C-sections

Can you choose C-section?

I really do not want to have a vaginal birth, I would much rather do a C-section... does anyone know if this is allowed? Does it depend on your doctor?
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Re: Can you choose C-section?

  • To answer your question. Yes some doctors will perform voluntary csections. Unless you have a medical reason for wanting one you will need to just call around and ask.

    That said. If you are squeamish at the thought of a vaginal birth and feel that a csection would be easier for you be sure to research the topic. Vaginal births are painful in the moment. If you have tearing you may have some minor pain after. With a csection your abdominal muscles have been cut. So something as simple as sitting up in your hospital bed to pick up your baby for a feeding can be excruciating. I had a csection and had an amazing recovery. It still hurt like a mother for over a week.

    I am not judging you for wanting a csection. You have to choose what is best for you. Just research the additional risk involved. Also, check out hypnobirthing. It really helps you get past that initial "Holy crap I am gonna push a baby out of my vagina!" freak out. Whatever you choose to do I hope you have a great experience! GL!

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  • My first birth was vaginal, and my last 2 were CS.  Even though I had a complicated vaginal birth, I'd pick it any day over a CS. Having a baby is like a band-aid...you can either rip it off with quick, intense pain (vaginal) or slowly pulling it (like CS recovery). You'll be up and about so much faster with a vaginal birth, even if you have tearing or an episiotomy. GL!


    **DD1 - 7/9/98**

    **DS - 11/9/00**

    **DD2 - 4/30/13**

  • I think you probably can, depending on your doctor. But, having had one CS and one vaginal myself if I had a choice I'd avoid the CS. It was SO much harder. 
    Married 07.07.07. Mom to 3: Ruby 11/08 and Oliver & Austin 12/11
  • It depends on your doctor and your insurance!
  • Some doctors do c-section on demand but having had a c-section I highly recommend against it.  The recovery period for a c-section is 4-6 weeks, for a vaginal birth it's one week.  During the recovery period you cannot drive, you cannot lift anything over the weight of the baby, and you are trying to care for a baby and dealing with sleep deprivation while recovering from major surgery.  Your scar can hurt for months afterwards, you can also have numbness in the abdominal area that lasts for months.  For the first few days coughing is a special kind of torture.  

    Also, while I can't speak for other women, I have found that some people (who haven't had one) seem to think a c-sections are no big deal since they are done so often and expect you to bounce back right away.  

  • Any doctor that would cut someone open for no good reason is a quack, and most insurances wouldn't cover it.
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  • imagemben1119:
    Any doctor that would cut someone open for no good reason is a quack, and most insurances wouldn't cover it.

    This is harsh but I agree.  While I feel that people have the right to have a voice in their method of birth, a c/s is MAJOR surgery.  Putting yourself and your baby at higher risk for no reason doesn't seem right to me.  A C-section exsists for situations in which it is the safer method.  If it's not, I don't think it is the right thing to do.

    But it is true that most insurance companies won't cover an elective c/s because it costs 4 times as much (and there are many possible complications that could come up with surgery that they'd then have to cover.)

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  • imagesurpriseaddition:
    My first birth was vaginal, and my last 2 were CS.  Even though I had a complicated vaginal birth, I'd pick it any day over a CS. Having a baby is like a band-aid...you can either rip it off with quick, intense pain (vaginal) or slowly pulling it (like CS recovery). You'll be up and about so much faster with a vaginal birth, even if you have tearing or an episiotomy. GL!

    This exactly.   

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  • Never in my life would I rec. anyone choosing to have a c section just because they don't want a vaginal delivery.

     I ended up with one and it was by far the worst 3 months pp of my life.  2w pp I had a bad infection that kept me in the hospital for 18days and 2 surgeries.  After the hospital I had 36days of wound vac therapy (google it). That was the worst thing to ever have to go through.  Having that foam ripped out 3 times a week and not being able to take pain medication for it..  I cried and cried during changes..  

     

    Please rethink this.    

  • imagejennshea13:

    So for some people, that's just what they prefer and I don't get why other people care so much. I have a happy, healthy baby- just like everyone else, so what does it matter how she got here. To each their own.  

    I think the issue is that some people think that it is "easy".  That there will be no pain because of the epidural and pain meds and everything will just be a breeze. I also feel that because c-sections are so common people don't realize they are major surgery. 

    My concern for the OP is also what if she regrets the c-section?  I didn't want a c-section but failed to progress after being induced for gestational hypertension.  My entire pregnancy I said I wanted a vaginal birth but if a c-section was what it took for my baby to be ok I was fine with it.  I was wrong.  I'm not fine with the c-section.  I question every single thing that happened from the first time my bp spiked into the danger zone till they sewed me up.  

     I'm glad it worked out well for you.  You made the choice that you felt was best for you.  You also had a lot more information than the average pregnant woman has and were able to make a truly informed decision.  But like you said you are in the minority and the OP should consider that most people are saying that it was a negative experience. 

  • mnj05mnj05 member
    imagejennshea13:
    I know I'm in the minority here and will get flamed, but I don't care.nbsp;I chose to have a c/s. my doctor is not a quack either and is part of a highly respected practice at my hospital. I am a nurse, a women's service nurse at that, so she knew that I understood what went into having a c/s vs. a vaginal delivery. I'm a tiny girl, very tall, but very thin. I watched my best friend push for hours and end up with an emergency c/s and I did not want to end up like that. So I asked for a c/s at my first appointment and that was that. nbsp;My insurance covered it, so why not?And now having had that c/s, I, 100, do not regret it one bit. I have had a very easy recovery. Yes it's surgery, and yes it hurts those first few days, and sore for a week or so after that, but I wouldn't change it for anything. So I would say discuss it with your doctor, discuss your concerns. Some doctors probably won't do it just for a "lay" person, don't think mine would have, but since she knew I knew what was involved, she was ok with it. And when I was in preop, the Lamp;D nurse I had told me that she didn't have kids yet, but after working in Lamp;D, she would also be choosing a c/s when that time comes. So for some people, that's just what they prefer and I don't get why other people care so much. I have a happy, healthy baby just like everyone else, so what does it matter how she got here. To each their own. nbsp;


    I ended up with a c/s after 3 and a half hours of pushing. Even though I was totally exhausted and my entire body sore and worn out, I would've rather pushed another two hours than have the c/s. Yes it's a harder recovery physically but the mental and emotional game afterwards is what got me. It was hard to wrap my mind around the whole situation and as my husband described it, women have a biological need to deliver a baby the natural way whether we feel it or not and being cut open is not natural. There is just so much to consider beyond the physical aspects.

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  • A c section is major abdominal surgery. Some women have no complications but others do. I had a blocked bowel for a week. The pain was horrible. I had to be put on a clear liquid diet for a few days in the hospital and after that when I was finally allowed to eat it was only toast, plain rice, plain pasta, plain grilled chicken, applesauce... Try nursing a baby (or two) without being able to eat. I had to stay in the hospital for two exta days - almost a week total. It has only been in the last week that I have been able to actually eat normally. Please think long and hard before deciding to try to get your doctor to do an elective c section.
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  • ZimgerZimger member

    You can but I wouldn't. The risk for both baby and mother increases. Plus recovery is a PITA. 

    I had an emergency c-section. I do not regret it because my son was in distress and needed out. I have not mourned a natural birth (though some do). I'm happy that it turned out well for him...that was my main concern. However, I wish I could have been with him following the surgery instead I was stuck in recovery for 30 minutes. Then I had trouble moving around because I was in pain. If it would have worked out for us to go the natural route then I would have.

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  • jb2rnjb2rn member

    imagemben1119:
    Any doctor that would cut someone open for no good reason is a quack, and most insurances wouldn't cover it.

    Ditto. There are risks to you and baby with a C section. Please reconsider.

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  • imagejennshea13:
    I know I'm in the minority here and will get flamed, but I don't care.nbsp;I chose to have a c/s. my doctor is not a quack either and is part of a highly respected practice at my hospital. I am a nurse, a women's service nurse at that, so she knew that I understood what went into having a c/s vs. a vaginal delivery. I'm a tiny girl, very tall, but very thin. I watched my best friend push for hours and end up with an emergency c/s and I did not want to end up like that. So I asked for a c/s at my first appointment and that was that. nbsp;My insurance covered it, so why not?And now having had that c/s, I, 100, do not regret it one bit. I have had a very easy recovery. Yes it's surgery, and yes it hurts those first few days, and sore for a week or so after that, but I wouldn't change it for anything. So I would say discuss it with your doctor, discuss your concerns. Some doctors probably won't do it just for a "lay" person, don't think mine would have, but since she knew I knew what was involved, she was ok with it. And when I was in preop, the Lamp;D nurse I had told me that she didn't have kids yet, but after working in Lamp;D, she would also be choosing a c/s when that time comes. So for some people, that's just what they prefer and I don't get why other people care so much. I have a happy, healthy baby just like everyone else, so what does it matter how she got here. To each their own. nbsp;


    How dare some one flame you. I hope they don't. Women judging someone is awful. I am choosing a c section for my second due to an awful 8 week recovery and additional surgery needed after my first vaginal birth. Not everyone has an 'easy/easier' recovery from a vaginal birth! And the OP was asking if it was possible. The honest answer should be "depending on your soc and insurance" and that's it. People are so judgmental.
    thanks for sharing your story!
  • Can you? Yes. Would I, without medical reason? hell no. You'll have a difficult time finding a dr who will do an elective c/s though.
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  • I have had 2 C-sections. My first after being in labor for 27 hours and pushing for 2 before my daughter went into distress and I needed a emergency C-section. Labor was hell, I was in huge amounts of pain, my epidural did not take, but the fact of having to have an emergency C-section under general took me way over edge. I would not wish a C-section on anyone. My recovery while painful, was pretty standard.

    My second C-section was planned after I found out my son was frank breech, he did turn eventually by 38 weeks. However I had to make my decision to VBAC or have a C-section by 32 weeks. Being that he was frank breech I had no choice. My recovery this time was terrible. I bled longer, had an emergency room visit due to severe pain, had troubles sleeping, could not do anything other than lift my baby and sit on the couch (including driving) for not 4-6 weeks but 15 weeks.

    Given a choice (which I no longer have) I would never choose a C-section. Not only because it is major surgery and it stinks to the core, but because it is limiting my ability to have the number of children my DH and I would like to have. Sure there are woman out there that have 4+ C-sections no issues at all, but there are plenty of woman who have had major issues from the surgery including death.

  • You should give birth how you want to. Honestly, I think everyone should be able to choose how they give birth. In the end you have to do the recovering and the baby raising at the same time so be very sure of your choice. Just don't go into it thinking its easier and safer. Everything has a risk. 

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  • I am 2 weeks post 2nd c-sec...my first DS was frank breech...and dr said I wasn't a good candidate for vbac and after a second opinion that agreed we went with the csec this time as well...let me tell you my pain after the surgery was pretty horrible...I still struggle with tightened muscles...and cramping...I wouldn't opt for csec unless it is medically necessary...yeah I get 8 weeks off but after taking pain meds the first 2 weeks...I don't remember much...would much rather have just had the vag birth and been in pain in the moment than have this much pain still 2 weeks later...
  • If this is about being squeamish at the thought of pushing anything out of your vagina; then maybe you should have thought it through before anything went into your vagina.

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  • C section sucks. Don't choose it. It's a major surgery.
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  • I don't think anyone is telling OP that she can't decide for herself what's best. But OP did come to a c/s board asking for opinions. Aside from one person I know, no one I've spoken to who has had a c/s would choose it if it wasn't medically necessary for mom and/or baby.

    I am three weeks postpartum following an unplanned c/s (preceded by 57 hours of induced labor).  The recovery isn't pleasant.  My biggest regret is not being able to hold and breastfeed our daughter until several hours after her birth. They offered to let me do these things in recovery, but I was far too drugged and out of it.  I felt so shaky and the thought of trying to hold her made me very nervous.   

    Along that same line, it was very difficult for me to care for her especially in the first week.  I couldn't bend over to pick her up or put her down.  I couldn't make it upstairs into her nursery for a week.  My husband did most of the nighttime feedings because I was in a lot of pain. I feel cheated a bit in that I simply wasn't able to enjoy the first couple of weeks with her.

    So, if I had a choice, would I choose a c/s?  An emphatic no.  But in my case, it was medically necessary and I've been told that if we're fortunate enough to have a second baby, it must be via planned c/s. 

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  • imagealizabethanne:

    You should give birth how you want to. Honestly, I think everyone should be able to choose how they give birth. In the end you have to do the recovering and the baby raising at the same time so be very sure of your choice. Just don't go into it thinking its easier and safer. Everything has a risk. 

    If you are willing to pay out of pocket, have at it. Otherwise elective surgeries paid for by insurance drive up the cost for everyone through higher premiums. Insurance is not "free"  

    We are so thankful that our second daughter, Lillian Elizabeth "Lily", was born healthy and happy on February 11, 2013.  We love her to pieces.  

    We lost our first daughter, Hannah Grace on May 4, 2011.  She was buried on May 14 during a beautiful service at my home church. We are grateful that if she could not be here with us, that she is healed and whole with the Lord. We look forward to the day when we will get to meet her. We love her so much.


  • imagejennshea13:

    I know I'm in the minority here and will get flamed, but I don't care. 

    I chose to have a c/s. my doctor is not a quack either and is part of a highly respected practice at my hospital. I am a nurse, a women's service nurse at that, so she knew that I understood what went into having a c/s vs. a vaginal delivery. I'm a tiny girl, very tall, but very thin. I watched my best friend push for hours and end up with an emergency c/s and I did not want to end up like that. So I asked for a c/s at my first appointment and that was that.  My insurance covered it, so why not?

    And now having had that c/s, I, 100%, do not regret it one bit. I have had a very easy recovery. Yes it's surgery, and yes it hurts those first few days, and sore for a week or so after that, but I wouldn't change it for anything. So I would say discuss it with your doctor, discuss your concerns. Some doctors probably won't do it just for a "lay" person, don't think mine would have, but since she knew I knew what was involved, she was ok with it.

    And when I was in pre-op, the L&D nurse I had told me that she didn't have kids yet, but after working in L&D, she would also be choosing a c/s when that time comes. So for some people, that's just what they prefer and I don't get why other people care so much. I have a happy, healthy baby- just like everyone else, so what does it matter how she got here. To each their own.  

    No flames. You should be able to chose. I have given birth both ways and each has its positives and negatives. Both have risks. You have to do what is right for you and you should discuss it with your doctor. 

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  • imagejennshea13:
    imagenola78:

    imagemnj05:
    I ended up with a c/s after 3 and a half hours of pushing. Even though I was totally exhausted and my entire body sore and worn out, I would've rather pushed another two hours than have the c/s. Yes it's a harder recovery physically but the mental and emotional game afterwards is what got me. It was hard to wrap my mind around the whole situation and as my husband described it, women have a biological need to deliver a baby the natural way whether we feel it or not and being cut open is not natural. There is just so much to consider beyond the physical aspects.

    That's your issue, but certainly not how everyone feels about a c/s.  I have no regrets about mine and do not feel as though I had a biological need to deliver a baby naturally (whatever that is).  I find this laughable.

    OP -- As other posters have said, a c/s isn't an easy road.  I'd do some serious thinking about why you want a c/s and have a long talk with your doctor. 

    Yes, I agree. I have no issues emotionally, mentally, or physically from having a c section. I didn't and still don't feel a biological need to have had delivered vaginally. I think that's an individual feeling and not something you can say about everyone.

    Ditto PPs.  Drives me nuts when people say this.  I know some women really want to experience a vaginal birth, but for my part, I don't really care what natural or artificial orifice my babies came out of; it doesn't make me any less a woman and a mother either way.

    OP, my recovery from my c-sections was pretty good and I am glad I was able to choose an RCS for my second one, but the risks, while minimal either way, are somewhat higher for a c/s.  If you are anxious about vaginal birth, I suggest taking childbirth classes and perhaps hiring a doula (I would have looked for a doula if I'd decided to do a VBAC for #2).  I think PPs have a good point that c-sections cost more and elective primary c-sections are not/should not necessarily be covered by insurance, especially with insurance and medical costs increasing for everyone.

    DD born 10/10/07 * DS born 11/25/11 * #3 due 3/9/2015
  • imagejennshea13:

    I know I'm in the minority here and will get flamed, but I don't care. 

    I chose to have a c/s. my doctor is not a quack either and is part of a highly respected practice at my hospital. I am a nurse, a women's service nurse at that, so she knew that I understood what went into having a c/s vs. a vaginal delivery. I'm a tiny girl, very tall, but very thin. I watched my best friend push for hours and end up with an emergency c/s and I did not want to end up like that. So I asked for a c/s at my first appointment and that was that.  My insurance covered it, so why not?

    And now having had that c/s, I, 100%, do not regret it one bit. I have had a very easy recovery. Yes it's surgery, and yes it hurts those first few days, and sore for a week or so after that, but I wouldn't change it for anything. So I would say discuss it with your doctor, discuss your concerns. Some doctors probably won't do it just for a "lay" person, don't think mine would have, but since she knew I knew what was involved, she was ok with it.

    And when I was in pre-op, the L&D nurse I had told me that she didn't have kids yet, but after working in L&D, she would also be choosing a c/s when that time comes. So for some people, that's just what they prefer and I don't get why other people care so much. I have a happy, healthy baby- just like everyone else, so what does it matter how she got here. To each their own.  

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  • imagenola78:

    That's your issue, but certainly not how everyone feels about a c/s.  I have no regrets about mine and do not feel as though I had a biological need to deliver a baby naturally (whatever that is).

    I agree with this. I had two c/s, both scheduled for different reasons. I do not regret either of them and feel no loss whatsoever. I had relatively easy recoveries and both babies were fine.

    That said, it was STILL major surgery and still pretty painful. With both, I had my mom stay with me a week after coming home from the hospital to help around the house with regular every day things. I felt ok, but some stuff I just couldn't do. I couldn't sleep in my own bed until both kids were almost 2 weeks old.

    I fully believe it should be your choice and won't judge anyone for doing it, but know what you're getting into.

  • I elected for my C-section and I'm no less of a parent for it.  The recovery was a breeze.  I was up and walking that afternoon, of pain meds in 4 days.  I'd choose it over a vaginal birth any day. 

    Make your own decision.  Do what is right for your body and mind.  If anyone says anything negative to you, tell them to screw themselves.

    I elected not to breast feed either.  My kid is just fine.

  • I requested my first child be delivered by csection.  I worked as a nurse tech on a Mother Baby floor while attending college.  I had seen the good and bad for both.  My OB gave me no issues with my choice.  My body, my choice.

    I had absolutely no pain other than in my neck muscles from having a bad case of the shakes in the OR. I actually got myself up 2 hrs later with my Mom's assistance to clean up.  Tylenol and Advil worked perfectly for pain management.  I had a wonderful delivery and recovery.

    That being said, I did hate missing that bonding time right after her birth while I was in recovery and she in the nursery.  Its your choice and don't let anyone make you feel less of a mother or woman for it.  

  • imagemnj05:
    and as my husband described it, women have a biological need to deliver a baby the natural way whether we feel it or not and being cut open is not natural. There is just so much to consider beyond the physical aspects.

    Well, feel free to tell your HUSBAND that this woman had no issue with her c/s. I find it odd that a man is telling you your biological needs. According to my husband, your husband sounds like a loon. 

  • Hello Everyone! (I'm the OP)

    Thank you so much for your advice!

    After looking at everyone's responses, I have re-thought the idea. I originally wanted it because I thought it was easier, I didn't want everything to get all stretched out (very selfish, but I really don't!), and I don't plan on breast feeding, so if I can't after surgery, it won't really apply. 

    I think the bigger issue is I don't feel connected to my baby yet, so I really have no idea how I feel about either method... but that's a story for another board. 

    Definitely consulting with my doctor. 

    THANKS!!!!

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  • imageTess024:

    Hello Everyone! (I'm the OP)

    Thank you so much for your advice!

    After looking at everyone's responses, I have re-thought the idea. I originally wanted it because I thought it was easier, I didn't want everything to get all stretched out (very selfish, but I really don't!), and I don't plan on breast feeding, so if I can't after surgery, it won't really apply. 

    I think the bigger issue is I don't feel connected to my baby yet, so I really have no idea how I feel about either method... but that's a story for another board. 

    Definitely consulting with my doctor. 

    THANKS!!!!

     

    For the record, it goes back to normal after the 6 weeks PP period.
    My daughter was delivered by emergency C/S when her heart stopped after 26 hours of labor. (it was a high risk pregnancy). This baby is going to be delivered by RCS (more high-risk issues, labor could be life-threatening). I wouldn't choose a cesarean. I was hoping for a VBAC until we learned of the problems we are having this time.

    NOPE.
  • Why would you want a major surgery?? So many riskes to you and your baby. I also agree that any doc who will do one and you have no meeical reasons is nuts. I really am getting tired of this question to be honest. I had no choice but to have one for all sort sof medical reasons. My bad hips being the first one. And not everyone just bounces back from major surgery. 

    And to add since it is major surgery and anything at any time can go wrong......but having my doctor explain the risks to my husband and then asking him who tomsafe god forbid something went wrong in the OR was not an awesome time for him..... 

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  • First time mom here.  Mostly a lurker and feel compelled to post to this thread.

    I loved everything about my c section.  I felt ready to workout at 2 weeks pp, I took myself off pain meds the day I came home from the hospital. I never had any abnormal pain or bleeding. I was fully cleared by my doc for all activity (sex, exercise, everything else) at 6 weeks.  I'm almost 4 months PP now and even though things didn't go the way I had expected (12 hours of labor + 3 hrs of pushing + failed epidural + general anesthesia), I absolutely would do it over again in a heartbeat.

    I realize my story is not necessarily normal, and I am in the minority here for two reasons: 1) because I loved my c section and will happily have another one when we go for #2, and 2) because I apparently must have a disproportionately high number of friends who have had bad vaginal deliveries: my address book is filled with stories of 3rd degree tears, bodies never being the same, ruined sex lives, loss of sensation 9 years later, incontinence, etc.

    I'm not a candidate for a VBAC and I wouldn't want one anyway.  I've lost 50 lbs since delivery because I was able to be active at 6 weeks (gained 30, was 40 lbs overweight prior to pregnancy), my sex life is better than ever, I never had any vaginal pain, and my baby is thriving and amazing.  I couldn't drive for two weeks -- big whup, didn't feel like going anywhere anyway, and that's a way my husband was able to really add value during those early days of breastfeeding at all hours.

    Have frank conversations with your doctor about your reasons and your fears and let him/her tell you what they think. A doctor is not always a "quack" if they offer a c section to somebody who wants one..  Much like all other aspects of health care, you have to be your own advocate and stand up / speak up for what you want.

    And lastly -- DON'T LET ANYBODY MAKE YOU FEEL BAD ABOUT YOUR CHOICE.

    Best of luck!

     

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  • imageJSS1002:

    First time mom here.  Mostly a lurker and feel compelled to post to this thread.

    I loved everything about my c section.  I felt ready to workout at 2 weeks pp, I took myself off pain meds the day I came home from the hospital. I never had any abnormal pain or bleeding. I was fully cleared by my doc for all activity (sex, exercise, everything else) at 6 weeks.  I'm almost 4 months PP now and even though things didn't go the way I had expected (12 hours of labor + 3 hrs of pushing + failed epidural + general anesthesia), I absolutely would do it over again in a heartbeat.

    I realize my story is not necessarily normal, and I am in the minority here for two reasons: 1) because I loved my c section and will happily have another one when we go for #2, and 2) because I apparently must have a disproportionately high number of friends who have had bad vaginal deliveries: my address book is filled with stories of 3rd degree tears, bodies never being the same, ruined sex lives, loss of sensation 9 years later, incontinence, etc.

    I'm not a candidate for a VBAC and I wouldn't want one anyway.  I've lost 50 lbs since delivery because I was able to be active at 6 weeks (gained 30, was 40 lbs overweight prior to pregnancy), my sex life is better than ever, I never had any vaginal pain, and my baby is thriving and amazing.  I couldn't drive for two weeks -- big whup, didn't feel like going anywhere anyway, and that's a way my husband was able to really add value during those early days of breastfeeding at all hours.

    Have frank conversations with your doctor about your reasons and your fears and let him/her tell you what they think. A doctor is not always a "quack" if they offer a c section to somebody who wants one..  Much like all other aspects of health care, you have to be your own advocate and stand up / speak up for what you want.

    And lastly -- DON'T LET ANYBODY MAKE YOU FEEL BAD ABOUT YOUR CHOICE.

    Best of luck!

     

    Oh, and PS :if you were worried about breastfeeding post C-section... I'll show you the 200+ oz of frozen breastmilk in my freezer just to drive home the point that my milk came in just fine. :-)

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  • I wouldn't choose to have a major surgery if it wasn't necessary. Having said that, I disagree with this:

    imagemnj05: women have a biological need to deliver a baby the natural way whether we feel it or not and being cut open is not natural.

    I'm sorry that you had a hard time dealing with your c-section emotionally and felt sad that you couldn't have a vaginal delivery, mnj05, and that's a legitimate thing for you to feel. But you feeling it doesn't make it a universal truth for all women. It's not a "biological need." I was sad when my OB first told me that she thought a c-section was the best option for my baby 24+ hours after my water broke with little to no progression, but I honestly was completely, 100% over it the second my son was handed to me. I haven't experienced a single moment of grief or loss over it since that moment, and having gone through it once, I would be perfectly fine with it emotionally if I needed to have a c-section for my second (although I will try for a VBAC because the restrictions on lifting and recovery from surgery will be difficult when I have a toddler running around.)

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  • imagecmytutu:
    I elected for my Csection and I'm no less of a parent for it.nbsp; The recovery was a breeze.nbsp; I was up and walking that afternoon, of pain meds in 4 days.nbsp; I'd choose it over a vaginal birth any day.nbsp; Make your own decision.nbsp; Do what is right for your body and mind.nbsp; If anyone says anything negative to you, tell them to screw themselves.I elected not to breast feed either.nbsp; My kid is just fine.



    I agree 100 it doesn't make u any less of a mother if it's vaginal or not. I too chose cs bc I didn't want any of the complications that come with a vd Any complication I would be the one experiencing them.
    I also didn't breast feed... I don't think I would be 100 eating healthy enough to pass the best nutrients to my baby.
    My son was born very healthy and continued to be so. I'm now 2 weeks before my 2nd sc n it will also go smoothly well planned and executed. I rather know what when where n how than worry about the unexpected.
    Good luck to all mommies n their decisions!!
  • image1017Shannon:
    It depends on your doctor and your insurance!


    This ! I was just told yesterday by my friends .. Who had 2 CSs and she said insurance may make YOU pay for it!

    I have a family medical history and although I do not have symptoms I plan on discussing w my OBGYN if CSECTION is an option , the. I plan to contact my insurance to see where they stand.

    Best of Luck on your decision.
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