Elected C-section ...

softthunder

Just curious if anyone elected to have a c-section instead of a vaginal delivery.  What was it like?  How was your recovery?  I'm scared of the delivery part of vaginal delivery and the recovery part of a c-section.  Would just like to hear your story.  Thanks. 

jillchrispy

I had a failed induction and opted for a c-section. I cannot compare my experiance to a vaginal birth since I have never had one, but the c-section recovery wasn't too bad for me. I was allowed to walk around and take a shower the next day after they took the catheter out (catheter was my least favorite part).?

Had some pain/cramping and had to take it easy for about a week, wasn't allowed to drive for 2 weeks. I spent most of that first week back from the hospital in bed nursing and resting.

GL!?

HoonFan

I did not have a c/s but can tell you that I was VERY scared of a vaginal delivery.  I had an epidural and it was not that bad.  Once the baby's head is out it's like the pressure is instantly gone.  It's a much better option IMO.  The recovery of a c/s and the fact that it's a major surgery sounds much scarier to me...especially now that I've experienced the vaginal delivery.

kklickka

I had an emergency c-section due to DS being in distress during labor, but I can tell you that my recovery was fairly easy.  I was up walking (very gingerly) the next day, and going up and down the stairs at my house 2 days after.  I took pain meds for about a week before I didn't need them anymore.

I will have an elective section next time, rather than trying for a VBAC.  Not everyone has as good of an experience as I did, but I found that the recovery was not nearly as bad as I expected.  GL! 

jillchrispy

BTW, what part of Indiana are you in?

HappyTXChick

I have had 2 c-secs and they were both great.  DS was breech, and then I elected to have another c-sec over a VBAC this time.  Very happy with my decision.  Easy recovery both times.

Chikarebelde

I would have NEVER chosen a c-section.  It is MAJOR SURGERY! Really try to sit down, set your fears aside, and read about a vaginal delivery vs a cesarean and compare the pros and cons. You may realize that a c-section is a lot scarier. You can have an epidural and feel minimal pain during labor. Why choose to get CUT OPEN? I felt like I missed out on so much as a result of my c-section. I wasn't able to hold my baby immediately, nor even stare at him long enough bcause he was taken out of the OR while I was getting stiched up (temp too cold for baby), and I had a lot of trouble getting up on my own to care for him. I was heartbroken when I got home and couldn't even sleep in my own room or take him into his nursery because it's all on the second floor. I know everybody's experiences are different, but my advice is that you at least give it some thought.  GL!

Aekn

I remember making posts like this before my c-section. Mine was scheduled because I had an ovarian cyst that needed to be removed at the same time. I.was.terrified. I had never had surgery before and the thought (FEAR) of having a person removed from my womb was nearly all I could think about towards the end. I was so scared I couldn't concentrate on anything else. Read my blog.

I had a few fantastic c-section moms respond to my fears here and I cannot tell you how it helped.

Truth is, it's not that bad, at all. At least, it wasn't for me. Every women is different and heals differently, but a lot of assistance the first few days together with Mortin and Percocet made it totally okay for me! Getting up for the first time (usually done around 24 hours post op) is rough, but not nearly as bad as I thought. My main advice is to take your pain medication and take it easy. Seriously. Try to sit up and even walk (short distances) as soon as you can will help you heal faster.

I was f.i.n.e. within 2 weeks!

Good luck! 

tyarbrough

My c/s wasn't elective... she was breech. BUT- Honestly I was kind of glad to have to have one. I was terrified of delivering vaginally. My c/s was a breeze! I was scared of it too- because of it being surgery, but in the end it was nothing. I went in to the OR at 7:30am and she was out by 7:33am and I was in recovery and BFing by 8:15am. I had my c/s on Thursday and was walking/showering Friday, went home Saturday and went to church Sunday. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I know everyone is different, but it was definetly the best option for me. Good Luck to you!

Knitty

I was beyond terrified of the vaginal part of a vaginal delivery, then I read a book called Babycatcher by Peggy Vincent and the thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer. And I had a laproscopy and experienced a surgical wound for the first time.

 

The thing is that with a vaginal delivery the odds are good that you will walk away feeling normal within minutes. With a c-section you are guaranteed to need narcotic pain relief while you have a brand new baby to take care of. I have had stitches with both vaginal deliveries and I couldn't feel them within minutes. It's bizarre, but my one inch abdominal surgical wound hurt and itched and rubbed on my waistband and generally annoyed me for so long, whereas stitches in my vagina were totally benign.

 

With a c-section, if the baby is taken to the NICU you won't be following for ages. With a c-section there's a decent risk of needing a hysterectomy.

 

If you're still terrified when you're due, then get the c-section, but I really think you can beat the fear, because I did.

softthunder

I'm in Northern Indiana.  The South Bend area. 

 

Thanks to all who responsed!  I appreciate both sides.