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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Up in smoke...

That is the way I feel my plans are right now...

Two years ago, I had my son by cesarean due to polyhydramneos (too much amniotic fluid). I found out later that the cesarean was not really necessary. The docs didn't want to break my water because my baby was not engaging and they were concerned about the risk of the cord prolapsing (coming out the birth canal before the baby). I found out later that they could have poked a small hole in the amniotic sac and allowed the water to drain out slowly, this has it's risks, but certainly would have been preferable to major abdominal surgery!

Since then, I have been trying to prepare for having a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). I didn't want to repeat my experience with major abdominal surgery. I found a Midwife who was willing to take me on for a home birth in spite of my health concerns, which include seizures and obesity, to name a couple... I have been reading extensively on the subject of prenatal care. I attended meetings of my local ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) and joined the ICAN forums.

In spite of this, the universe seems bent on me being cut open every so often. I had to have my gall bladder removed in August of 2007; and a seizure-induced hernia repaired in October of 2008.

I found out this week that because of my weight, the multiple surgeries, and other concerns, I have developed Type II Diabetes. I am 27! I have been dieting and exercising and doing everything I can to keep myself healthy! I have lost a considerable amount of weight! I just don't understand how I could have developed Diabetes... I am not yet insulin dependent, we hope to control it with lifestyle changes at this point.

So, I thought it would be good to find out more about how Diabetes will affect my hopes for a VBAC. I had contacted every OB and midwife in my area following my son's birth, and none were willing to take me for a VBAC BEFORE I had diabetes because of some other health concerns I have...

I HAD found a midwife over in Seattle who was willing to take me on for a VBAC in spite of my health concerns (I had talked to practically every independent midwife in the state), but I talked to her today and she has changed her mind... apparently diabetes is a deal breaker for her.

I cannot go to a birthing center in WA because the brilliant lawmakers have made VBACing at free standing birthing centers illegal in this state... so apparently my only choices are to find a local doctor and CBAC (repeat cesarean); or go to the University of Washington Maternal Infant Care Clinic where they have midwives and specialists who deal with High Risk pregnancies... especially diabetics. The choice seems pretty clear, at least to me...

I don't know what my chances will be of getting to VBAC, but at least it isn't ruled out completely like it is here in Kitsap County! I just find it interesting that my life is always taking a completely different course than I plan for. I know that God will not give me any more than I can handle with His help, but sometimes I wish He didn't trust my ability to handle problems so much!

2 comments:

Missy said...

I'm sorry to hear of your health problems.. I'm also hoping for a VBAC with my next pregnancy. Major surgery is no fun unless it is necessary of course. Good luck!

Missy said...

I just wanted to thank you for mentioning that ICAN website. I went on it the other day and have had a hard time staying off! It's good to have support from others. I'm sure I'll see ya around in the forums....

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