u/Zestyclose-Pepper933

I recently had an unplanned C-section for arrest/failure of descent and I’m still trying to understand whether things realistically could have gone differently.

I was unexpectedly induced at 37 weeks for gestational hypertension. I made it to 10 cm/100%/+1 and pushed for a little over an hour. Baby was OT, had a 95th percentile head, and wasn’t descending despite pushing and position changes. My OB tried manually rotating him a few times but couldn’t get him rotate. I was contracting every 2–3 minutes with an epidural and couldn’t really feel the contractions.

Eventually they recommended a C-section for arrest of descent. I agreed, but afterward I’ve struggled with feeling like I “gave up” too quickly because I hear about people pushing for 2–4 hours. I keep wondering whether I should have advocated to keep pushing longer.

For OBs/L&D nurses or anyone who had something similar — does the lack of descent + persistent OT position + failed attempts at rotation make it unlikely that another hour or two of pushing would have changed the outcome? Or could I realistically have had a vaginal delivery if I’d kept going?

Hi! I haven’t seen this specifically discussed yet so hoping someone can fill me in on what to expect! I’m not planning to breastfeed at all. Will go straight to formula once baby is here. I understand I can ask my doctor for dostinex so my milk doesn’t come in, but any other tips? I understand it will be quite painful for a few days at the getgo while my milk slowly comes in. I guess my question is, does anyone have any experience here to share on how the felt in those first few days? Did you try dostinex or no? Not sure my doc will even give it to me. Just trying to gauge what to expect. Thank you!!