Debating induction or C-section

TchrJen24 · September 2011

I was wondering for you C-section mamas- how much could you do during the first week after baby was here... When could you lift your baby, bathe the baby, etc?

My DH is thinking that a C is better than induction and then having a C anyway, but I'm on the fence about just giving in to have a major surgery without even trying labor. Thanks for your thoughts!

Switzerland · September 2011

Personally I would try for labor if you have no medical reason not too. I had a tough recovery post c-section. I remember DD's fist bath at home -- all I could do was sit and watch DH bathe her as I was still too weak to do anything and that was a good week after the c-section. I also labored for 33 hrs and pushed for 4 hrs before my c-section so I had the wind knocked out of me and my recoup was longer. I was able to hold my baby immediately but trying to get out of bed was challenging as your abs are very, very sore and it takes all your strength to turn a certain way to get out of bed or even prop yourself up in bed, to nurse the baby. In the end, I had help for 5 weeks post partum to help me with a lot. But I don't think my situation is very common.

kcvasquez · September 2011

I personally would never opt for the c-section before trying labor. It's hard and depending on whether you have complications or not it can be even more difficult. I did have a failed induction but I don't regret for one second that I tried labor, and I will be trying again this time. Also unless medically you need to be induced i.e pre-e or for something else I would wait until you're at least 42 weeks. I know it gets tough to wait near the end but it is so much better to go into labor on your own, for both you and the baby! Good luck with what you decide though!

MDmama519 · September 2011

I had a c-section due to a failed induction (induced at 39 weeks due to pre-e, 14 hours of labor without thinning or dilation)

Recovery was tough but, I was up and changing diapers the next day (granted I was hunched over). When we got home, I took it easy for a few days. We were discharged on a Friday and my husband went back to work that Monday so, I had to fend for myself. I managed.

pepomntpat · September 2011

I would personally try for labor first. A c-section is major, major surgery and should really only be done if necessary. You don't know that an induction would fail. Why do you need an induction?

I was able to get out of bed about 12 hours after my c/s. I could not comfortably carry my baby around for several days. I don't remember exactly how long, but I didn't feel safe alone with her for a couple of weeks. I remember panicking when I had to cough and was holding LO. So glad DH was right there to grab her from me. It was just not fun and not something I would do again unless necessary.

novilise · September 2011

Is this your first baby? If so, I would definitely not opt for the c-section, unless it is necessary. I had great c-sections, but still, I, personally, wouldn't automatically choose it without a reason.

mem096 · September 2011

c-section after a 39 hr induced labor. Honestly after all the badnees 2-epi's and my left ovary and fullopian tube taken out. I was up and walking 15 hrs later, def. sore and not pleasant but managable! With that being said I would still be induced first and see what happens but see if maybe after like 24hrs labor they would to a c-section if nothing is happening? Hope that helps good luck!

meryltheresa · September 2011

I was a failed induction into a c-section, and looking back there was no reason for any of it. I was a case where I got scared by my doctor into an early induction and it didn't work. If there is no medical reason I would let nature take it's course and try to go into labor on your own. Cross the c-section bridge if you get to it? kwim?

canthardlywait426 · September 2011

My c section recovery was hard. From what I've learned I had a more difficult recovery than most people, but still. I wasn't able to do much for several weeks. The first week, unless someone brought me my son I couldn't do anything with him. I dot think I even changed him until he was almost 3 weeks old. Having said that, I know a lot of other c section moms were able to move around and do things the feat week. You just never know which category you're going to fall in.

laurasuzanne2006 · September 2011

we went into an induction knowing there was a good chance of a c-section. I'm still glad i labored for 22 hours anyway because it means i did everything i could and that the c'section was absolutely necessary as I needed to get her out due to personal medical reasons. I have no regrets about doing so and I think i would always wonder if the c-section was really necessary if i hadn't labored.

KaylaO1024 · September 2011

Induction first for sure! I was able to change diapers and stuff but the recovery was still pretty painful and a lot worse than a vaginal delivery (from what I'm told). I still have pain at my incision every month when my period comes. Try the induction!

Holly TH · September 2011

Is there a reason you are being induced or having a c-section? I have had 2 vaginal births and 2 c-sections. Vaginal is the way to go unless there is a medical reason. Why have major abdominal surgery if you don't have to?

smerka · September 2011

I guess I'm going to have the unpopular opinion. I was induced with my first at 41 weeks. I labored for 24 hours, pushed for 3.5 and they had to use the vacuum. I had a pretty wicked episiotomy that took weeks to recover from. I was in the ob's office a couple days after going home because it hurt so bad and I was miserable. They said I was recovering normally. I couldn't sit or stand without a lot of pain. My mom had to stay an extra week to help because I was so useless.

My second was breech. I tried a version but my back hurt too bad for them to really do it. Scheduled c-section. It was a dream in comparison. I was back to my normal self in about three weeks and the pain was no where near as bad. I think there's a huge difference between a scheduled c-section and having labor and then a c-section. Also my first kid has a ridiculously large head so my experience might not be "normal". Good luck with your decision.

genekelly · September 2011

I would def try for labor and having the baby vaginally. I was induced and ended up with a c-sec but am glad that at least I tried to deliver vaginally. I'm surprised your OB would schedule you for a c/s if an induction was possible. That said, I was able to hold, lift, bathe the baby from day 1 of the c/s. It was everything else that was difficult-I retained about 20 lbs of water that took ~2 weeks to drop off and the swelling made it painful to walk, painful to go up and down stairs which of course made it harder taking care of my LO. I feel iike w/out a c/s, I would have had a much easier recovery time. I was feeling back to normal by 6 wk PP but feel like it would have been sooner had I delivered vaginally. I'll never know now though!

Galaxy8227 · September 2011

I had a c-section following 4 failed attempts at induction-DS never dropped and I never made it to 1cm after all the attempts. I've been told that I'm one of the lucky ones--able to get up 12 hours later, get around pretty well, not too much pain but I still would try induction over just going ahead for a c-section.

biblionerd · September 2011

I would not try an induction with a poor Bishop score, which many people seem to know little about. Failed inductions are VERY common when your body is starting basically at zero, with absolutely no progress. That is often why you hear of all of the induction turned c/s. If your body is in favorable condition for an induction, it does not necessarily mean it will end in a c/s. I would definitely choose a c/s over induction without any progress though.

As for your first questions, I lifted the baby immediately. I hear these "you can't even hold your own baby" bizarre c/s stories, and that is not true. We bathed the baby immediately. It was just sponge baths at home until the cord fell off and that just involved sitting at the sink.

Pelusa214 · September 2011

I haven't had a c-section because, obviously, I opted for the induction, but if I had to do it over again, I would've chosen the c-section. I had a terrible, miserable birth experience. It was not good, and in my experience, there was nothing "natural" about my labor. I would have rather had the c-section than to have spent all that time being given medication that was working against, not with, my body.

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