Help...38 weeks with a breech baby and really do not want a c/section!!

[MrsClawz]

My baby has been breech since 34 weeks now and I have tried most things to get it to turn, inversion positions mainly, but to no avail. I had an ECV last Friday and baby's bottom was partly engaged in my pelvis, the doctor couldn't manage to disengage it and so he had to abandon the attempt to turn it :(
Throughout my pregnancy I have been petrified of having a c/section and I have always thought of it as the absolute final resort! After a failed ECV, the doctor gave me two options, either to have a planned c/section around 39 weeks or to go to full term and try to have the baby vaginally (but obviously in the breech position) and if baby is at all distressed then to have a c/section.
I'm torn, as my heart is set on having the baby naturally but my head is saying the safest way for baby is to have a c/section. I just can't seem to get over the fear I feel towards electively putting myself on an operating table!
Wondered if anyone else has felt similarly towards a c/section? Or any helpful methods/advice for getting over my fear of a c/section?
Any suggestions gratefully received :)
Jen

Hi - sorry you're faced with this choice..especially when you're very anxious about one of the options. I think there are a couple of things you can do to help ease the anxiety/make the decision, my suggestions are:-

• talk to your consultant about the number of successful elective c-sec v successful breech deliveries that are performed at your hospital.

• ask your midwife/consultant to describe what actually happens for an elective c-section, who is there, what's the order that things happen in, what are your options as far as music, atmosphere etc. Getting the knowledge might take away some of the mystery and hence fear about the procedure.

• put out a call here on on the childbirth section for birthstories from women who had elective c-section. Positive stories are helpful for both vaginal or c-section births.

• ask for any experiences of planned breech births. I think this is quite rare but for the same reason as above it would be useful.

Personally, having had a good albeit emergency c-section for my firstborn I would encourage you to take control of this situation and plan a c-section that happens calmly, quietly, joyfully, with you rested
and prepared for the birth and recovery. I would personally be reluctant to go into labour with a known breech simply because I would be more fearful about needing intervention for the delivery after going through all the 1st stage. That would be a hard mental game I think.
Good luck with your decision!

You got me curious about planned breech births and after a search I found that a midwife called Mary Cronk is apparently well-versed in breech birthing issues. If you google her I'm sure you'll find positive information about a breech birth plan, warning signs, etc. Although I still think it would be sensible to find out the level of experience in breech deliveries at your hospital.

All I can say to you is having had both myself that a planned C/sec is much, much less stressful and a far better experience for you and the baby than an emergency section. In an emergency you are exhausted, in pain, and if you have had a long labour can be alot for your body to take. My recovery from a planned was weeks faster than my emergency. That's all I can suggest but whatever you choose I am sure the hospital will do there best for you.

I felt crushed after my first because I had my heart set on a Vaginal delivery and I waited 3 days in labour and then had an emergency csec. I realised after that I was not to blame and it was for the babies best interests that I got her out. As LadyMayBe said better to take control of the situation and have a calm birth which will be better overall. If its a planned Csec they will talk you through it slowly it will also be at a time of day when the doctors do the planned ones which means they are more on the ball (IMHO) rather than at 2in the morning for example when you and everyone else is exhausted. And just generally the whole experience is a calmer and nicer one. I hope it all goes well for you. :)

A little hope first. My 6th was breech from 28 weeks and turned suddenly at 39 and half weeks. Obviously my uterus is fairly ummm slack and if this is your first it may not happen.

Do you know what breech position your baby is in? Some are easier to birth vaginally than others. Frank breech being the best. I would want to know what the breech vaginal birth statistics are with the person who is going to deliver you. You need someone experienced and confident with it.

Otherwise i would be going for a planned section. It is an organised calm affair and much better than a mad dash there during a delivery. Read lot's about them and have a birth plan made up. There are lot's of things you can do to make it as baby and Mum friendly as possible

I'm new around these parts (hence stupid nickname - haven't had time to come up with anything more imaginative), but had to jump in on this thread as I was in a similar position with DS. Have you heard of Moxibustion? It's a homoeopathic thing whereby, in basic terms, a smelly cigarette type thing is burnt between your big & second toe. Midwife suggested it, but my little monkey turned just before my appointment. It has a surprisingly high success rate for turning breech babies...google it. Hope the little blighter does some gymnastics for you!

It isn't actually riskier for a baby to be born breech (depending on the type of breech) than head down - the problem is the lack of experienced midwives and consultants at delivering in this manner unfortunately.

So if you can find someone with relevant experience then you're not putting your baby at more risk (but this really depends on the type of breech). You could speak to an independent midwife for their views (as they generally see more "riskier" or "unusual" labours and will be present for almost all of active labour) for their thoughts.

Your doctor gave you the option of a VB so sounds like they think it's possible - I'd speak to them again and find out more detail on their thinking.

However go for the CS if that's going to put your mind at ease - you don't want to go into labour worrying aboutthis.

Have you considered hypnotherapy to turn the baby? Sounds weird but I've read in places that it can be quite effective. If you can find a hypnobirthing practitioner they have usually done the training as part of their course so you don't need an actual hypnotherapist. I have no experience of this myself, I know of it because I've done the hypnobirthing course and I've been told if my baby is breech then they have a script to turn it. Don't take my word for whether it works or not because I don't know, I'd do a bit of research yourself. Good luck and I hope baby turns.
Oh and I think there's a website about optimum positioning (can't remember the name of it, is it spinning baby or balancing baby or something?) but it said to always sleep on your lefthand side. Don't know if it's a bit late now but always worth a try if you aren't doing it already.
Good luck x

I had an ecs for a footling breech - had ecv and he couldn't be turned after two sessions. Like you I was really disappointed as I wanted to give birth naturally. I kept hoping until the end because he kept turning around - he wouldn't budge for the consultant who was doing the ecv, but then a day later would just turn spontaneously and be cephalic for a few hours or days and then turn again. So it's never to late for something to happen!

Turned out that I have a funny corkscrew uterus and he probably couldn't have made it out unaided (I sort of imagine him being ready to come out and trying to engage and not being able to manage it.) None of that showed up on the ultrasound and it all came as a surprise to me and a source of great excitement to the surgeon! So obviously it was a relief in the end that we'd agreed to the surgery. Despite all the surprises and me having supine hypotension and nearly passing out during surgery as my blood pressure went off a cliff I was really impressed by the care I got. I had no pain during (although it is a very weird feeling) and very little afterwards - was up and walking about within 24 hours and felt fully able to care for the baby by myself.

Can honestly say that immediately after he arrived I couldn't have given a monkeys how he got there ... it was such a relief that he was safe, but I know that doesn't help now. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Honestly, there's no need to get your knickers in a twist about an ELCS. I was terrified before mine but it was calm, quick, I recovered quickly and I have by far the best birth story of all my friends. No PPH, episiotomy, stitches - not even in my wound, I was glued together - great care and pain relief. It was the safest way to get my boy to me, since I had a low placenta, and you should be thinking that way too. Please consider how you would feel if something went wrong. I hope all goes well for you and baby.

I had an ELSC so obviously I am biased, but it was a wonderful experience. Can you pinpoint what worries you so much about an ELSC and discuss it with your consultant? I had an epidural, OH was in the room with me, baby came out in the first 5 minutes, she was put on my chest and we had skin to skin, she bfed with no problems and recovery was a lot faster than I thought (out of bed on day 2, out and about as normal after the first week, riding on week 7). While I appreciate you are worried about an ELSC would it not be more worrying to end up with an EMSC? Only you can decide but I hope it helps to see that there are positive ELSC stories. Best of luck.

Prepare for a cs whatever decision you make because if you try for a vaginal breech delivery and end up with an emcs, your fears will seem so much more overwhelming. Of course in the event you'll also just want the baby out safely, but in retrospect, the gap between what you wanted and what actually happened is often the gap which starts off anxiety and negative feelings.

I've had two emcs (I have a wonky pelvis it transpires) and the first one I found it difficult to recover from emotionally as I was so terrified of even the possibility of it happening. The second time round was a different story entirely. It was the most joyful and beautiful moment. The circumstances were irrelevant. It was the day I met my son, no more, no less.

Do you want to talk on here about what worries you? Hundreds of MNers have had cs and can answer any question honestly, no matter how silly you may think it.

I'd also chat to your midwife as they can refer you for some help with dealing with your anxieties now.

As everyone has said above I would just try and get as much information and past experiences from people as possible for both scenarios. I havent experience in either i'm affraid as i'm only 28.3 weeks myself, however if I was in the same situation I would want to do whatever's best for my baby and if the Doc and Midwife are suggesting a section then that's what I would go with. On the plus side, at least you will know when to expect your little one and you can get everything 100% ready. Good luck x

My baby was breech until last week 37 weeks, the possibility of a vaginal delivery was there. I had to contact the consultant MW at labour ward to discuss it, she was lovely and very supportive. The problem is you need to find someone experienced in breech births, in my area there is a MW who works as a PT NHS MW and PT IMW i was given her details but then found the baby had turned. Have read lots of very positive stories about vaginal breech deliveries and also spoke to MNetters who had one. I would say look at all your options first If you still feel you want a section, I was still undecided but felt much more in control by having a choice.

As you have all been so kind in offering your support, advice and sharing your experiences, I thought I would write this note to let you know what we have decided to do. It's nice to realise that I'm not the only one who has felt this way towards an ELCS. And good to hear some positive stories about them.

I had my appointment with the doctor today, and decided to go for the ELCS (it has taken me all weekend, sleepless nights included, to come to that decision....it is the safest option for baby, even if it may involve a little bit of a longer recovery for me!)

The doctor himself wasn't particularly helpful, as soon as I had agreed to an ELCS he was very abrupt and forceful with dates/booking in etc, and then left!! I didn't have much choice in the dates I could have, it was either this wednesday (16/11/11...yes the day after tomorrow!!!!) or the 8/12/11 which would make me way past my due date, so that was not a possibility! So....I'm booked in to have it on wednesday...arghh!!!!!! After all that agonising and worrying, I now have one day to mentally prepare myself for D-Day!! Or should this be renamed C-Day? Lol.

I spoke at length to the anaesthetist (who fortunately as I work at the hospital I know anyway, she won't be in theatre on wednesday with me though) about the spinal block/epidural, the general course of the whole procedure and the part my DH can play in the ELCS, he will still be allowed to cut the cord (well shorten what they cut) and tell me the sex of the baby as we don't know this. She let me see the operating theatre and explained where everyone would sit/stand, and what would happen to baby...so its not so alien to me when I go in on Wednesday.

I still feel scared and daunted by the prospect of being a mummy in 2 days time, but I'm sure this will turn into excitement and joy once I finally get to meet our little pickle (bumps nickname!)

DH is a little overwhelmed at the speed with which events seem to be happening, but excited at the same time as he can't wait to meet pickle!

I will put a post on here (probably after the weekend) with all the details after the ELCS and news on baby! :)

Good Luck- I only hear good stuff about elcs but just ask for painkillers when you need them.DH will need to be on nappy changes for the next two weeks too but recovery is quicker than you think- i found it less painful than appendix removal to be honest.But of course it is not painless.
It s going to be wonderful- you will meet your perfect baby, rested and calm and not in pain!!

The waiting bit is the worst, the op may be a breeze after today's waiting and you'll also get to meet your baby! Best of luck and take the painkillers!

MrsClawz I have had a VB and then an ELCS. I was very anti C section before having either of them and desperately wanted to avoid C section.

I can honestly say that my C section was quick, calm and positive. I was able to BF in recovery and move about the next day. My redcovery from the ELCS was much quicker than from the VB (I had a third degree tear).

You've got today to look around your house and try to organise stuff so you will be the very minimum of bending and lifting for the next couple of weeks. Do an internet shop to be delivered for two or three days time. Get yourself some yummy food to take into hospital to gorge on once you are on the ward. If you haven't got any, nip out to Store 21 or similar cheap shop and get the biggest granny pants you can find - the sort that come up to your navel.

Glad you were able to come to a decision, I am sure it will go well for you. Eat lots of fish, mince and mash potato after as it helps you go to the loo easier I found as you cant push for a good few days after. It is a nice feeling knowing that when you go into the theatre that in about 10-15 mins you will see your baby. They let my husband cut cord and take pictures etc so its all quite nice really. They can still give you gas and air while they stitch you up as it can help calm you I found it helps. Hope it all goes well for you good luck. :) x

Best of luck for tomorrow, MrsClawz.
I was in exactly the same situation with my first baby, he was breech and nothing would turn him and I was terrified of having a caesarean. I wasn't given a choice and was booked in for an ELCS, and I worried about it until the day came.
As soon as DS was born, I didn't care how it had happened -it really didn't matter in the slightest how he'd made his way out! 8 hours after delivery I was walking to the bathroom for a shower, and I was back home after 2 days. Breastfeeding wasn't a problem and we got lots of skin-to-kind in the recovery room.
I'm pregnant with my second child now, and this time around I'm terrified of a VBAC and would love an ELCS!

Hello everyone!
Wow, it has been a long time since I have been on here, I can even remember writing that I would put an update on here after my section and let you all know how it went...then the tiredness and exhaustion set in and somehow it just didn't happen.
But here I am....safe and well the other side of my c-section smile
I was totally petrified all the way up until the spinal had set in and then all I could concerntrate on was how sick I felt and hot, OMG I was so hot! According to the lovely theatre staff that is all competely normal and certainly took my mind off what was happening.
Our gorgeous son Freddie was born at 10.40am on the 16th November weighing 6lb 4oz and he's perfect smile
Looking back at it all now I can say whole heartedly it was the best decision I made for both Freddie and me, I can remember all of it, and once I saw him everything else melted away, my fears and stress seemed so insignificant compared to having my son handed to me healthy, happy and so beautiful (and yes, I'm biased! Lol.)
Both my DH and me now have an experience we can treasure forever, I definitely agree that the theatre staff were lovely, I was allowed to have ice cubes and apart from the sickness it wasn't half as bad as I had worked it up to be in my mind! I did lose about 1500ml of blood but with lots of fluid and rest I was up and on my feet the following day, and home by the second afternoon smile
8 weeks on and Freddie is thriving, he now weighs 9lb 2oz, is fully BF and I couldnt be happier smile
Thank you all for your kind comments and advice, and sorry it has taken me a while to write this
Jen x