United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Ok, just wanted to inform those out there who are having more children after a delivery resulting in BPI that after talking to Francine about my fears and concerns with my second one, she had a great suggestion that I ask my Dr. for a prescription for a c-section that I could carry with me and have in my file, etc..

At my last appointment with my OB I asked about this. My Dr. had a letter of Intent/Instruction drafted on her letterhead with her signature that due to my history, a c-section has been scheduled, it is on file at the hosiptal surgery scheduling, and that from this point in my pregnancy moving forward it is her intent and instruction that I should be delivered c-section as planned.

I'm so thankful I asked for it and for Francine's suggestion. I was just fearful that if I went into labor prior to the scheduled c-section the resident or whoever was on would refuse the c-section I was literally having nighmares. So please, do not be afraid to ask for this type of letter to have in your possesion in case something happens and just for a little piece of mind.

I'm so glad that you got this and that you didn't even have to fight for it too hard. I envision your husband laminating it and tacking it to your L&D door!! LOL

Are they scheduling a c-section or will you be starting labor on your own and then having a c-section?

I wish you the most successful and wonderful birth ever!! Now I hope you can rest a bit better!!

big hugs,
francine

I just wanted to let you know that I did have another baby after obpi and it was c- section too. I also had those same nightmares, in fact it took me until just 2 weeks before my delivery to convince my doc that I thought I should see a OBGYN. He agreed finally and the OBGYN did not hesitate to schedule one. I ended up going into labour one week prior to my scheduled c-section and I remember panicking, it was 6AM and I was almost ready to push! They called in the oncall OR team and my daughter was born, beautiful and healthy 1/2 hour later! So.... good luck and I hope you enjoy more peacefull dreams now that you are scheduled!

Lenni

We had a scheduled c-section for the baby we had after our BPI. We didn't have the doc do an official letter, but I knew it was in my records. I DID end up going into labor a week before the scheduled c-section and my doctor was on vacation. I had to tell doctors and nurses several times over that, "YES I WANT A C-SECTION.", but I did finally get it!!

We are scheduled for the c-section. Hopefully I won't go into labor before the date. But if I do I feel better now!!! Thanks for your help Francine!!!!!

Wow! Thanks soo much for posting this information and as always thanks Francine for suggesting it. I had a c-section for my 8 year old. I was scheduled for a c-section for baby #2 and was talked into a vbac and baby 2 suffered the bpi. Now I'm expecting my third baby and again I'm planning a c-section. All my babies have been early by 2-3weeks. But Baby 3 started contractions at 10 weeks early but with medication the pre-term labor is under control. I will see my ob tomorrow and will request this. Thanks again for this peace of mind and relieving me of this stress!!

It took a lot of courage for you to ask for this. And I believe it will pave the way for many others.

It's a HUGE shame on you when one doctor in a practice tells you that you can have a c-section and then another one shows up and they say "no"!

This letter of intent is an agreement AND a medical opinion... and if whoever shows up doesn't respect it, then I would think that you have every right to have them kicked out of the room and get someone else in there fast.

I wonder if we should be keeping names and numbers on us for an emergency alternate?

Just the other day a new family contacted me and their pediatrician told them that there was a study that said that therapy doesn't do anything for kids with bpi. They were going to get a copy of this study - IF - it really exists. Can you believe this? And then our doctors wonder why we have so much distrust?? and why families with injured children are such an assertive bunch??

You go girl!

-francine

Someone pointed out that this line "It's a HUGE shame on you when one doctor in a practice tells you that you can have a c-section and then another one shows up and they say "no"! " might be taken to mean that it's the mom's fault so I wanted to clarify.

What i meant by this is when you have an agreement and an understanding with your doctor and then when it comes time, he's not there but an associate walks in (someone who doesn't know you or doesn't know your history) and just automatically says 'no' to a c-section. I have heard of this happening where a doctor will come in and REFUSE a c-section. That is why I thought that a C-section prescription might be a way of safeguarding yourself against this happening....not meaning that it's the moms fault.

I hope I am making sense. I mean docs - NOT moms.


-francine