Natural Birth or C section?

tanyaa123 · March 2011

Hey all

I recently just found out that my doc will sced a c section if you want one,this is my first pregnancy and i am just wondering everyones opinion? natural birth or C section what do you guys think????

NebMom · March 2011

wait.....like...a c section for no medical reason? just b/c? i suggest you do some research. i, personally, as well as many others i'm sure, would do anything and eveything to avoid a c section. the recovery is longer, and it practically, in most cases, ruins your chance of a vaginal birth for future pregnancies. its MAJOR surgery...it should not be elective. do your research

mabma80 · March 2011

Yeah, is there a medical purpose your doc said c-section?? If not, I would do it naturally. Some doctors prefer c-sections cause it's easier. My friend's frist doctor was like this and I don't think she needed a c-section. She found out later that that doc preferred them and did them almost all the time. She switched docs for her second child.

But if there is no medical reason for having a c-section, I would be stern with your doc and say you don't want one. If you go naturally at the hopsital, and something starts going awry the doctors will take the necessary steps.

julygal · March 2011

I have delivered both my kids vaginally and hope to do the same again. I have stayed with my sister after her c-sections, and I would never want that recovery. I know each person has a different experience, but from what I have seen and experienced vaginal recovery is faster. Not to mention there is support for this opinion in the manner maternity leave and STD policies are written...6 weeks recovery for vaginal vs 8 weeks recovery for c-section.

tanyaa123 · March 2011

Yep! for no med reason he will just do one if you request it, im really leaning towards natural birth im just very afraid lol i guess cause i dont know what to expect.Thank you so much for your opinion

HappyKlamb10 · March 2011

It is beyond me why anyone would want to do a c-section for a non-medical reason. I'd suggest you do some research before making that decision yourself (and honestly I'd be wary of any doc that offered it as a non-medically-necessary option). Surgery is surgery, there are always going to be risks involved, plus if you haven't begun labor on your own yet, wouldn't you think maybe your baby just telling you it needs more time to mature before coming out?

bluerevolution9 · March 2011

If there is no medically indicated reason for having a section, then vaginal birth is best. Remember, your body was designed to give birth. You can do it! Sections carry with them so many risks that most women never learn about. There are a lot of places that you can get information about the risks of sections. It is major surgery to undergo, with risk and a hefty recovery period.

I highly suggest this article - https://mothering.com/pregnancy-birth/cesarean-birth-in-a-culture-of-fear

I really don't want to come off as being judgmental, its just that I am a doula and student midwife, so I come across a lot of women who want sections out of fear and for convenience and not because its best for them or baby.

Good luck to you!

Amanda&EricB · March 2011

tanyaa123:

Yep! for no med reason he will just do one if you request it, im really leaning towards natural birth im just very afraid lol i guess cause i dont know what to expect.Thank you so much for your opinion

If you are afraid of the pain and discomfort of a natural delivery, you will be in for a rude awakening while trying to recover from major abdominal surgery. Just saying.

Saltina11 · March 2011

Elective C-section for no medical reason!? Indifferent

pennysuedog · March 2011

I've had two c-sections this will be my third go vaginally if you can. Easier recovery and less medical costs. C-section is a major surgery!!

measrn · March 2011

I would not have chosen to have a c-section with #1 (I will have my fourth section this summer). I agree with PP that I would be a little leery of a dr. that does them with no medical reason.

madhatter2003 · March 2011

I'd be finding a new doctor myself.

Matt Dvorak · March 2011

I will definitely NOT do an elective c section, and I really hope my doctor doesn't suggest that or I am going to have a little less faith in her! I would be concerned that your doctor gives that as an option for their own convenience, not because it's the best medical practice.

NurseLaLa · March 2011

madhatter2003:
I'd be finding a new doctor myself.

This... It is actually against the american college/congess of obstetricians and gynecologists to do c-sections for no medical reason. The ACOG regulates the practice of OBGYNs... As in, the tell them what they can and can not do with their licenses.

Treasa · March 2011

Ugh! I would sooner go to hell & back than schedule a C-Sec & I had one first time around. Wasn't my choice at all but I became ill & needed one under general anesthesia. It was disgusting - everything from the operation itself, the pain, the recovery, feelings of failure & inadequacy, need I go on?

This time I am planning a VBAC & hopefully all will go to plan. I will be devastated if I need another C-sec, however!

I can't believe your doc is offering elective sections to healthy women who haven't even attempted birth. The C-sec rate is crazy high enough without idiots like this pushing it even higher.

Beckypooh09 · March 2011

I had a c-section with my first and this time around I'm hoping for a VBAC so I think that answers your question.

emmyloustu · March 2011

With my first pregnancy, my OB told me at my very 1st appt (10w) that since I was due on Xmas Eve, I could go ahead and schedule and elective csection anytime after 38w. Ummm....no thanks. I switched to a midwifery practice and delivered my baby girl vaginally at 41w.

BarefootAndSinging · March 2011

Natural. Hands down. At least try. (DS1 was an emergency c-section and DS2 was a natural VBAC. There was no comparison.)

lmjt · March 2011

OP: What state do you live in?

I'm not saying it's right, but where I live (New York City) its pretty common practice to offer elective C/S. I wanted a Natural birth, I ended up with a LO estimated at 11 lbs at 39 weeks, and was talked into a C/S. Kid wasn't 11 lbs, I was a little angry at the time, but in hindsight, I've got a perfectly healthy child, and I have recovered just fine. I will most likely have another one. Its hard to find someone who will consider VBAC here. As long as I get a healthy kid, I don't care at this point how it comes out. I'm just not sure I'd start off with an elective C/S. I do know a lot of women who would though.

itsmevkb · March 2011

I would choose natural and plan on having another natural birth this time around.

However, I have many friends who have had c-sections and despite it being surgery, their recovery was far eaiser than I had for the vaginal birth of my son. Whereas a vaginal birth may be the ideal having one does not guarantee you an easier recovery. Getting major tears hurts and the recovery is anything but pleasant. Additionally, as someone who is facing having a procedure to stop my bladder from leaking once I'm done having children this would probably not be the case had I had c-sections.

I'm not saying doctors should offer elective c-sections but I don't think people can make the blanket statement that vaginal always equals an easier recovery.

Jason'swife · March 2011

NebMom:
wait.....like...a c section for no medical reason? just b/c? i suggest you do some research. i, personally, as well as many others i'm sure, would do anything and eveything to avoid a c section. the recovery is longer, and it practically, in most cases, ruins your chance of a vaginal birth for future pregnancies. its MAJOR surgery...it should not be elective. do your research

Yeah, this. In fact, I would immediately switch doctors. I think any doc who will schedule a c section just for the heck of it, with no medical reason what so ever, should lose their license. That is NOT best for mom and baby. Period.

This is also why medical costs are so out of control in this country.

Jason'swife · March 2011

Amanda&EricB:
tanyaa123:

Yep! for no med reason he will just do one if you request it, im really leaning towards natural birth im just very afraid lol i guess cause i dont know what to expect.Thank you so much for your opinion

If you are afraid of the pain and discomfort of a natural delivery, you will be in for a rude awakening while trying to recover from major abdominal surgery. Just saying.

And this.

I had a TOTALLY natural birth with #1, as in no pain meds what so ever. It really wasn't a big deal. Yeah, it was uncomfortable, but not the end of the world. My recovery was SUPER easy. No pain what so ever.

Please do some research. Or better yet, read The Bradley Method or watch The Business of Being Born. I guarantee once you educate yourself you won't want anything to do with a c-section.

beedale862003 · March 2011

I would consider changing OB's because if he is okay with an elective c-sec, even if you decide to go natural he may continue to push a c-sec once you go into labor for no reason.

mollybloom · March 2011

Nobody else thinks this is MUD?

lmjt · March 2011

mollybloom:
Nobody else thinks this is MUD?

Where are you delivering? You can PM me if you want. You'd be shocked at the C/S rate around here. I deliver at North Shore Manhasset. The C/S rate is over 45%. Ask your OB. They all push a C/S around here. IDK where the OP is from, but NYC area is the worst w/ elective C/S.

tanyaa123 · March 2011

sorry guys should of metioned i live in Canada

LJR 84 · March 2011

mollybloom:

Nobody else thinks this is MUD?

It's totally MUD.

megkreig · March 2011

I'm a little confused here. A vaginal birth is safest for baby and for you unless there is a specific medical issue. That said, i had a c-section with the twins and recovery was very quick and easy. I'm leaning towards a VBAC with this baby since as i said above, it is safest for baby and myself.

tanyaa123 · March 2011

What do you mean by MUD????

llcoolay · March 2011

I would switch Dc.'s..............NO Dr. in their right mind would just sceduale a C-section just because you wanted one??? That is a BAD doctor!

kim1989 · March 2011

Natural birth personally scares the life out of me but unless there?s a medical reason to have a c section I won?t because you usually have to pay out the nose for that

Kml9876 · March 2011

After taking a birthing class I would do anything to avoid a c-section. I know two women that had to have them and the recovery was much worse than a vaginal delivery. I am just not a fan of anything that is not required.

megd06 · March 2011

LJR 84:
mollybloom:

Nobody else thinks this is MUD?

It's totally MUD.

that was my 1st thought. 4 posts--all regarding elective c-sections? gotta be MUD.

llcoolay · March 2011

kim1989:
Natural birth personally scares the life out of me but unless there?s a medical reason to have a c section I won?t because you usually have to pay out the nose for that

Insurance will pay for a c-section if medically necessary.???

abell77 · March 2011

By natural birth, do you mean a vaginal birth or an unmedicated birth?

Either way, I would urge you not to have a c section unless an emergency calls for one. It is major abdominal surgery, there are incredible risks involved, and the recovery is longer and harder. Let your body go into labor and have your baby come when he/she is good and ready.

A Dr. offering a c section for no good reason is one of the most irresponsible practices in obstetrics today.

kim1989 · March 2011

llcoolay:

kim1989:
Natural birth personally scares the life out of me but unless there?s a medical reason to have a c section I won?t because you usually have to pay out the nose for that

Insurance will pay for a c-section if medically necessary.???

I don?t have my own insurance because I?m not from the country I live in. But my fiance?s insurance should cover me if I NEED a c-section because we?ll be married by then. Like I said, I will only have one if I have to, but natural still scares the hell out of me

ETABOADA · March 2011

What's MUD?

water-fairy · March 2011

I find elective c-sections lame. Why in the world would anyone want to undergo major surgery? Yes, it is considered major surgery. Here is a big side eye for all those doctors that just offer to put a knife in a woman's abdomen for no reason whatsoever.

tanyaa123 · March 2011

OK so now that i know what MUD is ........................ this question was not made up i have better things to do with my time than to come on here and rile people up THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!! so whoever thinks my question is made up you know where you can go!!!!! as for everyone else that answered my question THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!! you really helped

as i said before i live in CANADA so we probablly have different rules than you guys do!!! i will be going natural birth for sure or ohhhh sorry Vaginial birth lol to whoever posted that little comment!!!

NurseLaLa · March 2011

tanyaa123:
OK so now that i know what MUD is ........................ this question was not made up i have better things to do with my time than to come on here and rile people up THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!! so whoever thinks my question is made up you know where you can go!!!!! as for everyone else that answered my question THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!! you really helped as i said before i live in CANADA so we probablly have different rules than you guys do!!! i will be going natural birth for sure or ohhhh sorry Vaginial birth lol to whoever posted that little comment!!!

FWIW: It is fully illegal here to do elective c-sections. It is still against the standards of practice that the appropriate colleges set forth for practicing doctors.

If you are in a province that has it under their health care (I know BC does), I suggest getting a midwife.

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