2nd birth after shoulder dystocia

[GhostWorld]

So I'm due my second at the end of September. First labour was quite traumatic, I progressed really quickly but pushed for ages with the midwife promising baby was going to be here soon. Once they realised he was stuck, I was rushed to theatre and they turned him, and used forceps. Poor boy was a bit bruised and had a black eye, but generally we were both okay. I had (up until this pregnancy- bloody hormones) quite a lot of anxiety about the pain I was in for all that time, the last bit of the labour was actually fine for me because of the spinal but obviously not great for my son.

The point of this post is that my midwife and the consultant I met (to discuss what happened last time) have got quite obviously differing opinions about what to do this time. Midwife thinks it will be better this time and that vaginal labour could be really healing for me, quicker etc, they'll know I'm at risk for shoulder dystocia so will be able to manage that better, plus recovery is easier. Obstetrician thinks best to take risk/variables out, also thinks that midwife saying its healing is bullshit basically.

I'm very worried about the recovery with csection, but also about the logistics of going into labour with a 3 year old with family a 2 hour drive away.

I really wish I could get both midwife and obstetrician in the same room, so they could battle it out, but looks like it's my decision unfortunately! Any advice? Has anyone had a vaginal labour after shoulder dystocia?

Thanks in advance

Did you labour on your back?
With DS1 I laboured at a midwife unit and was very active and mobile.
With DS2 was induced due to ICP and they wanted me on the bed. But I felt something was not right and forced my body onto all 4s (had an epidural) I knew I wouldn't progress if I stay on my back!
As soon as I flipped over and was moving my body I was able to breath baby down and out. As I had the epidural it took longer then with DS1 but I listened to my body and did what felt right.
I knew if I didn't I would end up needing interventions etc.

Do lots if research and keep on discussing your findings with the HCP. Hopefully you can come to an arrangement that you are happy with. BUT birth is unpredictable and could go either way.

I had similar experience with my first, should dystocia, delivered in theater with forceps. I had a spinal porr DD had quite a bit of busing.

I did a lot of research and look at what the recommendations are for a second. There is very little evidence to show that there is a higher risk with a second delivery. The consultant I spoke to was very reassuring and keen for me to have another virginal delivery. They did keep a close eye on me second time round, it was a straight forward delivery. I was glad I didn't opt for a C-section, I was running around after my toddler in no time. Much quicker recovery then my first as I had no stitches second time either.

I haven't experienced shoulder dystocia BUT I had DD1 vaginally and DD2 by elective section and the recovery from the section was so much easier. I was up and about and walking miles within a week. With DD1 I could barely move or sit down (I had a 2nd degree tear). I have had friends with similar experiences. Lots of elective sections really are easy to recover from, so don't automatically think that an elective section will make things harder to be hands on with your toddler.

I was told to have a c section for my second after a very similar experience to you. I’m glad I went for an elective for my second birth. Recovery was much easier and the whole process was much calmer!

I'm in a similar position, due October. Growth scans show baby is big which is an extra push for a section from the consultant but so far we have agreed a vaginal birth. How are you getting on with your planning and decision @GhostWorld ?

In the end the decision was made for us a bit as baby was breech so I went for the csection. Baby is now 13 days old and really it has struck me that there is definitely no easy way to get a baby out!! This one though has come out in a better condition, no bruising etc, and I don't think I realised how much damage was done by the forceps last time so on balance I think that was the right decision. Having said that, for me I think I would have preferred a vaginal birth. I'm sorry that isn't helpful, it really is an impossible decision!

Replying for Bellzy:
I had a c section after second child had shoulder dystocia. It was a much quicker recovery after CS.

OP. I’m pleased you delivered safely and hope you’re enjoying the newborn phase.

Thank you so much for replying and the wonderful update. Congratulations OP!
I think you're right, there's no easy way, but when baby is here I guess it's get easier and more of a distant memory! All the best both x

Update: after having shoulder dystocia with my first, I decided after weighing up the options to continue with a vaginal birth for my second.
I had another shoulder dystocia but they were out with a change of position (my first required assistance).
Throughout labour I was calm and even when it was happening I was calm believing things would ultimately be ok.
Baby is healthy, no harm done to me either.
It was very unlikely to happen again, and thankfully if it did, the odds of a negative outcome were very low (which is what happened).
However if we had a third, we would go for a section on the basis we were probably not just unlucky twice, and it's probably something to do with my body/baby positions which means I would have SD again.
All the best to anyone reading this. It was a very stressful and difficult decision for me and ruined my pregnancy xx