Brandon John's Birthstory.Brandon John Wrighton was born 14 March 2001 7.30pm (2 days after his due date), 3850grams/8lb 8oz, 52.5cm long. I ended up having an emergency c-section (no labour) after suddenly developing severe Pre-eclampsia and HELPP Syndrome. We came home on day four, breastfeeding is going great, and the little gentleman is letting mummy get some well needed sleep during the night:) Although my recovery was initially much quicker than my previous 2 after long labours) I had a constant headache for 3 weeks from the spinal block (actually spent most of one Friday night in the ER because of this, but decided against the spinal patch - where they inject some of my blood to fill in the air bubble in your spine from the epidural. Eight weeks post partum and I still get the occasional headache but not enough to make me want the spinal patch:) As to what went wrong - I had my 40-week appt on the Tuesday and my bp had gone up to 150/95 and I had a trace of protein. Despite two weeks of plug loss and strong, regular cramping contractions lasting up to 8 hours, I was found to only be a finger tip dilated, although my cervix was soft (due to the BP I discussed it with my OB (surprise, surprise, but he is the most wonderful human being) and I felt that something was not quite right I asked him to strip my membranes as I could see that something had to be done to trigger labour or I would not have a successful VBA2C. He was unable to strip the membranes completely, only slightly, and I had to go back the next day for a b/p check after going home and completely resting. After regular strong cramping contractions and constant mucous plug loss and a bloody show, contractions most of the day and night, I thought I was in labour, but everything stopped completely at 2.00am. The next day (Wednesday) my appointment was 2.00pm and my b/p was 170/100 and I was told to go to hospital immediately. When we got there my b/p was 180/110 and kept going up despite the medication they gave me. When my blood tests results came in, they showed that my platelet count was really low, and that my kidneys and liver were failing, and we were told that the baby had to be born as soon as possible that night (this was 5.30pm). The next hour and a half were the worst of my life - I don't think I have ever been so scared (of the epidural rather than the surgery itself). You would think after two sections it wouldn't have worried me but they were both after long traumatic labours and I really wasn't in a mental state to focus on my fears wit the others. I had to have a spinal block rather than an epidural (its a different drug which was better to use with the low platelets). I think I got stuck about five times before the anaesthetist got the right spot - that was definitely the worst part. That and feeling a bit claustrophobic with the oxygen mask and the screen, I really had to fight for a while to control myself as I felt quite panicky. They had quite a bit of trouble getting Brandon out, although it didn't hurt, it felt like a herd of elephants trampling on my stomach and under my ribs, and he had quite a bruise on his face from the forceps. Before Brandon was born, my OB actually asked my hubby if he wanted to go to the other side of the screen and watch the whole birth (his answer was a shocked silence followed by a definite 'No':). As soon as Brandon was born my OB lifted him up so I could see what sex he was (we wanted a surprise), they wrapped him and gave him straight to me, didn't suction him, let my dh cut his cord and hold him next to me while I was stitched up, then (against hospital policy) they let Brandon stay with me in recovery where he had his first breastfeed when he was ready, about half an hour after he was born, and I held him in my arms while we were wheeled up to my room where he spent most of his time in hospital in bed with me:) As we won't being having any more, this was my last chance at having a natural birth. I guess because of the real need (rather than Obstetricians Imagination need) I am at peace with this c-section - and my second daughters for that matter as I believe hers was also necessary. My first section was definitely not needed and five a half years later I still grieve for that, strange as it may sound. At this point, my only real regret is that I have two daughters and I can't tell them what it feels like to give birth...I can tell them a lot of other things though, and that may be more important in the end than re-counting the experience of giving birth. I do strongly believe that things happen to us for a reason. Certainly my three c-sections have taught me a lot about myself, my strengths and my weaknesses. It hit me about 2 weeks after my son was born that maybe the lesson behind my sections is that I cannot always control things, no matter how hard I try. I never *ever* thought of myself as a controlling person, however, upon discussing my revelation with some family members, I have found out that I do in fact have to have control of everything:) Now if only someone had told me that five and a half years ago, maybe I could have skipped the three cesareans? Well, if nothing else, I hope my story may give some comfort to someone
else faced with a repeat c-section that they don't want. It is possible
(admittedly with the help of a human OB) to have a very wonderful
birth experience that happens to be by cesarean section. |