An Amazing Journey: Ch. 20 -- The "C" Word About This Page:

[Jennifer Marx]

The "C" Word



With the epidural in place and the Pitocin being administered, we all expected my contractions to even out and become "functional." Alas, it wasn't to be. The contractions did increase to a point, but they remained double- and triple-peaked. The midwife suggested the baby was in a posterior position (head-down, but face-up), but could not confirm it. An internal monitor was put on the baby as he kept moving and was showing some signs of fetal distress. My baby's safety was paramount, so I allowed this monitor even though I really hadn't wanted it.



I also had to get a new IV as the current one was no longer working. A few more pokes (I think I was up to 6) were done by three different medical personnel. In the end, they had to call the aesthetician to start my IV. As you can imagine, I now looked like a pincushion and I was starting to bruise in several places.



After about three hours, a cervical check showed that I'd dilated to 6 cm. Progress! [Dave adds: Her contractions were also becoming more regular and showed good strength, although they were farther apart - the double and triple contractions became less frequent. It seemed like she was making progress.] I continued on and was at 7 cm at the next check. But all subsequent checks showed that I'd stalled at 7 cm. We tried changing positions to encourage the cervix to open, but there was no change. We were now approaching the 46th hour of labor and the midwife was clearly having doubts about my ability to birth this child.



I discussed my situation with the support team. Some fetal distress was evident, though it wasn't serious enough on its own to warrant intervention. Perhaps more importantly, though, my cervix was swelling. A swollen cervix could refuse to dilate further and could become damaged if we kept trying anyway. My earlier fever was also called into view as a potential problem. And my dysfunctional contractions were a serious problem, as I was clearly not "synching up" and effectively pushing out my baby. Finally, the fact that we were now at almost 48 hours of labor (24 in the hospital) was an issue. I would have been willing to keep going, despite the exhaustion, but the baby's safety was becoming a serious issue. He was already becoming "cone-headed" from pushing against the not-fully-dilated cervix and the fetal distress was becoming more pronounced.



The midwife now suggested the "C" word - Caesarean section. Yikes! At first I rejected it out of hand -- 48 hours of labor and I'd end up with a C-section? But, armed with all this knowledge and wanting my baby to be safe, I was forced to consider it. I simply wasn't progressing, and aside from just trying longer, there was nothing to do about it. And trying longer could easily put both my baby and myself in danger. The obstetrician came in and discussed it with me, recommending the C-section strongly. He felt I had a 1% chance of delivering the baby without the C-section. Those were not odds I was willing to risk, so I took the plunge and consented to a C-section.



I have to admit I was very scared to have a C-section. I knew it was surgery and that there could be complications. But what could I do? I felt like this was the best choice, perhaps even the only choice. I do want to point out that I felt like I did have a choice -- everyone was respectful of me and my decisions, and I never felt pressured into something I didn't think was right. To alleviate my fears, I called my sister and told her about my decision -- she'd had a C-section and survived it. It was very reassuring to hear her tell me everything would be fine.





Our last photo together "pregnant"



Things progressed very quickly once I'd decided to have a C-section. I signed a few papers, Dave got dressed in scrubs, then I was whisked off to the operating room. The operating room lacked the comforting warmth of the labor/delivery room and seemed very institutional. I was given Lidocaine through my epidural to numb me from the waist down. It felt very cold going in, and within a few minutes I was shivering uncontrollably. I concentrated on my breathing, as I felt the numbness creeping into my lungs and that was a very scary feeling.



After a few exploratory pokes, the first incision was made and I was completely unable to feel it. Dave was allowed in at this point and sat behind me, holding my hand and looking into my eyes. I'm so thankful he could be there with me.



[Dave adds: If this chapter seems like we had boarded an express train, you're right. The hospital staff went into high gear once Jennifer had made her decision. I won't go into the details of the surgery, since it's clear Jennifer doesn't want to. Suffice it to say, seated at Jennifer's head, I was shielded from most of the gorier sights by a surgical drape. I could have peeked and even photographed if I moved just a bit (and nobody would have stopped me), and I could see a bit of what was going on despite the drape, but I knew that supporting Jennifer and looking into her eyes was far more important than satisfying my curiosity. I did ask her if she wanted some pictures of her insides, and not surprisingly, she turned me down.]



The surgery went very fast. Within 15 minutes, I felt pressure and tugging, and my baby was born at 6:50 pm!



Next: Happy Birthday, Alexander!

[chezp]

Oh my goodness - the more I read of this, the more I cannot believe what you guys had to go through! By the sounds of it, the C section was the only way to go, but I can understand your reluctance Jennifer. Great that you had Dave there, concentrating on you - and I'm sure you appreciated his kind offer of getting some pictures of your insides!

Thanks for sharing so much with us - although it's not something I've been through, I'm starting to appreciate what it must've been like for you.

[Colexis Mom]

Sorry things didn't turn out as you had planned Jennifer, but as you said, the safety of the baby is much more important! Glad you both made it thru okay!

[Nick and Ryans Mom]

I think that the loss of control of your own body is the scariest part of being pregnant. I had gestational diabetes during both pregnancies and knowing that I couldn't have any "fun" foods without hurting the baby was indescribable. When you said you felt like a pincushin I totally agreed, as a mom you become willing to do anything they tell you to keep your baby safe.

[BritDisFan]

Even after all you went through with the hard labour, you still managed to smile for the camera. I really admire you for all your strength.

Karen

[HiddenMickey]

I'm so sorry that your well-thought birthing plans went so awry! I remember the doctors starting to use the "C" word during DS's labor. It was something that I hadn't even really contemplated. It's good that you had researched it as well, so you knew a bit about what it meant for you and Alexander. Ready for the next chapter. -Suzi

[DrDolphin]

Sorry that you had to opt for the C Section - but it sounds like you made the decision that was in the best interest of you and the baby.

[SarahJ]

Jennifer you are so amazingly strong! I remember when my doctor said I needed a c-section with DD I crumbled. Thank goodness for my doula (who is also my SIL) who talked me through the decision and made sure that I was okay with the decision afterwards. Although I was disappointed, I got over it pretty quickly thanks to such great support from my family. And I had a beautiful, healthy baby in the end.

[Joanne929]

My thoughts and prayers and best wishes go out to you and your beautiful family! Having been lucky enough to be able to deliver 3 healthy babies 'naturally', I don't know how you are feeling about your C-section, but childbirth, no matter how they come out, is a personal journey that only you (and partner and doctor/doula/mid-wife) can do together, and it sounds like this was the best for all of you.
I'm very happy for you that it all worked out and baby Alexander is now here!

[KerryRae]

Jennifer, when I had my daughter I went through an almost identical experience. Reading your story brought back so many memories. I had to decide to do the C-section also. I made my decision after 36 hours of labor. It was a hard decision because like you I had hoped to do everything naturally. But Alexander's health is what is most important. Congratulations again on a beautiful son.

[OffKilter_Lynn]

It's amazing how strong we become for our children - and that starts before they're even born.

My sympathies that you didn't have the birth experience that you hoped for - there is always next time though!

[ryansmum]

Jennifer,

Having had a difficult labor myself (30+ hours), I ended up having a C section. I also had just about every instrument they had attached to me in some way, shape or form. I was ready for the C about 2 hours before the medical team, but we finally all arrived at the same conclusion. I was never so happy to have anything done in my life, and within 2 weeks, I felt completely fine.

Alaine

[wdwlovers]

[quoteI also had to get a new IV as the current one was no longer working. A few more pokes (I think I was up to 6) were done by three different medical personnel.

[/ QUOTE ]

I understand completely what you went through with that Jennifer! It's no fun having them dig around or miss the vein again, and again, and again.
Sorry things didn't work out the way you wanted, but you definately had a great support system and understood that things don't always go the way you want them too. Thanks for sharing with us!!

[Tig&Poo]

Blessings to you all! My daughter-in-law had a c-section and recovered nicely. My little grand-son is such a sweet joy and doing just fine! I am glad that you had such awesome support with you!

[katspjs]

Wow! You're story is very similar (yet different) than mine. Plus a big baby with lots of hair - just like my Caroline - she was 9 lbs 12 oz and looked like she needed a haircut! Things you don't want to hear during delivery - "wow, look at the size of the head!"

Mazel tov! Alexander is beautiful!