Topic Archive: cesarean

Episode 152 | August 24, 2009

Julia’s Birthing Story

How was the birth of my 2nd baby different from my 1st? Did I get my desired VBAC? Why were so many people in the delivery room with me? Plus, how is breastfeeding going? How is my 3yr. old adjusting to his little sister? What’s most challenging in being Mom to a newborn again? Former podcaster Julia returns to share her birthing story. Win a 100% Organic BabyHawk baby carrier!

Episode 146 | July 15, 2009

Ashleigh’s 10 Week Preemie Birthing Story

Ashleigh’s amazing 10-week early birthing story: No signs of labor to preeclampsia to emergency C-section and life in the NICU.  Maternal feelings 10 weeks early, must haves for premie care in the NICU, and car seat woes.

March 3, 2009

Repeat Cesarean or VBAC?

Christina was back in the PregTASTIC house sharing her birthing story this week. During our visit she mentioned how her OB changed from mild mannered, soft spoken doctor to stern, drill sergeant doctor when she asked about possibly having a VBAC. What?! Well, seems her doc would prefer what seems to be the norm these days, staying as far away from VBAC as possible.

A recent show we did with Dr. Thomas Moore came up in conversation, during which he spoke about VBACs including the benefits, the risks (compared to a repeat C) and why so many doctors just won’t do VBAC. After the show, I came across this recent TIME article, The Trouble With Repeat Cesareans which speaks to the “VBAC-lash” and how women are being denied the VBAC option. 

Ultimately Christina was more comfortable going for the repeat C instead of VBAC as I was. Though miniscule to some, the risk of uterine rupture was too high for me. Christina’s birthing story again reminded me how several factors along with medical risks and benefits come into play when deciding which childbirth route we take and that each of us have varied personal experiences which frame our equally valid decisions.

Episode 128 | March 3, 2009

Christina’s Birthing Story

Christina’s back to share how her 2nd c-section compared to the first, anesthesia surprises, an over-the-curtain paparazzi dad, how she prepared her toddler for the baby and a Facebook baby name poll! Plus, the winner of the PregTASTIC Pregnancy Package! NEXT WEEK: Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, OB/GYN and author of The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book.

January 27, 2009

Elective Cesarean

When should a woman’s choice trump her Dr.’s or midwife’s? This question came up during the show with Dr. Moore as we talked about elective c-sections. Seems this topic has been in the news lately with a widely publicized study concluding that women should not have elective c-sections before week 39. Dr. Moore talked about the elective aspect of this being a gray sort of area, from “too posh to push” to medical reasons causing a vaginal delivery to lead to an unplanned, though requested at the time, c-section, and everything in between. Dr. Moore supported the study findings and shared specific reasons why babies and moms are better off waiting until week 39 for a planned c-section, although he says it’s ultimately best left to the fetus’ choice when to be born.

Episode 125 | January 26, 2009

Elective Cesarean

What constitutes an “elective” cesarean? Do the benefits outweigh the risks for mom and baby? “Wet lungs” and respiratory problems from cesareans. When is the earliest you should have an elective c-section? The importance of fetal development during the last 2 weeks of gestation, and possible breastfeeding complications from cesareans. Dr. Thomas Moore, Chair of Reproductive Medicine at University of California at San Diego is this week’s guest.

Episode 68 | September 18, 2007

Cesareans, VBAC, Inductions

1 in 3 pregnant women will have a cesarean. What is VBAC? Double sewing? Low transverse incision? What is the recovery time? What tests can be done to determine whether or not you should have a VBAC delivery? Who is a good candidate for a VBAC? Plus, podcaster Angela at 41 weeks, has some questions about inductions. Gerri Ryan answers these questions and talks about the importance of a “love break”.

Episode 55 | June 12, 2007

Faith’s Birthing Story

Faith, a former PregTASTIC podcaster, calls in to share her birthing story and how things are going at home with her new baby. A planned c-section but did everything go as planned? Plus, her husband has some advice and a MUST HAVE for expecting families.

Episode 46 | April 10, 2007

Janette’s C-section and Baby Corinna

Janette calls in with 3 week old baby Corinna. What happened with her breech baby? How is breastfeeding going? Any surprises? And, what is it like to be a new mom? Plus, this week’s 2ups and 2downs and a new podcaster Amanda joins our crew!

Episode 27 | November 27, 2006

Technology and your Childbirth

How have birthing practices changed? Cesarean trends, epidural effects on labor and some financial, medical and sociological changes you can make to improve the outcome of childbirth. Dr. Thomas Moore returns for another fantastic PregTASTIC show!

Episode 18 | September 19, 2006

Baby Brooke in Studio + Patti’s C-section

Patti’s c-section did not happen as planned, her breastfeeding ups and downs, what is bilateral hip dysplasia, and how is 6lb-14oz baby Brooke getting along with her 18 month old brother? The PregTASTIC crew have questions and baby Brooke says “hello”!