I am not really sure what I think about this yet, so I thought I would ask you ladies.
On the one hand, a c-section is major surgery and generally more recovery time.
On the other hand, it is scheduled, it is quick and you don't risk many of the complications of a vaginal birth.
Anyone have an opinion on this?
Re: Anyone prefer to have a c-section (or would never choose to have one)?
I do them for a living and I will do anything to avoid one.
I would only get one if it was absolutely medically necessary. And since I know I'm going to be induced, I'm very fearful of this becoming a reality for me.
I'd rather the complications of a vaginal birth any day over the complications from a c-section.
I am personally terrified of a c-section and would never want one - unless medically necessary. I wouldn't refuse one if my doctor said that was the best route, but I would never choose one if I didn't need it.
With my first birth, I had 3rd degree tearing, but I still healed great - it took awhile, but I did heal :-)
I've had some friends who had c-sections and they were fine with them and liked them - so really it's personal.
GL - can be a tough decision.
BFP #2- 1/5/10- Baby Jack born at 37w2d, 6lbs 13 oz, 8/24/10
BFP #3- 7/30/11- Baby Boy Due April 3, 2012
I have had 2 c-sections and I would not choose to have one. The recovery is not unbearable, but not easy. My first recovery was worse than my second. The pain of recovery is a down side. There are also things I feel like I messed out on not having labor and regular delivery. As someone who has had 2 c-sections, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
This. I don't want one, if I had to have one I'd be disappointed. It's not something I'd like to do.
Can you tell us why?
I've been thinking about this a bit lately. I would prefer a vaginal birth but wouldn't be opposed to a c-section if necessary. What has made me put more thought into this debate is my career (which, as you know, is the same as yours, OC). It would be easier "lawyer schedule-wise" for me to schedule a c-section so that I can plan my case load and make any necessary arrangements for someone to cover for me. But, then I think that there are no guarantees that I would make it to my c-section date, and could possibly go into labor at work, court, etc.
I have a lot of time to chew on this more (I'm only 9 weeks), but I see that there are benefits to having a scheduled c-section with my job.
Also, my SIL had two c-sections and she recovered just fine. She's a fitness beast though, who didn't even look like she just had a baby afterwards, so that could have a lot to do with it too.
FAQ: My Friend Just Had a Preemie, How Can I Help?
Hahah. Good point!
If my life or the baby's life is in danger, cut me open. No questions. Medical necessity is one thing.
Other than that, no way, no how. I've delivered vaginally, and even with a horrid episiotomy to recover from, it wasn't really that bad. My vagina and sex life are just fine, and had I been in the mood, we could have resumed relations at 6 weeks postpartum. I have never snissed or had leaking issues.
I'll do everything in my power to deliver vaginally again. Even though I didn't like the way my birth with DD went, I am still forever grateful that I delivered vaginally and would never choose anything else.
Bloggin' It
I'm totally with you on this one.
I will be having a scheduled c-section this time due to a 4th degree tear, and a VERY long recovery with my daughter. I am looking forward to it!
Vaginal delivery does not necessarily = blown out vag. The vagina is an organ, that like the penis, can change in size dramatically then shrink back to its previous size.
I had asked this question on my local board about a month ago because I was asking the same question. My BFF had an elective c-section and loved it. She had a great recovery. She was in the hospital at 11am, in surgery by 12pm, the baby was born by 12:10, and she was in recovery by 12:30. She was out of the hospital in two days. She was truely a easy patient. Seeing that made me consider an elective c-section, I even asked my dr about.
However, the more I read about it the more c-sections scare me. It is a major surgery for one. And not everyone has such happy stories like my BFF did. Plus there is a greater risk of uterine rupture with future pregnancies.
My dr will do elective c-sections but advises against them. He is says your body will tell you what needs to be done and he doesn't see why I would want to have surgery if it's not medically necessary.
Both vaginal birth and c-sections have positives and negatives about them. There seemed to be more negatives regarding surgery and my final decision is to let my body do what it needs to do. If I can have her vaginally then I want to, but if something happens and I have to have a c-section I will not mind, but I want my body to decide.
Our Princess! Born 37w4d 6lbs 1/2oz 18in
visit our house blog: My Blog
Adalee's Blog Adalee's Blog My Bio
m/c 1/25/10 5w1d
oh and I meant add, my fears of childbirth are tearing, loss of bladder and bowl control, and of course my vag being all stretched out
All of this is what I have read.
Still after all my research and hearing recommendations I think it's best for my body to decide and hopefully delivery vaginally. If I have to have a c-section I will not be upset either.
Our Princess! Born 37w4d 6lbs 1/2oz 18in
visit our house blog: My Blog
Adalee's Blog Adalee's Blog My Bio
m/c 1/25/10 5w1d
Definitely. (I have an opinion)
You don't risk the complication of tearing, but you DO risk the complications of any major surgery AND added complications with the child not going through the birth canal.
I would NEVER. EVER. EVER. voluntarily sign up for a c-section unless there was a medical necessity that was confirmed. If my doctor thought my baby was big, we'd try vaginally (my last was 10lbs). If my infant was breech, we'd try a version. There is no reason to sign up for major abdominal surgery - especially for absolutely MINIMAL advantages in terms of tearing. You have just as many complications with bladders and bowels (actually more) in c-section women, combinedc with difficulty in healing the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor, as well as all the risks of surgery. No way man.
That said, if my child needed it to survive, I wouldn't hesitate. I just wouldn't volunteer.
My Blog
I'm not gonna lie: 2 vaginal deliveries and my vajayjay's in fantastic shape. Vaginal delivery doesn't necessarily = sloppy meat puppet.
My Blog
Pfft.
Few kegels and a vag will magically plump right back up to it's beautiful former self. Mine did - both times - even after the "OMGZ FER REAL" 10lber.
My Blog
I never post and just lurk. But bwahaha! I was thinking the same thing.
:butting in: i've had both a vaginal and c-section and i'd never choose to have a c-section.
recovery from my vaginal delivery was so much easier than recovery from my c-section. the only reason i had to have a c-section was b/c Wyatt was breech and i had no amniotic fluid. the thought of having a c-section constantly weighted on my mind when i was in the hospital and then unfortunately i had no choice, c-section it was. ugh, the recovery was awful. i couldn't stand up straight for days and it was just plain painful.
i went out of my way to find a new ob & hospital that allows vbacs for the next time i have a baby. i am still struggling w/ the decision to find a new ob b/c i really cherished the relationship i had w/ my old ob but i much rather have a vaginal delivery if possible for future pregnancies.
I have had two vaginal births and my vagina is intact and we started having sex 3 weeks pp so this is really not that valid of an argument. If I had to have a c section for medical reasons then I would be ok with it, but I would never willingly choose it. It is invasive, it is surgery, and there are risks involved.
My birth experiences were amazing. I wish that all women could experience it as I have had the privilege of experiencing it. I was up and showering an hour after delivery and felt like a million bucks. I was very lucky to have been able to avoid a c section. However, the health of the baby is the most important so sometimes a c section is the only option.
9 angels in heaven-3 in my arms and 1 in the NICU
Mono/di twin girls: Josephine born to heaven and Evangeline born Earthside at 25w
I'd never choose a c-section... after being through a vaginal birth, there's just something about pushing our your baby, and really it wasn't that bad.
I know the non-scheduled thing is hard (at least on my need to control things), but its so worth it if you have an option.
I understand sometimes c-section is needed, and I wouldn't hesitate to have one if it was for my or the baby's safety.
when I worked in an OB's office, it just always seemed that the Csections were a tougher way to go.
the vagina was made for this so I know it should be able to recover...I really want to try it vag...unless like everyone else says and my OB says I don't have a choice