12/13/2005

He shall not be moved

Today I visited my hospital for a little procedure called external cephalic version. During this fun-filled frolic, two doctors attempted to manually turn a baby (mine) in a breech position (mine, again) in order to try to avoid a C-section.

I was instructed to arrive an hour and a half early, at 7:30 a.m., so that they could get me hooked up and ready. The curse of punctuality running in my veins, I arrived right on the dot and got signed in. I waited in the waiting room for almost an hour and a half before being escorted to my room. Yes, good thing I was there early. Not at all surprised.

An hour or so later, after determining that the baby was indeed still breech, the fun began. They pushed and they pulled. They huffed and puffed...no, wait, that was me. It was not exactly comfortable, but pain that is temporary is bearable. They tried pushing him one way and then the other and he would not budge. I guess this procedure is successful around 65% of the time. They tried and that was that. Looks like a C-section, unless he turns on his own. Monday, the 19th is our tentative date, as long as his lungs are mature.

Here's a question for other mothers out there. Do you give your obstetrician a gift after delivery? I've heard of this being done but since my primary doctor happened to be on vacation for both of my previous deliveries, and I was seen by complete strangers, I never bothered. What is proper protocol?

9 comments:

Loreo said...

Have you thought of praying and asking for prayer that the baby would turn? William was in the wrong position, too, for awhile, and we had prayer that he'd turn back to where he should be. He did, thank God!

Claire said...

Hmmmm. Now I'm curious to see what Daddy's email said.

A 'fun filled frolic' eh? Huh!

Booker said...

Boy, I am guessing I should be reading between the lines here :) Praying it turns out ok...

Cara said...

(Cara for mom...)

About the present for the obstetrician...I never did, never thought about it, never mattered, never felt guilty.

You're the one who should get the present!

I'll be sending you an e-mail, in the meantime, trusting for the Lord's perfect plan.

Cara said...

(p.s. love, Ali)

melrandall said...

I'm praying toooooooo!

Booker said...

You know, after ruminating about this for a bit, I am wondering if this situation isn't caused by multiple viewings of the Lord of the Rings dvd's. You know, the whole "you shall NOT pass" scene. Maybe it somehow got imprinted in your genes. That is my theory anyway...

KJ said...

We prayed for you in our faithful 9:00 meetings here at Bible school. God bless you!!!

lis said...

Praying, too!