c/s mommas, a survey

ali_bl-nov05 · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section?

Did your doc suggest it, why?

What did you feel about it beforehand?

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call?

How was recovery?

What is your plan, if you want to have another?

aforst · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? It was decided for me. My water broke at 36 weeks w/ DS1 his h/r was going down to 60 w/ my contractions, so my Dr ordered an emergency c-section. With DS2, I tossed around the idea of a VBAC but ultimately decided on a 2nd c-section.

Did your doc suggest it, why? See above

What did you feel about it beforehand? I didn't really have time to think about it w/ DS1. I just wanted him alive. With DS2, I was pretty calm. I knew what to expect. I was nervous that something would happen to me during surgery though.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? Absolutely. I fully believe my son would not be here today if not for the c-section.

How was recovery? With DS1, not too bad. I felt pretty good by the time I went home. With DS2, it was a piece of cake. I felt pretty good by the 3rd day.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? As I said above, I considered a VBAC for DS2, I chose a repeat C-section. If we have a 3rd, I might try for a VBAC, but woudn't be upset w/ another c-section.

CinemaGoddess · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:

When did you decide to have a c-section? I read this one wrong the first time: I told my doc at my first appointment I wanted a c/s. She said, "We'll see." I won.

Did your doc suggest it, why? Because both girls were breech.

What did you feel about it beforehand? I was very happy.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I was very happy.

How was recovery? Outstanding. Better than some vag births, from what I've been told.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? N/A.

iheartsippycups · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:

When did you decide to have a c-section? After 13 hours of labor & no progression after 4cm

Did your doc suggest it, why? Yes, b/c the baby wasn't coming down

What did you feel about it beforehand? very nervous

What did you feel about it afterwards? Fine, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be

do you think it was the right call? yes, b/c the baby wasn't coming out any other way

How was recovery? really good. I had minimal pain, only took tylenol, and I had no issues getting up out of bed the next day

What is your plan, if you want to have another? c/s

Aloe0l · December 2011

1. When I was in labor and DD was still breech when I finally went into the hospital. I wouldn't say I "decided" - I'd say I didn't have a choice.

2. I found out the day before I went into labor that DD was breech. A c-section was the third on a list of options my doc gave me (accupuncture, version, then c-section).

3. I felt backed into a corner. I felt like I didn't have options when I really should have. I was unprepared for it, and it took a toll on me emotionally.

4. I'm still pissed about it. I've come to terms with it since I knew I really didn't have choices. But the fact that I DIDN'T have a choice is what pissed me off most. The doctor that was experienced in breech deliveries retired the year prior. I feel like the medical community as a whole let me down when they stopped training medical staff on how to handle low-risk breech deliveries.

5. My recovery was ok. I didn't have a lot of pain, but, I wasn't exactly comfortable. Again, I was unprepared.

6. VBAC 100%. And if I have to have a CBAC, I will at least be more prepared this time.

superaunt · December 2011

decided about an hour before she was born

doc suggested it during my last exam, i insisted on trying to go for it vaginally until, after 2 hours of pushing and the baby's h/r dropping with every push, i gave in for the c/s.

didn't really have an feelings about it- didn't WANT one b/c of surgery but if i had to, i had to.

yes, it was the right cal- my baby is happy and healthy and that's all that matters.

recovery was rough for a couple weeks but we all got through it just fine in time.

team one and done.

katie.i.do · December 2011

4 days after my due date, because an U/S on that day showed she was breech and i had low fluid levels.

yes, for the abovementioned reasons

i never anticipated one, and was really afraid of the prospect of a c/s, but when i was faced with it, I accepted it as the new reality.

I was sort of incredulous, to be honest, because i had so little time to prepare myself for 'this is how you are giving birth', you know? i had a mixture of emotions. i was somewhat disappointed for not experiencing labor, but also relieved for the same reason. think it was the right call, she was kind of big, and if it is between having a complicated labor or having the surgery go according to plan, i would prefer the latter.

i had some healing difficulties, i got a staph infection in my incision a couple weeks out and needed to have it drained and packed. that sucked, was painful, and did a number on me emotionally.

i have not decided. i have compelling arguments for both options.

Stephanie2167 · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? I made it fully dialated and DD wasn't coming down. Her heartrate was going down. The doctor recommended a c-section. She was born with the cord around her neck.

Did your doc suggest it, why? Yes, see above.

What did you feel about it beforehand? I wasn't happy. Think about going all the way to fully dialated without pitocin, thinking you are ready to push and then finding out your going into surgery.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? Of course it was the right call. She was very healthy and who knows what would have happened had I tried to deliver vaginally with the cord around her neck.

How was recovery? Easy peasy! I was off pain meds in under a week and felt great.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? I'm planning on a RCS next time. I've had too many people lose babies right at the end lately that I feel most comfortable with a planned c-section. Plus all the drugs I was on with my first labor makes everything a blur. I want to be present in mind this time around.

hopecounts · December 2011

1) initially baby was breech, then during pushing her heart rate started plummeting.

2) after her heart rate started dropping so badly we talked quickly and we agreed with Dr. it was for the best.

3) I was ok with it, just wanted DD to be ok

4) I was/am bummed but agree it was the right call for DD's well being so no regrets.

5) fine, not too bad

5) leaning towards vbac given that it may have been outside factors that led to the c-section. Thinking I'll schedule a late c-section (39/40 weeks) and if I go into labor before then try vbac but be prepared for a section if it becomes necessary.

Kitiara5512 · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? About 10 hours after my water broke when I had been in labor for 15 hours

Did your doc suggest it, why? I still would not dilate completely and he was definitely trying to come out - we both spiked a fever, mine around 102, and there was a huge probability of infection

What did you feel about it beforehand? I was not happy but I wanted C to be safe

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? Yes, andplusalso I got the bonus of having this hugeass zipper cut scar from a surgery as a teen completely cut off, so now my cs scar is much thinner and not nearly as obvious - I just look like I have an ass complete with crack both on the front and backside of me

How was recovery? meh, not so bad. I had trouble breathing whenever I drank or ate something, but I barely even needed pain meds after the first two days. I got to recover in the hospital though, and was released a day after C was released from NICU

What is your plan, if you want to have another? We haz no such crazee planz.

ali_bl-nov05 · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section?, When my doc suggested it and explained why.

Did your doc suggest it, why? breech baby

What did you feel about it beforehand? I hate to admit that I was a little relieved that I would not have a vaginal birth, but at the same time the prospect of a C/S opened a whole new range of fears. I cried right there on my doctor's office because I was dissapointed. I kind of hoped going to labor on my own and having the baby before the scheduled c/section. In the end I decided to hope for a healthy baby and mom and leave it at that.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I'm not sure yet, apparently it was because LO had his umbilical cord twice around his neck and that's suposedly why he could never get in position. Again, my doc is well known for being excelent.. and having a rather high c/s rate, so I can't help wondering...

How was recovery? easy peasy, can?t complain

What is your plan, if you want to have another? I'd like a v-bac, but I wont argue if a C/S comes up again.

drewiekc · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? At a little over 38w after chiropractic, accupuncture, various exercises, swimming, and an ECV failed to turn DD.

Did your doc suggest it, why? Yes, DD was breech.

What did you feel about it beforehand? I was pretty anti-CS beforehand. We'd planned on a med-free birth, had a doula, had taken Bradley classes, etc.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I was much relieved to find out that it wasn't NEARLY as bad as I'd feared.

How was recovery? Wonderful. I think it helped that I never went into labor, I've heard that recovering from a CS that happens after you have labored is much worse. I didnt make it to my planned CS date (my BP was high at my last OB appointment so she decided to go ahead and do it that day), but never actually went into labor. I was pretty sore for the first 2 days while I was still in the hospital, and needed help sitting down or standing up. But after that I felt really great.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? I would like to try for a VBAC when we have another, I do still truly feel like a med-free birth is best for both mom and baby. But if it comes down to having a repeat CS, I would be fine with it since my experience with my first one was so good.

pepomntpat · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? When DD's heartrate was not handling contractions well, I'd been in labor 72 hours and I was only at 4 CM.

Did your doc suggest it, why? Yes, my MW did suggest it due to the above reasons.

What did you feel about it beforehand? I did not want to have a c/s unless really necessary.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I do feel it was the right call.

How was recovery? Not too awful. I was up and walking the next day. I healed pretty easily. I have no physical complaints.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? I plan to go for a VBAC. I think vaginal birth is the best choice in healthy pregnancies and that a c/s should be a last resort. My MW said I am a good candidate for a VBAC, so that is what we will plan for. I'd be okay with a RCS though provided I get to hold (or have LO held) on my chest immediately. I was NOT okay with being separated from DD for three hours after the surgery for no reason other than "that's how we do things." It was awful.

MJN9510 · December 2011

The dr had told me about 3 hours into labor (I was induced) that he suspected I would need a C section. She wasnt dropping and he suspected that the cord might be wrapped around her body and no matter what I would do, she would probably not be able to drop because of that. I wanted to keep trying just to feel like I knew I did everything possible to get her to drop. 4 hours after the dr initially mentioned a c section, she was born via c section. I wanted to try for a natural delivery but I wasnt scared or upset about a c section other than the being worried about the recovery. A c section was definitely the right call. The cord was indeed wrapped around DD's body several times. I would have NEVER been able to deliver naturally. Recovery was rough for a couple of weeks but it was managable with help from DH. We are not having any more children. DH has 3 kids already and I am fine with just 1.

Kimee13 · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:

When did you decide to have a c-section? I had Pre-eclampsia and was induced at 37 weeks. After 12 hours of labor it was finally decided that I needed to have an emergency C/S since my pelvic bone was too small and noway was he going to come out on his own.

Did your doc suggest it, why? See answer above

What did you feel about it beforehand? I was always ok with C/S or naturally - the only birthplan I had was for them to do whatever was medically necessary to have a healthy baby.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I never expected L&D to be this magical thing for me, all that I ever expected/wanted was for my baby to come out healthy and as quick as possible. It was absolutely the right call, I only wish they would've realized it a little sooner.

How was recovery?Aside from the shakes in recovery(which is quite common), it was what I expected - the first couple of days were the worst. But luckily(even thought I didn't feel this way at the time) I was in the hospital for a week due to my BP skyrocketing so I had extra time to heal. Plus, DH took off 4 weeks and my mom was there for 10 days also, so I got to do a lot of lazing around and that helped.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? We're one and done. However, if another one came along I'd most likely opt for another C/S.

**Because of my high BP they had me on Magnesium from the second I got to the hospital and the 3-4 days after. That was by far the worst part. I couldn't get out of bed at all, made me narcoleptic(sp?)couldn't be alone with DS because I was a fall risk and it basically makes you feel like you have a horrible flu.

Army~Wife · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:

When did you decide to have a c-section? DD1 was an emergency C/S. I didn't have a choice with her. With DD2 I decided at about 20weeks that I didn't want a vback for various reasons

Did your doc suggest it, why? Yes with both

What did you feel about it beforehand? With DD1 I didn't have time to think about it. DD2 was planned and I was very nervous that I wouldn't survive

What did you feel about it afterward? do you think it was the right call? After DD1 I was an emotional wreck. I felt like my baby had been "taken" from my womb and that I was robbed of a "real" birth experience. She was also in the NICU for 19 days and I had real hard time adjusting. I felt like my baby had been "taken and held hostage". After DD2, I realized that it was the best decision I could have made. Everything happened the way it was supposed to and we are all here as a result. I was much more at peace after the 2nd one.

How was recovery? With DD1, I honestly had the worst recovery and was in a severe amount of pain. I had multiple "re-bleeds" and thought I was going to bleed to death. Any time I took off the binder, I was afraid my insides were going to fall out. It took me 2 weeks until I felt like I was starting to get better and could even go to the bathroom by myself. With DD2, I was up and in the shower by myself the next morning. It was a night and day difference. I LOVED my 2nd c/s!

What is your plan, if you want to have another? First I would have to convince DH. If that ever happens, I would have another c/s.

wonkatalia · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section?

I was induced at 37 weeks due to Pre-E. Labored for about 15 hours and never got past 3cm (which was manually done by the doc), water had been broken for 12 hours. I started vomitting and the baby started showing signs of distress so I chose the C/S.

Did your doc suggest it, why?

My doc did not suggest it. He said the decision was completely mine at that point. The baby was not in immediate danger but I was totally over labor and being sick and just ready to be done. When they told me that she was showing signs of distress and I had made zero progress, I requested the c/s.

What did you feel about it beforehand?

My mom had a c/s with me. My sister had one with my neice. I was familiar with them and not too freaked out by them. Preferred a vaginal delivery, but I wanted the baby out healthy one way or the other. I didn't really care how.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call?

I wish I had gone into my labor with a different mindset, less afraid of the pain. I wonder if I had waited longer before I got any meds, if I would have been more successful. But I really doubt it. DD was still super high and just not ready to come out. It would have taken days...

How was recovery?

Very easy. I had to get a step stool to help me get in and out of bed, but that was it. I stayed ahead of the pain and took my meds until they ran out though.

What is your plan, if you want to have another?

No idea...I'd love for my water to break on it's own and experience all that and natural contractions so I may try for the VBAC. Then again, it would be super easy to plan with DD if I just had the schedules c/s.

kgreek · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section?

I didn't. It was decided for me when K was in distress.

Did your doc suggest it, why?

K's heart rate was dropping with every contraction. They pretty much decided in about 10 minutes time that he had to come out. And his cord was around his neck so I'm glad we did it.

What did you feel about it beforehand?

I did not want a C Section. I didn't even want an epi.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call?

Um.. hmm. I am torn because he was in some distress but I feel like it was decided so quickly and I was very confused about why it was happening. No one tried anything or explained anything.

How was recovery?

No big. I was up quickly and never had any problems. I felt like a big effing bruise for about 10 days.

What is your plan, if you want to have another?

Talk to my doc about if I'm a good candidate for v bac and go from there..

mlf625 · December 2011

::at my 39w2d appointment when I had no progress and a baby nearing 9 pounds

::he suggested against an induction (citing bishop score), but said the decision whether to wait another week or schedule the c/s was totally my own

::fine, I felt all along that I was okay with a c/s or vag birth

::great! very happy with my choice

::easy recoveries both times

::if I have another I'd have a repeat c/s again

FusionLMT · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? After 40 hours of labor and then finding out DS was posterior and wouldn't descend any further.

Did your doc suggest it, why? Yes, but I was ready to cut him out myself by that point.

What did you feel about it beforehand? I wanted to have him "natural" and tried everything possible to make that happen.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I was happy that it was over. It absolutely was the right call. DS was over 10 lbs, with a 99% head size, and was positioned wrong. I also have a medical condition that doesn't allow me to "open" as much as a normal woman. There was no way he was coming out and my uterus was getting too fatigued anyways. I still had a lot of bleeding after such a prolonged labor and had to have a lot of meds to stop it.

How was recovery? I was exhausted, but the actual pain part wasn't too bad. I had HORRIBLE constipation from the pain meds though. That really was the worst part.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? We are monitoring this LOs head size. If she has another watermelon head then I will have a RCS. If not, then I would like to try for a VBAC.

CopperT0p · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section?

I didn't want one.

Did your doc suggest it, why?

L was breech and the doctor was unwilling to attempt a vaginal delivery. That and L had meconium, so it was in his best interest to be born ASAP.

What did you feel about it beforehand?

I was apprehensive, but I was pretty sure I was going to have to have one, so I prepared myself by reading everything I could and talking about it a lot with my midwife.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call?

I got a happy and healthy baby, so I think it was the right call. Also, my midwife had never had a baby born under her care with as large a head circumference as L, so there is a high chance that he would have gotten stuck if I tried a vaginal delivery.

How was recovery?

Painful since pain medicine doesn't have much effect on me, but worth it.

What is your plan, if you want to have another?

I will definitely be going for a VBAC, possibly a home birth.

Unknown · December 2011

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scottsbride379 · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section?
I asked for one while I was in labor because even though I'd dilated 5-6 cm, DS had not dropped, and one look told them his head would never fit through my pelvis. I said, "Can I just have a c-section?" and he said, "I think that's a good idea."

Did your doc suggest it, why?
See above.

What did you feel about it beforehand?
It was what I'd wanted, so I was very content with the turn of events.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call?
I felt very OK with it. With DS's size (he was 9 lbs. 15 oz at birth) and his position, I never would have delivered him any other way. I'm glad we decided beforehand before I exhausted myself with fruitless pushing only to have a c-section anyway.

How was recovery?
Not bad, I guess. The first night in the hospital, I was half-asleep and I shifted in bed and all the sudden my va-jay-jay exploded and I bled all over my gown, the bed, the sheets. Had to call a nurse in to help me change. That was gross. AND, my OB/GYN, who saw my scar at a non-baby annual check up, said that it was not going to heal completely (he told me the term for it, but basically it's all raised and bumpy, not a thin-lined scar. I asked him if it would go away and he said no because it's scar tissue and the only way it'd go away is if they remove it during another c-section if we have another baby. Well, since we decided one and done, I guess I'm stuck with this thing.

pitterpatter129 · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:

When did you decide to have a c-section? It was an emergency csection. Baby was sunny side up and kind of sideways. After 3 hours of pushing, it became clear that he was stuck.

Did your doc suggest it, why? see above

What did you feel about it beforehand? I was so convinced I wouldn't need a csection, I chose not to educate myself at all on them. I figured I'd have a vaginal birth.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I'm not sure. I think if I had pushed another hour (I was given this option too), he might have come on his own, but I'm glad I didn't put him in distress. I probably should have asked about other options, like a vacuum, but I was so drugged and tired I wasn't totally "with it". I don't have any sort of traumatic stress disorder or anything over it. Not a huge fan of the scar, but whatever. If I had to do it over, the induction beforehand is what I would have done differently. I think he would have turned on his own if I had waited for labor to come on naturally. I would never do an induction again if I had the choice. I was 41 weeks with him, but next time I would push it a little more.

How was recovery? Horrid. I had a fever in the hospital, as well as an induction, so all the fluids, antibiotics, and pitocin caused my feet/legs/body to swell up to three times it's normal size. I could barely move. I needed help to put on my own pants for almost three weeks! I didn't get an infection though, so I guess it could have been worse. The incision healed nicely.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? I'm torn, but I think since the csection was due to his positioning and nothing else, I'll try VBAC. I really don't want to go through the entire labor and pushing again just to have it end in another csection though. One or the other would be nice.

Heather R · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:

When did you decide to have a c-section? second time around-- from the very beginning I decided.

Did your doc suggest it, why? for first time around, because I was high risk. The placenta was perforated and compromised from a long-lasting subchorionic hematoma.

What did you feel about it beforehand? didn't care

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? oh, yes. Also, afterward, my doctor said I had the worst placenta she had ever seen. But I would have felt it was the right thing even if she hadn't said, on account of everything I went through in that pregnancy.

How was recovery? a breeze

What is your plan, if you want to have another? I would always elect a section.

Smootchy · December 2011

When: 38 weeks

Why: Breech

How did I feel about it beforehand: nothing really. Sorta scared, but more nervous/excited to me a mom.

How did I feel afterward/right choice? Felt fine, had great recovery. For sure right choice because I wasn't about to pop a foot first baby out.

How was recovery: Great.

What is my plan: I will more then likely have a repeat c-section.

zeptattoo · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:

When did you decide to have a c-section?

When I decided to have a baby. I always knew a vaginal delivery was not an option.

Did your doc suggest it, why?

I have a blood clotting disorder. When the body delivers a baby naturally, it reacts by becoming naturally hyercoagulate so you don't bleed out. Since I am already prone to clots and strokes, I have to be on blood thinners and the only way to really regulate the bleeding it in a short time is to do a c/s.

What did you feel about it beforehand?

Fine. It was no suprise.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call?

Totally. I loved my c/s and the aftercare. I also liked that I was in the hosptial longer. Everyone I know that did a vaginal birth was pushed out after 24 hours. I was there for three days. It was no vacation, but the nurses actually had time to teach me things about babies so I was much better equipt when we left.

How was recovery?

Painful at first, then just uncomfortable. Not suprising since it was surgery.

What is your plan, if you want to have another?

No more babies for me. I'm one and done!

BelleIsa · December 2011

I'm just wondering, reading all these responses, if a breech baby in the states automatically means you HAVE to have a c-section? Does the insurance company force this?

I know in Canada you can decide to have a breech baby vaginally and in fact, it's becoming more mainstream to do so.

delg23 · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:
When did you decide to have a c-section? For last pregnancy it was an emergency c-section when my son's heart rate went into distress.
Did your doc suggest it, why? yes, because the heart monitor said so.
What did you feel about it beforehand? just before? I was a little zonked from being tired and I was a little worried for my son. I was also a little relieved because I did not enjoy my induction at all.
What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? Felt fine about it and grateful that it was an option to have my baby delivered safely.
How was recovery? I have nothing to compare it to, but it didn't seem that bad to me. I was walking an hour or so later.
What is your plan, if you want to have another? I'm playing wait and see w/ this pregnancy. We'll see how things look closer to the delivery date.

ali_bl-nov05 · December 2011

BelleIsa:
I'm just wondering, reading all these responses, if a breech baby in the states automatically means you HAVE to have a c-section? Does the insurance company force this?

I know in Canada you can decide to have a breech baby vaginally and in fact, it's becoming more mainstream to do so.

I'm not the States. My doc suggested it, insurances have no say in this matter, down here, anyways

Smootchy · December 2011

BelleIsa:

I'm just wondering, reading all these responses, if a breech baby in the states automatically means you HAVE to have a c-section? Does the insurance company force this?

I know in Canada you can decide to have a breech baby vaginally and in fact, it's becoming more mainstream to do so.

You canadian's rock my world.

F U. Is what I would say to somone who wanted me to push a baby out feel first. The head is suppose to lead the way, not folllow. One leg gets stuck and and arm up over here....

Is it because people are "scared" of c-sections or just becuause they want to do everything they can to go vaginally? Do these woman try to flip the baby?

detokiet · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? It was decided for me.

Did your doc suggest it, why? Baby's heart rate was declining at each contraction

What did you feel about it beforehand? I was like "Oh, OK, my baby's going to come out now." I think the epidural made me numb to it. I teared up because I knew I was going to get to meet my son soon. Also, I think part of me was relieved because I was really scared about trying to push him and his big head out.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I'm glad it happened that way. Yes, it was the right call.

How was recovery? Fairly easy.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? Probably another c-section.

nanabanana06 · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:
When did you decide to have a c-section? I was induced at 41 weeks. After almost 48 hours of labor and my pitocin being maxed for hours I only made it to 4cm and wasn't progressing further. Doc suggested the C/S. I accepted.
Did your doc suggest it, why? For the above reasons.
What did you feel about it beforehand? I really just didn't care. I never thought a C/S was all that big of a deal. By the time it was suggested I just wanted it all over with.
What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I still feel fine about it. I think it was the right call. DD's cord was wrapped around her neck 3 times and thats why she wasn't dropping.
How was recovery? Recovery was terrible!!! I was in pain for days and I ended up getting a spinal headache for weeks afterwards and needed 2 blood patches. It sucked trying to take care of a newborn when you can't lift your head up for fear of puking.
What is your plan, if you want to have another? With this next one I am hoping for a VBAC. However, I do not want to be induced. If an induction is offered then I may just opt for a planned C/S.

BeachM · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? Well, I decided from the beginning I'd rather have one but my OB's really wanted to try for a vaginal delivery first. My OB finally caved roughly 20 hours after my induction started because I was un-dilating every time I pushed and Finn was in distress.

Did your doc suggest it, why? See above. I'm pretty sure I yelled "I told you so!" when he said it was time for a section.

What did you feel about it beforehand? I was 100% in favor of it.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? Yes. I am all about a repeat c-section next time too.

How was recovery? It sucked for the first few days, but I felt pretty good a week out and wonderful 2 weeks out.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? There is not a chance in hell I'd ever agree to a VBAC. One round of horrendous back labor and an epi that failed twice was more than enough for me.

sugarland726 · December 2011

ali_bl-nov05:

When did you decide to have a c-section? In th 23rd hour of labor and 3rd hour of pushing.

Did your doc suggest it, why? Because DD wasn't making progress with pushing and her heartrate kept dipping

What did you feel about it beforehand? Before labor? Like I would never have one. Hell even during 90% of labor like it would not happen. Once we started discussing it, I felt terrified because I had done not a lick of research on c-sections.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? I felt great about it afterwards. The OB said I could have pushed for 3 days but she wasn't positioned properly and was not coming down the birth canal. So yes, 100% the right call.

How was recovery? Easy peasy lemon squeezy. I mean it hurt, but no complications.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? My OB doesn't do VBACs. The hospital is too small and doesn't have the proper things in place in case my uterus were to rupture so I would die. Repeat scheduled c-section for me.

The biggest thing is that I wish I had researched c-sections more during pregnancy. I was not prepared for that and so I was petrified. I feel much more confident for the next time around.

driveshorses · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section?

I didn't decide with my first. With my 2nd I was going to do a VBAC, but DD was breech and then I developed pre-e again.

Did your doc suggest it, why?

With my first I went in for an induction at 36 weeks due to severe pre-e. The induction failed and her HR was dropping and showing signs of distress. I had an emergency c-section.

See above.

What did you feel about it beforehand?

I didn't have my heart set on anything. Especially since I had been on bed rest for 6 weeks with #1, and modified BR since 24 weeks with the 2nd.

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call?

Absolutely. I felt more than OK with it.

How was recovery?

First was a breeze, I also had no newborn to take care of (adoption). The 2nd was rougher. I then developed post partum pre-e, post partum anxiety and had panic attacks on the regular.

What is your plan, if you want to have another?

I am never having another. 2 pregnancies, 2 times with severe pre-e then PP pre-e, I wasn't going to take the chance. My high risk OB suggested I not have anymore, and I fully agreed. So when I was in surgery I got my tubes tied.

honkytonk_kid · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? We found out LO was breech at 36ish weeks. I had a version a few days later that was not successful. I wanted to wait to go into labor vs scheduling a c/s to give him 1. time to mature and 2. a chance to turn on his own. Then at my appointment the day before my due date I was 3cm with a bulging amniotic sac, with his feet almost out. So... we headed to the hospital that afternoon. So you could say I waited until the day of to decide.

Did your doc suggest it, why? Footling breech, FTM.

What did you feel about it beforehand? Upset, angry, disappointed, etc.

What did you feel about it afterwards? About the same. do you think it was the right call? Yes.

How was recovery? Physically- fine, I guess. I have nothing to compare it to. Emotionally- ehh. Tough at times. Yep, I'm one of "those" moms.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? VBAC, no question.

honkytonk_kid · December 2011

BelleIsa:
I'm just wondering, reading all these responses, if a breech baby in the states automatically means you HAVE to have a c-section? Does the insurance company force this?

I know in Canada you can decide to have a breech baby vaginally and in fact, it's becoming more mainstream to do so.

The vast majority are delivered by c/s. I think it's really more of an issue of finding a provider who will attend breech vaginal deliveries, as opposed to an insurance issue.

sillypit · December 2011

When did you decide to have a c-section? At 36 weeks when DD was STILL breech, she was breech at 30 weeks and despite every effort to the contrary, she never flipped

Did your doc suggest it, why? Breech, see above

What did you feel about it beforehand? It took me about a week to come to terms with it

What did you feel about it afterwards? do you think it was the right call? Yes, it was absolutely the right call, I've never doubted that, I would never have felt ok putting my child at risk so I could have a different birth experience.

How was recovery? Easy peasy.

What is your plan, if you want to have another? I don't know yet but I'm leaning towards RCS.

BelleIsa · December 2011

chapski:
BelleIsa:

I'm just wondering, reading all these responses, if a breech baby in the states automatically means you HAVE to have a c-section? Does the insurance company force this?

I know in Canada you can decide to have a breech baby vaginally and in fact, it's becoming more mainstream to do so.

You canadian's rock my world.

F U. Is what I would say to somone who wanted me to push a baby out feel first. The head is suppose to lead the way, not folllow. One leg gets stuck and and arm up over here....

Is it because people are "scared" of c-sections or just becuause they want to do everything they can to go vaginally? Do these woman try to flip the baby?

Obviously I don't know the ins and outs of every vaginal breech birth in Canada, but I'm guessing that most try to do a version and anything else possible to flip the baby first. Delivering a breech baby would be more painful for sure, but still totally possible, and for some, less traumatic than major surgery. (For me, I would try for a vaginal breech delivery because surgery scares the crap out of me, and if I'm low-risk and everything else is fine, I see no harm in trying, kwim?)

I'm happy it's an option here for those who want it, anyway.

Smootchy · December 2011

BelleIsa:
chapski:
BelleIsa:

I'm just wondering, reading all these responses, if a breech baby in the states automatically means you HAVE to have a c-section? Does the insurance company force this?

I know in Canada you can decide to have a breech baby vaginally and in fact, it's becoming more mainstream to do so.

You canadian's rock my world.

F U. Is what I would say to somone who wanted me to push a baby out feel first. The head is suppose to lead the way, not folllow. One leg gets stuck and and arm up over here....

Is it because people are "scared" of c-sections or just becuause they want to do everything they can to go vaginally? Do these woman try to flip the baby?

Obviously I don't know the ins and outs of every vaginal breech birth in Canada, but I'm guessing that most try to do a version and anything else possible to flip the baby first. Delivering a breech baby would be more painful for sure, but still totally possible, and for some, less traumatic than major surgery. (For me, I would try for a vaginal breech delivery because surgery scares the crap out of me, and if I'm low-risk and everything else is fine, I see no harm in trying, kwim?)

I'm happy it's an option here for those who want it, anyway.

I would guess that it's totally an option here too, but it's finding a doctor that is willing to do so. People are VERY sue happy here, so I would only guess that would be in the front line of a doctor not accepting to deliever.

I'm sure woman have had babies for many many MANY years, with out c-section/ultra sounds etc as an option. Woman didn't know their baby was breech till the doctor grabbed feet instead of hands.

I'm sorta kidding, but seriously... F. U. If you think I wanna try that!!

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