Today I spent my Labor Day at the Las Vegas chapter of the National Improving Birth Rally. This rally was held all across the country as women, men, and children all over gathered to bring awareness to an important issue facing women’s health. Knowing your birth options.
Being able to know and have options when it comes to delivering your children is something I believe in. I never thought I would end up with a cesarean delivery with my first son, but medically it was the best choice for both of us. Just about 31 years ago, my very own mother spent her labor day in the hospital delivering me. In honor of Labor Day I thought it was appropriate to share my first labor story, and why having options for my second delivery has become so important to me.
Squishy’s Birth Story – 6/4/09
(Last picture pregnant – taken at 36 weeks)
Wednesday June 3
After having contractions since Sunday May 31st, on and off, I went into Labor and Delivery on Wednesday morning in a lot of pain. Although I was having regular contractions , the sent us home for not being dilated enough. I had thought for sure I was going to meet my son that day. I still had my 38 week appointment set for that afternoon at 3pm, and was told I should still go for a follow up with my doctor.
When I got to the appointment my OB told us that my blood pressure was way up and there was protein in my urine. I knew I was swelling quickly, but didn’t realize that this could be a sign of something more. I was up 20 lbs in water weight in less than 4 weeks. I knew it wasn’t my eating, as I was eating less and less everyday due to feeling so full all the time. I had early preeclampsia.
My OB decided that and induction was needed at this time so as not to let the preeclampsia get any worse. That late afternoon at 38 weeks, 2 days I checked back into Labor and Delivery. Upon check in I was given Cervadil to help my body start to dilate and allow labor to progress. My contractions were still registering every 4 minutes or so. We were so excited and nervous to know our little boy was finally on his way!
Thursday June 4
By 7am, I was thinned out but not dilated anymore, and Pitocin was started. Even before the Pitocin my contractions had become regular at every 1.5-2 minutes apart. The nurse made the comment she was confused as to why these intense contractions were not making changes. At 8 am, dilated to a generous 4 cm, my bag of waters was broken. My OB had high hopes that this would help me progress more.
I had hoped to labor naturally, but by early that afternoon I made the decision to get an epidural. I was having contractions every 1-1.5 minutes apart and was shaking uncontrollably. The nurse reassured me that this was a normal part of labor, and the epidural would help control them. It was a huge relief to get some help with the pain, but I was uncomfortable being so completely numb. I wasn’t told until after the epidural was in place, but they would no longer allow me to labor on my back, and had to be rotated every 30 minutes from side to side.
By 430pm I had still made no change at all despite my strong and regular contractions. My nurse told me that my baby’s head was feeling very swollen from bumping on my pelvis and that chances were my baby was was just too big.
My OB came in at 510pm (25 hours since my check in), and said she thought it would be best at this point to proceed with a Cesarean section. After a few tears, I agreed. My tears were for the loss of everything I had hoped for in my delivery, but I knew 100% this was the right option for me and my baby.
By 523pm we were in the OR. I asked my OB what she thought you would weigh, and she said at 38 weeks based on my size probably 8.5 lbs. (At my last ultrasound done at 28 weeks baby was measuring 31 weeks and 3lbs 12 ozs.)
At 548pm on June 4th, my son was born into this world via c/s. He was a whopping 10lbs 2ozs, and 20.5 inches long. Everyone was shocked at your size, except for me who told my OB “I told you he was big!” My son was beautiful and had the sweetest chunky face ever! We had two names going into the delivery room – one I picked, and one my hubs picked. Before I even saw my son, my hubs came over to me with tears in his eyes saying that he was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. I decided then and there to choose to name him the name my hubs picked. Our son’s name means little companions and rock. Both the hubs and I were in tears, and so happy to be parents to a beautiful little big boy!
I can’t imagine what my son would have weighed had we made it to 40 weeks although my OB told me they put on a pound each of the last 4 weeks. I could have had a 12lb baby!
For a little over 24 hours my son struggled to stabilize his blood sugars. While I was more than happy to do whatever my son needed to get his sugars stable, I was very frustrated by the hospital’s lack of understanding my desire to establish a breastfeeding relationship. The continued to require me to give him formula even after his sugars had leveled out which lead to some breastfeeding issues that took several weeks to correct. My birth didn’t go in any way how I imagined it, but I was and am thrilled to have the most beautiful, strong, and loving little boy in our lives.
Improving Our Birth Options!
My induction was the medically responsible thing to do given my preeclampsia. I don’t have any bad feelings toward my birth. I knew the risk that many inductions result in a c/section. I was informed the whole process, and never felt pushed into doing something I didn’t think was in the best interest of my baby. While births like mine call for medical induction/cesarean delivery and in many cases those interventions can be life-saving, I also know that many inductions are not necessary. I have friends who felt pressured into an induction by doctors, many of those resulted in a c-section delivery or a difficult labor.
I also believe women should have the right to a vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) if they are medically able to. Many hospitals in our country do not even allow the possibility of this. I don’t think that is right. I think it needs to be decided on a case by case pregnancy, and we as patients should have the right to be part of the decision.
That is why I decided to attend the National Improving Birth Rally today in my city. Many people think that what a doctor says is the only way it can be. This is not the case. We need to be informed about our birthing options. That combined with medical recommendations should lead us to the right choice for our bodies. Birth Matters! We have more options.
I am lucky to live in a city with doctors like Dr. Harter (a doctor who attended today’s rally in full support pictured below) who fight for a woman’s right to have a VBAC. There aren’t many (maybe 3) doctors in Las Vegas that give women the option to seek out the opportunity to control their birth experience. I am lucky to have a hospital who are willing to allow Doctor’s patients to try to VBAC and not just take away that choice without consideration. I don’t know if baby Monster Truck will be born successfully VBAC. My doctor and I are monitoring my health and my baby’s size. We will weigh all the options and make the best choice for my health and the health of my baby, but I would be lying if I didn’t say I wish with all my heart to experience a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.
Did you attend a Improving Birth Rally today?
What were your labors like?
Did you feel you had all your options available to you?
Disclosure: This post is my birth story with my first son, my opinions on my delivery, and my hopes for my second delivery. I am in no way a medical professional of any kind. I do not mean to place judgment on any type of delivery. I am a firm believer in your body, your choice which is why I believe that rallies like today’s national improving birth rally are so important. We as women need to know all our options and not blindly accept what others tell us. What works for one woman, may not for another. Whether you delivered naturally, with pain medicine, at home, in water, or via c-section, we all have the right to choose what birth experience is right for us. Please be respectful with your comments so we can have an open and honest conversation.
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Wow…I had no idea you had Pre-E! I did as well, and our birth stories are extremely similar, with the exception of I was able to deliver vaginally, but only after several forms of induction. My biggest gripe over my delivery was that my hospital seemed more concerned for my doctor getting a good night sleep over my health. They continuously did a stop and go induction with me for two days, and only really stepped it up the last 8 hours of my 48 in labor.
I definitely know more with this baby, and definitely will not allow the nurses to pressure me into formula, and not supporting my BFing plan. It may have been why my son never would take to BFing once we got home.
Right on woman! and here is to hoping neither of us gets pre-e this time around!
Yep! I wish you a happy and healthy rest of your pregnancy. No pre-e this time!! Although I have heard it is less likely second time around. You are so lucky they let you labor so long, although I am certain you were EXHAUSTED! I hope to not allow them to pressure with formula either. So hard when you are so tired and scared. xo!
I had a csection with my 1st due to her being breech. We tried everything to get her to turn but she was stubborn. She was born on June 24 2003 weighing in 7lb 10oz.
My 2nd child was born vbac. He was breech as well but the methods I tried got him to turn and I went into labor at 3 days overdue. After 43 hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing, he was born on september 14 2005 weighing in 10 lb 2 oz! Everyone was shocked because they didn’t know he would be that big. He was born facing the opposite way which is why my labor took forever and I ended up with a 4th degree tear.
My 3rd child was a csection. He was also breech and nothing I did got him to turn. He was born on December 15th 2009 weighing in 8lb 2 oz.
Wow!! You had so many hurtles to face. Thank you for sharing your story with me!
This post brings tears to my eyes. My 3rd baby was a c-sect. and my 4th and 5th were vbac thankfully. I chose my OB for that very reason. She specializes in vbac’s. I am so thankful to have had both vbac’s successfully and I wish more Dr’s and hospitals allowed it. I wish I would have looked into this rally. I wonder if there was one in the Chicago area.
Loved your birth story by the way!
Thanks for posting 🙂
Thank you Danielle!! I loved reading your success post c/s. That helps give me hope. I miss Chicago – I bet they have one!! xo
I personally did not care whether my daughter was born via C-section or natural childbirth because I knew that at over 10 lbs, she would have likely killed me if I had her naturally, but I do agree that moms should have the option to choose which one they want!
LOL! I hear you!! I am worried this baby will be too big to even try for a VBAC… we will see!!
I loved hearing about your birth story and I’m so glad you have found a doctor that will work with you!
Thank you Melissa!!
I love this story!! And I am so glad you don’t feel bad about your birth. For the longest time I regretted all 3 of my c-sections, but all three were medically necessary. There is no way around it sometimes. I agree with you – I am so thankful I had that option for a c-section and also very fortunate that I was able to make informed choices when I attempted my natural birth with a midwife. If a woman has all the information and chooses what is medically best for her and her baby – whether midwife or doctor – that is what is most important! Great post!
Thank you Annie! I am glad you were able to find peace with your deliveries! Your children are happy and healthy, and that is the ultimate goal. I just wish more moms were informed better the first time around so as not to be in the position later! Xo
I totally agree with having the option to give birth the way you want to! You are beautiful!
Thank you April!
I agree that it only makes sense to consider the options. I think it’s easier for doctors to do back-to-back C-sections but I think PLENTY of moms have an alternative if they’d choose one.
I think you are right.
WOW that is one big baby! I never really knew this was an issue until the last 5 years. My first son was born during an emergency c-section and with the second my doctor gave me the choice. I didn’t even know that some mothers don’t have a choice. I decided with VBAC as well but at the end of the day he ended up being c-section due to his head being to big (he weight 9lbs 4 ozs). With my third I was told after two c-sections that my doctor would not deliver VBAC as it was too dangerous. I didn’t research it and took his word but I will tell you i was disappointed having to “schedule” the birth I really wanted to go into labor and possibly have her VBAC as well. But I went with what the doctor said because he said it was safer.
I think if I had two c/s I’d probably do a repeat as well, but it would be nice to have the option. Thanks for sharing your story!
I absolutely agree with you that you know your body best and you have to have a doctor that takes your side not one that is all about convince for their selves. Women need to research adn know all their options and have an open line of communication with their doctor. And to now feel afraid to switch if your doctor is not listening to you. I love hearing your birth story (in many ways it sounds a lot like Chloe’s).
Thanks Cassie! That is a very important point. SO many women feel stuck to one doctor or one practice!
I was lucky to be able to vaginally deliver all of my kids, but my sister had to have a c-section with her first child. She went on to deliver 4 more children vaginally, but not without some convincing for the doctors!
Thank you for sharing her success! It is empowering!!
I had no idea this was a big issue! Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Your little (well, big) guy was adorable, and I’m so happy that you found a great doctor this time around!
Thank you Becca – me too!
I never heard of this rally before. Thanks for sharing the rally and your birth story with us. I am very fortunate that I did not need a c/s. I can’t get over what a big baby your son was. He’s gorgeous!!!
Thank you Angela! He was a chunk!! 🙂
I never knew they had such rallies.
I was very blessed to have 3 wonderful birth stories. I was lucky and didn’t suffer from Gestational diabetes or Pre_e. Although I do wish I would have had more options for help breastfeeding afterwards. i didn’t get much support with that, although they gave me the choice to do it, they didn’t offer any help when I needed it.
I have many friends who have had to have C sections with their babies, and they hate the recovery. After seeing the difficulty of a C section, I’m ever more grateful that I don’t have to deal with it. I used to be jealous that my friends could “choose” when to have their baby, and actually have a date they KNEW the baby was coming. But after I saw more about it, I don’t mind so much going through the wait and surprise of going into labor. I’d much rather deal with that than have to try to recover from a C-section at the same time trying to establish a new routine with a new baby. It’s so much more difficult for both mom and baby to adjust after a c-section than a normal V birth. Definitely if a woman wants to have a V birth after c section and there is no medical reason why she can’t, she shouldn’t be pressured into having that c section.
Well said!! I’m glad you had three beautiful births, and happy to hear that you continue to listen and pay attention to what is going on in the birthing world. Our friends need friends who are supportive and helpful!! xo
I love reading birth stories, but I wish I had been more informed when I did it…I feel like things didn’t go right and the doctor took advantage of the fact it was my first time.
I have heard that more than I care to share. It’s so unfortunate that Doctors aren’t more sensitive to such a precious time. (Hugs)
I love birth stories! I’ve never heard of a birth ralley either. Pretty cool!
PS LOVE the new look!
Kas
Thank you Kas! I’m happy I made the switch. I hadn’t heard of birth rallies until this year either!
My son was born at 32 weeks via emergency c-section because I developed preeclampsia. It was really scary, but now he’s 7 and perfectly fine. I’m still traumatized though!
It’s something that stays with us forever I think. Especially when it doesn’t go as planned! (Hugs)
Thanks for sharing! I also had a c section and was going to attempt a vbac with my 2nd but it didn’t happen…
I’m sorry to hear that, but happy to know you have two beautiful and healthy children!
I believe in a woman’s choice to make medical decisions about her body but I also believe that women need to interview their physicians and make sure they share those same belief systems so issues don’t occur during the course of the pregnancy. Be proactive from the beginning!
I couldn’t agree more. I sought out a Doctor who would give me the most choices this time around. It’s important to speak up and ask questions from the very beginning. That is every patients right and we should exercise it more often!
What a story! That had to be quite a surprise for you but it sounds like you have dealt with it well and it’s so wonderful that everything turned out so well.
Thanks Tesa
Thank you for sharing your birth story. I can’t believe how big your little guy was. It’s so important that woman know they have options after a c-section.
He was a chunk! It is important to know our options, and hopefully soon we will have more options!
I wish I was more informed about my doctors plans before giving birth. I wasn’t aware that they induce before 42 weeks. I was pushed along at only 40 weeks 4 days I wanted to wait until I was ready. At least I had my vaginal birth, but I did get an epi thanks to the pitocin 🙁
Pitocin can be so painful. Thankfully your daughter is gorgeous and healthy. Next time you know more so you can ask more! 🙂
Looks like a great time. My friend attended the one locally… unfortunately I overslept and missed it.
Maybe next year! 🙂
I love reading birth stories!
Me too! Guilty pleasure I think…
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Thanks Theresa.
I’ve never had a c-section but I truly hope you are able to try for a VBAC!
Thank you Crystal. I’m enjoying following along your journey this time around as well!
Thanks for sharing your story! Alabama is notorious for having few options for women. I will be having a my second midwife-attended birth in Tennessee for that reason.
I didn’t know that. It’s amazing how limited we are in the US. Something I would have never thought of before! Can’t wait to read all about your birth!
I get hospitals needing to make sure their bases are covered in VBACs. I was lucky that my hospital with my second and third offered that. With my third is when VBAC started to really get frowned upon and I still had the option to do it I just had to sign a waiver releasing them if anything went wrong which I was okay with. I knew the risks involved and I get they have to cover their bases.
I think that is what every hospital should do, allow the option as long as they are released from complications (that mom is informed) that could occur. That way the mom has a choice and they aren’t held liable should something go wrong.
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