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View Full Version : Dont know what to do - Extremely Big Rant



Leeny
11-05-2006, 13:35
OK this is gunna be a long one so i guess not many will have time to sit and read it, which is fine...And i hope i put this in the right place, i didnt know where else to post it...And there will probbaly be patches of too much information..what can you do? There will however be a question at the end :(...just bear with me lol...

I didnt find out i was pregnant until i was 2 months along because i had endometriosiss so i was extremely irregular...after finding out i was pregnant, i had horrible all day sickness for along time, then as i started to put on weight, i couldnt walk properly cause i had so many problems with my joints and bones..To cut out most of the pregnancy, i ended up to pre-eclampsia and was in hospital for a week before they decided to induce me. Then things got even better.

(BTW, i know SO many other women have had so much worse then me, and i feel bad for them, but this was bad for me, so im just having my little rant, cause i've never been able to talk to anyone about it).

After being induced, my DH got told to go home because it was a first baby so it was gunna be a looonnnggg labour...2 hours down the track, they broke my waters and about 10 minutes later i was trying to tell my MW i needed to push, and she said i shouldnt need to push yet but she checked me anyway...I was fully dialated, and she told someone to get my DH here "NOW"..I was booked in for an epidural but was told i couldnt have one now because it was too late, so i had gas instead...I had a midwife and a student telling me not to push until DH got there, so i tried, but to no avail..when u gotta push, u gotta push. DH got there just in time...after about half n hr of pushing and going through it all alone, DD was born, all in one go...I can remember feeling like i was torn in 2, and all i could do was scream. I had a 3rd degree tear, and i couldnt even sit up to hold DD.

They gave me an injection after cutting the cord and giving DD to DH. After about an hour and a half of them PULLING...not apply tension to...but PULLING the cord, and me screaming every time they did it, they got a DR in to come and look. My midwife told me that the dr was going to have to pull it once more to see if she could get it to release and i had to give my consent. I asked that if i said STOP, would she stop straight away, to which i was told yes. The Dr started to pull, and i screamed for her to stop, and she just kept pulling!..DH Had to yell at her to stop. Anyhow, i was asked to get into another bed to be taken to theater, but i couldnt even move my legs, so they got someone to come and lift me. To cut out some more, i had to be taken to surgery to be cleaned out and repaired. I had dozens and dozens of internal and external stitches, and i didnt get to see DD until later that night when i woke up, and they had just left DH to sit with DD, no bottle, no pacifier, nothing...just him and a newborn baby (he didnt even turn 20 until the next month) alone with no help.

If i was to tell the whole story, it would be a book so i cant include anything, i understand people dont have 2 hours to read one post lol.

There hasnt been a day go by where i havent relived the whole experience in my head...every night before i go to bed, its like a movie being played over and over, or i can be driving along the motorway, and my thoughts will just drift over to that like im day dreaming. I can honestly say, other then having my daughter from the experience, it was the absolute worst time of my husbands and my life. So many mothers have told me that i have nothing to complain about cause my intense labour was only 2 hours with about 40 minutes of pushing and i was lucky to have it so quick. I beg to differ...i was alone, without an epidural or pethadine in an extremely quick intense labour, all i had was gas and no support person. I was terrified, bawling by myself for 2 hours, and then when DH finally got there, i was dilerious from pain and i continually screamed for another 2 hours after she was born. I feel like im emotionally scarred, and i cant get rid of the thoughts from my mind.

I always said that i wanted 2 children, but since the day i had her, i've changed my mind and said i'll never, ever give birth naturally again. Its only now that DD's 1, that i have my clucky moments when i see other newborns and pregnant mums, but i can honestly say, i dont think will never give birth again. I went as far as to question getting my tubes tied, but reliased i was too young anyway.

Am i selfish for being like this? So many people say im being stupid and have no right to think this way or its not my decision. I can only say that if they lived in my head for a year with the constant nightmares, daymares, and re-living the experience over, and over, that they may then begin to understand. I have now come to the agreement with myself, that i would possibly consider having another child, but only if it was delivered via c-section. I dont think they'd even give me one??? I guess that sounds stupid because the risks are higher and its a much longer recovery time which i understand as i've read up so much on it, but atleast its a somewhat more controlled environment (emergencies aside).

So i guess i wana know if anyone else has had the same issues with re-living the trauma, because i feel like an abnormal idiot who is just whining about nothing...and is it extremely selfish to possibly want another child, but not want to have a natural birth again? Sorry this was so long if you've taken the time to read it.
Thanx.

kiwibird27
11-05-2006, 13:46
WOW - horrible story, I don't think anyone has the right to make your birth experience out to be nothing - you need to surround yourself with supportive people and take one day at a time - have u been going to your early childhood clinic and spoken to them - you may need some counselling to move on with your life??? Don'even think about number 2 pg until your confident once again in yourself!!!

You really do need to talk to at least your GP, and really tell him/her what is going on in your head!! You may have Post Natal Depression in some form????

Think u need to focus on your beautiful daughter and DH

I'm due to have my fist baby in 1 month so can't speak from experience!!! Maybe look up the baby blues section here???

Leeny
11-05-2006, 13:52
I havent been to a clinic or anything..i just keep it to myself lol..My DH is actually really mad with me for not going to my GP..I dont know much about Post natal depression but i just dont think i'm depressed in any way...sure im moody sometimes, who isnt, but i feel no resentment towards my beautiful baby or my DH..just towards the crappy hospital i went to!

Thanx for the idea of going to a clinic :)

kiwibird27
11-05-2006, 13:57
You really should - have u read the baby blues section, lots of people have had similar experiences and could help more than me????? Depression comes in all different forms but i am no expert - all i know is you shouldn't keep anything to yourself!!! Join a mothers group?? - playgroup??, get out and talk!!!!

CJJHRA
11-05-2006, 14:02
Depression, doesnt always mean you need to take pills, a good councellor can help you.

I found my first labour not so great, as I was young, and I felt the midwives (one in particular) wasnt very nice to me, thinking I was young stupid, and they knew what was best for me. I thankfully had my mum with me who put the midwive in her place (The old cow!!) Took me 3 years to even think about a 2nd baby. However, the 2nd time around they were so helpful and nice and everything went great.

anyway, hugs to you! Sorry about your bad experience.

Fairyfloss
11-05-2006, 14:07
Ok, I can not talk from experince, but in my opinin, if you want another child and your doctor gives you clearnace (I don't know, it will not be hurmfull for you or something) then I see no reason, why you should not have another child, the fact that you want C-section rather than natural is your choice, although you may not be able to have a say through the public system, so maybe consider having private insurance covering birth an stuff, then once your waiting period is almost over, try having an other one, also find an obstrician, that shares the same idea, as you, you deserve to have another baby if you want to, just give yourself a bit of time to heal and plan for in advance for the next baby. Good luck:hugs:

Mum&bubs
11-05-2006, 14:09
Wow...that sounds horrible! Why didnt she stop when u said stop :mad:
I wouldnt let one bad experience turning you off having any more kids though :) You never know you could fall preggie & your second labour could be a breeze!
WIsh u all the best neways! :kiss:

thirdtimeround
11-05-2006, 14:18
There is nothing abnormal about having second thoughts about going through that again. Birthing is suppose to be about your choices and how you picture it to be, it doesnt always turn out that way but by the sounds of it you had unsympathetic midwives and a hands-on hospital instead of hands off. I dont think needing to talk about your horrible experience means your depressed. Nor does having second thoughts about natural labour. What I think you may need to do is source other options for birthing other than public hospital or maybe think about having a obst. who is understanding of your situation. It shouldnt put you off having another child though. My first child was stillborn and that was the worst birthing experience any mother could go through however, I went back to have three more and loved every minute of it - the pain is worth the gain. I agree with the other gals speak to a clinic sister about your experience, it is definately something you need to deal with. I was scared stupid, going into that birthing suite second time around - it passed as soon as I held my beautiful baby girl.
Good luck with what ever choices you make.:)

becca74
11-05-2006, 14:26
It might not even be PND, it could be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder....I suffer from this (though am getting better :thumbsup: ) I see a psycologist for this, and it has been a life-saver. She specialises in pregnancy and post-pregnancy.

Each birth is different, I have had 3 very different labours/deliveries.....my 2nd one was a breeze, though my 1st and 3rd ended up a total nightmare.

One key thing to having a better birth is to make sure your care-providers respect what you want, and provide a positive environment for you. Unfortunately with the conveyor belt attitude most hospitals have, they really do just want you to fit in with the text book and intervene as much as possible to make sure you fit what they learnt in their text books! Noone should have even gently tugged at your cord, let alone pulled hard and put you through that agony and suffering!!

There should be support groups you could join to share your experiences with women who have been through similar experiences. I have joined one, but it is specific to those post c/sec, but I do know that other groups exist for traumatic birth experiences. All I know is that since joining this support group, I feel like I now have oxygen - it has been so healing and empowering!

I have huge anxiety about hospitals, and after tonnes and tonnes of research, I am going to go for a home birth with a very experienced and well-referenced private mid-wife. I have had to shop around, and it has been alot of work, but already I am seeing the differences and it is totally worth it.

So before you make any decisions about more children, do research into alternative ideas about childbirth. The first book I read which totally changed my perception on birth being a nightmare was Grantley ****-Read's "Childbirth without fear"......and I got that at the library. Also some other brilliant authors are Michel Odent, Ina May Gaskin (my fave!) and Sheila Kitzinger......

Again, the key is the environment in which you give birth, and the attitude of your caregivers. This has been the difference in style of births I've had. I had the best environment and caregivers with my 2nd baby, and the birth was a breeze. I was in a negative environment for my 3rd baby, and things went t*ts up the minute I got to hospital and entered that environment.......

ps. just googled some groups/sites, I dont know what they are like, but maybe check them out:

http://www.panda.org.au/

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/accessingartemis/

http://members.*************.com.au/index.php?showforum=53

melfunction
11-05-2006, 15:02
I'm with becca74, it sounds a lot like post traumatic stress. If you are having flashbacks and are re-living your birthing experience over and over again, maybe some counselling would help you..

I had a 2 hour labour with my son and for a first baby it is a very traumatic experience. I had flashbacks for months and still do nearly 11 months later....

I also am yet to decide if I want another baby for the same reasons as you, but from what I have heard and what my OB told me, second births are much easier than first ones.

I do understand where you are coming from. People also think I am very lucky because I didn't have a long labour, but I have a different opinion. Unless you have had a very intense labour, you have no idea what it it like.

I hope you can talk to your GP and tell him/her how you are feeling.

Leeny
11-05-2006, 15:20
Im happy i took the time to write the post and im happier so many of you guys took time to read it...Its funny that my DH has been trying to get me to go to the GP for a year, and its taken me writing an online post and hearing from people i've never met that i should go, to make me see, i really should go...I think i havent gone because noone has believed me except for DH

BJelly
11-05-2006, 17:40
Leeny, first of all, mega hugs to you:hugs:

I am not a violent person, in fact I'm a pacifist, but I feel like punching whoever has minimised what you have been through. Getting a 3rd degree tear bad enough to require surgery is no joke. And to have your birth handled in such a callous way - it's no wonder you are wondering about your options.

I had a 3rd degree tear, but luckily my placenta came away without any of the problems you had. I don't have flashbacks, but I certainly wrote about my experience a number of times here - and it really does help. I also had some pretty ordinary treatment at hospital including being told to get up and get my own ice pack when I was supposed to be on full bed rest - there's more but I won't go on - I still get angry every time I think about it.

I too am weighing up my options. I was on light duties for 3 mths because I couldn't lift anything heavier than my daughter for that time because of my pelvic floor injury. So if the same thing happens, I'll be in real trouble because I'll have a toddler too. I am also now only thinking about TTC, because my body has now fully healed, but that took a long time. I will also be asking about my birth options and would consider a C section if need be, but I'd still prefer a natural birth if I get midwives I trust.

And as for people who say your birth was quick, so you didn't have it so bad, that's nonsense - a burn takes seconds, but can scar you for life - it's not the time an injury takes, it's the trauma involved that causes the problem.

Please feel free to keep writing about what happened - don't feel bad about long posts - I do it all the time:) it's good to get it off your chest and your story may help others, who have gone through similar things, but like you haven't talked about it.

BTW, your little girl is gorgeous

reAllytee
11-05-2006, 20:14
Dont ever let anyone be little your for your birthing experience !
I agree with everyone else here that it is possibly PTSD. I suffer from this in two ways just to be different lol one from a childhood experience & second my birthing experience.
I didnt have a quick birth like yourself i had a tough 3 days which resulted in a 3rd degree tear & there are times when i feel physically sick about the sensations.
I had many tell me i wouldnt have felt anything due to an epidural which is untrue as not only could i start to feel everything after a few hours but due to this they checked realising it was almost time so turned down my epi so i was given an hour to prepare to push so i felt everything except my tearing admittedly but i knew something was wrong. I also had morning noon & nite sickness for the first 7mths to have the 8th off to get it back hard core the final month & then vomit through my entire labour. So sometimes things dont go as planned but also many people dont understand what they havent experienced or the likes. Im sure i wouldve been "Oh it couldnt have been that bad" if i had heard my story & had a dream p/g & labour.
Ive been told due to the damage i had done to me by bubs the fact he was too big & that my body couldnt cope with him i should go c/s next time but i dunno tis hard because im not sure whether the experience will be pleasant either way.
Anyways enough of me please go & talk to someone about this whether it be your g.p or your CHN even just talking about it helps & you may not need the meds as the others have said but if so understand they are a great help.
My advice would be to talk to someone about getting yourself sorted first then try to find out as much info on what you should do for the next baby & have a good talk with some middies or your Ob.
Also remember you can talk to all of us :) We will be willing to let you rant to your hearts content !
Anytime you need to talk you can PM me also :hugs:

Leeny
11-05-2006, 21:44
Thanx so much BJelly and allyoo!...having another baby is certainly something that comes in and out of thought but its not something i'd ever consider until i was fully healed emotionally and physically...I guess if it ever comes to it, and i have the choice to choose between c-scection and natural birth, as long as i've assessed all of my options, talked to the right people, and other mums with similar experiences, i'll make the right desicion no matter which way things go. Its so nice to have opinions from other people who understand :wave:

Leeny
26-05-2006, 00:36
I just thought i'd let everyone know...after a year of ignoring dh, i actually took peoples advice and seen my GP today, she says i have ptsd and she thinks a mild case of pnd but shes given me a heap of stuff to read, and videos to watch, and i gotta go back and see her next week and decide where to go from there, so thanx for the support from everyone who posted :D

Ana Gram
26-05-2006, 00:46
Hope it all goes well for you and that you come out the other side feeling better about things.

I am in the boat of never wanting another child partially because of my birth experience, so I don't think it is selfish at all.

JATS
26-05-2006, 01:00
OMG the prospect of that happening makes me rethink vbac! My c/s was wonderful!

If you want another baby and were so badly traumatised by your first birth I can't see a Dr forcing you to vb again if you wanted a c/s, and I wouldn't blame you for electing one.

PinkBinkie
26-05-2006, 05:30
Hi Leeny
Am so glad you went to see your doctor. It's so hard to ask for help sometimes but ppl are so happy to give it. And you're not alone in reconsidering having more children. I had a pretty non traumatic labour and birth (only tear, no stitches) and I was questioning whether I could do it again! So I can't even imagine how you must have been feeling. All the best in your recovery :D

Briannabear
26-05-2006, 07:53
Oh my gosh Leeny! :eek: You poor thing. :crying: I was horrified reading your post, especially what happened after you birthed your baby.
Re: having other children - give it time. As someone else said, I dont think anyone would criticise you electing for a c/section next time around.
Might be worth going along to a birth trauma group. There are some that meet in our area. If you pick up the Brisbane Mother and Child free mag at the Library it lists their meets in the back.
Big hugs to you. :hugs:

Leeny
26-05-2006, 11:59
Thanx guys...i just wish i new about bubhub when i was pregnant...this never would have happened lol