Positive and Calm Breech Cesarean after Attempted ECV and TOLAC Ending in Cesarean

Katy had a relatively unremarkable pregnancy so she was surprised (and a little disappointed) when she was told the baby was breech and to expect a planned cesarean delivery if the baby didn’t flip by week 39. After an unsuccessful ECV procedure, she went into the 38 week appointment expecting to discuss a planned cesarean and get scheduled. However, the midwife told them fluid levels were low enough that going to week 39 wasn’t advisable. They needed to go home, grab the hospital bag and head to the hospital for a cesarean that night! The hospital staff was so kind and reassuring upon arrival. A healthy baby girl was born later than evening and recovery was smooth.  The hardest part of postpartum was overnight sleep. Finding Dr McKenna’s Safe Sleep book and a few instagram accounts were really helpful in getting educated and feeling comfortable. 

Two years later Katy and her husband decided to try for another baby. Soon after getting pregnant, Katy decided she wanted to attempt a VBAC. During the whole pregnancy doctors were very supportive of a VBAC. This pregnancy, Katy saw a chiropractor each month, and also added a pelvic floor therapy and acupuncture to her birth preparation. At 41w3d Katy agreed to be induced at the hospital with Pitocin and a few hours later a cook balloon. Labor progressed well. About 17 hours into laboring, contractions suddenly came fast, intense with little time to rest in between. Katy decided to have an epidural for pain management but also to get some much needed rest. Two hours later her water broke and she was fully dilated. She pushed for an hour before the baby’s heart rate started to decelerate. It was decided to proceed with a cesarean. A healthy baby boy was delivered an hour later. Recovery was harder since there was a three year old in the mix but other aspects (like overnight sleep) felt so much easier. 

Katy Hornbeck Bio 

Katy has been married to her husband Kyle for 14 years. They have two children: Millie (3 years) and Jamie (3 months). They live in Santa Cruz, CA. Katy works in grants management for a regional park district. When she’s not putting away laundry, she’s reading or walking the family dog, Copper (the laziest husky you’ll ever meet). Connect with Katy on Instagram at @kads23.

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