Returning to work: c-section questions

tremolor

Upon returning to work, most colleagues have asked about the baby but not really about the delivery. However upon hearing the birth weight (8lb 12 oz) a few people have exclaimed "WOW Did you have a C-SECTION?!"

Is it me or is that a little bit of a personal question? I don't mind talking about it one-on-one with certain co-workers I'm closer to, but have felt on the spot when asked this in front of larger groups.

hansa11

I do think that's obnoxious to ask, but perhaps I'm just sensitive because I'm really short and people make all sorts of "arm chair expert" comments regarding my obvious need for a c-section. I did end up having c-sections for both, so it's an emotional topic and it hurts when people make comments when they know absolutely nothing about my medical history or the circumstances surrounding my 20-hour+ labors. I've always wished I'd have the guts to ask how they're so confident in the size of my vagina...

BE2008

Rude and weird. 8lb12 isn't HUGE. Now if you'd sad 12lb8 I might've SILENTLY wondered the same... But I certainly would ask if I was your coworker! That is a conversation for close friends.

financialdiva

I get this a lot since both my boys were over 9lbs. And DS2 was almost 10lbs actually.

I simply respond, no I had them naturally and change the subject. Or I had a very easy delivery. Or am I misunderstanding and you had a C and are embarrassed? If that is the case, just say yes, and change the subject. Don't be embarrassed! I think birth is a pretty natural part of life and most people are just curious.

If they continue to question you after you change the subject, simply say I'd rather not talk about it.

MomtobeNJ

Personally, I did not mind people outright asking me if I got a C-Section. And if they ask me how long I was in labor (I wasn't) or how long delivery took (45 minutes), I was pretty open about it.

What bothers me, however, is when people ask WHY I had a C-Section. And several did! In my opinion, that is a very personal question and not one I feel comfortable answering for most people.  

jf198400

That's definitely not a huge baby.  My DS was 8lb 13oz and had an easy delivery.  But I wouldn't care if someone asked.  It's pretty common to have a c-section and its pretty openly talked about.  I don't see it as a big deal.

honeybee111

I just had a repeat c-section.  Some of my coworkers that I'm close to know that I had a c-section the first time around, and they asked if I was having another one.  I didn't mind.  What I didn't like was people questioning me about my choice and encouraging me to try VBAC.  

cecilyandgautam

C-sections are so common, I don't really think of it as an invasive question. You could say yes or no and leave it at that. If they ask follow up questions - "OMG, did you tear?" or "How's your scar?" - then yes, that's overstepping and you can just say "um, maybe we can talk about something else?" and pull out some cute baby photos. 

If you don't feel comfortable answering, then just say "we had a safe delivery - here's the latest photo" 

tremolor

It's true, c-sections are more common nowadays. I'm not embarrassed, and don't really mind talking about it one-on-one - it's in the open office setting where I don't feel like broadcasting my business.

BeckyTheEngineer

I got a lot of questions that were far too personal for me "are you dilated??" but asking about a c section would not bother me. But follow up questions and other things might, so to that I would give a vague response that allows me to not answer the question. Something like being so glad baby is here, or things are going well.