35 weeks and oblique breech

[izzyishavingababyAGAIN]

What are the chances of it turning, the midwife said it might, but if it doesnt its a c section because of the way it is lying, and she said it was in the same position last visit.

I have a lovely, calm, natural homebirth planned, I know that a healthy, happy baby, is all that really matter, but this has been the year from hell, it really has and I don't want it to end with a c-section, plus I HATE the hospital and there is no way I am prepared to be separated from DH for days and days.

If I do have a C-Section, can I request to be immediately transferred to the local MLU where they have double beds etc for after care.

This is just one more shitty thing on top of more shitty things and I just want to go to bed and sob.

I'm sorry I know there are people with far more pressing problems, its just on top of everything else, this is one piece of news I didn't want.

[izzyishavingababyAGAIN]

and the feelings I thought were the babys head have been an elbow (probably!), sob, sob, sob.

[Robbabank]

Hi I posted this in your original HB thread. So sorry that you have had this dissappointing news. You could try to find out more about the Webster technique. It's a technique practised by Chiropractors with the aim of turning breech babies. I swear by Chiropractic for my ailments, but you have to shop around to find a good one ; )
www.expectantmothersguide.com/cleveland/articles/webster.htm
Also, is Acupuncture any good for turning them? I haven't a clue whether it is or not, just thought I'd put it out there. Whether it is or not, I discovered it in this last pregnancy and I found it incredibly relaxing and calming. It might help your stress levels if nothing else. Did the MW discuss the usual contortions you're supposed to do to turn the baby naturally? Would doing these make any difference do you think? I know it has been a crap afternoon (on top of a crap year) but if you could find the time this evening to really take some time out to have a bath with some soothing oils and music or whatever floats your boat and just try to salvage a bit of something from the day so you don't go to bed feeling utterly wretched. You could try some telepathy in the bath and have a little chat with your baby ; ) Have you checked out the homebirth uk website? That has a lot of great info and many birth stories etc and it might give you some hope/ideas. Hope you get some helpful ideas from some other MNers.

[lostconfusedwhatnext]

I turned my breech baby (takes full credit) by doing this crawling rocking thing. It was nice for SPD too.

I can't find the site I looked at then, but I think it was something like the third thing down here:

www.livestrong.com/article/329811-pregnancy-exercises-to-help-baby-turn-from-breech/

that was my first baby and she turned at about 37 weeks I think.

Then dc2 decided to flip into breech at about 38 weeks (I think - I think I felt it happen), I had a scan for size around then (by chance) and they saw she was breech and did an ECV which they did not expect to work ("too late") but it did. Maybe you could have that, although it is not as nice as rocking gently on the floor in the comfort of your own home.

[izzyishavingababyAGAIN]

Thanks everyone, I am in a right panic, I wont go into why here, but there is no way I can cope with the visiting hours in our local hospital - or the nights without DH.

I hate it there with a passion at the best of times and these are not the best of times.

Its not the section itself that worries me, although I wouldn't be happy about it.

The midwife didn't seem that bothered, so I may be working myself up about nothing. She is coming Thursday so I will talk to her more then.

[lostconfusedwhatnext]

35 weeks is early! Don't panic, I am sure there are lots of ways a baby can turn or be turned at this stage, as I say, it happened to me twice, and later.

If you do have to stay in hospital for whatever reason, sometimes you can book a private room and maybe your dh can stay? Ask about this to put your mind at rest.

[izzyishavingababyAGAIN]

I have phoned the local MLU and they are too busy to agree to me transferring there for post op care, especially as I am out of area (although it is my "local" MLU.

I have been off work for nearly a year with stress and anxiety (for good reason) and have some concerns about PND that I have never been worried about before, I really, really, really need DH with me those first few days. This is DC4 so Im not a first timer, but I know my limits at the moment.

This is a massive curve ball. Ive had a lovely long bath and DH is sleeping (I told him to get an early night). He is very chilled and says to just come home and discharge myself but it isnt that simple is it.

[Robbabank]

Yes, it's still early and you can try lots of things to get the baby to turn. Don't give up hope! Try to relax as much as you can, and definitely do all those home exercises for turning the baby naturally. And you can spend some time doing some planning, instead of worrying, IYKWIM. Like for instance (and this may be a longshot), could you consider having a maternity nurse for the 1st week after you get out of hosp? I know that this can be a very expensive choice, but, well, sometimes we weigh these things up and it can be worth the money if it buys you an extra pair of hands and some support and some peace of mind. Especially with 3 DCs already and a concern re PND. Or some kind of extra nanny/babysitting help? I know this may not make a difference to hospital (IF you have to go there at all) and when you are discharged etc, but even if you get to have a home delivery it could be worth considering some extra support, and if it has to be hospital then you might also benefit. It might not be something that suits you or your family of course, although you would have time now to thoroughly vet and get to know anyone who might fit the bill. Just a thought. Seems like you had things planned to go one way, and now that plan's been blown out of the water you're left reeling... Give yourself time to get your head around this news and do some research and planning for an alternative scenario to that which you had originally planned and I'm sure you will start to feel more in control of things again within a few days. Good that DH is laid back and supportive (even tho you are right re self-discharging) so maybe take a leaf out of his book, or have whatever he's having (I had my 1st G&T in about a year last weekend and it was incredibly relaxing! Sorry, shouldn't be advocating alcohol to a 35 wk preg woman but you know what I mean.) Good also that MW is not too worried about it at this stage.

[MikeOxard]

Hi, I had exactly the same. I was booked to have baby turned just before 37 weeks, but the baby turned by himself that morning. Apparently it is common and they do usually turn themself by 37 weeks. After 12 hours labour, he came out by emcs anyway though! Oh well, you can't plan everything I suppose, and he was fine and healthy so that's the important thing. Good luck. X

[izzyishavingababyAGAIN]

Thank you, I am trying not to panic, I really am, but I cant be on a ward with loads of other people and no DH, I simply cant.

Midwife knows the back story so hopefully she will be able to come up with an alternative plan just in case.

I know I sound like a total loon complete baby I am trying not to panic, DH bless has suggested my friend comes over (nurse) - but I cant ask that, its due Christmas, literally.

Maternity nurse is out of the question, we are broke, I am not worried about coping at home, I have my mum and DH for that, but I had never factored in any time at all in hospital into any plans of mine.

I will be ok, hopefully baby will turn and midwife has been lovely to date.

[lostconfusedwhatnext]

izzy - breathe...
FWIW I believe you, if you say you can't do it then you can't and that is that. I think you are thinking "But they will say I have to... they won't believe why I can't..." I know how this goes. But you can't be MADE to do things, you know what you need, and you just need to plan.

First: the baby might turn, or be turned.
Second: if not (or even if it does) there may be a need for a CS. This may be very much a worst case scenario, but it could happen anyway, whatever way up the baby is. Face this: it will make you feel better.
Have you seen the ward? (I am guessing no, because you have been talking about the MLU and have not been envisaging hospital at all). You should go and have a look at the ward and talk to people there, this will help you make plans.
There might be a private room you can book. Not necessarily that expensive, and your dh will be allowed to stay. Have you asked about this? (NOT the MLU)

[Robbabank]

What Lost says. You have your reasons and no one will think you're a loon! Take a deep breath and make some plans. You will be able to make alternative plans and it may even still work out for you with a home birth. Fingers x'd for you.

[hatsybatsy]

OP - hugs - how frustrating for you.

I was in the same position 8 years ago - and despite ECV/exercises/acupuncture, I did go on to have a CS. I only stayed in 2 nights though.

It was not ideal but it meant that ds and I were safe.

If the baby does remain breech and a cs is scheduled, then make sure you are as informed as possible. Are there choices you can make in the delivery room - are you allowed music? do you want to be told the sex? do you want to see the baby being delivered. Empower yourself.

In terms of the hospital stay - I second the idea of getting a private room. Gives you more space and privacy - and dh may be able to stay for longer - or even stay over?

Chin up - if I were you I would be keeping in close contact with my midwife over the coming weeks. Make sure she properly understands what your issues are and is on your side when the time comes?

[miniandfloss]

I was where you were 3 weeks ago, lovely mlu waterbirth planned, felt the baby turn breech at 34 weeks after being head down all the way. also been having a tough year and coming through other end so looking forward to baby arriving!

Have tried absolutely everything to turn from crawling, bouncing, spinning babies exercises etc....

Consultant appointment last week indicated the baby had already engaged it's bum and I had already started to dilate so no ecv allowed. I have my c section on Monday, they were willing to try a breech birth with me if I wanted it but on balance the c section had less risk due to other factors like position. The consultant was amazing at explaining all the options and I felt fully supported in my decision making. This is my first baby and gave been told I should be able to try for vbac if I have any more which is nice to know.

It's taken me a few days to get my head round things, it's not how I expected birth to be and the complete polar opposite to what I'm comfortable with.

There is still every chance your baby will turn but if it doesn't then you have to look at the options you have and take it from there. I spent hours going over the what Ifs, how I'm not going to cope etc but after a chat with a very good friend had a more positive outlook. The process is a means to an end and at the end you get to have a beautiful baby in the safest possible way. That's my main focus now and will get me through Monday and the following days before I'm allowed back home.

I really hope your baby turns but if not then you will find a way to get through it - make sure you have proper time to discuss with consultant and midwives as I have found them extremely supportive and important in my decision making.

[BellaOfTheBalls]

Don't panic. There is plenty of time. 96% of babies turn head down. You have options (ECV) and you can always try the different positions etc, the Spinning Babies website is excellent.

I doubt at this point my story will be of comfort to you but the long & short of it is that I had a breech birth; no pain relief, three pushes, not so much as a graze & DS2 was absolutely perfect (apart from being a little froggy-legged for a couple of days!)

[izzyishavingababyAGAIN]

Thank you so much everyone for not thinking in nuts I am going to speak to midwife tomorrow and see if I can be transferred to MLU for after care if I do have any complications - they have double beds and DH can stay - I'll also ask about private rooms - I don't mind if it has to be a cs as long as I'm not stuck in a ward without DH.

They will have to consider it in it's full context of me rarely going anywhere without DH. We have been the victims of a serious crime and it has zapped my confidence to nothing.

You are all so supportive - it means a lot - thanks you again.

[Robbabank]

Just wanted to revisit to say I hope it all works out ok for you both Izzy and Mini.

[monsterchild]

My baby is 35+ weeks and still circling around in there. Yours could still easily turn.

Also, why won't DH be staying with you? Most hospitals have beds for visitors to sleep in (at least in my area) and expect family to stay over. We have someone to car for the pets/take DSD home/collect eggs while I am in hospital (if CS happens, especially).

[miniandfloss]

Thanks robbabank I'm nervous and excited which is why I'm surfing the Internet at ridiculous hour of the morning! I'm going to have a baby by the end if the day! Immense!

Hope your baby has managed to turn izzy