C-section or vaginal birth? Which would you prefer?

lp0 · June 2011

To be totally honest (please don't flame), I am completely terrified of giving birth vaginally. The whole idea of it puts me on edge and gives me anxiety. I am not so worried about the pain itself because I know the epidural makes things much more tolerable but I am very concerned about if the baby gets stuck, gets tangled in the cord, breaks it's shoulder, etc. I am also really concerned about the after affects (i.e. tearing/stitches, painful scaring, not being able to wear tampons, etc). I like when things are planned and controlled and I just feel that I would be much more calm with a scheduled c-section. I was just wondering if anyone out there was feeling the same way.

If you were able to choose, would you have a c-section or vaginal birth?

SBT1977 · June 2011

Vaginal! I'd prefer to avoid surgery at all costs.

Meganne84 · June 2011

VB for SURE. For one, I always just picture them handing me my baby immediately after I deliver. Second, the thought of them slicing me open and the recovery time scares the heck out of me.

lauren.cus · June 2011

C-section. For a couple reasons. More paid time off being the main one. I've had this discussion with my mom a lot. She had c-sections. I would never request one but if I end up having to have one I wouldn't be upset

LittleMissGreenEyes · June 2011

VB! If you're stressed about it I would suggest reading a few of Ina May's books on delivery. Your body is meant to do it that way and knows exactly what to do. I would avoid a major surgery at all costs.

CalMum_Momma · June 2011

I wanted a vaginal birth, but had to have a c/s because DS was breech, although it wasn't scheduled and I did experience about 5 hours of labor. I wasn't crushed, and didn't take it hard like some mommas can. It did have its advantages, but it also has its disadvantages. I am hoping for a VBAC this time. I really want to have a vaginal birth. I know it will be totally different, and I know it will hurt like hell, but the way I see it, it is something only women can experience, and damnit, I want that experience!

lauren.cus · June 2011

Meganne84:
I always just picture them handing me my baby immediately after I deliver.

Thus is very true. What a special moment

Kflie83 · June 2011

Since I have a bicornuate (heart shaped) uterus, they told me last time that I'd most likely have a C-section. I psyched myself up for it and accepted it. Towards the end of my pregnancy miraculously my uterus turned into a regular shape so I was able to give birth vaginally. At first I was freaked out, but after hearing tons of stories about C-section - feeling then "unzip" you when they cut through your stomach, then muscles (bleh), and also being able to feel your insides try to squish back into their normal places while you're recovering. Also not being able to really sit and get around easily, I was pretty excited to give birth vaginally. I had an epidural so there was absolutely NO PAIN! I was freaked out for nothing! It's true, there is pain afterwards. Your crotch hurts and is sore. It's not like you feel like your dying or anything, and they give you pain meds to take home. Having gone through it, I have no problem delivering vaginally again. You'll be shocked at how easy it is!

eilatan&nhoj88 · June 2011

I had a natural birth with my son. The only pain meds I had was staydol and I had what the doc says was an allergic reaction (Iwas very very dizzy like the room was spinning and I was in and out of consciousness.) My son's head was on my pelvic bone for four hours while I pushed, making his head kinda pointy for a while. They threatened to go in after him if I didn't push better...I also tore and had to be given two shots in the crotch to stay on the table to be stitched up. I lost too much blood but wasn't given a transfusion. They had to increase my pitocin three times after birth to get the bleeding under control. Then I was sore from the stitches for 6 weeks. Despite all this I would have a natural delivery again. If it weren't for the stitches and blood loss that caused dizziness for a month I would have had a much easier recovery. Personally I'm more terrified of having them put in a urine catheter for a c-section before knocking me out. I imagine based on what people have told me, the recovery would be so much more painful from a c-section as well. Sorry if it sounds like a horror story, but personally I'd choose vaginal everytime unless the baby was in danger.

BostonGayGal · June 2011

LittleMissGreenEyes:
VB! If you're stressed about it I would suggest reading a few of Ina May's books on delivery. Your body is meant to do it that way and knows exactly what to do. I would avoid a major surgery at all costs.

This exactly. I have more faith in my body and in my midwives than in surgeons(assuming I am low risk).

mrs.larry · June 2011

I've done it vaginally once already and it was fine. I tore and had to be stitched, and while that wasn't exactly pleasant, it didn't leave any lasting or permanent damage and won't affect subsequent births the way a c/s would.

I'll give birth vaginally again unless there is some very serious complication barring me from doing so.

mjay79 · June 2011

With my first I asked my doctor if i could have a c-section (for the same reason you list) and she laughed at me. I have to say, I'm so happy that she did. Yes, it can scary, but in the moment, you really don't think about all the bad things (You can't care less to be honest, trust me lol) If I can this time (like my second) it will be natural, without an epidural. I'm not against the epidural, it was my bestest friend with my first, but the recovery afterwards (tearingstitches and all) was sooooo much easier! Get all the information you can and make a proper decision that is right for you!

Jessiree · June 2011

A vaginal birth, for sure. I feel like our bodies are made to do this and the idea of major surgery freaks me out.

mrs_kelly1014 · June 2011

Vaginal! I am desperately hoping for a VBAC this time. Discussing this with friends, those of us who had c sections definitely were in a ton more pain for a much longer time than those that had a VB (obviously there are people who have had horrible VBs).

Beyond the surgery aspect, I hate that I was separated from DS for the first couple hours while I was in recovery. I also hardly have any memories from the birth from being so drugged up, so that's something to think about too.

lurkeyloo · June 2011

Vaginal for sure! I am so scared of having someone take a knife to me.

Pippa84 · June 2011

I'm not tied to anything - I just want a healthy baby - but I'd certainly prefer a vaginal birth. And I'd prefer to go med-free, too.

We'll see... we'll see.

mrs.larry · June 2011

I wanted to add that I agree with pp who mentioned being able to see (and hold!) the baby right away is very important to me as well. Having that very first interaction with him, allowing him to get to the breast and latch on right away, it was the most amazing thing I've ever experienced. Hands down.

If I had to have a c/s this time, I think that part would be what breaks my heart about it.

whyhellopoppyseed · June 2011

1st of all, are you electing to have a surgical birth or are you high risk and its a big possibility?

2nd of all, your decision is based on whether or not you want more children. Cesarean surgeries are highly risky surgeries, and even if you heal well and have a great recovery, your body is never the same. The incisions are small on the outside (mine is 5" and barely visible) but from the inside...you CUT your uterus. Its major abdominal surgery.

Some risks include:

-Infertility

-Bladder damage

-chronic pelvic pain

-bowel obstruction

-bacterial infection of incision

-risk of uterine rupture (almost unheard of in vaginal births)

-hemorrhage

-blood clots

-increased risk of ectopic pregnancy

-increased risk of pre-term delivery

-babies have a risk of unexplained fetal demise after 34 gestation

(sources: https://childbirth.amuchbetterway.com/dangers-of-elective-c-section/)

-double the blood loss of a vaginal birth

-Respiratory complications

-risk of hysterectomy

-Low APGAR scores in babies (except Levi was a 9 then 10, so not us!)

-fetal injury (the baby can be cut from the knife)

(sources: https://www.childbirth.org/section/risks.html)

-cardiac arrest

-4 times the mortality rate of a vaginal birth (4 TIMES!!!)

-difficulty in latching during breastfeeding (this happened to Levi)

-difficulty in milk supply (this happened to us, but we fought and won!)

-breathing problems for baby (this happened to Levi)

-increased risk of asthma for the child in the future

-placenta previa (the placenta covers the cervix, making vaginal birth impossible)

-still-birth

(Sources: https://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1343679/elective_cesarean_sections_dangers_pg3.html?cat=70)

Cesareans can save lives but only if they're really needed.

Raven0227 · June 2011

Hmmm, if there was no medical reason for me to have c-sections then I'd probably opt for a VB. As scary as it would be, I'd love to have the experience of going into labor and rushing to the hospital, pushing and delivering my LO.

However, as it stands two doctors had advised me to have c-sections and I trust their judgement. So c-sections it is for me. My experiences have been wonderful, though. I did get to hold my babies right after delivery and even in recovery. They just lay the baby on my chest and roll us both into the recovery room. They gave them their baths right there, did all the measurements and tests right there next to me. I love the hospital I go to though and drive a full 45 minutes to get this experience (not sure if all hospitals do it this way).

Makinroom4baby · June 2011

If I had the choice, I'd choose vaginal birth for sure. I am intrigued by the female body and how it knows what to do and when to do it. I would love to experience a bit of labor and to work to push my baby into this world. And what a happy moment it would be to have by baby placed on my chest immediately after taking it's first breath??

Unfortunately, I don't have that choice. I have to have a scheduled c section due to a major uterine surgery I had to remove a rather large fibroid from the inside of my uterus. What I'm going to miss the most is not getting to hold my baby immediately after birth

whyhellopoppyseed · June 2011

Raven0227:

Hmmm, if there was no medical reason for me to have c-sections then I'd probably opt for a VB. As scary as it would be, I'd love to have the experience of going into labor and rushing to the hospital, pushing and delivering my LO.

However, as it stands two doctors had advised me to have c-sections and I trust their judgement. So c-sections it is for me. My experiences have been wonderful, though. I did get to hold my babies right after delivery and even in recovery. They just lay the baby on my chest and roll us both into the recovery room. They gave them their baths right there, did all the measurements and tests right there next to me. I love the hospital I go to though and drive a full 45 minutes to get this experience (not sure if all hospitals do it this way).

Raven its awesome you had a good experience.

DS breathed in meconium (Common cesarean births) and he was whisked away to the NICU while I was in recovery ALONE for 2 hours.

Also, the reflex to suck is the strongest during the baby's first hour....so we missed out on that incredibly special 1st time breastfeeding, and he had bad latch problems for a MONTH.

Not to mention when your placenta is delivered surgically, the oxytocin in your body doesn't signal to make milk for up to 7 days. If delivered vaginally, it sends the signal right away. So breastfeeding is ten times more difficult with a cesarean. (But we did it and are still doing it! *brushes shoulders off*)

So you had amazing experiences and I'm so glad!! I wish that were the case for all of us.

Jess084 · June 2011

Vaginal birth all the way! I guess I can't understand why anyone would opt for major abdominal surgery when our bodies are made to do this. I do understand that some women are unable to give birth other than by C-section, of course. I am planning a natural, unmedicated birth and I hope I get to have it that way.

And I am unsure about the after effects that you are mentioning. When you have a C-section you have stitches, scarring, and can't wear tampons for the same amount of time as a vaginal birth.

pharmacygirl · June 2011

I felt like OP. I was scared to death to deliver vaginally. But I would have done it if things worked out better. Ds1 cord was wrapped around his neck twice and his hr dropped so I was rushed in for an emergency cs after being in labor for 24 hours. I was actually relieved because I was exhausted. So ds2 was a scheduled cs and it was actually a nice experience. My hospital lets baby recover with mom. So baby is never out of my sight. I fed ds within about 90 minutes of him being born. Recovery was about 2 weeks. I am still numb where I got cut. But overall it wasn't a horrible experience. I chose not to do a vbac because I didn't want to risk uterine rupture. Although it's rare it wasn't a risk I was willing to take.

AnnieTater · June 2011

Before you decide to opt for a c-section be sure you know all the downsides. Of course if a c-section becomes necessary, then it's necessary. Years ago I heard the 90's thinking "Quick in for a c-section, sneak in a tummy tuck" and I thought, how smart. But it should generally not be the preferred method.

C-sections increase the possibility of postpartum depression (it is a MAJOR surgery - think about caring for a newborn after your most major surgery).

They decrease chances for latching on (as PP stated).

After you have had one, it is more likely that you will need to have another for your next birth.

Just do some research before you jump in. A C-section is scarier than a VB (watch some videos).

Personally, I will fight against a c-section unless it is absolutely necessary.

BritanyV · June 2011

I'm a wimp, I hate pain, and I do hate not being in control but I even with all that, I would rather have a vaginal birth. Like pp mentioned, a c-section is major surgery and I would like to avoid it if at all possible.

glitzandglitter · June 2011

I most likely will have a repeat CS. I wanted a VB with my DS and I went through the whole labor process and in the end I ended up with an emergency CS. A CS was not my birth plan but sometimes things don't go as planned, I recovered fine and I had a healthy baby and that is all that matters.

LittleMonkeys3 · June 2011

Before my first, I would have hands down said vaginal. After her and having a c/s for my second, for me, a c/s is best. Your recovery can be long/hard either way you deliver. For me, my c/s was hands down an easier recovery than my vaginal. I was still dizzy/ weak 6 weeks after my vaginal from all my blood loss. I was in the hospital for 4 days after my vaginal from all my complications. I was released from the hospital in under 48 hours with my c/s and felt completely normal within the week.

Also, for the person who said that you can feel them "unzip" you... I'd have to say that's pretty rare. I've never heard one person tell me that. I couldn't feel a thing and actually asked DH if they had started and his response was that they were already pulling baby out. I had no idea.

Being away from the baby- I was away from DS for a total of 10 minutes while they finished cleaning me up and then brought me to recovery to DH and DS.

The catheter- they don't put the catheter in until your spinal has taken. You will never feel it go in and they take it out before your spinal wears off so you don't feel that either.

I just wish women didn't feel the need to scare other women about c/s. If it's not necessary, I wouldn't do it. But if you have to have one, it doesn't mean that you will have a horrible experience. Some people have horrible vaginal experiences. Some people have bad c/s experiences. But both can be beautiful and wonderful! Either way you end up with a HEALTHY, beautiful baby!

Raven0227 · June 2011

LittleMonkeys3:

Before my first, I would have hands down said vaginal. After her and having a c/s for my second, for me, a c/s is best. Your recovery can be long/hard either way you deliver. For me, my c/s was hands down an easier recovery than my vaginal. I was still dizzy/ weak 6 weeks after my vaginal from all my blood loss. I was in the hospital for 4 days after my vaginal from all my complications. I was released from the hospital in under 48 hours with my c/s and felt completely normal within the week.

Also, for the person who said that you can feel them "unzip" you... I'd have to say that's pretty rare. I've never heard one person tell me that. I couldn't feel a thing and actually asked DH if they had started and his response was that they were already pulling baby out. I had no idea.

Being away from the baby- I was away from DS for a total of 10 minutes while they finished cleaning me up and then brought me to recovery to DH and DS.

The catheter- they don't put the catheter in until your spinal has taken. You will never feel it go in and they take it out before your spinal wears off so you don't feel that either.

I just wish women didn't feel the need to scare other women about c/s. If it's not necessary, I wouldn't do it. But if you have to have one, it doesn't mean that you will have a horrible experience. Some people have horrible vaginal experiences. Some people have bad c/s experiences. But both can be beautiful and wonderful! Either way you end up with a HEALTHY, beautiful baby!

This!

Cinco · June 2011

I've had two easy vaginal births, and am hoping for another.

lp0 · June 2011

whyhellopoppyseed:

1st of all, are you electing to have a surgical birth or are you high risk and its a big possibility?

2nd of all, your decision is based on whether or not you want more children. Cesarean surgeries are highly risky surgeries, and even if you heal well and have a great recovery, your body is never the same. The incisions are small on the outside (mine is 5" and barely visible) but from the inside...you CUT your uterus. Its major abdominal surgery.

Some risks include:

-Infertility

-Bladder damage

-chronic pelvic pain

-bowel obstruction

-bacterial infection of incision

-risk of uterine rupture (almost unheard of in vaginal births)

-hemorrhage

-blood clots

-increased risk of ectopic pregnancy

-increased risk of pre-term delivery

-babies have a risk of unexplained fetal demise after 34 gestation

(sources: https://childbirth.amuchbetterway.com/dangers-of-elective-c-section/)

-double the blood loss of a vaginal birth

-Respiratory complications

-risk of hysterectomy

-Low APGAR scores in babies (except Levi was a 9 then 10, so not us!)

-fetal injury (the baby can be cut from the knife)

(sources: https://www.childbirth.org/section/risks.html)

-cardiac arrest

-4 times the mortality rate of a vaginal birth (4 TIMES!!!)

-difficulty in latching during breastfeeding (this happened to Levi)

-difficulty in milk supply (this happened to us, but we fought and won!)

-breathing problems for baby (this happened to Levi)

-increased risk of asthma for the child in the future

-placenta previa (the placenta covers the cervix, making vaginal birth impossible)

-still-birth

(Sources: https://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1343679/elective_cesarean_sections_dangers_pg3.html?cat=70)

Cesareans can save lives but only if they're really needed.

Wow you ladies are troopers! I feel like a giant wus right now Embarrassed . I guess the thought of everything stretching and being cut or torn really blows my mind. Surgery doesn't scare me at all so when I compare the two in my mind I'd rather take the surgery.

whyhellopoppyseed- thank you for those links and listing all of those possible risks. I haven't really done any research yet on c-sections yet. I did ask my doctor if the office would do an elective c-section because I like to know my options and I am terrified. She said they have done it in the past but could offer counciling to ease my fears. I've had so many friends have such horrible labor and delivery experiences that it only feeds my fear. I obviously want to do what is best for my baby and will do whatever my doctor recommends. I'm also guessing that the more I educate myself and the closer I get to delivery I may feel completely different about the whole situations.

Thanks for the replies ladies Smile

BFab11 · June 2011

Vaginal, 100%. Even after having a bad experience, extensive tearing, and a really crappy/long recovery last time. This time I want a natural home birth to work with my body instead of avaunt it in an effort to minimize my recovery time.

Kirsten.In.NH · June 2011

I completely understand that vaginal delivery is a VERY scary thing to think about. However - it is FAR less traumatic on your body than surgery. Obviously C-Sections serve their purpose and are used only when absolutely necessary (I hope) - but vaginal delivery is really so much easier on your body. Trust me, if I can do it, ANYONE can do it. I'm the biggest wimp you'll ever meet and have no pain tolerance. Yes, it hurt like hell, but it's over before you know it (even after 24 hours of labor) and you really do forget about it. I was completely amazed at how fast my body healed, I felt completely fine almost immediately.

CalMum_Momma · June 2011

LP0198:

Wow you ladies are troopers! I feel like a giant wus right now . I guess the thought of everything stretching and being cut or torn really blows my mind. Surgery doesn't scare me at all so when I compare the two in my mind I'd rather take the surgery.

whyhellopoppyseed- thank you for those links and listing all of those possible risks. I haven't really done any research yet on c-sections yet. I did ask my doctor if the office would do an elective c-section because I like to know my options and I am terrified. She said they have done it in the past but could offer counciling to ease my fears. I've had so many friends have such horrible labor and delivery experiences that it only feeds my fear. I obviously want to do what is best for my baby and will do whatever my doctor recommends. I'm also guessing that the more I educate myself and the closer I get to delivery I may feel completely different about the whole situations.

Thanks for the replies ladies

Others provided more detailed info, and I feel like I owe you the same. First of all, someone could just as easily give you a list of all of the horrible things that can go wrong with a VB. I don't agree with the scare tactics that some people use here when c/s is the topic of discussion. I stand by what I said earlier, that while I had a very positive c/s experience, I do want to have a VB. There is still going to be cutting and tearing with a c/s. You ought to hear my DH describe the way my OB had her foot propped against the table as she pulled to stretch the opening she cut.

Ohter points: I didn't feel the catheter, because I had had the spinal already. The spinal itself made it very difficult to stay aware of what was happening. I fought for every second of lucidity during the procedure. I didn't feel any "unzipping". I hardly even felt the pressure they told me to expect to feel. I did not get to hold DS right away, although they did hold him by my face so I could see him. He did have to go away to be monitored for a short time after the delivery due to shallow respirations, which I believe was cause by the narcotics they gave me in triage, which I WILL NOT be doing again, even if I do have a VB.

Because DH went with DS, I went to recovery alone. DS did jion me within an hour or 2 (I was still pretty out of it for a little bit, so I'm not sure the exact time frame). When he did come, I nurseed him right away, and he latched great. I also did not have a delay with my milk coming in. I think that is more common for scheduled c/s. DS actually had my milk in within 48hours from his birth. The LC's called him a chow hound! My hospital stay was 3 days- went in Fri morning, home Monday morning. That is standard at the hospital I deliver at.

Recovery was hard. There was a lot of pain. I could hardly move, and had pain until 6w after, which I think is pretty typical. Laughing, coughing, even rolling over in bed was excruciating. One of the reasons I don't want to have a c/s this time is because I know it will be that much harder for me to care for DS and the new LO if I am recovering from that kind of surgery again.

I hope you take some time to consider your options and take up your OB on their offer for counseling. Please feel free to send me a PM if you have any other questions.

kle0113 · June 2011

Raven0227:
LittleMonkeys3:
I just wish women didn't feel the need to scare other women about c/s. If it's not necessary, I wouldn't do it. But if you have to have one, it doesn't mean that you will have a horrible experience. Some people have horrible vaginal experiences. Some people have bad c/s experiences. But both can be beautiful and wonderful! Either way you end up with a HEALTHY, beautiful baby!

This!

This also! My daughter was a c-section. It was not a scheduled c-section as I labored for over 8 hours when they found out she was actually breech and had to be a c-section. My reaction was okay not a problem. Just get her here in the safest way possible and that is what they did. My recovery was amazing and my Dr. told me that I was recovering better then a lot of the VB that were there. I took no pain medicine, was it painful of course it was, but you have to push through it. It gets easier everyday (or at least in my case it did). I had no problem with my milk coming in, but we did have latch problems.

Did I want a VB of course I did and my Dr. is all for me for trying for a VBAC, but that is a decision that myself, MH and my Dr. need to make. If I have to have another c-section, I will be fine with that also.

Lastly along the lines of what I quoted...like others have said there are also issues that happen with a VB that can also be listed to scare people. You have to make the best decision for you and don't let anyone opinion sway your decision.

Amomtomanyluvs · June 2011

Vaginal...no question. The Epi never works for me (3 times tried) and I felt everything but I would so much prefer vaginal then c section. The time frame of healing is so much quicker and I would just prefer not to have surgery.

DEBBIE33CASEY · June 2011

Before I had my DD I was scared of giving birth vaginally and hoped I'd need a Csection (I've had 4 abdominal surgeries, 2 of which have scars 2-3 times longer than c-sec cuts). Abdominal surgery was not an unknown to me and I knew what to expect with it. I'd never shot a baby out of my vag

Now I don't have a preference. I don't want ANOTHER abdominal scar but I remember it was months before I could sit normally comfortably again and sex took a long time to get used to again....But giving birth vaginally was an AMAZING experience and I had an ideal delivery. So I guess I am indifferent and will be happy either way! I am at peace with whatever happens- assuming i get that bouncing baby

MAMAxB · June 2011

Vaginal. 100%.

Just remember. Your body was CREATED for childbirth

I hope to never have to have a c/s, but if so.. I trust God will be with it.

Otherwise, just remember, women are badasses

MrsLeanna · June 2011

I really wish women would stop referring to unmedicated birth as natural. It's unmedicated, but all birth is natural, no matter how it happens.

I had a very easy medicated vaginal delivery. I was induced an had an epi. I did not feel the catheter because it was inserted after the epi was put in. I could still move my legs and I was up and walking an hour after delivery. I tore and had an episitomy. My recovery was not fun, but it's childbirth so it's not going to be fun. But you will find that when you're in that situation, you do what you have to. I think the last few weeks of pregnancy are miserable for a reason, it makes you ready to get that baby OUT no matter how it happens!!!!

whyhellopoppyseed · June 2011

LP0198:
whyhellopoppyseed:

1st of all, are you electing to have a surgical birth or are you high risk and its a big possibility?

2nd of all, your decision is based on whether or not you want more children. Cesarean surgeries are highly risky surgeries, and even if you heal well and have a great recovery, your body is never the same. The incisions are small on the outside (mine is 5" and barely visible) but from the inside...you CUT your uterus. Its major abdominal surgery.

Some risks include:

-Infertility

-Bladder damage

-chronic pelvic pain

-bowel obstruction

-bacterial infection of incision

-risk of uterine rupture (almost unheard of in vaginal births)

-hemorrhage

-blood clots

-increased risk of ectopic pregnancy

-increased risk of pre-term delivery

-babies have a risk of unexplained fetal demise after 34 gestation

(sources: https://childbirth.amuchbetterway.com/dangers-of-elective-c-section/)

-double the blood loss of a vaginal birth

-Respiratory complications

-risk of hysterectomy

-Low APGAR scores in babies (except Levi was a 9 then 10, so not us!)

-fetal injury (the baby can be cut from the knife)

(sources: https://www.childbirth.org/section/risks.html)

-cardiac arrest

-4 times the mortality rate of a vaginal birth (4 TIMES!!!)

-difficulty in latching during breastfeeding (this happened to Levi)

-difficulty in milk supply (this happened to us, but we fought and won!)

-breathing problems for baby (this happened to Levi)

-increased risk of asthma for the child in the future

-placenta previa (the placenta covers the cervix, making vaginal birth impossible)

-still-birth

(Sources: https://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1343679/elective_cesarean_sections_dangers_pg3.html?cat=70)

Cesareans can save lives but only if they're really needed.

Wow you ladies are troopers! I feel like a giant wus right now . I guess the thought of everything stretching and being cut or torn really blows my mind. Surgery doesn't scare me at all so when I compare the two in my mind I'd rather take the surgery.

whyhellopoppyseed- thank you for those links and listing all of those possible risks. I haven't really done any research yet on c-sections yet. I did ask my doctor if the office would do an elective c-section because I like to know my options and I am terrified. She said they have done it in the past but could offer counciling to ease my fears. I've had so many friends have such horrible labor and delivery experiences that it only feeds my fear. I obviously want to do what is best for my baby and will do whatever my doctor recommends. I'm also guessing that the more I educate myself and the closer I get to delivery I may feel completely different about the whole situations.

Thanks for the replies ladies

Well I totally understand fear (I understand it more now, actually--even prepping for a VBAC, which is scary anyway) and I'm confident that you'll make the best decision for you and your baby.

As for the PPs who are worried that I (or others) "scared" moms about c-sections, thats totally not my aim. I'm trying to educate. So many women don't KNOW how dangerous it can be. And yes you can have good AND bad experiences no matter how you deliver, but facts are facts.

Either way I hope all the ladies on this board have a happy pregnancy and healthy labor. Cesareans, as I've said, can save lives.

MrsLeanna · June 2011

@opppyseed,

I know your'e trying to educate and help and I think that's great that you have all that info but it does come from a biased place. I think what the girls meant is that you can find scary stats on anything if you look for them.

Google complications of home births and see what you get, or complications of VBACs. So, it's good to know all sides and there can be risks associated with everything. For some women, c/s is right for them, even if some people don't agree. Most c/s don't have any issues.

whyhellopoppyseed · June 2011

MrsLeanna:

@opppyseed,

I know your'e trying to educate and help and I think that's great that you have all that info but it does come from a biased place. I think what the girls meant is that you can find scary stats on anything if you look for them.

Google complications of home births and see what you get, or complications of VBACs. So, it's good to know all sides and there can be risks associated with everything. For some women, c/s is right for them, even if some people don't agree. Most c/s don't have any issues.

I appreciate your input and you're entitled to it. But make no mistake, cesarean surgeries are major surgeries. There is no way around it. I was just answering the OPs question.

As for the comment about VBACs--the rupture rate is low, .4-.9%. I've spent the last year researching medical journals, interviewing doulas, midwives, and OBs, reading books, blogs, and everything I can get my hands on.

The reality is that education is one of the MOST powerful tools you have when you face pregnancy and delivery. Its something that I didn't have--and unfortunately most of the women I've talked to (not all, but most) who have had c-sections had very similar experiences to mine.

You're right--there are risks no matter what. Birth is a huge sacrifice, no matter what kind of birth you have. 5 days after my cesarean I was walking around perfectly fine, wearing DS in a baby sling and enjoying my family--so my recovery was "great" too, considering. But I felt robbed. Its true that not everyone wants a vaginal birth, so it probably won't matter to them. That's perfectly fine for them--its their baby and their birth experience.

But I'm entitled to my opinion and I'm going to share if it helps ONE future mom read and research for herself instead of becoming victim to medical interventions during labor that are unecessary and usually lead to surgical birth. *I have research on the numbers if you want*

And I don't know HOW many times I've said (tons and tons)--cesarean births can save LIVES. Millions of women world wide don't have access to skilled surgeons who can save their babies or themselves, and I'm grateful to live in a country where we have 24/7 access to that kind of saving surgery....when its really needed.

Aannnnnd I've said my peace. The beautiful part about our country and this website is we can have different opinions and still respect eachother as women and mothers.

On that note...I have a Bachelorette episode to catch up on;)

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C-section or vaginal birth? Which would you prefer?

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