Slice of Life: Pro-Active
So, the discouraging news I got yesterday was that at 34 weeks, the baby is presenting breech. It was a kind of “omg, just shoot me right now” moment but today, I’m feeling somewhat better about it. I know earlier this time, than I did with Alice (we didn’t know until 37 weeks!), so I feel like I have time to be pro-active about it.
So far, we’re trying moxa, the Webster technique, and some breech tilt positions to get the baby to turn. We’re on the fence about doing a external version and trying everything else before we attempt the version. It’s all I can do at this point, and in the end, I might end up having another c-section. At least, this time around, I know what to expect and I’m prepared to be flexible.
We had a refresher childbirth class tonight, designed for already-parents and VBAC’ers. We were the only ones that showed up, which was nice because that meant the class was much shorter and we got all our questions answered. After getting the news about the baby being breech, I was feeling hesitant about going to the class because I didn’t want get my hopes up but I’m glad I went. It was my first time seeing the hospital and meeting some of the staff. Everyone is incredibly nice, and I love the facilities (as much as you can love a hospital facility, I guess!). I’m willing to be hopeful but it’s tempered somewhat. I definitely feel a little guarded and unable to get excited about giving birth. It sucks to feel this way but there it is.
Laura Brodsky wrote:
sorry, Nan! I know you are disappointed, (cliche alert!) but the most important thing is that the baby (and You ) are healthy. Like I said, for some reason your kids want to stand on their own two feet! It will be to their advantage later in life! so, Get excited, damnit! no matter what, you are going to have a new baby! I for one can't wait (and you know its all about me..hehe)
Sorry if this doesnt help…I tried..
Posted on 11-Mar-10 at 12:59 pm | Permalink
Sue wrote:
Oh Nancy! I'm so terribly sorry that you got this news. I know how badly you want to have natural delivery. My friend had a baby 9 weeks ago and he was was breech from 34 weeks until a few days before she gave birth, vaginally, so hopefully it'll happen for you, too! I love you and want you to be excited! I'm crazy excited for you!! In other news, glad you like the hospital! I was worried that you weren't going to like Phelps so it's good that you are in MA now. : ) xoxo
Posted on 11-Mar-10 at 1:16 pm | Permalink
Nancy Cavillones wrote:
Thanks, Sue! it is really helpful for me to know that!
Posted on 11-Mar-10 at 1:40 pm | Permalink
Stacey wrote:
I just learned about VBAC fromI just learned about VBAC from an article in the NY Times. Did you see that (about the hospital in Tuba City, AZ)?
Good luck to you. I hope the baby decides to turn! an article in the NY Times. Did you see that (about the hospital in Tuba City, AZ)?
Posted on 11-Mar-10 at 2:54 pm | Permalink
erika wrote:
I'm going to copy what one of my friends wrote to another on finding out her baby was breech. Stay hopeful, think, positive thoughts, and don't doubt things can change!!!
"Hey Julie! I am glad I saw Natalie's response on the main board because I havent been checking this board that often…
Isaac was breech at 37 weeks and he turned on his own by 38 weeks using these techniques. I gave birth at 39 weeks…
1. Positioning: Rocking w a birth ball in front of me. Sitting in polar bear as much as possible. Pelvic tilts a lot. I would def look into Jean Sutton's info and Spinning Babies. It seems like you have some info on positioning.
2. Visualization: Post pics of the baby in optimal birth position (occiput anterior). Visualize this all the time. Every time you see the pic…post several around where you can see them…bed, bathrooom,etc.
3. Affirmations: Talk to yourself positively. "My baby is head down and in the perfect position for birth. Our birth will take place naturally and easily." Say things of this sort A LOT!
Posted on 11-Mar-10 at 5:17 pm | Permalink
erika wrote:
continued…
4. Talk to your baby: Your baby is involved with this process and is listening. Talk about positioning, the birth and what will take place, reassure the baby that you are ready and excited, etc. What would you say to your child that was maybe afraid to try something new?
5. Touch the baby: Show the baby where their head should be and where the feet should go. Play games with the baby and try to get him.her to follow along…
If I think of anything else, I will post it on here. Obviously, you will have to see what works for you, esp the positioning. I would also look online for birthing affirmations MP3 or cd, and buy one to listen to on a daily basis.
All will go as intended, stay positive!"
Just wanted to add–I value her opinion very much, and she is a certifed in hypnobirthing after being so amazed by these techniques and others that worked with her first baby. I will send you my birthing affirmations cd (I have it saved on my computer) if you'd like to borrow it. Just give me your address.
Posted on 11-Mar-10 at 5:18 pm | Permalink
Nancy Cavillones wrote:
Thanks, Erika, for posting that! I definitely believe in the power of positive thinking, so everyday I imagine that the baby is head down and I visualize myself going into labor and having a natural birth. I've been checking out the Spinning Babies site and we've done one of the inversions she describes.
Posted on 11-Mar-10 at 6:48 pm | Permalink