You think you’re all so clever, don’t you! Getting one over on me! Well, CONGRATULATIONS because I had no freaking clue. I was never so surprised in my life.
Not sure what I’m talking about? Well, my wonderful, stupendous, fantastico friend Ann, the Janice to my Marge, managed to conspire and plot, with much help from all over, a baby shower for me! It was ridiculous! My mom, grandmom, sisters and niece all came out to LI from Philly. People traveled from near and far. Sent wonderful presents. I’m still all verklempt and shocked and honestly at a loss for words. Look for a much more detailed post to come!
The baby’s room was painted, too, and it looks better than I could’ve dreamed. G and the painter doubted my color choice but soon came around and have been proclaiming it the greatest color ever! I told them – I may not know much, but I do know color.
Then the biggest surprise of all came this morning. I went to the OB today for my 36 week check up and after determining that I’m not dilated at all, she didn’t feel the head in the correct position. She told me it was either too high still or not in the right spot, so she did a quick ultrasound and it turns out the baby is breech. Very breech. It’s high and the head is just under my ribs on the right. It’s deja vu all over again because guess what?! This is pretty much the position I was in 38 years ago. I was born by c-section, and it looks like my first born might be born that way too. Needless to say, this wasn’t the news I expected to hear today. I’ve been under the impression that the baby was head down. I’ve got some time to come to terms with what all this means and G and I and our doctor can make decisions about how we want to proceed, but I’m very disappointed. But you know what my wonderful husband said to me when I got home from the appointment? He said he’d been thinking about it since I called and the most beautiful wonderful person he’s ever known was born by c-section, so what could be so bad? God I love that man. It’ll all be good.
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! DO NOT tell me all the things I can do to turn this baby and how c-sections are evil and hospitals are evil and doctors are evil and this is all some kind of plot so my doctor can go play golf. This is my birth and my baby and what’s right for you and your family may not be right for me and mine. PLEASE! Keep your opinions to yourself. THANK YOU!
Okay. In case you haven’t heard, BITCH is the new black and I am fully embracing my inner (and sometimes outer) BITCH.
I’ll be back tomorrow with more about the shower, a picture of the baby’s room, and possibly a contest. I was dreaming about having a “when’s the baby the going to be born” contest, but now that it looks like it’s going to be planned, the wind has kind of gone out of the sails. We’ll see what I can think up!
THANK YOU again EVERYONE who was involved in this weekend’s events. I have no words! THANK YOU!
Note: This is positive!
The same thing happened to me with my first – except I was past my due date. They had told me all along the head was down. NOPE! So, I had a C-Section. Of course I was a little nervous b/c I had skipped over all of the C-section stuff in the baby books… It was fine. She weighed 10 lbs 2 oz at birth and although I had some stitches for the c-sec, the ob nurse had a good point… with a baby that big I would have needed stitches somewhere else. 🙂
Let’s face it, when you have that baby in your arms who cares about how he/she exited the womb!
I’m sure the baby’s room is beautiful, because you do have an amazing eye for color. I heard the same kinds of nonsense about C-sections when I had my two sons, 20 and 22 years ago. They were both born by C-section, and particularly with the first one, I might not be here to tell you about it if it had to be any other way. C-sections weren’t my first choice, but healthy mom and healthy babies were! Just listen to your doctor, and your baby’s birth will be exactly what it needs to be. And don’t let the Negative Nelly’s get you down.
LOL, well, I know the feeling, my little ones LOVE sitting right side up 🙂
Don’t stress too much sometimes nature makes them turn all on their own, and at this stage you will know it if there is flipping!
FWIW, I have had a few c-sections and oddly enough I still love my kids…. what will be best for you is holding a sweet wee little baby… how it gets here is pretty much immaterial as soon as it hits your hands 🙂
Do what is best for your and your baby and enjoy your time with your husband while it still the two of you. Oh, and Kelly is right, “when you have that baby in your arms who cares about how he/she exited the womb!”
My baby was manually turned around at 37 weeks by the doctor (not bad to have done actually, just a lot of pressure) and I still ended up with a c-section because he was just shy of 12 pounds. As Kelly said, in the end, it doesn’t matter how they get out, just that they do! And you know what, with a c-section, I don’t pee when I laugh!!
Bitch is the new black…embrace it your the momma!Good Luck, I enjoy your blog.
I was in the same position (actually my son was!) until 37 weeks. Just as we were talking about doing an external version, he dropped down. No worries either way. It’ll be great and the experience will be magical!
You have the best husband…bar none!
My mom had two C-sections, with both her kids. We turned out all right! Everything’s cool. I’m just excited to see this pretty baby out in the world.
The sweetest boy I know came into this world via a c-section, and while I wasted a lot of time prior to his delivery fussing(that would be code for hysterical crying), it didn’t matter once I held him. Plus, we both came out of the deal healthy. He was 10 pounds, 7 ounces with a big head and broad shoulders, need I say more? While it was not the delivery I wanted, I choose to be thankful that I live in a time and place where I have options to ensure the health of myself and my child.
Best wishes!
Cara, Maybe you don’t want these comments, either, but both my kids were born by c-section (the first emergency, the second planned, though I was hoping for a VBAC) and I loved my planned C-section! And I second what everyone else is saying — how they get here isn’t that important compared to what it’s like once they’re here! I’m sure that everything will work out fine — and if you need to take a little time to mourn the fact that your birth isn’t going to go as you hoped/planned, just let yourself. Take care of yourself!
this is your baby and if captain kirk beams it on board and you receive it via shuttle craft then that’s just that much more to put in the baby book. who cares how they get here? they’re no less special!
In case you want to hear the GOOD things about a C-Section….I got em, I had two. Both of my children were born HEALTHY due to c-sections and that is about as good as it gets!
There are a couple of other good things…but I won’t get graphic in your comments – LOL!
C-Sections aren’t bad at all. The important thing is that you and the baby are healthy. Hang in there, you are almost there.
I was born via c-section. My son, after a long labor, was born via c-section. It’s just another option out there. Whatever you do is YOUR decision, most definitely!
I LOVED “Bitch is the new black”! Hilarious! “Because bitches know how to get shit done!”
You mean the golf date thing is NOT why doctors recommend c-sections??? 😉
I was born by section, too. I’ve been ass-backwards my whole life, I guess.
I’ve had 3 c-sections; two of which were scheduled. My birth experiences were wonderful and special and incredibly bonding for my husband and me. Three of the most magical moments of my life.
36 weeks! Yay!!
There’s no wrong way to have a baby! You’ll be fine… better than fine! You’ll be a brand new momma!
Another c-section mom here. A couple of positives for c-sections are that your baby’s head doesn’t get all smushed in the birth canal, and you don’t have to have an episiotomy. You will do great!
No horror stories, just a big {{{hug}}} for you and babe.
As I said to my doctor “Any exit – let’s just get this show on the road!” Glad you were surprised – personally, I never thought they’d pull it off.
I agree with you 100%
I had my first daughter 5 years after the age that every other woman in the family had theirs.
They inundated me with “helpful” advice for an “older” mother and it took me months to get them to understand that I didn’t want any of it.
Love your strength.
My first one was a C-section too. According to the ultrasound she had her head wedged right under my ribs and her little hands on each side of her head. All I could think was that I had “Hear no evil” in my womb! ;o)
Embrace it girl. It’s totally OK at this point.
FWIW, my second was breech (we found out on my due date and I was ticked because they told me he was head down for WEEKS!!!) and there was no way on God’s green earth he was turning or coming out any other way than C-section, and trust me, we tried everything possible. It just happens sometimes. It was a very special birth, just like my other ones. It’s the one I remember most vividly, it was the least stressful for me (although I knew what to expect of babies by that point) and at least my stomach was comfortably (?) empty and my toenails painted and legs shaved. Listen to your doctors, listen to your baby.
This is positive:
At the hospital where I work we call them C-births, not sections, because the whole point is getting a healthy baby and mom. No matter how this one is born you know there’s love, and you do have one of the sweetest hubbies ever (mine is too)
Can’t wait to see what color you painted the room. At first, I thought “She painted that baby’s room black.” But then I got the reference.
Just think, you don’t have to poop on anyone! That’s a very good thing.
As one who has done it both ways, I’m here to tell you that the c-section isn’t so bad. For me it was easier than my vaginal birth, (the gorey details of which I would not dream of regaling you with here). As your first commenter said, given the choice of locations to have those stitches, I’ll take the lower abdomen any day.
In the end, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy baby. That is the most important thing.
Sorry I couldn’t be there on Saturday. My kids and thier schedules made it impossible.
No advice, just lots of love. However your baby arrives, s/he will be the love of your life and we can’t wait to meet them!
You have the sweetest husband!
I’m glad you were pleased by the shower. I’m sure everything will work out the way it’s supposed to regarding your baby’s birth.
I’ve had a number of friends and family members who have had C-sections — it didn’t make a whit of difference when it came to their happiness or the health of the mom and the baby. And, in some cases, it made all the difference in the world when it came to keeping mom and the baby healthy.
According to all the nursing staff that talked to me after I had Z, my situation should have turned into a C-section. Z would have been no less wonderful had she come to us surgically. And I hear that sitting down after a C-section is a lot more comfortable than when you have a vaginal birth. 🙂
My baby was a “double-footling breech.” At first I thought that was a little rodent that cavorted in the bracken, but it turns out she just had both her feet in the birth canal. So she sat like a little buddha until she was convinced otherwise by the C-section.
Keep that attitude once your baby is born too – the world and her husband will tell you exactly how to feed your baby, wind your baby, get your baby to sleep, what your baby should wear, how to carry your baby… etc etc… I hold by the principle that if what you’re doing works for you and the rest of the family, then it’s working – and all the well-meaning advisers can go and find something else to do.
I couldn’t have a “guess the baby’s birthday” contest for the same reason, so I planned to have a “guess the baby’s weight” challenge instead … and then the little punk came even earlier than the scheduled date and I didn’t have time to have that!
Guess the weight/guess the gender, maybe? But learn from my mistake … post it soon! 🙂
I think I’ve actually read that C-Sections are better for babies than natural childbirth. I don’t promise any accuracy, but if it’s comforting, I vote for believing it.
That said, my partner was born by unplanned C-section to his doctor mother and it doesn’t seem to have done either one of them any damage. =)
Good luck!
Both my kids went into distress during labor and were born by c-section. Both came out fine. I was also fine. You will be fine, your baby will be fine, G will be fine (although he clearly already is), it will all be fine.
(I hope it’s OK to tell you that.)
At least you’ve gotten prior warning. My doctor didn’t figure out my son was breech until after I’d been in labor for EIGHT HOURS! We all turned out fine and you guys will, too.
G is definitely a keeper. Good sense like the great color sense for your baby’s room will prevail. Best wishes!
so what’s a little teeny weeny scar beneath your bikini line? just think – the baby will not have a PICKLE HEAD (or was it cucumber? I’m too old to remember)
xxx
Objective: healthy baby. Method of delivery: irrelevant.
Doctors do not do c-sections for fun. No one does surgery on a lark.
What a man. Awesome guy.
First one was a c-section, the other two were VBACs. Have to say that though it was an easy section and recovery, the VBACs were a lot easier to recover from. Except for the undercarriage bit….
The traditional way here to help a baby turn is to crawl around on your hands and knees for twenty minutes twice a day to let your belly hang loose, and to give the baby the space to flip. Not too difficult and perhaps worth a try? But otherwise, don’t worry about it. At least with a c-section you don’t have to experience the trauma that is your first *ahem* bathroom visit after you give birth vaginally!
Your shower was so great, and your family is wonderful. I’m so glad that Ann included me in the fun! As to your potential c-section, the only important thing is a safe and healthy birth for you and your baby. Ignore the naysayers (if you encounter any) and just do what’s best for you and your family.
Incidentally, I was born by c-section a month early.
I can’t wait to see pics of your baby’s room!
I was breech!It was nearly 38 years ago! Hey we were in sync! Trouble from the start! Woo hoo!
I know, I know…you probably don’t want to hear this. But I think c-sections are super. My kid was born that way 20 years ago. And I remember that, in our birth class, there was a woman expecting her second child. Her first had been c-section and she wanted a vaginal birth for the second. She asked the instructor if she knew of any women who had experienced both and then had a third child and the instructor said, “Yes, a few.” “Well,” asked this young woman, “what method did they use for the third birth?” Well, the instructor hemmed and hawed and tried not to answer and finally said that all three had opted for a c-section.
But you know…what’s important is the end product. The delivery…in the long run, it’s not important at all.
You go with your Protective Mama Bear self! Best wishes for these final weeks and a safe birth. After all, when it comes to birth we all have our ideals, but we also have our realities. It’s how we deal with the latter that counts the most.
Over here…*waving hands*…another c-section mom! Both of my kids were delivered that way, one unplanned, the second scheduled. Beautiful experiences, beautiful children, beautiful memories. As yours will be.
(Wish I could’ve been there Saturday.)
My daughter was a footling breech too – but unlike many others she turned herself over at 37 weeks. Either way you will have a BABY!! What else matters?
I am standing by, ready to give my Doctors Are Wonderful and C-Sections Are Fabulous speech. Just give me a ringy ding.
Really I loved the whole thing. Twice. Excellent. Many fringe benefits.
xoxo Kay
Your husband said one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever heard. What a sweetie! My best to you and to baby. May the birth be happy and joyous however it occurs.
Sweetie, a healthy and happy baby by whatever means necessary is what we all hope for. My girls were c-sectioned and they turned out just fine.
Glad you had a fabulous time!
You and your baby will be fine!!! I had all 4 of mine by c-sections and don’t regret any of it – I have 4 beautiful healthy babies now – and safely too.
I had two c-births (I like that term. I’m stealing it) and they were FINE. I recovered easily, and now the products are 13 and 10 and tearing up the joint. Also just FYI, I’m a big baby when it comes to pain and even that was just fine. Que sera sera.
Oh Cara,
Don’t sweat it. My daughter was induced then a c-section. Everything was perfectly fine…so fine infact that two days later, I walked back into class (I was finishing up my degree). She’ll be 14 on Sunday, and I don’t regret for one second that I ended up with a c-section. If I had to do it all over, I’d do it the same way…well, without the 10 hours of induced labor. Schedule that sucker, get a pedicure and enjoy the new baby because once the little one gets here, it won’t matter HOW he/she got here…ya know?
Let me correct that…it was TEN days later I was in class, not TWO. I was not that much of a superwoman.
Bless your heart. First off, let me say that’s so sweet about the surprise shower. It’s so nice to know that you’re so loved and taken care of. About the maybe c-section, well, dang it. Isn’t that just like life to throw one more thing in there? I won’t say don’t worry, because I know I would anyway. Hang in there, you’re in the home stretch. Go out and buy some new yarn to squish, that always makes me feel better.
You’ve probably heard all you want from C-moms, but I just wanted to say that it’s okay to be sad it isn’t the way you want (if that’s how it turns out). I love my girls, and I will talk about how great planned sections are to anyone (and I’m 5 weeks away from my third), but there is a process (no matter how your kids are born) that you have to reconcile your experience to your expectations, but once you are through that I’m sure everything will be wonderful!
Oh goodness, I hope you don’t get awful comments about having your baby. The important thing is a healthy baby and how it happens just really isnt important. I’m sure everything will work out swimmingly for you in the end, c-section or not!
I can’t wait to see the kiddo! Every time I see a new post, I’m always wondering if this is it!
Well, I’m not touching that Bitch is the New Black feeling with a 10-foot pole (but I think I might steal it)…howEVER I will say that as much as I hate doctors and modern medicine, THIS is one time when aren’t we all glad for them? So much better to know this ahead of time and not after many unfruitful hours of labor. Mazel.
Hey, everything will be FINE!
Bring on the contest.
Oh, yeah, and here’s a hug for >.
I love your blog and following your progress.
Hey! That hug was for [[you]].
My oldest was in a posterior position. (Coming into the world face up, and has not stopped since.) I was ice skating within three weeks. Oh, and I so was not in good shape prior to, it is not like some super woman. Trust me, you were in better shape at the start than I was. You are going to be fine. Just make sure Georgie has a chair in the O-R.
Hey Cara, I don’t usually comment but had to today. It doesn’t matter how the baby gets out, as long as he/she gets out healthy! My first one was 3 mos early (plans changed in a hurry!) and my second tried to come early three times. Neither birth was the way I anticipated.
Wishing you a happy, healthy baby.
karen
so glad you had a wonderful party!!! it sounds like it was a blast! as for the whole c-section thing, you gotta do what your doctor feels is best. you both want to come out of this thing happy and healthy! also, the baby may still turn, you never know!
You do what you need to do to make sure that all goes well. Mine was a c-section and it was fine, I was fine and the baby was fine and my life afterwards was fine…you will be fine.
You do what you need to do to make sure that all goes well. Mine was a c-section and it was fine, I was fine and the baby was fine and my life afterwards was fine…you will be fine too.
You have lots of c-section stories here, and I’ll add one more. My daughter was a c-section (unplanned, after much labor), then I had a VBAC the next time with my son. Both times we went home with a wonderful baby.
As my aunt said, a c-section is the best kind of surgery there is, because you get a baby out of it!
You know that you’ll make the best decision for you and your growing family.
As you have heard already…any way you have the baby is great as long the baby is healthy and happy (and you too of course). Lots of babies are breech at 36 weeks and lots of babies manage to turn themselves around. And if not, I can tell you that the C-section is fine. I had two beautiful boys that way and would not change a thing! Easy peasy.
Well… Oh Baby likes listening to your heartbeat. How darn cute is that????
And, G is so a keeper with that comment.
Hugs and happy thoughts to you….
Yay you for reminding people to not preach!!
I’d tell you my birthin story but there isn’t one-when all the other mom’s were at the bus stop talking about the birth of their baby I was the one saying “Let’s see, room service had just delivered some food and then there was a knock on the door of the hotel room and a crying baby was handed to us and then it was just us and the crying baby-who apparently was our 5 month old daughter!” It never held up against the other mom’s stories! That 5 month old that we met in China in 1995 is now almost 13 and will be a Bat Mitzvah in 19 days. I wish you and your loved ones a safe delivery and much joy.
amysue
p.s. you won;t remember me but you sent me socks and other goodies for a swap a couple of years ago and they cheered me up on a very bad day, quite unexpectedly! Thank you again!
Embrace it!!! I love the new black :o)
My twins were born via C and I recovered quickly. The room sounds lovely and you look so happy and healthy in the photos.
Have fun!
I’m so sad that I couldn’t be at your shower… but a trip to Long Island was not in the cards for this weekend!
And while I’m sorry you didn’t get the news you were hoping for, things may still change (we’ve got a few weeks), your husband is fabulous, and surely it will all turn out all right in the end, with beautiful babies 🙂
My first baby was breech, I was disappointed when I heard at first, but it was really easy once we knew this was the position we were in, so to speak! My now 15-year-old daughter is the light of my life, no matter which way she came out!
Best of luck to you!
The point of all of this is to end up with a healthy mother and baby. If a c-section is what it takes, then so be it. I had one with my son. It’s not that bad. FWIW, all the women who gave me awful stories about c-sections had never had one!
You are gorgeous and I’m so glad that your friends managed to surprise you so thoroughly.
Hey Cara! My last babay’s delivery went NOTHING like I planned or had happen the other times and I had a hard time adjusting to that, even after she was born and all sweet. It is 100% OK to need to adjust and work it out with your hubby and doctor and do what is needed, no matter what it seems like everyone tells you you “should” do (plus, no hemorrhoids-wooHOO!!!). I have learned that in having babies, there is no right/wrong way to do it other than to GET IT OUT the safest way possible for both of you so you can love on that sweet little thing!!! Hang in there and I’m sorry for the emotional whiplash you are experiencing right now!! 🙁
Who knows? Maybe the baby will turn in the next couple of weeks? Either way, a c-section is not the end of the world. I ended up having one after 36 hrs of labor and I was definitely disappointed and was quite depressed about it afterwards, but when I look at my beautiful little girl, it really doesn’t matter how they arrive, just as long as their safe and healthy. Looking forward to seeing the painted baby’s room and shower pictures!
I’m sorry your baby has decided to turn breech, but sometimes they have a good reason to do so. You can still have a lovely birth, hopefully your doctor and the nurses can make it a positive experience for you, and you’ll end up with a happy, healthy baby with no complications.
You’re so close to holding that little one!
I had 2 vaginal births 28 & 30 years ago and an emergency c-section 25 years ago because my enormous twins were 8.4 each!! Since I’ve had both – I have to say IMHO that vaginal birth is overrated!! I’m sure I would’ve far more enjoyed the c-section had I not had 11 hours of labor before!! Besides, 25 years ago I got to stay in the hospital with my babes and be waited on for 5 glorious days (well I wasn’t exactly feeling glorious but it sure did delay in the inevitable coming home with twins and a 5 & 3 year old!!) But you know the outcome is the same – a healthy baby and momma – however it happens! I’m sending good thoughts for a safe delivery!
You are smart to filter what (and who) you’ll listen to! Ask for what you want and avoid what you don’t want! Happy C-section stories here if you want to hear them. (The really tricky part? Raising the child for the next umpteen years. Even the longest labor isn’t more than a day or two!!!) Be well.
I needed a c-section after 11 hours of induced labour and i could care less – all I ever wanted was a healthy baby and he certainly is that! believe me, i would rather have stitches in my tummy than my girly bits!!!
I needed a c-section after 11 hours of induced labour and i could care less – all I ever wanted was a healthy baby and he certainly is that! believe me, i would rather have stitches in my tummy than my girly bits!!!
I was a c-section baby, and my daughter was born through emergency c-section too. It was fine, wasn’t nearly as bad as everyone else was telling me. Yes there were discomforts where the stitches were, but I didn’t feel like I had longer or more difficult recovery compared to normal-birth mothers. And I agree with Kellie above 🙂
Also a positive comment: My first was born by C-section after a very tough attempt at labor. My twins were then born by C-section without the labor. I think the most important thing is to end the process with a healthy mom and healthy baby. How you get there is irrelevant. I was the happiest mother in the maternity ward with my twins. I knew they were healthy and I was healthy and all the rest doesn’t matter. A planned C-section was not that bad to get over. You just get up as soon as they let you and you walk around as much as they let you and you’ll recover just fine.
Good for you for being firm about not listening to the Cassandras of the world. Moms need to support each other’s choices rather than criticize each other’s choices.
The timing for finding out about the breech is essential. A friend was well into labor, 6cm dilated, and had the midwife say, “Oh, Sh&t” during her first manual check! Best to have time to get used to the idea. Best wishes.
I’m so glad that the shower came off as planned. I had really planned to be there, but life with teens can be too crazy for words. I have something for you that I’d like to send to you (for you and not the baby, so it should be okay to bring into the house even now).
Who could ever doubt your color choices?
your baby can be born safely both ways. you need to decide with your husband and doctors which is the safest way. for both of you, my first born was frank breach, and was born naturally, so it can be done safely, he is now 23. good luck and have a healthy baby.
Well, good luck in whatever you decide! All I can do is wish for you a happy, healthy birth experience, no matter how it comes.
A beautiful baby with a lovely round head and an intact perineum are all positives! It really doesn’t matter in the end how they come out! Good luck and enjoy the last few weeks. I missed the fetal movement after even though I was thrilled to pieces to finally be able to meet and hold my baby.
My daughter had hers by C-section. I went to help out for 2 weeks. Get someone to come and be your maid for a couple of weeks. You aren’t allowed to lift things. Be a princess and enjoy it! You’ll be running your a$$ off soon enough!
Another positive c section comment: I wasn’t expecting a c section either, but the whole thing was very quick and didn’t feel like an operation in the delivery room. I got to watch the docs take Emily out of what was actually a pretty small incision, and i was back on my feet in a day good as new. The only thing was that it hurt to laugh for a while, and for some hormonal reason everything was very funny to me for a few weeks, so I kept a pillow handy.
I won’t tell you that C-sections are evil. My partner had our twins by C-section, and one good thing is that C-section babies don’t get cone heads when they are born, LOL! I came close with our fourth, who was breech from 34 weeks on. We tried everything I could think of…version attempt in the hospital, acupressure, even turning myself upside down twice a day for ten minutes (can you imagine doing that pregnant? Yikes!), and guess what…nothing changed! I was prepped for my C-Section on the morning of 9/1, IV in and everything, and the doc decided at the last minute to do *one* more U/S. And the baby was head down! It was clear that nothing moved this little girl until *she* wanted to be moved. My water broke about 18 hours later and she was born on 9/2..again, born when she wanted to be, LOL!
So, even trying all this stuff isn’t a guarantee, and for me it seemed in the end like lots of wasted time and stress. And, like another poster said, the differences in your, um, functions between a vaginal and C delivery can be great!
Positive Note
I had a C-section. It was great. My baby was born safely. AND the most beautiful baby in the nursery. He’s 21 years old now. And amazing.
(on a naughty note? things stay firm and tight. he he he)
I must be hormonal because G’s comment? Brought me to tears at my desk. Boss just asked if I was OK. Heh.
Lucky you. Hugs all around!
I so wanted to be there. I’m glad you had a great time – you deserve it. Thinking of you often.
xo
Keep on rockin’, bitch. 🙂 Do what needs to be done. You’ll have all these knitters out here wishing you & baby a safe delivery & speedy recovery.
Here’s to you, Georgie, and the impending bundle of joy! Any way that baby comes into the world will be the right way!! My only advice: breathe…breathe…breathe…it’s MUCH underrated!
The goal here is baby–who cares how it comes out? But if you do end up with the c-section, you’ll get to avoid the whole pee in your pants just because you are thinking about sneezing thing! Be well, and enjoy those last moments when it’s just the two of you-your husband is a gem!
Your belly cast is beautiful! (Hmmm, I feel a bit odd saying that) :). I wish I would have done one, but I thought I had to lay on my back to do it … and 9 months in, there was no freakin’ way i was going to lay on my back, KWIM? Your husband is SUCH a wonderful guy! I think baby has felt how cold it is outside, and has crawled up in the farthest position possible because she/he does not want to come out yet! Baby ain’t a dummy! Isn’t it funny how really, it does not matter how the baby is born. The outcome will be the same, baby will be born, and suddenly you will have this fantastic, warm little bundle to love!
I had 2 C’s and 2 perfect girls. I kind of hated picking the birthdate for my second daughter but when I got to the hospital the doctor said that I had begun labor anyway which made me much happier. I will say that the second C which was planned, (the first was decided after hours of labor) was much easier to recover from so that’s a huge plus in my book for planning. Just sayin’
Don’t worry!! You will do great. C-sections are definitely not the end of the world. If your baby is breech it is much much safer to have a c-section than to try and have a breech vag delivery.
I know you don’t know me from Adam (so to speak) but I’ve had 3 c-sections myself (my first child was breech! head up on the left, bottom down, and feet up on the right) and I’m a nurse….I work in labor & delivery and also do anesthesia assist for c-sections. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about anything. 🙂
Congratulations and best wishes!! You are going to have a healthy baby….even though a c-section (if that’s what you end up with) is not what you’d planned, you are going to do great. 😀
I enjoy reading your blog. It is fun to read along with a fellow pregnant woman. I have two kids already. Both births were SO DIFFERENT! (My first is January 1 baby herself!) What I learned is that babies start expressing their personality early and we get a front row seat during the birth process. So, maybe this babe will always keep its chin up in the face of a big event. Or maybe this baby is headstrong and likes to do things its own way. Whatever the case. This is your story. I may be a homebirther. BUT, I have a lot of respect for families and I know each family and baby does it their own way (and I am glad to be able to go to a hospital if I want or need). Not right or wrong. Just their way! I am sorry you are disappointed. Pregnancy is such a time of expectation. And it is hard when we get slightly derailed. But, I know this baby is being born into loving arms and with full joy and acceptance of whyever they decided that head up is the way to be!!! Happy Gestating, and Soon Mommying!!!!
Just wanted to tell you that the last thing in the world I thought I wanted was a C-section, but when the placenta separated during my natural labor there was no choice but to have an emergency c-section under general anesthesia.
I’m happy to tell you that my daughter was perfect, my recovering was pretty easy and we are still breastfeeding 12 months later. (Not sure if you are planning to BF, but I know it is one reason why some people try to avoid a section.)
I hope the rest of your journey until you hold your little one in your arms is smooth and uneventful. 🙂
Congrats on a wonderful shower. What great friends….
By the way, tell that munchkin that it has a womb with a view. Go check out the window.
Any childbirth is an event full of joy, but also full of fear (I think… not all the time, but at some times anyway).
Natural childbirth, or C-section, it doesn’t matter. What is important is that everything will turn out well, for you and the baby, that the obstetrician and the midwives will be ready to do whatever needs to be done, and that you will be so happy and proud, and feel so lucky and elated when you hear your baby wail and when you hold him (or her?) in your arms…
I wish you, your wonderful loving husband, and your so much expected child all kinds of luck and happiness…
Good for you for putting on the disclaimer! There’s nothing like a woman about to give birth to bring out people’s horror stories, I just don’t get that.
On the positive side–I have 3 fabulous c-section stories, all involving me and 3 wonderful litte humans, so just e-mail me if you need to hear! xoxo
Someone on another blog posted that she was looking at http://spinningbabies.com/ while she was pregnant to help her position her daughter before she gave birth.
http://shortcutomushrooms.blogspot.com/2007/09/spin-those-babies-round-and-round.html
I have no kids, so I don’t know if any of it works.
Oops! I totally misread that. How embarrassing. Please delete that. C-sections are certainly safe this day and age, and there are certainly advantages to picking the due date.
It’s all gonna be just great! Looks like Ann did a great job. It was nice to know that the shower was coming 😉 I actually knew what was happening with a famous person before she did!
You’ve got a good husband! Good man!
When do we get to see the baby room colour?
Hey, as long as baby and mama are both healthy and happy, who cares how baby is born?
I’ve had four. 2 vag, and 2 c-sec. I was gifted with four fabulous experiences and four special daughters. Can hardly wait for your gift to come.
How about some baby-turning vibes then? 🙂
My son flipped constantly until 40 weeks, so it was anyone’s guess until the end. Don’t worry!
Best wishes for mom, baby, and dad. The delivery style isn’t as important as a healthy, happy family.
Cool on the shower and the baby room color! Can’t wait to see pics.
My favorite uncle decided to come into the world that way. My grandma birthed five babies at home with a midwife, but for some reason went to the hospital for the sixth, maybe because she was “older” by then… the one she really needed to be there for.
XOXOX to you! It will all work out as it should.
LMAO – yeah, having a baby is like getting married I found. Everyone knows exactly what you have to do or absolutely cannot do, and they’ve got a million horror stories to back up their point of view.
Finally, after MONTHS of this before the wedding, I finally snapped and said “Look at the end of the day, if he and I are legally wed, then the day will have been a total success, as far as I’m concerned.” The look of shock (and horror!) on that person’s face was priceless.
Same with being pregnant & going through delivery – as long as the two of you come out of it ok and everyone is healthy and you and the babe end up back home with G as soon as reasonably possible, then really – isn’t that what truly matters in the end??????
Ooh, I can’t wait to see what color you painted. And don’t immediately assume c-section, you still have a ways to go, babies can flip flop everyday (if they are the crazy kind!) My baby was 9 days late and would have been later if the doctor’s didn’t intervene (induction) so you never know!
I’m glad they’re monitoring you so closely. I found out my girl was breech AFTER my water broke though I kept pestering my doctor beforehand that I felt like her head was in under my breast. Nobody listened to me.
You now have time to prepare yourself for whatever lies ahead. To be honest, I was secretly relieved because I am a huge weenie and was petrified of labor. Whatever your experience is going to be, it will be what is best for you, G, and baby.
Can’t wait to follow your progress!
Better to find out that the baby is breech *now* rather than when you’re already in labor (says the voice of experience). I’m sure that it will all work out, and your baby will be just beautiful. I wish you an easy delivery no matter how it’s done.
I’m a C-section baby!! haha and Yes I think it’s a perfectly good option – we have nicer heads 😉
Congrats on the baby shower! I am so happy they got one over on you 🙂
Natural, epidural, home birth, c-section….at the end of the day, all that matters is you are holding that beautiful bundle of joy and love in your arms. You can discuss “right and wrong ways to deliver” until you are blue in the face. But it’s what comes after the delivery that will light your life for the rest of your days!!! Very best of luck.
My son was breech at 38 weeks and I had a c-section – absolutely no problems! He was fine, I was fine, it was all good. Nothing to worry about! :o)
Hey, you’ve got 4 weeks to go, there’s still plenty of time for Baby-you to turn, and even if s/he doesn’t, there are much worse things in the world than c-sections. I was dead set against them until I had my little girl — I think I wouldn’t be here if I’d gone all psycho-natural-birth on the doc. and that would be no fun for anyone. So happy thoughts to you and yours for a healthy baby, healthy mama, and healthy birth, however you get there.
You certainly do know color! Let’s see what color the baby’s room is so we can ooh and ahh over it, too. Back when I had my babies [1 vaginally, 1 c-section], and I was stressing over what the births would be like, my DH reminded me that it’s all about raising the children, not birthing them. The fuss reminded us both about how people focus so much on weddings, rather than the marriage itself.
De lurking to offer the only piece of advice I give new moms… it doesn’t matter where anyone sleeps as long as everyone does. I had 3 boys w/in 4 yrs and a hubby who works nights… believe me sleep whether it’s in a car seat, your bed, the couch, the rocker, the crib… I could go on and on, lol. It’s all good because if baby isn’t sleeping your not sleeping and that makes for very hard parenting. Good luck and best wishes.
My c-section was a wonderful experience, yours will be fine too. Just don’t be afraid to get up and walk around when they tell you to and you won’t get stiff. Good Luck!
You are RIGHT – Bitch IS the new BLACK and I that’s the way I voted!
Love,
C-section Mommy of boy who was Breech from day one!
Good luck with your C-section. I don’t have any kids, but it doesn’t sound like the worst birth option to me. If it makes you feel any better, a friend of mine was told just yesterday that she too has a breech baby and she’s also having a c-section sometime soon. I’m busy knitting a couple pairs of Saartje’s Bootees which look great in leftover STR.
you know i have been so busy lately that it takes a very important person or a very important post to make me stop and comment. and you my dear friend fulfil both of those requirements.
i was also a c-section(born 38 years ago incidently)…and i tell you what, we c-section babies rock!
do what’s best for you and your baby chicky!
POSITIVE! everyone I know that had a C -section turned out great: Mom, baby and Dad.
It is what it is, which is the way it is supposed to be.
My baby was the same – no dilation and breech. I had a ceasar and it went fine. In the end all that matters is that they arrive safe and sound. Oh, and ceasar babies don’t have that bright red, squashed head look either.
Good Luck!
My second was in that positions at 36 weeks also. The Dr wanted to turn the baby himself. I think I yelled HELL NO.
He did turn himself by the next week so all was well….. and I didn;t “do” anything to try and get him to turn. He decided himself that he was not in the right position.
No matter how you deliver, the end result is the same. You will be blessed with a wonderful baby to get to know and love.
Congrats and you and your little family will be in my thoughts!
You are so right – it IS your birth and experience. This is happy: I had an emergency C-section, and yours will be planned. Much calmer, happier, etc. And your baby will be born SO BEAUTIFUL!!! Nothing prettier than a C-section baby’s head. My son was asleep when they brought him out. 😀 And was a peaceful baby. You’ll all be just Great!!
You nailed it – it’s your birth, your family – do whatever is right for you! Best wishes! Amy – mommy to 2 sweet girls that were born healthy (all that matters!)
Have had 3 c-sections, 2 scheduled (by necessity-giant baby+ breech does not = vag birth… even if I have a butt the size of a small state.– sorry- personally got pretty sick of hearing shock over the need for a ‘c section, since I have SUCH WIDE and made for childbearing hips….to which I always wanted to reply: Babies do not come from butts people!) & one after an attempted v-bac birth… all I can say- is for those of us who need them and who like control…. scheduled is the way to go;)+ recovery from c-section without having to also recover from exhausting labor was considerably better.
ps- I’ve recovered well from all 3 c-sections…wanted to go ice skating 2 weeks after the first one… but the extended family took a vote. “NO Way” was their final answer.
At the end of the day- it’s just about getting the baby born… doesn’t matter how;)
can
t wait to see the nursery;)
As someone who is 34 weeks pregnant and a little worried about how big this baby might be – reading all of these comments has been wonderful. Especially the women who talked about how quick their recovery was after a c-section because that is what I really want – to be able to spend time with my healthy baby as soon as possible. Your husband sounds wonderful – just like mine. My friend just introduced me to your blog yesterday and I have been throughly enjoying it – there are so many things I can relate to, maybe that is because I was born on January 1st too?
I had 5 babies, one natural and 4 sections. I’ll tell you you either hurt before or your hurt after. I can’t say one was better or worse than the other, just different. Never fear.
It’s really too bad that we women sometimes have to feel that we have to be “a bitch” just to tell people not to be rude or to invade our space, which is a basic human right. I don’t think it’s being a bitch at all to make that statement, and I say right on, and do what you need to do to have a calm pregnancy and a healthy baby.
And I am so going to steal, “Bitch is the new black.”
Many, many (almost all) of my female physician friends, including several OB’s have had scheduled C-sections…on purpose. Why? Aside from work convenience, very important when you have to plan your call schedule, they do it because you have a hugely better chance of having no problems associated with vaginal births…the worst being trauma to your bladder (sometimes permanent)..and of course tearing and/or the episiotomy, which is not fun and either can also cause damage. In my opinion, they don’t want to do c-sections for everyone because of the cost. If men had babies..I bet c-sections would be the usual thing.
I wanted to kiss Tina Fey. But she probably would’ve slapped me. And I would’ve deserved it. Bitch on.
My daughter was born via an unplanned C-birth (I love that term) and she was big and healthy. It didn’t really feel like surgery–because you’re awake the whole time. If you do have a C-birth, ask the doc (beforehand) to bring the baby over to you (your head) for a minute before they take him/her to be checked. That was so amazing…