United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

For those of you that had children after your child with BPI- did you have a c-section?

Hi there!

I think this is really a personal choice. I know there are some mothers who have opted for another vaginal birth, with better monitoring so that the baby doesn't become too large, and different birthing techniques used.

We are expecting our second child in July, and we are having a planned c-section. Sarah, our BPI child, was only 6 lbs, 7 oz. and my OB has said that the doesn't want to chance another vaginal birth.

HTH!
Cherie

My daughter gave birth to her second baby in November, via C-section. Her first child, Alannah, LOBPI, was only 6'14". The physician said if she had tried to deliver vaginally the second time, she would most likely have had the same problem. Camille B, Grandma

My son was only 6lbs. 14 oz. So he really wasn't that big.

I agree that this is a very personal choice. Keep in mind that each birth can be so very different. For example, my first child was 9lb12oz and no injury to his arm. My second child was 8lb3oz with a permanent BPI to her right arm. I have said before that I would deliver vaginally again if I ever had another child, but I am not having any more children. I think that I have a unique perspective on this issue as I am a labor and delivery nurse who "trusts" in the birth process. It's other areas of delivering that I do not trust, if you get what I mean. Subsequently, I do not work anymore with the same midwife who delivered my daughter, but instead work at a hospital where the midwife who delivered my first child works. It's wonderful.

If you are considering future children, I think you need to really ask the provider a ton of questions and make the best plan for your situation possible. Look into the risk factors (check out the home page) and discuss them with the doctor/midwife. Make sure the nurses at the hospital know how to deal with shoulder dystocia prior to your delivering. Proper use of McRobert's maneuver and suprapubic pressure is essential. Ask if you can altogether deliver your child squatting or on your hands and knees rather than lying down. Even lying on your side is better than on your back. Don't labor lying down either. Don't let the nurses tell you that you have to stay in the bed on your back so they can "monitor the baby" better. That's bull$$$$! It takes perserverance by the nurse to monitor the baby in certain positions, but they usually can get the heartbeat in almost any position. Even if an internal monitor attached to the baby is used to monitor the heartbeat while you are moving around more is better than lying on your back laboring.

Good luck.

Tanya in NY
Amber's Mom, ROBPI, 3 years old

My first child was 8'7 robpi at 40 weeks. My second child I had a different ob and I fully trusted him. He watched me very carefully through the pregancy. We spoke often about the delivery. We decided to wait and see how everything progressed. I ended up having a vaginal delivery again at 39 weeks. No obpi and 7'7 baby girl. I must say I was fine until it was time to push and then I got very nervious, he had extra doctors and nurses in the room just in case of past history....If I decide to go for a third I would have a vaginal delivery again with the same doctor!!!!!! I think everyone has to do what they feel comfortable doing.

i will never deliver again! i would adopt! but, i was told i would need a c-sec from one ob, and i was told a different from someone else, my point; i think the medical community has not studdied this enough for me to feel comfort in birthing another child! good luck

My son was my last of four, but I don't think I would ever have a vaginal birth again. My second daughter experienced SD and then my fourth SD with a OBPI !!! I don't think I could risk it, I agree with MLYNN. I think if I needed another child....( I don't I have four) I would think seriously about adoption.) My husband took care of our ability to have children and my fourth was his first.....(SECOND MARRIAGE) and he said he never wanted to experience that again !!! Gayle

My BPI child was my 5th child. My first 2 were c-sections for other reasons. My 3rd & 4th were vaginal deliveries. Two of the first four children were over 9 pounds. My 5th child was 10lb 9oz. When I became pregnant with my 6th child, I didn't think I could go through another vaginal delivery. I had a planned c-section. I think that it was the right decision for us. But I also think it is a very personal decision and that a planned c-section may not be the right decision for everyone.

Connie

Well, I just refuse to be deterred from having another child because of OB incompetency! I truly feel that my OB was negligent. She made me push forever and then she yanked on my baby's head to get him out! I think for me I'll just have a c-section because it cannot be worse than what I just went through. Also, I don't think I can push. I would be too afraid.And ultimately I can take whatever recovery time as long as my baby is ok. It's so funny how perspective changes when your child is injured.