Hello Girls,

Need some advice/reassurance after an anxious time in theatre yesterday.

I was running in theatre for an elective c-section (for breech presentation)...........something I dont really relish mainly due to lack of confidence.

Anyway, all going well, very relaxed and calm, up to the point of delivery.
There seemed to be alot of 'scrabbling' about before two little feet appeared and then it didnt seem to go to plan at all, I think due to positioning and possible cord round the neck, rest of baby just wouldnt come, it seemed to take forever, legs then body, one arm and shoulder then the other and finally the head which seemed to get stuck halfway so could only see a little mouth for what felt like ages. I was told to call ANP immediately.Baby was finally delivered but must've had little or no APGAR score, limp, not breathing and blue. Midwife took baby and started working on it. I felt like I was watching a film where you're just willing that baby to cry but this was real life.............and the parents are just feet away, everyone in that room was just waiting for that cry.........it was so tense I cant tell you! After a few minutes baby did take a breath and squawked the place down. I nearly burst into tears of relief.

I know it doesnt always work out like that and that first breath wont come.............but how can anyone prepare for that???? How do you know if you're the type of person you can deal with it???

I dont mind telling you that I S**t myself!!!!

Anyway, it was all good in the end. I just had to tell someone if that makes sense. Pointless telling hubby while tennis is on, he sees my lips moving but doesnt hear a word!!! (nothing new)

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*Jo*

Ok, Jo, I think what you need to do is get someone to go over the incident with you. There is nothing worse for developing irrational fears when you don't have the full information. Find out what the APGAR scores were, bearing in mind that you do not do the score at birth, but after one minute. Also, bearing in mind that the scoring at 5 and 10 are more useful in ascertaining the baby's condition. Plus, we must remember that APGAR scoring is retrospective and subjective.
The baby being blue, well, I rather have blue than white Do remember, some babies can take up to 3 minutes to initiate breathing (Denis Walsh's book is a good reference for this) and this is when having the cord still attached is a good idea.
Just my initial observation, I'm sure others will have more to contribute.

Awww Jo what a scarey experience I'm sure I would have felt the same as you! I'm so glad all was well in the end but as you say it doesn't always turn out that way.
To be honest I don't think you can know how you'll react and deal with it untill you are in that postition but as students I expect we'll get lots of good advice and support from out mentors and those who have had the experience.
Its one of the moments I am dreading but I know I'll have to deal with it one day I just hope when the time comes I can be strong for the family. I'm sure sheading a few tears is ok, after all you are expressing your saddess not for yourself but for someone elses loss.
I'm sure you do have what it takes, your feelings were totally normal, I can understand how it could knock you back abit, but have faith in yourself you CAN do this xxx

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Busy Mum to Dylan 3, Louis 2 & Jacob 1
STUDENT MIDWIFE ARU 2008

Ive had a similar experience twice but after 2 vaginal births. Everything went well both times but both babes just didnt breathe, I assisted with CPR and felt like I was watching someone else do it so I know what you mean.

I agree with LE do meet with and get debriefed by the midwife who was there and find out why and also find out what she did so you can understand the mechanics of what happens when babes dont breathe within one min or even 3.

Big hugs

Jxx

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J
StudentMidwife.NET Founder & Director

"You're braver than you believe. Stronger than you seem. And smarter than you think."
Christopher Robin in Pooh's Grand Adventure

Please help us raise funds for a bereavement room in Honey's memory by taking part in the SMNET Auction & Raffle here thanks x

Bird, I know how you feel hun. This has happened to me a few times now when I've been running and I think its worse when you're the runner as you do get yelled at to put the crash call out, get more staff etc - heart thumping stuff when you're not really involved, but watching. I have cried a few times (and so have MWs and Docs too) - it's only natural - don't worry about it. I honestly think that talking about it with the team that were there is the best way to gain understanding about it - even if it is too madly busy immediately afterwards, arrange it for a later date - this has really helped me in the past and makes you realise that everyone else was as anxious and upset as you! In terms of dealing with it I think we will always be affected emotionally by what we see, nothing can change that, but as a qualified MW you will know what to do, know what and why other people are doing things and spring into action - not just be watching and praying as a runner.

You'll be fab darling - talk to someone next time you're on duty, I guarantee everyone else will have had a c**p time too, and don't doubt your ability xx

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waving, not drowning!!

I agree with everything LE and others have said - it is a scary experience if you are watching but when you do your training you will be taught what to do to 'encourage' the little blighters to start breathing and all that adrenaline and desire to help will be channelled correctly.
After many years and many little blighters that decide to scare us s**tless it is still a heart thumping few minutes untill that big yell . But it feels so much better when you can confidently deal effectively with it. (There are still the occasional sad outcomes and we still shed a few tears then)
Also remember that a newborn's capacity to withstand apnoea(no breathing) before damage is greater than an adult's so you have time to 'teach' the baby the error of it's ways before damage occurs

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Laugh in the face of the devil Eat Chocolate

Awww hun, what a scary time for you. As the others have said though don't let this put you off, being a runner puts you in that firing line to be shouted instructions at to call crash team etc but you can't actually do anything but stand by and watch. With training this will come and as the others have said de-briefing is an important process. You will be fine
xxxx

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Karen
Starting access course Sept 08 (hopefully!!)

If you didn't feel how you did, I think there'd be something wrong!

I would hazard that everyone in the room felt exactly the same way as you did, and it was only their experience and helluva lot of adrenalin that meant that they all pulled together and did what they did to get that baby going. Congratulations on playing your part - you were involved, and you made a difference on the day, even if it felt scary at the time. So take the time to give yourself a pat on the back!

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The way you felt is only human. I have seen a few hairy moments and it does knock you for six but you do pick yourself up and get on with the next thing the course throws at you.

Remeber it is better to have a heart than not i do think some people come across as hard but then again it could just be the way they handle things.

Dont let it put you off follow your dream

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Second year!
"Don't wonder why people go crazy, wonder how they don't......"