Feeling conflicted, guilty and undecided about how to birth baby #2

Yes most definatley :) Just give it to your OB before your date and discuss it with him like you would anything else. I had delayed cord clamping (which didnt happen) but I got everything else. I got bubs on me the entire time I was being stitched up, hubby was there the whole time, the staff took a picture of hubby and me and bubs, She was on me in recovery however I was a bit out of it, later I learnt this was from the morphine so I'll be requesting pethedine instead next time as I had a massive itching fit for hours afterwards, and we BF back in the room. I unwrapped her in recovery and layed her on my chest, the midwives kept fussing but I just refused to let her be rewrapped, she just snuggled and fell asleep. Feeding well or not is largely up to bubs, however C/S does contribute a bit, but not poor suck etc thats the baby heh so dont be too hard on yourself :) ( which is what we had)

And dont stress if you dont have the energy to BF in recovery, I didnt the midwives scolded me (which started a week of bullying and intimidation about not being able to produce enough milk and bad advice and resulting comp feeding but hey) but just ignore them, Just do whatever feels natural. This is what I will change next time. No midwife is going to make me feel that way again.

Blondie, my DD slept through her first night too, and i didn't wake her for feeds either. DS didn't feed much in first 12 hours either.

Have you thought about writing a breastfeeding plan too? https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-...stfeeding-plan

And yep, definitely write a C/s plan.

Just on the breastfeeding - I fed DD2 sooner after the Caesar than I did DD1 after a VB. My milk also came in a lot quicker too - day 3 compared to Day 7. I had attachment issues with both but that's because I have really large nipples and not to do with their mode of birth. While it's ideal to get breastfeeding off to a great start, also be aware that it's widely regarded that its possible to teach bottle fed babies to breastfeed under 12 weeks of age as its something they do instinctively. I know this because I relactated with DD2 at nine weeks of age. I say this because it's really easy to beat ourselves up about what we did or didn't do in the first hours/days but there's a big window to put things 'right'.

Thanks so much for your encouragement ladies :) I was feeling a bit paranoid about the BF'ing side of things. A lot of things were not in my favour with DS, really big boobs, large and flat nipples and my flow was very fast. DS chomped down a lot when he was latching because of the flow, which caused thrush on the nipples, cracks (which I can still see today!) and mastitis. I also had enough milk to feed triplets according to a nurse :redface: argh!

I am going to write a breastfeeding plan and then a birthing plan and see how I go. I really hope my OB is supportive. Going through the public system and I have heard it's a bit of a hit and miss....IYKWIM

Lolpigs - I need to take a leaf out of your book and most of the other ladies in here as well....(I could make an encyclopeida of all the good advice I have been given in here) everyone is detrimined to have the experience they so rightly deserve. I can make my first labour my rough draft, and my second my masterpiece! LOL

HotI - I'm definetly going to check that out! Thanks sweet! :)

FionaS - That's amazing! Well done! I have never heard that but I suppose it is natural instinct isn't it?! That has made me feel heaps better. But it makes me sad to think that I still might have had a chance with DS had I just sought some more help and not been "put off" by people. The nurse I went to see basically weighed my Son and told me that he was a perfect weight and I was doing well. Didn't bother watching me feed, or asking how I was feeling about the issues I was having. Told me, everyone has issues and that they will work themselves out. If the woman had bothered to talk to me she would have realised that waiting for the issues to "work themselves out" wasn't an option I was stressed out and neeeded help now! Next time I am going to be pushy about what I want.

Just wanted to update everyone....I am going in for my first OB appointment this Thursday, which I was told will be the appointment where we discuss birth options. I have decided to press forward with my decision for a c-section. I talked to a midwife about it last week at my appointment and she was supportive when I told her about my labour last time and why I was considering a c-section, she told me ultimately the Doctor will decide whether I can have one or not, but if I feel strongly enough about it and present him/her with my reasons it would certainly be considered.

Now I am feeling a little bit stressed about if they say no....

I am also having the talk with DH tonight about the whole thing...I want him to realise that I will be out of action and there will be times where he will have to "fend for himself" while I attend to the baby, plus ensure he is aware of recovery times etc.

Sounds like you're at peace about your decision :hug:

I've never heard of a standard Dr not agreeing to a c/s in circumstances like yours.

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Sounds like you're at peace about your decision :hug:

I've never heard of a standard Dr not agreeing to a c/s in circumstances like yours.

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thanks hon - I do feel more settled and at peace :-) yeah, I don't think they would refuse me but you never know.

Blondie,

I am wishing you all the very best for your upcoming arrival of your little one. Your decision to choose a c-sect is a very valid one & I believe that the OBS will be supportive given why.

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Blondie,

I am wishing you all the very best for your upcoming arrival of your little one. Your decision to choose a c-sect is a very valid one & I believe that the OBS will be supportive given why.

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Thank you so much :) I can't believe I am nearing the halfway mark! Time is flying - and OMG you are about to pop! So exciting!

Well appointment went really well :) the Doctor was a lovely person and let me explain everything to her, by the end of it she was in tears...which made me cry. She said the choice was mine but that she would support a C-section for me. All I wanted to hear was that she would support my decision so I am really happy with the outcome. Couldn't have asked for a more positive experience :) now I feel like I can relax and enjoy my pregnancy...thanks to everyone for being there for me and for helping and guiding me to establish what I want for my next birth :hug:

Greant news Blondie :) Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and birth of your new bubba!

Fantastic news - I know just how much this stuff can prey on your mind. Now you can chillax and get excited about welcoming your little one xx

That's great news Blondie. It's wonderful that your OB has supported your decision and you can now enjoy your pg :)

Thanks lovely ladies! :)

So happy that you were listened to and have your choices heard and respected...it's a BIG step towards an empowering birth this time around xx

That's great news! So happy for you.

Huzzah.

I'm so glad you've come to a decision and have the support of your OB. Don't let anyone push you around. You can do this however you want. It's your body and your baby.

:hug: