What is Failure to Progress | True vs False Reasons for C-Section

[@angelchristensen1836]

I had a home birth and I was fully effaced and at 6cm for over 12 hours. Had I been in a hospital, I'm sure I would've been labeled as "failure to progress" Luckily, my midwife and doula were so encouraging and I never felt like I was failing at anything! Baby just needed help positions so I walked, did hanging squats, lunges, step-ups, and we ended up with a safe and natural birth :) BE PATIENT MAMAS YOU CAN DO IT❤

[@Facefuzzandfancyfree]

I’ve been following your channel for the last 6 months. I just had my baby last week. I really wanted to avoid a c section and have an unmedicated vaginal delivery. Among other resources, I used the information provided in your videos to help prepare. All my study and preparation paid off. I had a super fast 8 hour labor and delivery on May 16th to a healthy baby boy. Thank you for what you do and inspiring me to trust that my body is built to birth. I had truly wonderful birth experience and I hope the other women watching your videos will too❤️❤️

[@officialbrittanyamber]

Congratulations on your baby boy! The journey is so exciting!❤️

[@Facefuzzandfancyfree]

Healthy Wealthy Mother thank you!!❤️

[@susanclark8578]

Thank you this gives me confidence

[@Facefuzzandfancyfree]

@@susanclark8578 I highly recommend looking into using the Bradly method. Amount other tools, the Bradly method offers deep relaxation. I used it in early labor and it really got things moving. Don’t fight those contractions. Welcome them. Imagine the contractions rolling over you like your floating on waves in the ocean. I thought of the surges more like intense pressure than simple pain and imaged the doors of my womb opening a little more with each one. I felt safe and confident in my body. Coping with pain really is a mind game. Manifest that inner strength and it will come. Good luck!

[@susanclark8578]

@@Facefuzzandfancyfree thank you so much ❤

[@samreenahmad9264]

I salute all the nurses, midwives and doctors who did their best to give me normal birth even with twins. I was induced at 37 weeks. They tried their best, gave me pessaries 3 times still no progress. They waited 3 days but still didn't give up. Finally i was able to have a normal birth. I am so thankful to them that they didn't rush anything. My recovery was fast.

[@ronicerreto4798]

Wow!!! I am so so thankful that I free birthed my baby at home. I LOVED my labour. I naturally birthed a perfectly healthy 9 pound boy at 43+2 weeks. BUT my labour was 57 hours long. There’s no way I would have been able to do that in hospital but it was exactly what my body and my baby needed.

[@hannahtansel7330]

I wish I saw this video 3 years ago when my son was born. My doctor recommended a C-section at 4-5 cm after around 20 hours of labor. I'll never forget her words. "We could keep waiting but I don't see it working out." If only I knew how wrong she was. It breaks my heart. I'm due 7/2 with my second baby and have done so much more research. Here's to a successful VBAC with a midwife! ❤️

[@emskeeeee]

How did your VBAC go??

[@hannahtansel7330]

I did it! Induced 3 days after my due date. 27 hours of labor and 1.5 hours of pushing. A very slight tear that didn't even need a stitch. It was an incredibly healing and empowering experience. She will be two in July. I would take it any day over a c-section.

[@LISLOVESTRUTH]

This is the best video I've seen on this topic to date. I was 41 weeks and was diagnosed with failure to progress at 3cm dilated..not to mention the cervical sweep had punctured my waterbag 7 days earlier and I was clueless about it. So many things went wrong. I have no idea what my body could do under different conditions. I was in a hospital with hostile nurses, covid and a host of other emotionally distressing factors. Thank you for this education

[@agr1323]

My C-section was a blessing. I was in labor for 30 hrs and didn’t progress past 5cm. I was grateful for csec

[@WcJ31]

As a very soon to be first time Dad along with my wife, doing all I can to educate myself before baby comes!! Making sure we have a thorough understanding of what goes on during labor so we can advocate for ourselves!! Great informative videos!!

[@athomewithalison2252]

I had a c section after 17 hours of labor. I was fully dilated and 100% thinned out but my pelvis was too narrow to allow the baby to drop down. We had 3 significant heart rate drops, down into the single digits, and was finally able to have a c section. All of my progression happened without any sort of medication for labor, I got an epidural after 8 hours. Labor, delivery, and recovery are tough and all women should be praised for what we do! I’ll always be proud to be a C Section Mama ♥️

[@cozetteoconnor1289]

Same here! 10cm fully effaced. Minus the heart rate drops. It was devastating for me. My doctor wouldn't let me wait any longer. It's disappointing, but I went along with the best choice I knew at the time so I give grace to myself. ♥️ My baby came out perfect via c section so I just pray my scar tissue would never cause harm for my future babies and births.

[@leslieannefelisilda9447]

Same thing , happened to me too , it's really devastating

[@athomewithalison2252]

@@adrinedesouza if we hadn’t been monitoring my daughters heart rate we would’ve never known it dropped into the single digits. We could have very easily lost her. I’ll take my c section any day over that✌🏼

[@me-od8sv]

@@athomewithalison2252 you don’t have to project your feelings of guilt on others for having to have a c section. No one said you shouldn’t be proud to be a “c section mama” videos like this are helpful and needed to help women avoid a c section unless absolutely necessary. And maybe had you gotten up and walked around while the monitors were on you (because you can) your pelvis would’ve probably allowed your baby to come through naturally. Many times the baby can come easier when you work with gravity and stand up or sit up during active labor. Laying flat on your back during labor is like telling someone to take a sh*t while laying on their back. Common sense is still free.

[@justathumb]

@@me-od8sv i resent your assumptions projecting that her pelvis would have widened if she'd "walked around". i spent 4 days in labour, the doctors were so reluctant to rush into a c-section, and practised every form mobility to help gravity, including peanut balls etc. it became incredibly painful, because even epidurals cannot affect nerve pain when your baby's skull starts grinding into the bones of your pelvis. i wouldn't wish it on anyone, especially not for 12 hours like i had. there is a reason there used to be such a high childbirth mortality rate, and babies not fitting through the pelvis is one of the highest, research it. thankfully these days there are options so mamas don't have to spend so long in pain, and we can get both mama and baby through safely, which is THE most important thing.

[@marlenecastaneda8465]

I think this was why I had a c section in 2009 with my first baby I was in labor for 14 hours and only dilated to 5😐. I am now 38 weeks preggo with my 3rd baby and second c section. I am so happy that my OB is letting me try for a VBAC. She also gave me this info. She said that if she was my OB back then she would have let me labor for longer. *I just really hope I have a successful VBAC* Thank you so much for your videos

[@Rosetta-gp9mk]

Hey Marlene! Could you tell me how the third birth went? I’d really appreciate having that information. Sending lots of love ❤

[@jouazeuv]

I pushed for 4 1/2hrs and baby ended up being sunny side up. Doctors were adamant about doing a c-section BUT my nurse said no, because she knew baby could come vaginally. My nurse ended up spinning baby and baby came out as a vaginal birth. I feel like SOMETIMES some doctors pressure you into a c-section without trying other options first, but if it is an emergency then of course it’s understandable.

[@aylabilse3697]

I want your nurse!!!

[@nijaj9157]

Luckily you had the best nurse to advocate her patient. same thing happened to me and even was not pushing long enough/ less than an hour but I was told c section is safe and took that advice cause I wanted a healthy baby. Trying VBAC this time due in March.

[@chiomaogbonnaya5003]

Honestly, if someone had told me that i will end up with c.s i wouldn't believe it, my first was natural with induction and this second one the doctor refused to induce me and kept on saying it's risky because there's no much fluid for the baby, she didn't even try all she was interested at was c.s I'm so upset about the whole thing right now

[@sinawidmann9813]

Thanks Bridget. My little one is four months old and with the help of a great midwife I managed to give birth naturally... Doctors had almost given up on me after 36 hrs of painful surges. Failure to progress in early labor. Now I know that I had never managed to feel safe and relaxed in my environment. I will eternally be thankful for that midwife who helped me progress in the end...

[@2davivadiva]

Glad to hear that Sina! I think your midwife really helped advocate for you! Doctors will NOT. Don’t get me wrong they’re good for interventions that are needed but doctors aren’t experts at natural birth

[@taliarosenthal92]

How did she help you? I had something similar and failed to progress after 48 hours and only dilated to 7cm and had an emergency csection..is there hope for a vbac and for this to not happen again?

[@ItsMeMissRuby]

I had a c-section and I believe it was due to many of the things you’re describing. I started contracting painfully on day 1 and they were 3-5 mins apart on average. I walked a bit but not enough. Pain Progressively got worse throughout the day/night but the next morning, I was still only almost 4 cm. The hospital finally admitted me (which means no more eating) but I got the IV pain med for a nap. That night, still at 4 cm, I elected to get my water broken, then an epidural 2 hours later (could no longer endure the pain, hunger, and challenge breathing knowing I was probably going to go through this much longer). I ended up stuck in bed after this so no more movement. Then I got induced...and the next day around 3pm I’d progressed to 9 but was stuck there for about 4 hours. Fully effaced, soft cervix but baby was not far enough down. 😒 I def believe that had I just stayed home and progressed naturally, patiently, no matter how painful, I wouldn’t have ended up with a c-section. I’m looking forward to a vbac this time around.

[@rosemarie6347]

I don't think there's is nothing wrong with having a c-section for the safety of the mama and baby, I have heard some women who refused to have a c-section and after so many hours of being in labor and enduring pain ended up stillbirth baby and emergency c-section to remove the baby.

[@shridarling]

You can put your baby down by special breath technic, like blow in a tube- strow or blow a candle on your belly button only on you active contraction. Wish you a luck and also you might need doula, courses and / or good midwife on your labour next time. On birth courses they shows a lot of poses and technic ,how to put you baby down in 10 cm.

[@shridarling]

@Autumn 🍂she has't problem at all, just need to put her baby down ,it was probably 15-30 min work. It's possible, but if you not prepare and think that in hospital they would help - you are wrong.

[@dazzlespin92]

Hello! First off, I am very much thankful to you for such detailed insight/knowledge on birthing in general. I owe you my confidence in having a natural birth (unless a *true* emergency occurs for otherwise) and that is all due to you giving us all such valuable information. This is the kind of information EVERY woman should know, it is not enough to blindly trust healthcare providers. We should be educated enough to do our own research to maximum. Once again, thank you very much! I will recommend your channel to other moms ❤️

[@Akanesixo]

THANK YOU FOR USING YOUR PLATFORM TO REMIND MAMAS THAT WE ARE BORN FOR THIS! ❤️

[@mrsvalentine5472]

I watched everything on your channel. I totally believed my body was built to birth: it isn't. I was in labour for 4 days. I stayed at home for 3 days managing with a tens and bouncing on my ball. I watched comedies and went on walks with my husband. I was so excited. After 72h, I was beyond exhausted. I had contractions 5 minutes apart the whole time but they never got closer together. I hadn't slept properly. I went to the hospital after 72h and felt horrific. I was in so much pain and so tired. Then, I was checked and was at 2cm. Anyway, I asked for an epidural so I could sleep but they were concerned because I was only 2cm. So I got some pitocin - very low dose. Then a walking epidural as I was so tired I was hallucinating. I napped and then kept moving. I got to 6cm quickly. Then I began passing blood clots. Then my cervix swelled and I got sepsis. Turns out, I had a 9lb baby inside a 9st full term person. He was 54cm long with a 38cm head. My pelvis is very narrow. Anyhow, I had a c section, over 24 hours after getting to the hospital. Then I haemhorraged. I wish I'd known when to call it quits and not pushed and pushed thinking the doctors were wrong and I could birth him. When he was born we were both totally exhausted and I lost 1.5l of blood. I just want people to know that most people may be able to birth their baby - some won't. I don't advocate going against what your doctors say. They're there to keep you and your baby safe. I'll be doing exactly what I'm told next time. Affirmations, essential oils, water and all the positive thinking in the world wouldn't have helped. I've just spent 6 months feeling like I failed and needed so much help to see how I couldn't do anything more. I think movement should be encouraged and all of the techniques you advocate are great but I think there needs to be a line drawn.

[@loveyliv9888]

So refreshing to see a comment like this, I am SICK of of people saying we are BUILT TO BIRTH. ITS NOT OK AND IT NEEDS TO STOP. It's the reason Many mother's struggle mentally after c section or a traumatic vaginal birth. Phrases like that.. birthing mamas need to practice being ok with whatever has to be done to make sure they and baby live. I understand the mistrust with a lot of medical doctors/nurses but you can't trust all the Doulas and midwives either. In a time when you can monitor mother and baby's bodies with such precision, why take the chance on a still birth because you want to labor at home or don't "believe" in intervention. I hope people think more about the price they're going to have to pay when those things don't go as planned because they wanted to be "all natural" with no interventions. The reality is you will hear good stories and there will be the worst case scenarios, still birth, or maternal death...this is the reality of human birthing, it's not sunshine butterflies and beautiful birth stories for all who set their mind to it or study enough...

[@FaB-XXL_Fabulous]

I think am with you on this. Closed cervix for days...

[@mrsvalentine5472]

Hi Rebecca, have you given birth to your baby?

[@4theFaith]

I had a similar experience. Overall, I don’t trust drs, as they see c section as plan b. Whereas it should be plan z. However, I think as you start to see signs of distress you should move that C-section plan up. They are there for medically necessary births and I am happy I had my first one. I’m not happy I had my second and hope not to have another, however, thank you for the reminder that sometimes our bodies don’t cooperate and in those moments we are so thankful for that option. It is def a heard line to know when to cross.

[@justathumb]

fellow 9lber with 4 days of labour here! i feel you ❤ i was almost frustrated with my doctors BECAUSE they were so patient - eventually even my epidural failed because it can't touch the nerve pain of a baby's skull grinding against the pelvis. I endured that for 12 hours before they called it - when they pulled her out they said it was like wrestling a baby alligator. the head surgeon said she could never have fit through my pelvis, and that she was glad we had made the right call. there is a healthy balance with everything, and we have to respect the very real and incredible help that modern medicine can offer when it's needed. there's a VERY clear reason childbirth mortality rates are lower than they have ever been historically, that's what's important.

[@samanthawallace8278]

There’s a sign posted at my obgyn saying “don’t go to the hospital too soon! 1 in 6 women who arrive at the hospital during early labor end up getting a c section.” And all I could think about was how messed up that was 😅😅

[@myriamdiallo4434]

LOL that sounds like a threat since they're the ones doing the unnecessary C-sections😆

[@Myeyesburnbabyburn]

Better than my OB telling me if I’m 1cm I should go in at 39 wks. Nope nope! I know what they’re trying to do 😟 no I don’t have any risk with my pregnancy, but some drs are used to rushing the process and like billing medi-cal 😒

[@nmh7499]

Yes it is true and the main reason I stayed home until we knew I was in full active labor. My OB even said I don't want you in the hospital until you are at least 6-7 cm. Well I ended up already being 10cm when I arrived. 😅 Things progressed a lot quicker than any of us anticipated. I was so afraid of unnecessary interventions the hospital..it ended up not being an issue at all. My daughter was born just 30 minutes after we arrived.

[@paolajones2412]

I truly feel I was given an unnecessary Csection for my now 3 year old daughter and I still cry about it regularly. I was devastated afterwards, and it makes me so sad that this is how I associate her coming into the world. Even writing this comment I’m crying. I will never get over the feeling of failure and I still feel violated... 😞 I hope that this video informs first time mummas with way more knowledge then I had when this happened to me. 💔

[@ashleyperkins2711]

I had a C section too. Not what I desired but please don't see it as a failure. At the end of the day our beautiful children are here.

[@CelineShiko]

Bless you mama. I understand how violated you can feel when you have no choice with whatever happens with your body especially after planning and hoping for the best. Look at your healthy baby girl today and thank the fact she was not harmed and is here with you

[@Farxadiyoguul]

Getting a c-section is not a failure but it’s very true that doctors don’t help at all. You need to make all your choices and do your research and trust in God because sometimes you do everything in your power but only God’s plan is the ultimate.

[@NadiaSeesIt]

I can't believe they make so many women go through this :( you are a loving and wonderful mama, you grew that baby and nutured it! A very difficult task and she is so lucky to have you

[@NadiaSeesIt]

​@@Farxadiyoguulunhelpful and terrible advice

[@GavrielAbrahams]

That happened to me. My baby was starting to have decels but I was on CFM and they didn't want me to get up and move and they decided my baby was in distress and I was not permitted to labor. Now I'm convinced this was NOT necessary, but I'm forever a TOLAC.

[@haddisonko4030]

Thanks for the advice 🙏🙏🙏I love your video and I always follow you ❤️❤️❤️am a first time mama and am in my 35weeks 3 days

[@officialbrittanyamber]

Congratulations! You will do great, being a first time mama is so incredibly exciting! Feel free to message me if you ever need additional support, I love talking all things pregnancy and momhood!

[@Kath-Erina]

I've given birth 2times and both times labor stopped progressing. On the end of the second day I was so exhausted I asked how much longer this will take or if a c-section is necessary ( I didn't want one at all) they said well go one more hour and see then.. Thankfully they said a c section is not necessary medically. They suggested a epidural and it was the best solution! I slept for maybe 4 hours, could finally rest and regain energy (as I had been awake for two whole days without sleep) and during my sleeping my body was finally aber to relax enough for the contractions to actually work and I dialated from 4,5 cm to 10 while sleeping. In total birth took 37 hours with my first (28 with my second) but I was able to birth vaginally both times 😊 and now thanks to your video I know it was probably a mental/emotional block I had.. I'm 28weeks pregnant now and trying everything to make this birth go smooth and easy! At least no I know what to work on!! Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@ginalex4life]

Wow that's amazing. Where are you located? I'm in Georgia, 38+4(no dilation yet) weeks pregnant. When i told my doc about my concerns of past due date and c-sections. He reassured me that they usually let women deliver vaginally. Which made me at ease but with all the information I'm getting through research i will be keeping my guards up for any unnecessary interventions. I know my body was made for this and it will do it. 💪🏽🙏🏾

[@Kath-Erina]

I'm from germany! 😊 And yes definetly knowing what can happen and what isn't necessary helped me a lot too. This is my 4th pregnancy and I'm still researching and trying to get all the information. I'll even deliver in another hospital this time that just has a more calm birthing center in the hopes of feeling more comfortable and at peace in the place I'm giving birth.. The last two times my contractions were working and manageable in pain and very close to the next as long as I was at home.. But as soon as I stepped in the hospital, labor became slow, painful and ineffective.. So maybe changing the circumference will help too this time! Is it your first time? :)

[@ednasmom]

Thank you for sharing! Typically Ive heard that an epidural can make it more difficult to progress. It's interesting to hear another side. I am due in a week and this makes me hopeful!

[@bartulaba85]

thank you! i am running out of your videos to watch. they have all been so helpful in decreasing my anxiety. im a FTM at 36w3d now. i love the podcasts too!

[@CreativityandCoTube]

I'm 11 days from my due date, and this was very helpful info!! I'm nervous because I have no idea what to expect, but your videos have been a great resource. Thanks!!

[@officialbrittanyamber]

Congratulations on your baby to be! You will do great, if you ever need any additional support feel free to message me! I love supporting new mamas! ❤️

[@VanessaSamparras]

I’m on the list of unnecessary C-section. I wasn’t even 40 weeks and my doctor “scared” us that I would go into labor while baby was breeched and ended up scheduling a C-section as a regular appointment. I had no idea what was happening. Later with another doctor, she told me she moved all her babies. I felt angry and outnumbered by everyone

[@NekoNesssa]

My doctor did the same thing! He was concerned because my baby wasn’t engaged in my pelvis and said that baby may be too big and my pelvis may be too small. All this because he claimed I was 2 days away from my due date and wasn’t showing signs of labor. Smh. Turns out they screwed up and my due date wasn’t until August 14th. So my induction turned into a C-section because my water broke and I didn’t know I could have waited a little longer.

[@Lee-tg1oe]

I just found your channel and have bing watched all your videos, I am due in November with my first baby 🍼 Thank you for all the great content and information.

[@teeny700]

Thank you so much for this. I'm really worried about my choices where I am. They give out c- sections like candy and I've almost lost two friends to the complications from them. Its scared me SO bad.

[@nocia5304]

My baby girl is 5 days old today! I watched a lot of your videos throughout my pregnancy and I’m glad I had all the information you shared going into labor. Unfortunately after 25 hours of laboring, 2 failed epidurals, countless hours of large continuous surges, having my water broken, and never getting past 5cm after 12+ hours I wound up having an unplanned emergency C Section because the baby started to show signs of distress. It was in no way the labor I envisioned and looking back on the experience it was a bit traumatic, but I’m so glad my sweet girl is here safe and sound🧡 I also just have to say that my care team was amazing! These women went above and beyond. Helping me switch positions on the bed even after receiving an epidural, they’d use a peanut ball to try and help get baby into position, and to say they were on top of making my husband and I as comfortable as possible would be an understatement!

[@HarmanSingh-929]

I had the exact same experience! Wouldn’t progress more than 5cm and failed epidural. My cervix got swelling and in the end they performed c section

[@cassandrafisher2437]

Also fight or flight is a huge reason why women's labors slow down. Also Pitocin can cause stronger contractions which can lead to fetal distress. Medical interventions causes complications to happen. The best way to avoid all unnecessary medical interventions is to have a homebirth. Homebirth is safe if not safer than a hospital birth for low risk women.

[@ma-b6020]

Thank you for the information. Does all this information pertain as well to Vbac patients?

[@savithavenkatapathy1044]

Loving your channel.. I'm in my second pregnancy, completed 38 Week. But the ultrasound in 35 week says that my baby is already 7.5 pounds while my first baby was just 6 pounds! But I've been doing all the exercises that can help me to have a normal delivery.. Hopefully BLT helps me towards this 😊

[@MrsMuffin11]

I find it hard to trust the ultrasounds to determine just how large a baby is. A friend of mine opted for a scheduled c section at 39 weeks because they told her that her baby was 11 pounds...baby came out 8lbs 1oz...

[@marlenecastaneda8465]

I am going to be induced tomorrow at 7 am this is my 3rd pregnancy 2 c-sections this time around I'm going to try for a VBAC. I hope everything goes well as I don't want another c-section. Thank you for all the great information. I'm binge watching all your videos again lol

[@chiomaogbonnaya5003]

Please how did it go, because i don't want to experience this c.s of a thing ever again in my life and how long did you waited before conceiving thanks

[@jenalexis5956]

Absolutely LOVEyour videos and al of the topics you discuss! I was wondering if you could make a video or share your opinion about breastfeeding while pregnant. I'm hearing mixed reviews about it. Thanks!

[@miaphoenix1208]

Hi, does anyone know if Bridget has done any videos on stem cell collection from cord blood and placenta encapsulation? I had a quick search but nothing came up? I would love to hear her take on these topics. Thanks! :)

[@juliacarter1280]

This was very informative thank you so much for this!

[@ashleyperkins2711]

I wish I knew this with my first pregnancy. I progressed to being dilated 7cm and stay there for an hour and a half when the doctor came in and said I needed an emergency C-section.

[@amabileanna3172]

Bridget do you have a birth playlist on Spotify?

[@ericksonvelasquez7511]

Followinh

[@ginalex4life]

Thank you so much for this knowledge and it's free😍

[@jaquirox6579]

My hired midwife and doula both failed me completely, resulting in a severely traumatic birth and csection. Do you speak with people ever to help them unpack what happened to them? I want to find healing and education, so I can have another child. I would be fine with paying for the app, if you don’t consult for someone in another state. I’m in Montana. 🙏🏽♥️

[@NadiaSeesIt]

There are prenatal and postnatal specialized therapists! I would highly suggest them

[@jaquirox6579]

@@NadiaSeesIt I can’t seem to find much of anything in my city, or area.

[@kristinezerebkina9383]

Thank you very much! I'd 2 unnecessary c-sections🤦‍♀️, so I'm pregnant again and I'm preparing myself very carefully from all sides for VBAC-2.

[@ericksonvelasquez7511]

I hope the online course comes before October, I am due on October first week. And your videos are so helpful. Eyeing for vbac/water birth here in 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@lifewithcheech1913]

hello! Labor and delivery nurse here! I have had patients stay at 4cm for 18hrs and I want to research why is that? Also, at my hospital I feel like once the doctors call you six centimeters they want you to dilate quickly or you end up with a C-section. would like your input. thanks!

[@rebeccamcgee7840]

I was at 4 cm for 28 hrs. Ended up progressing and pushing out a healthy baby girl after 36 total hrs of labor. I'm just glad I was given the time!

[@mandalynn1384]

I was at 5 cm for over 2 weeks before delivery. Having the cervix open before true labor starts is pretty common

[@bethanntay]

Hopefully, this will help. Had to have a c section because I was at 5 centimeters for 15 hours.... about to have baby number 2 in 3 weeks.

[@ghaydaeramya898]

Hello! First time mom here and really nervous. I have been watching your videos and I just want to say you are amazing and educating yourself is probably the best thing you can do to get comfortable for going through birth. My OB wants to schedule an induction due to my age. I am 40 and have had no health issues during my pregnancy. I am 38 weeks now. I don’t want to do an induction but I also want my baby to be healthy and don’t want anything to happen. Anyone has any advice or have had this issue? The only way I will do an induction is only if there is no progress or a high risk. I just think my age should not be a factor though. I don’t know. Please help.

[@ilhamomar3850]

Is it necessary to have an emergency c section if there is meconium and if the baby’s activity levels were slow?

[@harvestgleaner3585]

I'm not a doctor but would say yes. The baby is at major risk in that situation and could die if not delivered asap.

[@trevor_corey8037]

Yes , if you did. You did the right thing. Sometimes it’s the safest option and that’s okay

[@joannaviolinist9721]

I would like to know your opinion about my case, I hope you can evaluate it since I find your videos very wise. I feel guilty for having accepted the c-section, but I can't find a clear answer about my condition. I've had my waters broken at 8pm or so, with a drop in abundant fluid. My gynecologist told me to go to the emergency. On the way I kept losing a lot of water. Arriving, I was evaluated by a machine that measured possible contractions. After an hour or so, my doctor came and did the tactile evaluation. It turned out that I had no dilation and still no contractions but I was still losing water and even a little blood. My doctor with a worried face told me that if I had some signs of starting the labor, we could wait, but since I do not have them, the safest thing for the baby and for me is to do the c-section. He told me that for lack of water protection we can get an infection and the baby can have fetal distress. I was scared and trusted his diagnosis and agreed, although I was always against unnecessary caesarean and I very much hoped to have it naturally, which my doctor also knew. I want to avoid making a mistake next time. Tell me what you think please.

[@valeriepark9444]

Yeah, that definitely sounds like a scenario in which I'd accept a c-section. No amniotic fluid = not great outcome for mom or baby.

[@MeliMel277]

I am 36 weeks and 1 day. We had our appointment today and baby girl is still breech Position. 😓 I am trying to avoid a C-section and currently doing exercises, seeing chiropractor and acupuncturist. I’m trying it all. 🙏 I truly hope she flips!

[@Iamonlyadoll]

I had a traumatic experience during the birth of my son. The hospital and staff was not supportive and comforting at all. The nurses were very condescending and borderline abusive. After enduring the induction process for two days and being awake the whole I decided to get an epidural at 5cm to try to relax enough to get some sleep. However the nurse turned up the medication to max and forced me to stay in an almost sitting position where I couldn't sleep and refused to turn it off or even down when I told her I regretted getting it. She just told me "you just don't like feeling like you are not in control." In hindsight I should have demanded to speak to a supervisor or the doctor on duty. But I was exhausted and so numb I could barely feel my arms let alone my legs. So after crying myself to sleep, a few hours later when they woke me up to check my cervix and told me I hadn't dilated at all and asked if I wanted to labor for a few more hours or get a c section, I just wanted to get out of there so I told them I wanted a c section so I could get away from the abusive nurses!! They put my reason for c section as failure to progress. I pray no one else has the same traumatizing experience I did!!!

[@CyndiCaviedes]

So sorry to hear this. No woman should be abused during labor :(

[@Iamonlyadoll]

@@CyndiCaviedes thanks! I can only hope I learn from my experience if I have another. Maybe hire a doula!!! It would have been good to have someone to advocate for me!

[@CyndiCaviedes]

@@Iamonlyadoll I'm planning on doing just that. Woman power!

[@Iamonlyadoll]

@@CyndiCaviedes I pray you get a wonderful doula and your birthing experience is everything you want it to be!!! ❤️🌻🙏

[@raeannie9520]

I have a question, if the nurse is pushing for a c section but neither myself or the baby are in distress(what does that even mean for myself??) can I deny a c section? They cant force me right if it's not an emergency? Not sure if you answered that already but I missed it if you did!!

[@gardenofnone]

I went into labor at 38 weeks 4 four days. Felt a gush of fluid at 3 pm contractions started half an hour later. 10cm dilated and pushing with no epidural by 1030pm he had frequent heart rate drops and wasn’t crowning had to have a c section born at 1105pm same day❤

[@HeythereHelena]

is there a video on what situations define a c section or pitocin as necessary?!

[@briannapeters4936]

Could you talk about failure to descend?? That was the reason for my two c-sections (I was at 10cm and pushing for more than 2 hours)

[@jamietodd9741]

I think she said pushing can take 3 hours or more and you should be sure you are listen to the birth positions video for more info on that

[@zoeratcliff9578]

What size birth ball do you recommend?

[@genesishernandez7079]

I am 41 weeks pregnant and been at 1cm for over a week 🥺🥺 so I'm scheduled for Csec.... My goal was a Vbac I tried to push them to let me wait

[@Its_mso]

I’m sorry mamma I hope everything worked out 🙏🏾

[@hahadarrie]

As I continue to watch your videos, I can’t help but to think, “dang she’s good.”

[@batulfatimah6279]

My health care was not affirmative at all and kept saying you're not pushing well ..i ended up in csection even when I was fully dilated

[@batulfatimah6279]

It was an obstructed and prolonged labor which she said

[@ravenmill1784]

My labor was 63 hours total, I went into labor Friday night regular contractions 5-7 minutes apart got sent home after a check was only 1 cm went back Sunday morning at 3cm with very painful contractions got to 5 cm Sunday night got pitocin after hours and hours of no progression early Monday morning the epidural caused a blood patch and was placed in wrong so I started bugging out and they said I was failure to progress at that point I was yelling to get him out.. I wish I found that last bit of strength to continue but I had a csection

[@victoriatrotobas2763]

Hi Bridget, I wish I had watched this video before my labor… water broke at 11pm on Nov 29th, 0cm dilated and baby was really high. I moved all night on yoga ball and then was put on pitocyn at 9am on Nov 30th, I was 1 cm dilated. Epidural in place at 4.30pm bc of pressure from the nurse, I was managing pain quiet well but they scared me saying that I could dilate you 8cm in 30min and will not be able to get epidural anymore .. midnight Dec 1st my gyne says it is fail to progress as baby is not moving down and i haven’t dilated more than 4.5cm. Both my baby and I were doing great. We went for c section at 1am, turns out she had the ombilical cord around her shoulder and my Gyneco told me she was not able to move down.. but after watching your video I am not so sure anymore I was really in failure to progress 😢

[@MarissaBreAnna]

Is there a way to avoid having your baby in a breech position? I know that’s another reason women have to have csections. I’m 25 weeks and I really want to have a natural unmedicated birth!! I’m due October 7 ☺️🌸🤍

[@lexyruse603]

I'm guessing you already had your baby lol, but for the future there is a thing called a version where the doctor can try to flip the baby manually. 97% of babies are flip on there on but if your little one is breeched you can ask for a version

[@stephaniemclain4382]

I have to have a hospital birth. I also have a lot of trauma around being in positions of limited power and have had both physical and emotional boundaries violated. So I'm working on strategies to cope with my anxieties around medical care, doctor visits, and my big day at the hospital. Can you provide any information on such coping strategies, from a self-help perspective (since many of us are not going to be able to have a Doula or midwife at this time)?

[@fighttheevilrobots3417]

I feel like I could have written this comment. I have the same questions.

[@8698gil]

So even with strong contractions coming every couple of minutes, that isn't active labor unless you are 6 cm dilated?

[@nilushikaambahelagedara5976]

I watch your videos all thr time and love them! so, I had my baby last Monday at 40+4. I had a complicated delivery as the baby was not coming out with her head stuck in. Had an episiotomy..vaccume..and they even forced the baby to roll from up by 2 doctors from my sides locking their elbows to wrist and applying full pressure as the baby was at risk with heartbeat going down. I had pushed for 2 hrs by then. (My epidural had stopped it's effect and I had to go through all this with raw pain as they couldn't wait for the second to kick in.) I And then, after delivery the placenta didn't come out even after trying for 30mins and had to be removed surgically. Then the stitches! I have so many..I was fine for 3 days (with pain killers of course) but now I feel it burning and stinging. No redness or pus. Did anyone had a 3 rd degree episiotomy? How long did it take to heal? Or the pain to go away? I'm in so much pain when I get the burning (it's not constant and not one of the external stitches, probably internal). I just want to enjoy my baby but I'm always in pain. It was quite a traumatic experience for me. But I think it was necessary to save the baby. How common are these problems? I had no idea about the doctors applying forced pressure on the stomach with that method or about having to surgically remove the placenta!!

[@maurishasmiles80]

I had a friend who under went such experience too.

[@laz1xbebe]

Bridget! Please answer. What birth ball size do you recommend? I saw that there are 2 sizes for the amazon link you provided. I wanted to purchase one, currently 36 weeks! ❤️

[@laz1xbebe]

Also I noticed you linked two different birth balls from urbnfit and trideer. Which one is better? Thanks.

[@cbreeze123]

Im 5'2", my instructor recommended a 55 cm ball.

[@imfawesometoo]

Is there such a thing as a narrow and protruding hip? Because that was what led me to have a c-section with my first child.

[@betybety8380]

Do you think 3.8 kilo weight is enough reason for c section in first pregnancy

[@stungstung2424]

Baby is important too, so if babys heart is showing signs of trouble c section is only option, no mter how long you been in labour

[@loveyliv9888]

Yes! I'm so tired of this new obsession with having an "empowered" birth! The whole reason you're pregnant and in labor is to give birth to a living healthy human, right!? Stop obsessing over your birth plan and prioritize you AND baby's health people!

[@casper6309]

my 1st induction failed a few days ago.. and i was told that if the 2nd induction failed to progress to 5cm within 16 hours, i would have to have a csection. they wont give me pitocin, break my water, anything.. they are just relying on a cervix softener medicine to start everything and i dont see it working for me... im so nervous also because they cant tell when i am dilated even. my cervix is too high for them to reach still..

[@syi077]

Love your vedios I need you here in Philly 5 th baby dailated 2 cm but I'm home now not in active labor

[@mariamuribe28]

I’m a lil sad and disappointed I need a lil advice please! I’ve had 2 csections and one normal birth. I’m due in Mids July and my doct is saying I need a csection that I can’t try to have it normal because I’ve already had a csection. And I just want to have my baby normal.

[@TheGenya96]

Most women can give vaginal birth after c-section. U should get another doctors opinion!! It is not fair for the doctor to tell you how to give birth, when the birth has not even started yet.

[@officialbrittanyamber]

Definitely seek out another opinion, I feel as though that is a really old school way of thinking!

[@katherinep708]

is c-section necessary for high fetal heart rate at 41 weeks?

[@vanessaquinones80]

First time momma. I was induced at 39 wks 1 day. I was 3 cm dilated. Given cytotec twice and was complete for 5 hours. I was given an epidural. My nurse made me start pushing, baby’s head was visible. I pushed for hours on and off and baby’s head would not descend. I ended up having a C-section. Would it be possible for me to have a successful vbac in the future ? I don’t want another C-section it was such a bad experience.

[@loric1909]

Hi Bridget! I love watching your videos. Can you explain what some mamas are talking about when they say they had to get a C-section because their pelvis was too narrow? Can you tell if your pelvis is going to be too narrow before you even get pregnant? I'm very small and my hips are not that big so I'm worried about getting pregnant because of this.

[@hadiach5889]

My doctor said your BPD is 9.5 to 9.6 and it's difficult to have a vaginal birth. Is it true? 🙆 While my whole pregnancy was really smooth, and i didn't even gain much, 4-5 kgs in 9 months

[@carissamendoza4178]

I want to try for a vbac but I was induced with petocin and reaches 6 cm and got stuck there for 12 hours. Max petocin. Very painful. Is it likely my second labor will go the same! I really want to avoid a csection. I was in labor on petocin for almost 37 hours with my son. I wish I had rejected the petocin. It sent my body into shock.

[@RedeBibliaDiaria]

A week ago I was 40 weeks pregnant for the first time and my OB had me induced, I was in labor without epidural from 8pm-6:30am the next day, my doctor told me the baby wasn't descending and that I was "failure to progress", I told her I didn't want a c section, if I could reach 10 cm and try pushing first (I was at 5cm at that point) but she said I needed to get one because if the baby hasn't descended by now that he won't be able to even if I reach 10cm dialated and pushed. So I unfortunately got the C section, I felt bad like I failed in a way. Even though I experience contraction pains, and my water even broke on it's own, I still felt less of a woman for not pushing the baby through my vagina. I know I shouldn't feel that way, but I do. I plan on having a VBAC next pregnancy as long as I qualify. I'm scared to go through pregnancy again to just end up having another c section. I hated the experience, and the recovery (which I'm still going through right now).

[@immyfleur3791]

Having had a vaginal birth and a c section I can promise you the difference is so miniscule it doesn't even matter, I had the same feeling when I saw my baby for both births and the fact that I pushed one and not the other made noooo difference! Us C section mums not only often go through the pain of labour but also the pain of surgery and then have to look after a newborn whilst recovering! We are warriors ♥️

[@keynat9755]

I've had 3 csections all being failure to progress

[@nandithanandakumar9820]

Hi Bridget..i had my 1st c-section after a water break and 15hr of labour pain, at the end of 15hrs my gyneac comes and asks me whether there is an urge to push the baby. Earlier a junior Doc had assessed me and told not to push; bcz of which i told them i dont feel like and at that time i was somewhere btwn 9-10 cm dilation. Even at that stage my dr told me we cannot wait anymore will go for emergency C-section. Is this one kind of failure to progress situation? I am 36weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby and my 1st baby is 2yrs and 9 months now. Last day my care provider checked me and told that she dont see any signs of natural labor thus is fixing a day for C-section 10 days before my EDD. Can i aak her to wait till my EDD?

[@niamhohare1]

I was told I needed a c section after a failed induction and babys heart rate being too high for too long. He best rate was bouncing around 160. When I read about trains for c section alot of them are due to a drop in heartrate not a slightly higher heartrate. Is 160 high?

[@asiamayne]

Exactly.. I said the same thing . My baby heart rate rose to 187 .. I haven’t really read that fetal distress happens under 200 but they used that as an excuse. My labor stalled at 6cm and I started running fever with a swollen cervix. My baby turned out being 9lbs so idk. I feel robbed. I came in for a scheduled induction already in labor (light labor I barely felt it but it showed up on the monitor) .. I labored for more than 24 hrs so after the “infection” i kinda understand why.. but still felt rushed

[@aeshaashraf7535]

My first Labour there was not any contractions and my doctor said that l have a 50% to have a c section and asked me if I want try to have a vaginal birth and I said of course I tried to induce Labour naturally but there was nothing until she gave me a bill to induce Labour after I finished 9 month and 2 days and the contractions begins and it was so harsh there was not any gab between them and it begins so heavy and I was in pain for 10 hours but I was just 2 cm and at last I had a c section and now I am pregnant and I supposed to have a 3 year difference between two delivery at the end of my pregnancy . The question is can I go through vbac ? Please answer my question because I really want to have a natural Labour.

[@sharinginsightwithcholi]

After being in labor for 24 hours they had to do a c section, .me and my son are fine. Cairo is now 7 weeks

[@anag2092]

I'll be 40 weeks on Thursday Aug 27th but my doctor recommends to do a c section since my son has not even began to drop and there is no sign of dilation...im not sure if i should hold off for the extra 2 weeks or just go ahead and go through the surgery...any advice?

[@esi22]

What if baby is breech?

[@pineappleice100]

There are methods to turn the baby.

[@deeacrt2808]

Every birth I have seen where they rush women into an emergecy c section it's because the baby was in distress, not specifically because the woman wasn't dilating or progressing. At least in UK...

[@Jabx84]

You’d be surprised. Watch Birth Reborn on Netflix or the Business of Being Born for a start. I’m learning docs push for c-sections far more often than needed. Sadly, often as a result of their own unnecessary interventions.

[@lifewithcheech1913]

Also, I have seen C-sections based soley on EFM and the baby HR staying anywhere between 60-80 BPM for 7 minutes. what are your thoughts on that?

[@vyonncee]

I was diagnosed with GBS on the day my baby was suppose to be induced. (i was 38 weeks already. 11 days earlier than EDB) and my water broke 4 hours into labour. doc said if i have not dilated within 10 hours, i will have to go through c section. i only dilated 2 cm during my 14 hour labour before pushing me into c section. Was there any way i could've prevented that from happening? My nurse was very kind and kept finding ways to help me dilate faster, but i failed to do so. I'm looking towards trying for a second baby this year, so i was wondering if i could try for vaginal delivery this time around?

[@yomama1896]

I was 10 cm dilated , 100% effaced but baby would not descend !!!!

[@danielat1420]

of course a MAN came up with a standard on how a woman’s body should work, that’s why all women today are perfectly happy and right on schedule with their cycles and births and everything in between 🙄

[@Marojan24-k5v]

C-section is a way of making money 💵 by doctors.