The Birth of Lucianna - A positive Caesarean
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My first birth was an emergency c/s - failure to progress and fetal
distress. My waters had broken spontaneously and I had failed to contract
and dilate at the expected rate... I had no idea what happened during
a Caesar, nor did I know the effects it would have on me and my son
- Bonding problems, Failure to breastfeed all leading to PND (post
natal depression).
So this time round I was sure I would have a positive birth - whether
it be a vaginal birth or a repeat c/s. I didn't want to have my own
high expectations ruin this wonderful event.
The pregnancy was a little different to my first. I had a threatened
miscarriage at 7 weeks, I bled for a month. Then at 30 weeks there
was whispering of a large baby. By 34 weeks they were openly worried
about the baby's size and the fact they were yet to catch her in the
head down position. So I had a scan at 36 weeks, after I measured
a fundal height of 44cm. It indicated the baby was already 8lb4oz
and that I had excess amniotic fluid (polyhyramnios) and this is why
the baby was still able to do full somersaults (mostly she laid transverse
- very uncomfortable).
At 37w I went in for another check, they wanted to hospitalize me
- they were worried about SROM(spontaneous rupture of membranes) and
cord prolapse; especially given the baby's position. I refused and
went back to be checked by scan the following day. This time they
insisted I stay. They told me I had about 10mins to make it to hospital
if my waters broke or I might lose my baby. So I was admitted.
I did not want to be in hospital till I went into labour, and as
I couldn't be induced, I decided on an elective Caesar (the baby's
size, position, and the risks involved in polyhyramnios; as well as
me wanting this to be relaxed and positive all helped me come to my
decision).
So on 6th April at 8.00 my husband and I were taken to the operating
area. It was calm and exciting - I wasn't scared at all. We had discussed
all our wishes for the c/s, and everyone was really lovely. By 8.50
the cannula was in and the spinal was working. (All went really well
and was painfree - they even gave me a local to make the cannula insertion
painless!!) So with my husband by my side the birth began. I had students
taking photos (black and white) of the whole procedure. When it came
time for the birth they lowered the curtain and I watched as my gorgeous
chubby little girl was born - at 9.01am. They had to use forceps to
deliver her, as she was not in a very good position and was quite
high. And boy was there lots of slurping when all the fluid was suctioned!!
Because of the temperature of the room they took her just outside
to do all her tests, but she was brought back in about 3mins for me
to kiss and cuddle. She was very healthy; 3820g (8lb6oz), 48 cm, Head
Circ of 36cm and APGARs of 10 & 10. All at only 38weeks.
We were all taken to recovery, where we tried to breastfeed. Then
by 10.30 we were back in the maternity ward. I was overwhelmed with
happiness, that everything had happened so calmly and without stress.
Completely different to my last c/s. That night I was even up having
a shower. I went home on day 3. And now, 2 weeks later I feel absolutely
wonderful!! (Could use some more sleep and a housecleaner though!!)
Although a VBAC would have been excellent, I'm just glad I can look
back on this as a positive birth.
Thanks to all the advice and support from all the ladies on the Birthrites
website.
Kelly Williams
Mum to Macklin (emergency c/s Aug 03)
And Lucianna Quinn (positive c/s April 05)
* Luci - Just out.
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