United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Wow Betty. You go girl! What an amazing mother you must be. My husband is from a family of 10 children. I just can't imagine the work, commitment & love in such a huge family.

Just wondering do you have any thoughts or ideas on what was different about the 8th delivery (the 4th sd) that resulted in an injury, when the others did not? Anything you experience, a more severe sd, bigger baby different doctor or something someone observed? I am so thankful that your other 3 children with sd were all okay. I am with you on the c-section thing. I could never live with the guilt if my child was injured, knowing what I know now.

Hey Kristie--

I guess that you are right! I didn't realize that there were posts missing but I guess that I wasn't paying attention!

I would have a very difficult time if my next came out with a BP injury. I really don't want to have a c-section for several reasons but I may do that just because I don't want to have to deal with the guilt. My husband and I are going to discuss all of this with the OB this next visit. I have asked a few questions but not enough to be able to say 100% that I would do one or the other as there are risks that go with both.

I think that I definitely need to read up more on shoulder distortia because I still feel unclear. I know that Sam was born with a BPI but I also understand that BPI is completely avoidable. Is this correct or am I missing something? I guess that I should clarify... is it avoidable without a c-section?

Thanks everyone for sharing stories. I like reading about everyone's experiences and I learn something new with each post.... so, keep 'em coming!

Thanks again to Francine for all your help!

Karen

P.S. Why is my name showing up as a guest? This is the first time...

GO WITH THE C-SECTION!!! (my opinion)

I had two SD deliveries with my boys with only 1 resulting in the LOBPI (my last V-delivery) My daughter was born via C-section and she was the healthiest of the 3. She had no trouble breathing wereas my boys both had complications due to being under stress during labor and of course the DS. I am not going to deliver anymore, unless some miracle happens, but I'd do a C over a Vag without thinking twice.

Sorry it took a while to reply...my baby with the bpi was the smallest of the 10 lb. babies (10lb.1 ounce as opposed to 10lb.7oz. and 10lb8oz. However, I don't believe I was fully dialated...things just didn't progress after I was dialated to an 8. The doctor ordered pitocin and left. Even though when checked I still wasn't fully effaced, I started pushing and the nurse brought the doctor back. Now when I pushed, it stung... the doctor explained the pain I experienced was the nurse stretching the perineum over the baby's head. Also.... a different doctor delivered my last.

Oh, Betty, I shuddered just thinking about that! Yikes! Sometimes I just don't get how these people can think that it's OK to allow you to start pushing so soon. I have a good friend who just delivered a 10lb 4oz baby via vag. She had a midwife and had been made aware of the injury through me, so when they said it was going to be big she made sure that all of them knew she knew about BPI. I think they may have been extra careful on delivering her because of it. So, all that to say, that I know it can go OK when the babies are big, but I still wouldn't take the chance anymore. One nightmare delivery like I had with Caleb is enough for me.

Hugs,

Kari
w/ Caleb LOBPI.

Geez, Betty! I am still stuck on all three of the kids being over 10lbs! Haha! Thanks for your input though.

Karen,
The risk of BPI with a C-section is a lot smaller but it is still possible. The reasons I have heard with a c-section are either because the doc didn't make the incision large enough or because the baby's head had already engaged in the pelvis.

Many in the medical field would like like us to think that a BPI is just a birth defect or something that you "catch"... which it is not it is an injury that can be avoid. IF your doc/midwife is skilled and follows the procudures you should deliever without injury. This is of course assuming that a few factors have been considered like your pelvis size and size of the baby. But the simple answer to your question is that Yes, a BPI injury is avoidable during a vaginal delievery.

I would be most willing to talk with you about this on the phone if you would like to e-mail me... kristie@jesusway.org

I think your name is showing up as guest because when you are posting you sign your name in the box with name but thoes of us with no Guest in front of our names have registered for the message board... it is a simple process that you can try when you first log in... I think there is something you can click about creating an account!

Blessings,
Kristie

I delivered a healthy injury free baby via vaginal delivery after my bpi baby. My 3rd baby was 2 lbs lighter (7.5lbs) than my 2nd baby (9.5lbs w/bpi). You just have to have great communication with your ob and make sure that he/she is monitoring you very, very closely. If at any time during my 3rd pregnancy i did not feel comfortable or changed my mind my new ob was totally with me. It is a totally personal decision and it was the right one for me. my first baby was also delivered vaginally and weighed 6.14 lbs 4.5 weeks early. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
Beth

I believe it was Dr. Laurent (or another Dr. at TCH) who said that you are 14 times (that's 1400%) more likely to have SD again if there was a previous SD. He described it as a genetic factor where mom and dad create babies that are too big for the mother's pelvis.

Not that all SD cases result in BPI. But Dr. Nath indicated that over 80% of BPIs are associated with SD. The true number is probably higher since we all know that SD is not accurately reported in the medical records.

I know that I am a guy and I don't have a lot of say in the decision, but I think those are very compelling statistics.

Good Luck.

Clint