Planning my unplanned c-section

[Samantha675]

I attended a birth circle yesterday. It was a small group of women who wanted to work through their first births, 4 out of 5 had c-sections, 3 unplanned. We all wanted to vbac. The leader suggested at some point during the workshop to plan a 2nd c-section. To really sit and think about if the situation arose again, how you would want it to be. I certainly didn't plan my first one, since I was having a home birth.

Since getting pregnant, there has been the fear in the back of my head about a 2nd c-section, and it all going wrong again, and being in that situation of no control again.

So I googled gentle c-section & family friendly c-section and started making a list. Half way though, I just felt this amazing weight off my shoulders. That bubble of fear and worry was leaving me. I felt like I have control, even it I don't have a choice in another c-section, I do have the right to say, this is how I want it to be. I feel better than I have in months, lighter and happier even.

So if you are planning a VBAC or an HBAC, I recommend you do the same ladies. Planning it doesn't make it happen, but it does give you some control back and release some fear!

 

[Mervs Mum]

I like this!!

 

[cosmicgirlxxx]

Could you tell us a bit more about a gentle c section? What does it entail. I had a c section last time and it worries me a lot that I would have to have another with my next child as my first two deliveries where vaginal.

Thanks x

 

[Samantha675]

Cosmic girl, it involved delivering the baby's head, them allowing the contraction to squeeze the baby, as it would during a vaginal birth to force fluid from the lungs. Then delayed cord clamping and delivering the baby to the mother's chest. There was also an Australian dr who let's the mother pull the baby from the womb, and to her chest.

Also, things like meeting all the surgical staff, and lowering the sheet so you can watch the delivery. Not having your arms strapped down. Keeping the baby with you as they close.

I will post some links when I get to my computer, but if you google both terms it will pop up.

Obviously if it's an emergency situation, then it all goes. But for a breech birth or failure to progress in a timely manner, ect. then it's worth requesting. Just planning it out made me feel a million times better and more in control. I don't have to be left feeling like I did after my son's birth.

 

[Samantha675]

https://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2005/dec/03/health.medicineandhealth

https://prepforbirth.com/2010/10/16/family-centered-cesarean-plan/

This has a big list of links:

https://www.mothering.com/community...atural-family-living-cesarean-resource-thread


this one is long, but goes into a lot of detail.

https://www.eheart.com/cesarean/oliver.html

A discussion about gentle c-section

https://www.youtube.com/user/jennylgl#p/a/u/0/yhxTDxu2I_w

 

[Mervs Mum]

Here's a YouTube of a 'natural CS' technique.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5RIcaK98Yg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[Blah11]

^ aw


Good idea for a thread, ive never thought about trying to make a CS more natural.

 

[Mervs Mum]

These things are MUCH easier ti negotiate in a planned CS than an emergency one. BUT on some occasions it's not a 'true' emergency when they decide to go to CS so I recommend asking for things like skin to skin (put gowns on backwards to facilitate this) , announcing the sex or the baby, lowered screen etc BEFOre you sign the consent form

 

[cosmicgirlxxx]

Thats really good, interesting post - thanks x

 

[Jenni4]

Thanks!!! Very helpful!!!