Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by annarebekah on May 2, 2012 at 5:50am

Hi Kim!
I've been thinking about you too! Hope all is well. I can't believe how close I am...SCARY but exciting! :) My A1C has been fabulous but it hasn't helped me in the department of the baby's size...he's already 7lbs and I'm only 35 weeks. They will do another growth ultrasound in 2 weeks to determine what to do. I'm pretty nervous and feel guilty but I guess I did all I could...just really didn't want to do a C-section. Oh well, I'll keep you all posted!

Permalink Reply by Kristin on May 2, 2012 at 1:31pm

Don't feel guilty about the size! It happened to many of us who did everything to keep things under control. Our son came out strong (9lb 5oz), but was healthy in every way and good control was important there.

It took me a while to accept the c-section, as I know that many women can birth big babies vaginally. I have heard stories and advice in both directions. So talk with your team and tell them your concerns.

IF you do end up with a c-section, do all that you can to accept it BEFORE the c-section. Some studies show that women with c-section can have more difficulty with breastfeeding, but one theory suggests that it can be connected to stress or disappointment about the birth. I wanted a natural birth more than anything and had a hard time accepting the c-section. For a few weeks afterwards, I wondered if I could have had the natural birth, but then I was able to let go of it. Still for baby #2 (not yet on the way), I am hoping for a natural birth, even if the baby is measuring big. We'll see....

Wishing you all the best!!

Permalink Reply by Super_sally on May 8, 2012 at 2:52am

Hi,

5 lbs is not so big (and he may end up around 7 - 8 lbs if you keep up; they gain up to 1/2 lb a week at this stage of the pregnancy), also measurements are not accurate late in pregnancy. I got weights up to 2 lbs different from different drs.

At very worst they should allow you to trial labor. I have had both CS and natural delivery and the recovery from natural delivery is FAR easier than that of CS. Mind you, if CS is really required it is lifesaving.

How did you deliver? What was the reason?
My first baby in 2009 was natural, with pitocin as I didn't progress well.

My new baby 6 weeks ago was CS, desptie my very best efforts for a natural delivery - was 2 days at 6 cm dilated but no progress. Turned out baby was tied up in the umbilical cord and couldn't descend. They decided to do CS on the 3rd day when baby wasn't responding well to the biophysical and the amniotic fluid was low. They told me when they saw the baby that there is no way she could have come out herself (except if by a miracle she could have got untangled - and I had tried walking, rocking, squatting etc. for 2 days) - so it was really a necessary CS for me and the baby to be saved. Which did make me feel ok about having a CS after all my plans for a natural delivery.

At what week did you you deliver?
First baby - 38 weeks
Second - 39 1/2 weeks

Were you induced?
No. Labor started naturally in both cases.

What was baby's size?
First Baby - 7 lbs 3 oz
Second baby - 7 lbs 6 oz

Did you wear a pump?
No Pump - MDI.

Were you able to breast feed if wanted to?
Yes. First daughter breastfed until I got pregnant with the second and my milk dried up (2 3/4 years). Second daughter is 6 weeks old and we're going strong on the breastfeeding. No supplementation for either child.

Did baby spend any time in NICU?
Neither baby needed NICU time.

My A1C at the end of my first pregnancy was 4.9. At the end of my second pregnancy was 5.6.

Permalink Reply by Super_sally on May 8, 2012 at 2:54am

Regarding the BF, see if they can put the baby on your chest as soon as he is born.

Although i had a CS they put the baby on my chest and helped her latch on within minutes of her being delivered. Then the baby was next to me and mostly skin to skin the whole time I was recovering in the hospital. It made a big difference for me.

Permalink Reply by CaseyK on May 8, 2012 at 8:10pm

How did you deliver? What was the reason?
I had a c-section at 39 weeks. I had some indication of ovarian cysts in my early ultrasounds, so he wanted to take care of those at the same time, rather than needing to go back for a surgery later. I was MORE than happy for the c-section - I was more worried about a natural delivery and the stress on my blood sugars! The epidural was really easy and recovery wasn't bad at all. The worst part was a bad reaction to the stronger pain meds they gave me about 12 hours after surgery that made me puke, but that was short lived. At what week did you you deliver?
39 weeks exactly. She passed ALL her non stress tests with flying colors, though my blood pressure got a little high at my last appointment at 38 and 38.5 weeks. My cervix was entirely closed and not dilated, pretty much closed for business, but I was totally ready by then.
Were you induced? n/a
What was baby's size?
6 pounds, 13 ounces. At some of the first ultrasounds (perhaps around 24 or 28 weeks?), she was on track to be a 9 pound baby. But DO NOT place much stock in those predictions - they are not very reliable. But of course since I am diabetic, everyone was super surprised she was as small as she was. And non-diabetics can have big babies, particularly if they run in the family....
Did you wear a pump?
Yup, never took it off.
Were you able to breast feed if wanted to?
Baby was latched on within 30 minutes of delivery. I was surprised it went so easily, all things considered. What I was NOT prepared for was all the ongoing lows in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. My basal rates are about 65-70% of my pre-pregnancy dose.
Did baby spend any time in NICU?
Nope, her blood sugars stayed stable and her other levels were good so she avoided the NICU. I worried about that, too, and that is why I was so crazy about keeping super tight control in the last couple weeks. In the end I realized that whatever was in the best interest of the baby was what I'd do. One word of advice is that there is only so much you can do to prevent your baby spending time in the NICU. Babies born to non-diabetic mommies sometimes spend time there in the first day or two due to low blood sugars and a host of other common issues.

Permalink Reply by Lauren on May 19, 2012 at 9:29pm

First of all, the fact that you have worked so hard and taken such good care of yourself means that you have every reason to expect a smooth labor and delivery and a healthy baby! You've done the hardest work and now you just need to finish the last mile of the marathon!!

To answer your questions:

How did you deliver? What was the reason?- I delivered vaginally after going into labor at 38 weeks, 6 days.

At what week did you you deliver?- My son was born the morning of 39 weeks exactly.

Were you induced?- No!!

What was baby's size?- 6 pounds, 14 ounces

Did you wear a pump?- Yes, my blood glucose was managed mostly by myself and by my husband as the labor progressed more and more. My pump, meter, and cgm were by my side the entire time. I tested about once per hour and my hubby kept a constant eye on the cgm.

Were you able to breast feed if wanted to?- Absolutely, and I was encouraged to do so immediately.

Did baby spend any time in NICU?- Nope.

The very best of luck to you!! I was lucky enough to have fantastic birth that went pretty much entirely according to plan. Although I was warned by my perinatologist about all of the horrifying possibilities, the reality was that NONE of them occurred. It is entirely possible to have a positive birth experience and a healthy baby even as a type 1 diabetic. BTW I wrote a super in-depth birth story and posted it here on this blog about type 1 diabetes and natural childbirth. Check it out if you're looking for all the details!

Permalink Reply by Angela on June 4, 2012 at 9:56am

I'm 31 1/2 weeks now and my baby is 5 lbs too. My BG's are pretty darn good and my A1C is 5.5. OB said its not just diabetes but could be genetics too. I'm nervous too about the whole C section thing if that were too happen.More the induction and pitocin part. I just want her to bea safe and healthy but I do hope for a chance at a natural birth. We just have to hang in there and know we are doing the very best we can and it is not our fault if they are "bigger". Congrats by the way xoox

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