Alta Bates or UCSF for Childbirth
Has anyone had a traumatic 4th degree tear experience but went on to have a successfully natural birth the next time around with minimal to no tear?
I’m also considering between Alta Bates (4 mins away) and UCSF (where I delivered at previously and I think, did an amazing repair for me) but across the bridge.
Any opinions and OB recommendations greatly appreciated!
Nov 28, 2020
Parent Replies
I have. In addition to the tear, my tailbone was broken by my daughter's forehead, and she had the imprint of it on her face for a week after the birth. I had a whole series of other complications, resulting in emergency surgery in the OR for me, minutes after she was born. I spent a few days in the hospital, and it took 11 weeks for my tailbone to heal. All around it was a traumatic experience, and being my first, I wanted it to be as "natural" as possible, and I did not receive an epidural and only had a few pain pills. I actually think I blacked out during part of the labor/birth from pain, because there are chunks of time I don't remember, but my husband has told me about.
With my second, I asked to be heavily drugged because I was worried about the same thing happening again. I had the easiest time with my second, I pushed, and I barely felt him come out, and there wasn't a need for stitches or any repairs. I was walking around later that day and was released within 24 hours.
Both kids were born at Kaiser Oakland, 22 months apart, with the same doctor.
I had a bad tear (3a or 3b degree) when I had my son at Alta Bates, and they did a terrific job repairing it. I still had some pelvic floor weakness and went to see a pelvic floor physical therapist, but that would probably benefit women who don't tear much anyway. So if your sole reason for considering UCSF when Alta Bates is 4 minutes away because you are afraid you will tear again, I think you will find that the OBs at Alta Bates are competent and know what they are doing. I do not have any OB recommendations, as I followed with Golden Oak Midwives.
I had a tear with my first but second or third degree. My next birth was a home water birth with a midwife. 9 lbs baby, no tears at all. I think the warm water helped to gently stretch.