Dear Jo - it seems answers to your questions have not been forthcoming. I waited to see what others thought, but I haven't seen any responses. Please don't think this is because no one cares. It's a bit of a tricky situation, and hard to be sure (even when it happens before your own eyes). I think it's possible the lack of amniotic fluid reduced the baby's ability to reposition and turn from OP to OA, but it's impossible to know for sure. It may be that your SIL's pelvis shape contributed to the babe's presentation, or maybe baby descended in a military (deflexed) position. It sounds like you supported her very well, and I understand how disappointing it is when the baby doesn't come out the way everyone hoped. 9lb 10oz is a really big baby - I'm assuming it was her first. Thankfully they are both OK. Continue to offer your support and listen to her cues -- it may take months, even years for her to reveal her inner feelings about the birth experience to herself, let alone to others. Be assured this birth experience does not necessarily mean the same thing will happen again with future labours. I hope this is some help to you all. Best wishes, Lois ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jo Slamen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Midwifery List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 2:35 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Birth Questions
Dear List, I am a lay member of the list. Last Wednesday I supported my SIL and brother (SIL also happens to be my best pal) in labour with their first baby. I guess I'm hoping to de-brief a bit here. Cate had a good preconception preparation, a healthy pregnancy and wonderful preparation for birth attending Lina Clarke's Active Birth workshop in about September-ish. Cate was induced by amniotomy last Wed. morning due to postdates, and laboured under her own steam beautifully, and without pharmacological interference, to feeling pushy at around 4pm. Baby was posterior - there was no back labour. Pushing was yielding no appearance - or advancement after around an hour, and upon examination baby described as in deep transverse arrest. We then had Cate labouring in a variety of different positions, pelvic rocking, moving legs etc. to maximise space in pelvis, but to not enough avail. Doc tried moving with a vacuum and after around 4-5 contractions (now around 6.15pm) offered that her options were Keillands forceps (although he mentioned they don't do those anymore) or a caesar. Beautiful baby Audrey (9lb 10 oz - Apgars 9 & 10) born by C-sect at 7.42pm. I guess I just wonder if the amniotomy contributed to her positioning? If there was anything else we could have tried at the time? It seemed to be demonstrated quite well to me that given the circumstances of the moment she was not coming out without assistance, but just wondered what some of your thoughts might be. I was annoyed that doc mentioned forceps as an option that apparently wasn't a viable one (or he considered an irresponsible one - he therefore shouldn't have mentioned??) Mum and babe are home today - and despite obviously delays in contact, surgical trauma to mother etc., babe has begun to put on weight. Mother also handling caesar really well (at least for now). Jo Slamen -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
