if you are choosing c-section over vaginal birth

Amanda&EricB

islandgirl79:

If my doctor wants to perform patient chosen c-sections I don't care.  It doesn't have anything to with me personally.  I have never spoken to my OB about it because it is not something I am interested in. 

This. I wouldn't avoid a doctor simply based on what he does with other patients (in regards to their medical care, unless it's negligent). Ok islandgirl said it way better than I am. Personally I don't care if other people have c/s just to avoid labor or whatever their reasons are. Nor do I care if their doctor (who might also be my doctor) allows it. Doesn't have anything to do with me.

macdidlyicious

I'd love to hear what kind of MD your H is.... 

Weakened pelvic floor muscles, huh? Ever heard of Kegels? Do them. And I believe that issues with pelvic floor weakening is more associated with the weight of the baby INSIDE of you, rather than the way it comes out. So, pretty sure its gonna happen anyway.

Also, you can always have vaginal rejuvenation. Dont you people watch Real Housewives of Orange County?!

chandwy11

MrsMoody2006:

chandwy11:

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to have a C-section and scheduled it with my dr. at about the 20 week mark. My physician didn't have a problem with my choice because she had made the same one years before. My reasons were simply that I didn't want to risk some of the complications that come from a vaginal birth, primarily associated with weakening the pelvic floor muscles. An added benefit was the planning but by no means an important part of our decision making. My husband is a physician and we did our research which was surprising to me how safe a PLANNED c-section is (compared to a c-section done after pushing for a long period of time). I will also add that the dozen or so women that went to med school with my husband all opted for a c-section as well. It's a personal choice. I wouldn't begrudge anyone for their choices when it comes to their bodies and their birthing experience.

A side note, my DS ended up weighing just shy of 10lbs so I probably would've had a C/S anyway;) And this time around, we already scheduled for Sept. 15th! 

but you had no qualms with the risks of a c/s?  

 

I didn't. They were minimal, it was statistically significant but small, when you compare a planned v. vaginal. A lot of the data compares all c-sections (emergency and planned) but when you take out the cross section of a planned c section it is much closer to the risks of a vaginal delivery. Emergency C/S have higher risks. That being said, I wasn't worried. My doctor wasn't worried either. The only concern she had was if I wanted more than two or three children because there is a greater risk of rupture. To each their own though. It definitely isn't for everyone as evidenced by this thread and I respect that. 

  

chandwy11

macdidlyicious:

I'd love to hear what kind of MD your H is.... 

Weakened pelvic floor muscles, huh? Ever heard of Kegels? Do them. And I believe that issues with pelvic floor weakening is more associated with the weight of the baby INSIDE of you, rather than the way it comes out. So, pretty sure its gonna happen anyway.

Also, you can always have vaginal rejuvenation. Dont you people watch Real Housewives of Orange County?!

My husband is not an OB/GYN.

Kegels? Sh*t, why didn't I think of that? You are BRILLIANT. And I should obviously listen to you since you probably have an MD and know that the baby causes an issue when it's inside of you and NOT when it comes out. I will bring this up to my OB and set her straight. THANK YOU.

And vaginaly rejuvenation. I will have that surgery instead of a C/S.  

jesstellina

I scrubbed in for 2 c-sections at work today... very quickly decided to start praying EVERY DAY until I deliver that I have a term, vaginal delivery! C-sections are scary!!!

JaysonandKristin

MrsGo4Hockeychick:

JaysonandKristin:

Unnecessary to whom?  To YOU?   The surgery is necessary to birth a child if a woman is unwilling or cannot give birth vaginally.

There are 2 methods of birthing a child.  And, both are legitimate forms of birthing.  So, whether your child is born vaginally or born via c/s, they're still going to end up as outside babies.  

If you don't want to assume the risk of surgery, that's fine.  I sincerely hope you never have to assume those risks. 

surgery is not NECESSARY to birth a baby a good majority of the time.

Unwillingness is not a medical reason to have surgery.

No one has said that anyone who needs a c/s should not have one.

I had a c/s with my daughter. It was medically necessary.

 

Having a c/s because of fear or attitude/unwillingness are not medical reasons, and doctors are right to not do major surgery for them. And yes, I judge the hell out of people who choose a method of delivery that is less safe because they're worried about ruining their vaginas or other selfish and ridiculous reasons. (and for anyone with their panties in a bunch, I'm torn myself on repeat c/s vs vbac and would never judge one choice over the other). 

And yes, I care because the misinformation and culture of fear affects more than just the mother having that baby. It feeds into our entire birth culture in the US and it does nothing to help lower health care costs.  

I think you think there's a bigger conspiracy out there than there really is.  Perhaps we should lay off the Ricki Lake propaganda.  Seriously.  Your judging and soap boxing does NOTHING to convince anyone. You have NO idea whether or not a woman's choice to have an elective c/s is because of the US' "culture of fear." 

Why don't we all sit back and let each individual evaluate themselves, their situation and the risks involved in both birthing styles and make some decisions.  You really think that c/s are the ONLY factor doing nothing to lower healthcare costs?  Are we not the fattest country on the planet?  Let's start there...  We'll worry about "unnecessary" c/s a little later in the program.   

Futhermore, instead of this judgement, why not just present facts?  Don't the facts/statistics speak for themselves?  Why the need for all the hatred and judgement?  

Read some stats on what the planned/elective c/s demographic is...  Upper economic status, older, EDUCATED, private insurance holding and married.  

 

newmommabirdtobe

Its interesting to me that you seem to be suggesting she should have had a vaginal delivery, most likely using the "unnecessary surgery" argument but then suggest she have elective surgery later in life?  

There is the question I want to pose to all those women out there using the "unnecessary surgery" argument.  I assume since you all are fighting tooth and nail against "unnecessary surgery" that NONE of you would ever even consider elective surgery (plastic surgery) or other elective procedures (botox etc.) that carry their own risks. Just curious.  FWIW Im and hoping for a vaginal delivery but if a c/s is necessary for any reason so be it.  

MrsGo4Hockeychick

jkl12399:

Its interesting to me that you seem to be suggesting she should have had a vaginal delivery, most likely using the "unnecessary surgery" argument but then suggest she have elective surgery later in life?  

There is the question I want to pose to all those women out there using the "unnecessary surgery" argument.  I assume since you all are fighting tooth and nail against "unnecessary surgery" that NONE of you would ever even consider elective surgery (plastic surgery) or other elective procedures (botox etc.) that carry their own risks. Just curious.  FWIW Im and hoping for a vaginal delivery but if a c/s is necessary for any reason so be it.  

nope. I wouldn't.

But plastic surgeries and other elective procedures put only myself at risk. A c/s has risks for a party that has no say in the matter.  

lovelyophelia

MrsMoody2006:

chandwy11:

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to have a C-section and scheduled it with my dr. at about the 20 week mark. My physician didn't have a problem with my choice because she had made the same one years before. My reasons were simply that I didn't want to risk some of the complications that come from a vaginal birth, primarily associated with weakening the pelvic floor muscles. An added benefit was the planning but by no means an important part of our decision making. My husband is a physician and we did our research which was surprising to me how safe a PLANNED c-section is (compared to a c-section done after pushing for a long period of time). I will also add that the dozen or so women that went to med school with my husband all opted for a c-section as well. It's a personal choice. I wouldn't begrudge anyone for their choices when it comes to their bodies and their birthing experience.

A side note, my DS ended up weighing just shy of 10lbs so I probably would've had a C/S anyway;) And this time around, we already scheduled for Sept. 15th! 

but you had no qualms with the risks of a c/s?  

There are just as many risks with vaginal birth. You are more likely to bleed out and suffer uterine rupture. No method is without its risks.

I have no interest in a VBAC after DS. I suffered from severe pelvic bruising from where he attempted to come out for 26 hours, but couldn't. It is easier for me if I just do the repeat c-section because I am considered high risk due to GD and it is easier to control my asthma during delivery the c-section way. I had an asthma attack during labor with my son and I cannot explain how horrifying that was. I'll take my risks.

KangarooMom

marriedfilingjointly:

Haha.  Some women who went to med school want C-secs.  Neat.  I went to college or high school with at least a half dozen people who went on to med school who are complete morons.  Book smart, sure; good doctors, one would hope; but I sure won't be making life decisions based on theirs just because they went to med school. 

This. 

My best friend is an Ob/Gyn back home in Sweden now and I would never go to her for any medical advice. Furthermore, she's not even that book smart and still passed med school in London. 

H2obabyblu

chandwy11:

Wow, that is quite a bit of research. Let me know when you get your MD.

 

My body. My choice.  

Don't forget about the health of your baby..............

NurseLaLa

lovelyophelia:

MrsMoody2006:

chandwy11:

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to have a C-section and scheduled it with my dr. at about the 20 week mark. My physician didn't have a problem with my choice because she had made the same one years before. My reasons were simply that I didn't want to risk some of the complications that come from a vaginal birth, primarily associated with weakening the pelvic floor muscles. An added benefit was the planning but by no means an important part of our decision making. My husband is a physician and we did our research which was surprising to me how safe a PLANNED c-section is (compared to a c-section done after pushing for a long period of time). I will also add that the dozen or so women that went to med school with my husband all opted for a c-section as well. It's a personal choice. I wouldn't begrudge anyone for their choices when it comes to their bodies and their birthing experience.

A side note, my DS ended up weighing just shy of 10lbs so I probably would've had a C/S anyway;) And this time around, we already scheduled for Sept. 15th! 

but you had no qualms with the risks of a c/s?  

There are just as many risks with vaginal birth. You are more likely to bleed out and suffer uterine rupture. No method is without its risks.

I have no interest in a VBAC after DS. I suffered from severe pelvic bruising from where he attempted to come out for 26 hours, but couldn't. It is easier for me if I just do the repeat c-section because I am considered high risk due to GD and it is easier to control my asthma during delivery the c-section way. I had an asthma attack during labor with my son and I cannot explain how horrifying that was. I'll take my risks.

The risk of uterine rupture only exists VERY RARELY in VBACs and inductions that use cytotec, which is illegal. 

The risks of surgery do outweigh the risks of a natural (not crunchy granola, just no medical interventions) birth. 

The attitude so many american women have just baffles me. Child birth is not a medical condition - it should not be treated as such. Labor speeds up, labor slows down - it happens in all animals, safely.  Baby gets stuck? MOVE POSITIONS.  Baby's too big? Unless he/she's 12+ lbs, chances are they will come out just fine. Your pelvis dislocates for this sole purpose. 

+diana82+

JaysonandKristin:

MrsGo4Hockeychick:

JaysonandKristin:

Unnecessary to whom?  To YOU?   The surgery is necessary to birth a child if a woman is unwilling or cannot give birth vaginally.

There are 2 methods of birthing a child.  And, both are legitimate forms of birthing.  So, whether your child is born vaginally or born via c/s, they're still going to end up as outside babies.  

If you don't want to assume the risk of surgery, that's fine.  I sincerely hope you never have to assume those risks. 

surgery is not NECESSARY to birth a baby a good majority of the time.

Unwillingness is not a medical reason to have surgery.

No one has said that anyone who needs a c/s should not have one.

I had a c/s with my daughter. It was medically necessary.

 

Having a c/s because of fear or attitude/unwillingness are not medical reasons, and doctors are right to not do major surgery for them. And yes, I judge the hell out of people who choose a method of delivery that is less safe because they're worried about ruining their vaginas or other selfish and ridiculous reasons. (and for anyone with their panties in a bunch, I'm torn myself on repeat c/s vs vbac and would never judge one choice over the other). 

And yes, I care because the misinformation and culture of fear affects more than just the mother having that baby. It feeds into our entire birth culture in the US and it does nothing to help lower health care costs.  

I think you think there's a bigger conspiracy out there than there really is.  Perhaps we should lay off the Ricki Lake propaganda.  Seriously.  Your judging and soap boxing does NOTHING to convince anyone. You have NO idea whether or not a woman's choice to have an elective c/s is because of the US' "culture of fear." 

Why don't we all sit back and let each individual evaluate themselves, their situation and the risks involved in both birthing styles and make some decisions.  You really think that c/s are the ONLY factor doing nothing to lower healthcare costs?  Are we not the fattest country on the planet?  Let's start there...  We'll worry about "unnecessary" c/s a little later in the program.   

Futhermore, instead of this judgement, why not just present facts?  Don't the facts/statistics speak for themselves?  Why the need for all the hatred and judgement?  

Read some stats on what the planned/elective c/s demographic is...  Upper economic status, older, EDUCATED, private insurance holding and married.  

 

I have to agree. Especially with the bolded. And I'm so over the insinuation that only people who are educated on the birth process are the ones who are doing it in their own bathtubs whilst biting on a leather strap.

 

efsNYC13

I usually just lurk on his board, but the discussion on pelvic floor weakening sort of kept me up last night. I know, I'm weird. Especially since I truly think this should be an individual choice. 

When we talk about weighing risks and benefits, it might be helpful to remember that while everyone can agree that there are some pros and some cons to each approach, each woman/couple may weigh each factor differently and come up with a different decision. Someone making a different decision from you isn't wrong, they just have different priorities. Not a bad person or a bad mother. Women who have a thought out reason who don't want to have labor/vaginal delivery definitely don't love their babies any less. 

As for elective surgery: want your hernia fixed before you have a bowel obstruction? thats elective. what about your gallbladder out for repeated bouts of cholecystitis when you aren't septic? also elective. want a bypass of a clogged artery in your leg because it prevents you from walking quite as far as you want but you still get blood flow to your foot? still elective. and what about breast reconstruction after mastectomy? that can involve at least 1 extra surgery and its not mandatory. want to recommend anyone skip that because "major surgery" has risks?

Life is about choices.... 

One of the largest risk factors (besides age alone) for rectal prolapse in all studies is actually nulliparity (not having any children)--check out some colorectal surgery textbooks or recent work by the rectal prolapse study group. However, when it comes to stretching/damage to the pelvic floor, most of that comes from the pregnancy, not the laboring.  Once you get beyond age, for other pelvic organ prolapse, if you still have your uterus in old age your risk is lower. 

These are some things I'd really like to avoid happening to me in old age, but I'm not sold on a c-section necessarily preventing it. That said, there may be other reasons I would prefer it. Still haven't figured it out and will probably jsut see how things go. Hope I am lucky enough to have a choice when I get closer to delivery.  

Gummybear

+diana82+:

JaysonandKristin:

MrsGo4Hockeychick:

JaysonandKristin:

Unnecessary to whom?  To YOU?   The surgery is necessary to birth a child if a woman is unwilling or cannot give birth vaginally.

There are 2 methods of birthing a child.  And, both are legitimate forms of birthing.  So, whether your child is born vaginally or born via c/s, they're still going to end up as outside babies.  

If you don't want to assume the risk of surgery, that's fine.  I sincerely hope you never have to assume those risks. 

surgery is not NECESSARY to birth a baby a good majority of the time.

Unwillingness is not a medical reason to have surgery.

No one has said that anyone who needs a c/s should not have one.

I had a c/s with my daughter. It was medically necessary.

 

Having a c/s because of fear or attitude/unwillingness are not medical reasons, and doctors are right to not do major surgery for them. And yes, I judge the hell out of people who choose a method of delivery that is less safe because they're worried about ruining their vaginas or other selfish and ridiculous reasons. (and for anyone with their panties in a bunch, I'm torn myself on repeat c/s vs vbac and would never judge one choice over the other). 

And yes, I care because the misinformation and culture of fear affects more than just the mother having that baby. It feeds into our entire birth culture in the US and it does nothing to help lower health care costs.  

I think you think there's a bigger conspiracy out there than there really is.  Perhaps we should lay off the Ricki Lake propaganda.  Seriously.  Your judging and soap boxing does NOTHING to convince anyone. You have NO idea whether or not a woman's choice to have an elective c/s is because of the US' "culture of fear." 

Why don't we all sit back and let each individual evaluate themselves, their situation and the risks involved in both birthing styles and make some decisions.  You really think that c/s are the ONLY factor doing nothing to lower healthcare costs?  Are we not the fattest country on the planet?  Let's start there...  We'll worry about "unnecessary" c/s a little later in the program.   

Futhermore, instead of this judgement, why not just present facts?  Don't the facts/statistics speak for themselves?  Why the need for all the hatred and judgement?  

Read some stats on what the planned/elective c/s demographic is...  Upper economic status, older, EDUCATED, private insurance holding and married.  

 

I have to agree. Especially with the bolded. And I'm so over the insinuation that only people who are educated on the birth process are the ones who are doing it in their own bathtubs whilst biting on a leather strap.

 

crzygirl

I am absolutely choosing c/s. It is planned and organized which makes me comfortable.