1st Attempt @ ECV (External Cephalic Version) = Fail

ECV or in other words a team of doctors trying to push on the outside of my stomach to manipulate the baby from a breech position to a head down position...

Total Failure no matter how I word it!

Yes, the first attempt at moving this stubborn child was a failure... and here's how the day went:

1. Call into L&D at 5am to determine when they wanted me to show up.
2. Get J outta bed at 6 since he was just laying there paying on his phone - Grrr!
3. Checked into L&D at 6:30, and was in a gown in my room by 7.
4. Hooked up to monitor, IV, had a few blood draws and an ultrasound to double check baby was still breech by 8:30.
5. Didn't see anyone but the one nurse that was popping in and out to check the IV until about 11 due to another patient needing to be treated in the OR.
6. Given a shot of medication to relax uterus that made me feel like an adrenaline junkie!
7. 2nd ultrasound and finally started procedure about 11:30.
8. By 11:40 they were done with attempt and trying to talk me into c-sec delivery.
9. Hooked back up to monitor to check on baby.
10. 1pm still no food or drink, monitor paper is out and not a single nurse to be seen at desk or in the area.
11. 2pm 3rd attempt to talk me into delivering that day and after again declining was given two packets of crackers with a small packet of peanut butter, a glass of ice water and a cup of apple juice.
12. 3pm was finally released from L&D, but had to turn in a paper to be released from the hospital.

It was a horribly long day that ended only in frustration and tears! I wish I could say that the tears were from the procedure, but honestly the ECV itself was nothing like what I expected - I expected them to really try and push him around, ultimately the worst discomfort I had was from them pushing him into my diaphragm (as well as the doctors themselves pushing on my diaphragm) leading to feeling like I couldn't breathe for a short time frame and the feeling of my heart racing due to the drug... feeling like I was in a sauna wasn't nice either but I had no real issue dealing with the heat or the lack of oxygen. The doctors pushing on him felt no better or worse than a normal tummy palpitation or pressure from an ultrasound wand?? Strange - I really was expecting it to hurt a lot worse than that...

In the end he wasn't turned, I didn't give in to pressure to deliver him that day - but we are scheduled for a second attempt followed by an immediate c-sec if he doesn't or can't be turned then... so either way it looks like we'll have my little stubborn mule of a son in arms as soon as Aug 13th! I am still hoping and praying that he turns on his own because the idea of a c-sec just scares me witless... but there is also a part of that fear that comes from feeling like if he hasn't turned and there aren't any indicators that my body is ready to deliver, then maybe I shouldn't be considering it?? I mean it's hard to explain and it really frustrates me to try and explain it - but IMO (and I'm not saying that medical interventions are a overall bad thing if there is REAL REASON) if baby wants to come out breech then there is a reason for it.... if he/she wants to come early or late, there is a reason... and I just want my child to be given the chance to come when and how he wants to come - not when I or any doctor wants him to be evicted! But that's my opinion... and my opinion is mine alone, I don't hold anyone else's decisions for their children against them as long as they are informed.

I'm just rambling at this point because I'm still so freaked out and so frustrated by the entire situation!! Baby please turn for momma!!!!!!!!