Showing posts with label C-section. Show all posts
Showing posts with label C-section. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with an OB/GYN who has been in practice for over 50 years. We chatted about everything birth, including the fact that he is stunned about the current C-Section rate. I was blown away when he told me that when he was practicing, they would be "written up" if your personal C-Section rate was more than 4%. WOW! Have times changed...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
In a recent article about the rising c-section rate, I quite enjoyed this quote:
"Any woman having a baby should care about the cesarean rate,” says Desirre Andrews, president of the International Cesarean Awareness Network, an advocacy group that promotes vaginal birth. “They should be concerned about the likelihood of ending up in the OR because we know what is healthiest is unfettered birth. Women are starting to believe they can't have babies. It's becoming the cultural norm for women to believe they're broken.”
Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2010/12/20/c-sections-on-the-rise-especially-for-black-moms/#ixzz18ytPiTMX
"Any woman having a baby should care about the cesarean rate,” says Desirre Andrews, president of the International Cesarean Awareness Network, an advocacy group that promotes vaginal birth. “They should be concerned about the likelihood of ending up in the OR because we know what is healthiest is unfettered birth. Women are starting to believe they can't have babies. It's becoming the cultural norm for women to believe they're broken.”
Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2010/12/20/c-sections-on-the-rise-especially-for-black-moms/#ixzz18ytPiTMX
Sunday, September 26, 2010
James’ Birth - September 7, 2010
“the secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”
-buddha
James’ Birth ~ September 7, 2010
Dear James:
On the day you were born, your mommy and daddy’s world was changed forever.
That morning when your labor began, it was happening much quicker than expected. Your mommy and daddy didn’t know what to think! Was this what they had been planning? Not exactly, but they did exactly what they needed to do. They stayed calm, and found comfort in each other. When they called me, they said your mommy’s contractions were getting increasingly stronger, longer and closer together. Active labor didn’t last a very long time – only about 6 hours. Your mommy was overwhelmed by the intensity of it all. The “birth plan” was not exactly in effect. When your mommy and daddy arrived at the hospital, the staff was amazed! Your strong mommy was already in transition! She allowed herself to work with you to get your ready for the world.
But then, when you were ready, something bigger than any of us stepped in and decided you needed to be born in your own way. All of your mommy’s hard work prepared you for your entrance into this world. And though it was not exactly how we’d had it planned, you were here and safe. Your mommy recovered quickly, while your daddy gazed into your eyes with joy. Shortly after delivery, you landed in your mommy’s arms, right where wanted to be.
We learned a great lesson from you that day: birth, just like life, is unpredictable. But you are here and we are grateful for that. Welcome to the world!
-buddha
James’ Birth ~ September 7, 2010
Dear James:
On the day you were born, your mommy and daddy’s world was changed forever.
That morning when your labor began, it was happening much quicker than expected. Your mommy and daddy didn’t know what to think! Was this what they had been planning? Not exactly, but they did exactly what they needed to do. They stayed calm, and found comfort in each other. When they called me, they said your mommy’s contractions were getting increasingly stronger, longer and closer together. Active labor didn’t last a very long time – only about 6 hours. Your mommy was overwhelmed by the intensity of it all. The “birth plan” was not exactly in effect. When your mommy and daddy arrived at the hospital, the staff was amazed! Your strong mommy was already in transition! She allowed herself to work with you to get your ready for the world.
But then, when you were ready, something bigger than any of us stepped in and decided you needed to be born in your own way. All of your mommy’s hard work prepared you for your entrance into this world. And though it was not exactly how we’d had it planned, you were here and safe. Your mommy recovered quickly, while your daddy gazed into your eyes with joy. Shortly after delivery, you landed in your mommy’s arms, right where wanted to be.
We learned a great lesson from you that day: birth, just like life, is unpredictable. But you are here and we are grateful for that. Welcome to the world!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
VBACs
An interesting article in the New York Times entitled Panel Urges New Look at Caesarean Guidelines addresses some of the issues surrounding VBACs. It talks about the need to further investigate the risks and benefits of VBACs to both mothers and babies.
There are both risks and benefits to choosing to attempt a VBAC. Instead of making the choice unavailable to women, we should work on informing them of the risk so they can make an educated decision. As with all topics related to pregnancy, labor, birth and parenting, providing information and options for each woman can help her make a decision that is right for her and her baby - after all, it is her body.
In the article called Lessons as Indian Hospital About Births New York Times examines the incidence of VBACs at a Navajo hospital in Arizona. Check it out, its interesting stuff!
There are both risks and benefits to choosing to attempt a VBAC. Instead of making the choice unavailable to women, we should work on informing them of the risk so they can make an educated decision. As with all topics related to pregnancy, labor, birth and parenting, providing information and options for each woman can help her make a decision that is right for her and her baby - after all, it is her body.
In the article called Lessons as Indian Hospital About Births New York Times examines the incidence of VBACs at a Navajo hospital in Arizona. Check it out, its interesting stuff!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Rising C-Section Rates
Article about the rise in c-section rates in Westchester.
Click to read
I hope this issue becomes more public because it is a problem. Women need to be made aware of these statistics and find out the proper information about c-sections. They not fool proof.
When I posted this article on my facebook, one of my friends commented "I had 2 planned C-sections, the first was because he was already too big when i was 7 months and when born was 10lbs and the 2nd was because my obgyn didnt advise doing a VBAC, and he was only 7lbs 14oz...either way I wish I went natural, they did a toll on me!"
Click to read
I hope this issue becomes more public because it is a problem. Women need to be made aware of these statistics and find out the proper information about c-sections. They not fool proof.
When I posted this article on my facebook, one of my friends commented "I had 2 planned C-sections, the first was because he was already too big when i was 7 months and when born was 10lbs and the 2nd was because my obgyn didnt advise doing a VBAC, and he was only 7lbs 14oz...either way I wish I went natural, they did a toll on me!"
Friday, January 15, 2010
Happy Birthday Gloria!
My most recent birth was an interesting one. I met Charice when she was 37 weeks pregnant after her doctor suggested that she might be interested in having a doula at her birth. Myself and a fellow doula went to her house to meet with her. We met her and her lovely husband and had a wonderful talk about what it means to have a doula and how we might be able to help her get the birth she wanted. Problem was, she didn't really know what type of birth she wanted. Together we gave her a mini childbirth education lesson and by the end of the visit, she seemed more confident in her birth plans, and excited about the thought of giving birth with a doula by her side. My doula partner and I agreed to work with her and went on our way.
A couple of weeks later, Charice started having contractions. My partner, Silvie, went to her house to help her through the early labor contractions. Silvie said Charice managed them very well which was very good news considering one of her biggest concerns was that she would have an anxiety attack during labor because she was very prone to anxiety. Her contractions started and stopped and ended up being a case of a false alarm. When her due date came and went, the doctor said he would have to induce Charice a week after her estimated due date. That day came and I was on-call. So I met Charice and her husband at the hospital 16 hours after they started her induction.
At this point, Charice had been induced with cervidil (a synthetic prostaglandin tampon inserted to help soften and hopefully dilate the cervix), a folly catheter, and pitocin. Her contractions were about 4 minutes apart and she was handling them beautifully, breathing deep and staying calm. I encouraged her to continue doing this as it seemed to be working for her. She was 1 cm dilated, a slow start to a long labor. I stayed by her side, helping her to remember what she was doing and that she would soon get to meet her baby. Every single person who walked in the room said "have you gotten your epidural yet?" and she just shook her head and kept breathing. At one point, one of the doctors tried so hard to convince her to get an epidural, he said "You know, these contractions are NOTHING, you just wait and you will see how painful it is. I don't know why you're doing this without pain medication." Charice just told him that she was doing fine and kept trucking. I was so proud of her for sticking up for herself! Charice's husband supported her decision to try to go as long as she could without an epidural and held her hand through the intense contractions.
15 hours later, Charice was only 4 cm and not feeling great. She hadn't slept since the induction began and was just exhausted from managing the tough pitocin contractions. The doctors were being patient but things weren't looking like they were going to change. They finally convinced her to get an epidural, hoping that she would get some rest. 30 minutes after the epidural was placed, she had an exam which helped the doctors determine that Charice's baby was presenting ear first, which meant C-section.
A half hour later, Charice's baby girl was born, weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce. Charice was overjoyed to finally meet her daughter. The new family fell in love right away and are doing great. Charice said she was a bit disappointed that her birth ended in C-section but happy to have a healthy baby. Doctors promised her that a VBAC for her next baby would be a possibility, and I think that put Charice at ease.
Always a learning experience...
A couple of weeks later, Charice started having contractions. My partner, Silvie, went to her house to help her through the early labor contractions. Silvie said Charice managed them very well which was very good news considering one of her biggest concerns was that she would have an anxiety attack during labor because she was very prone to anxiety. Her contractions started and stopped and ended up being a case of a false alarm. When her due date came and went, the doctor said he would have to induce Charice a week after her estimated due date. That day came and I was on-call. So I met Charice and her husband at the hospital 16 hours after they started her induction.
At this point, Charice had been induced with cervidil (a synthetic prostaglandin tampon inserted to help soften and hopefully dilate the cervix), a folly catheter, and pitocin. Her contractions were about 4 minutes apart and she was handling them beautifully, breathing deep and staying calm. I encouraged her to continue doing this as it seemed to be working for her. She was 1 cm dilated, a slow start to a long labor. I stayed by her side, helping her to remember what she was doing and that she would soon get to meet her baby. Every single person who walked in the room said "have you gotten your epidural yet?" and she just shook her head and kept breathing. At one point, one of the doctors tried so hard to convince her to get an epidural, he said "You know, these contractions are NOTHING, you just wait and you will see how painful it is. I don't know why you're doing this without pain medication." Charice just told him that she was doing fine and kept trucking. I was so proud of her for sticking up for herself! Charice's husband supported her decision to try to go as long as she could without an epidural and held her hand through the intense contractions.
15 hours later, Charice was only 4 cm and not feeling great. She hadn't slept since the induction began and was just exhausted from managing the tough pitocin contractions. The doctors were being patient but things weren't looking like they were going to change. They finally convinced her to get an epidural, hoping that she would get some rest. 30 minutes after the epidural was placed, she had an exam which helped the doctors determine that Charice's baby was presenting ear first, which meant C-section.
A half hour later, Charice's baby girl was born, weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce. Charice was overjoyed to finally meet her daughter. The new family fell in love right away and are doing great. Charice said she was a bit disappointed that her birth ended in C-section but happy to have a healthy baby. Doctors promised her that a VBAC for her next baby would be a possibility, and I think that put Charice at ease.
Always a learning experience...
Friday, June 12, 2009
A Big One
Justin’s Birth
June 1, 2009
2:59am
10 pounds, 8.4 ounces
22 ¼ inches
When Katie’s sister, Jo, called me at 11:30pm she told me that Katie’s water had just broken and that they were going to relax because her contractions had not started yet. I told her to call me if things changed. The phone rang again at 1:30am but this time it was Katie. All she said was “can you come over and show me some breathing techniques because the pain is getting bad.” I said yes and got going. I arrived at her house around 2:15am. She was visibly uncomfortable but still chit-chatty so as to seem that she was managing her pain very well. Her sister and mom were asleep. I helped her breath through her contractions as they came, every 4 or 5 minutes. She changed positions every half hour or so and that seemed to help. We went for a walk, she took a hot shower, we ate breakfast and before we knew it, it was 8am. We managed to stay home until 11:30am. If the doctor hadn’t requested that we come in, Katie could have definitely labored at home for a while longer. But since her water broke 12 hours prior, the doctor felt we should come in.
When we arrived at the hospital, it took a while for Katie to get checked out. I noticed how much the hospital atmosphere changed the vibe of Katie and her labor. She seemed a little more scared and anxious to have her baby. When they checked her at 1:30pm, she was 4 centimeters dilated. I could tell this disappointed Katie because she had been in labor for more than 12 hours and was hoping that she was 6 or 7 by now. I tried to reassure her, letting her know that we would labor at the hospital until the job was done. She got an epidural a few hours later to relieve her discomfort and hopefully get some sleep. Katie’s labor might have lasted two days but unfortunately she acquired a fever and her baby’s heart rate was going up. The doctors tried some Tylenol and although Katie was 7 centimeters at 2:30am, 26 hours after her water broke, the doctors agreed that a C-section was the only option. She seemed disappointed but she put in a very good effort, and I was so proud of her. It can be hard to go through such a long labor in a hospital setting.
So, her 10 pound, 8.4 ounce baby boy was born at 2:59am on June 1st. When the doctor came to tell us in the waiting room, we were stunned at the size of this guy! Her Dad said “oh he is definitely going to be a football player!” The doctor had a few pictures to show us so that was exciting. When I saw Katie in recovery a few minutes later, she looked okay but was fast asleep. After all that hard work, how wouldn’t be tired? She needed to rest.
I left around 4am, got home at 5am, and crashed…
June 1, 2009
2:59am
10 pounds, 8.4 ounces
22 ¼ inches
When Katie’s sister, Jo, called me at 11:30pm she told me that Katie’s water had just broken and that they were going to relax because her contractions had not started yet. I told her to call me if things changed. The phone rang again at 1:30am but this time it was Katie. All she said was “can you come over and show me some breathing techniques because the pain is getting bad.” I said yes and got going. I arrived at her house around 2:15am. She was visibly uncomfortable but still chit-chatty so as to seem that she was managing her pain very well. Her sister and mom were asleep. I helped her breath through her contractions as they came, every 4 or 5 minutes. She changed positions every half hour or so and that seemed to help. We went for a walk, she took a hot shower, we ate breakfast and before we knew it, it was 8am. We managed to stay home until 11:30am. If the doctor hadn’t requested that we come in, Katie could have definitely labored at home for a while longer. But since her water broke 12 hours prior, the doctor felt we should come in.
When we arrived at the hospital, it took a while for Katie to get checked out. I noticed how much the hospital atmosphere changed the vibe of Katie and her labor. She seemed a little more scared and anxious to have her baby. When they checked her at 1:30pm, she was 4 centimeters dilated. I could tell this disappointed Katie because she had been in labor for more than 12 hours and was hoping that she was 6 or 7 by now. I tried to reassure her, letting her know that we would labor at the hospital until the job was done. She got an epidural a few hours later to relieve her discomfort and hopefully get some sleep. Katie’s labor might have lasted two days but unfortunately she acquired a fever and her baby’s heart rate was going up. The doctors tried some Tylenol and although Katie was 7 centimeters at 2:30am, 26 hours after her water broke, the doctors agreed that a C-section was the only option. She seemed disappointed but she put in a very good effort, and I was so proud of her. It can be hard to go through such a long labor in a hospital setting.
So, her 10 pound, 8.4 ounce baby boy was born at 2:59am on June 1st. When the doctor came to tell us in the waiting room, we were stunned at the size of this guy! Her Dad said “oh he is definitely going to be a football player!” The doctor had a few pictures to show us so that was exciting. When I saw Katie in recovery a few minutes later, she looked okay but was fast asleep. After all that hard work, how wouldn’t be tired? She needed to rest.
I left around 4am, got home at 5am, and crashed…
Fear in Childbirth
Fear in Childbirth Video
A nice video made by nursing students attempting to capture the issue of fears about childbirth. I think this video does a nice job of stating facts and research while supporting women by saying that fear is NORMAL and natural. It is important for us to support, educate, and tend to women in labor to diminish their fears and help them have a smooth birth experience. A positive birth experience plays a big role in mother's satisfaction about parenting and her ability to have a baby. We need to let women know that they can do it by providing them with that unconditional care and support they really need and is too often overlooked.
A nice video made by nursing students attempting to capture the issue of fears about childbirth. I think this video does a nice job of stating facts and research while supporting women by saying that fear is NORMAL and natural. It is important for us to support, educate, and tend to women in labor to diminish their fears and help them have a smooth birth experience. A positive birth experience plays a big role in mother's satisfaction about parenting and her ability to have a baby. We need to let women know that they can do it by providing them with that unconditional care and support they really need and is too often overlooked.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Raheem's Birth
Raheem’s Birth
May 3, 2009
10:59am
7 pounds, 0 ounces
When I met with Loretta for the first time, I was very fond of her. She was a sweet Jamaican woman, pregnant with her first baby, and a little bit nervous about her upcoming labor and delivery. I assured her that we would labor at home for as long as possible, hoping that would progress her labor some before we arrived at the hospital. But, you can never be sure about the plan of action until the day actually comes. Loretta’s labor started a few days after her due date but seemed to keep slowing down and stalling over the course of about 3 days. And than, early Sunday morning, at about 3:30 a.m. she called me to say that they were going to the hospital because her contractions had picked up quite a bit. I was happy and excited and on my way. When I arrived, I was surprised when the nurse at the Labor and Delivery check in desk told me to wait in the waiting area until Loretta was out of the triage room. Okay, fine, I thought, at least she has her partner, Damien, with her. A few minutes later, Damien comes strolling off the elevator. Now I was a little confused and upset that Loretta was by herself. Damien went to the L&D desk and asked if he could go back there to be with Loretta. The same nurse replied, with the same answer. We waited patiently for a few minutes which turned into an hour. Finally, we were allowed to go see Loretta. She looked a little scared and was hooked up to monitors, IVs and an oxygen mask already. The doctor explained that there had been some meconium in her water when they were broken so they had to keep a close eye on her and her baby. We got settled and figured out ways to work with the machines to help her get through her contractions. She did an amazing job, breathing through each one, and taking them one at a time. Hours passed and she was slowly but surely dilating. Dr. Josephs was very supportive and allowed her to stand up, in hopes of making Loretta as comfortable as possible. By 9:00 a.m., Loretta was beginning to feel very uncomfortable so she decided to request an epidural. There was an emergency in the hospital so the anesthesiologist was unavailable. Loretta managed her pain beautifully, and I was very impressed with her goddess-like strength. Damien and I worked together to provide emotional support for Loretta as she progressed. Soon she reached 10 centimeters but still wanted an epidural. Dr. Josephs said that it might be a good idea because she would probably be pushing for a while.
When the head doctor came in to check to see if she would be a good candidate for an epidural at this point, she announced that Loretta would need to deliver her baby via C-section. We were all a bit shocked because there was no mention of this possibility up until this point. They explained that there were a few different factors stacked up against her, and did not think the baby would handle the pushing stage very well. I could tell Loretta was confused. All of that, for a C-section? I tried to reassure her, telling her she did well and the best she could. Damien seemed a little bit sad but realized that his baby’s health might be in jeopardy if he was not delivered soon. The next couple of hours were slow, as I waited for Loretta and Damien to come out of the operating room. Baby Raheem was born at 10:59 on Sunday, May 3rd. He was 7 pounds. I was able to see Loretta in recovery after her surgery. She seemed tired but happy that her baby was here. I gave her my best, and left, as she needed to rest up. Raheem was in the NICU, being monitored. I got the chance to go with Dad to visit him, which was very exciting and is usually not allowed in this hospital. I was grateful. He looked beautiful. It was a long journey but Mom, Dad and baby seemed to be happy, and healthy. I was happy and proud of Loretta for all of her hard work.
May 3, 2009
10:59am
7 pounds, 0 ounces
When I met with Loretta for the first time, I was very fond of her. She was a sweet Jamaican woman, pregnant with her first baby, and a little bit nervous about her upcoming labor and delivery. I assured her that we would labor at home for as long as possible, hoping that would progress her labor some before we arrived at the hospital. But, you can never be sure about the plan of action until the day actually comes. Loretta’s labor started a few days after her due date but seemed to keep slowing down and stalling over the course of about 3 days. And than, early Sunday morning, at about 3:30 a.m. she called me to say that they were going to the hospital because her contractions had picked up quite a bit. I was happy and excited and on my way. When I arrived, I was surprised when the nurse at the Labor and Delivery check in desk told me to wait in the waiting area until Loretta was out of the triage room. Okay, fine, I thought, at least she has her partner, Damien, with her. A few minutes later, Damien comes strolling off the elevator. Now I was a little confused and upset that Loretta was by herself. Damien went to the L&D desk and asked if he could go back there to be with Loretta. The same nurse replied, with the same answer. We waited patiently for a few minutes which turned into an hour. Finally, we were allowed to go see Loretta. She looked a little scared and was hooked up to monitors, IVs and an oxygen mask already. The doctor explained that there had been some meconium in her water when they were broken so they had to keep a close eye on her and her baby. We got settled and figured out ways to work with the machines to help her get through her contractions. She did an amazing job, breathing through each one, and taking them one at a time. Hours passed and she was slowly but surely dilating. Dr. Josephs was very supportive and allowed her to stand up, in hopes of making Loretta as comfortable as possible. By 9:00 a.m., Loretta was beginning to feel very uncomfortable so she decided to request an epidural. There was an emergency in the hospital so the anesthesiologist was unavailable. Loretta managed her pain beautifully, and I was very impressed with her goddess-like strength. Damien and I worked together to provide emotional support for Loretta as she progressed. Soon she reached 10 centimeters but still wanted an epidural. Dr. Josephs said that it might be a good idea because she would probably be pushing for a while.
When the head doctor came in to check to see if she would be a good candidate for an epidural at this point, she announced that Loretta would need to deliver her baby via C-section. We were all a bit shocked because there was no mention of this possibility up until this point. They explained that there were a few different factors stacked up against her, and did not think the baby would handle the pushing stage very well. I could tell Loretta was confused. All of that, for a C-section? I tried to reassure her, telling her she did well and the best she could. Damien seemed a little bit sad but realized that his baby’s health might be in jeopardy if he was not delivered soon. The next couple of hours were slow, as I waited for Loretta and Damien to come out of the operating room. Baby Raheem was born at 10:59 on Sunday, May 3rd. He was 7 pounds. I was able to see Loretta in recovery after her surgery. She seemed tired but happy that her baby was here. I gave her my best, and left, as she needed to rest up. Raheem was in the NICU, being monitored. I got the chance to go with Dad to visit him, which was very exciting and is usually not allowed in this hospital. I was grateful. He looked beautiful. It was a long journey but Mom, Dad and baby seemed to be happy, and healthy. I was happy and proud of Loretta for all of her hard work.
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