understand what it's like.

I was in the exact same situation with baby 2. Breech baby then officially unstable lie- went in for loads of appointments at MAU to check position. I was desperate for a VBAC so kept asking them to let me go and they actually were quite lenient.

Then at 39 weeks I saw a different registrar at MAU, she detected transverse lie again and kept me in even though I had my 18 month old with me at the time.

They offered me an elective c-section that week but it was very confusing. SOme consultants said there was no point waiting- babies like this never settle and you should just have the c-s. But I met a couple of others who said yes baby could go head down right up unitl the beginning of labour and I should wait it out. I found it VERY confusing and even my Oakwood midwives didn't really know what to do. I wouldn't say they were my advocates particularly.

Anyway, long story, but in the end I waited it out until 41 weeks, they tried to do a sweep to induce labour and then they planned to turn the baby as labour started. But my cervix wasn't ready for induction and they couldn't give me a chemical induction due to previous c-s. So I had another c-s and it was perfectly fine. I was out within 48 hours and found I coped really well with the baby this time even though no-one helped much.

Th 2 weeks away from my 18 month old were AWFUL and if I had known it would end with a c-s anyway, I would have had it right there and then on the day they had checked me in! I was just SO desperate for a chance at natural birth that I really wanted to give baby every chance possible to turn and make her own way out. The actual stay in hospital was quite pleasant and I did get a very good rest (on the plus side!). I wasn't in the antenatal ward so it was quite surreal but relaxing as well.

Were your previous babies early at all?? They fact that you have already had 3 births could mean that you would be a very good case for induction and your body might respond brilliantly. It would be worth asking for them to try this (maybe at 38/39 wks?) and if it doesn't work then just go for the c-s.

Whatever you do, it will be wonderful in the end. Sorry for writing so much.

X

[ClareC]

Fuschia,

glad your feeling more positive, certainly sounds as though you have been going through a horrendous time these last few weeks.

I think if I were you I would go for an an elective C section. I had an emergency c section first time round and it really was fine, I was walking within 12 hours and out of hospital in less than 48! My recovery was good, I was skiing within 11 weeks ;-)

In all seriousness, you do need to take it easy immediately post op and getting in and out of bed is a roll movement but other than that, it really isnt bad at all and other than not being able to drive and avoiding housework it is pretty much life as normal!

I have actually elected to have a C Section with number 2, Kings want me booked in between 38 and 39 weeks which fits in well with you being 38 weeks.

Good luck in what you decide and if you want to chat about what it's like to have a section / tips etc pm me and we can meet for coffee.

Clarex

[jmac]

Hello Fuschia, this brings back memories... My second child went from breech to transverse to unstable lie, he just wouldn't stop and at one point I had scans every other day at King's. They tried to keep me in hospital but I managed to persuade them that I was sensible and as I lived close-by I would enter the hospital the minute I had concerns, so I escaped that hassle (had an 18-month at the time). Finally the cord did prolapse and I was obviously taken in to have a c-section, which like you, I dreaded. The night-time experience post-op was not great (this was 10 years ago and in the old maternity dept at King's!) so do know what? I signed myself out against Doc's orders at 6am next morning and went home to my lovely, clean, comfy bed! Brilliant! I lived near the hospital and decided to take things into my own hands and I was much happier and relaxed and things went great post-op. Hope it goes well for you...

[Fuschia]

Bad news is when MrF rang, the staff in the labour ward were very snotty and said they couldn't guarantee when we would be seen (this was despite my independent midwife calling senior midwife friday and getting it all sorted) I felt awful, had a cry and decided I wasn't going to go anyway Good news is my MW (as well as getting an apology and rearranging for Tues) then came over to check me and he is still head down!

[sillywoman]

Thank goodness for your IM Fuschia!

[Fuschia]

I am even more stressed out by the hospital now but let's just hope Tues appt is just a precaution nd i can have this baby at home as originally planned!!!

[Smiler]

Best wishes Fuschia, hope things settle down soon for the whole family and that bubs stays head down!

[Fuschia]

It would be nice if twin II hadn't taken to getting up between 5 and 5,30am since the whole hospital dash thing!

[candj]

Just read this and your other thread from start to finish Fuschia, really hope all is well with your little one and all goes well with No. 4! Take good care and keep us posted on things.

-C x