Natural birth or..??

Priscillamanni · August 2013

I'm thinking to have a planned c-cection but I don't know if natural birth will be better than a c-cection?

KNSATX · August 2013

We can't answer your question without all the information. If natural birth is an option, why would a planned c-section even be a consideration?

MamaFantastic · August 2013

based on the information i've gathered from your two posts, it seems you're a first time mom, and therefore have no history of cesarean birth, right?

can you give us some more information or history on why you feel a c-section might be the best choice for you? do you have some underlying medical conditions?

you're also going to have to define "better" too. what's your definition of better?

easier? nope, natural birth is easier in most all aspects for most women when you factor the delivery plus the recovery period (and please don't discount the recovery period! you'll find many women will say the 2 months after delivery matter MUCH more than the hours during which the baby emerges).

cheaper? nope, c-sections are generally much more expensive since they involve major surgery.

less painful? in the exact moment, you'll feel less pain as the baby is cut out of you (or so i hear from those who have experienced both methods of birth) but your recovery period has a high likelihood of being more painful and more restrictive for a longer period of time afterward. natural birth can bring with it a long, painful recovery too, but there's more of a variance in how women recover (based on whether or not there was tearing or other internal damage).

i hope this information helped you. i'm also warning you you might not love all of the responses you get to your question about elective c-sections, so be alert.

AcaAwkward · August 2013

Are you anticipating a legitimate, medical reason why you will require a c-section? if not, why would you want to endure major abdominal surgery (which comes with a slew of potential complications and a not-fun-at-all-with-a-newborn recovery time) rather than let your body do what it was made to do and give birth vaginally?

I would do some research if I were you, but the short answer is YES - a vaginal birth is generally better both for the baby and mother's health.

Fair warning: Planned c/s for convenience purposes, vanity reasons, or because you just plain don't want to go through vaginal labor will not be warmly received around these parts.

ETA: I had a c/s out of medical necessity (DD would have died had I delivered vaginally due to a rare complication), so I'm not a Crazy C-Section Hater. But I guess I am a Crazy Planned C-Section for No Damn Reason Hater, so there's that.

bwelding85 · August 2013

It's a very personal decision, but do keep in mind that a c-section is major surgery and will very likely lead to a much longer recovery time than natural birth.

Curious about @knsatx's question. Seems like you're considering two opposite ends of the spectrum.

Priscillamanni · August 2013

I'm asking what is better as in safer for me and the baby I don't want to give birth vaginally because I've heard bad things about it.
Extremely painful, tearing etc.
the costs does not matter to me I just wanted to ask experienced moms what would they recommend.
That is all

KNSATX · August 2013

I'm not trying to go to an ugly place here- just need more info to understand the question. Since we aren't doctors (& if someone is, she isn't your doctor), so opinions are being flung everywhere. That said, I can't fathom why anyone would elect a major surgery without legitimate medical necessity.

MamaFantastic · August 2013

ok, so you define "better" as safer AND less painful.

i covered the less painful part above already. as far as safer, in general a c-section is safer in two circumstances:

1) mom has a condition, history or risk factor that precludes vaginal delivery (this could be a blood clotting disorder, immediate health issue, an issue with the uterus, placenta placement, prior cesarean scar that would be risky for a VBAC, baby's positioning, high order multiple pregnancy, etc etc etc)

2) mom is in the process of trying to deliver vaginally and baby is not progressing or is at risk in the moment (deceleration of heart rate, not fitting through birth canal, cord issue, etc)

in the first circumstance, a doctor is making the call in advance, with the blessing of the mother, for the mother's and baby's benefit. as @acaawkward said above, sometimes it just HAS to happen... and there's absolutely no shame in that. in fact, it's the only right decision to make.

in the second circumstance, a doctor is also making that call in the moment, for the benefit of the mother and baby.

in neither of these circumstances, a mother chooses 8 months in advance to get a c-section because she thinks it "might hurt less".

thomas930 · August 2013

Priscillamanni said:

I'm asking what is better as in safer for me and the baby I don't want to give birth vaginally because I've heard bad things about it. Extremely painful, tearing etc. the costs does not matter to me I just wanted to ask experienced moms what would they recommend. That is all

Lets use a little common sense here.

1. Vaginal birth is what your body is made to do and a natural process.

2. C-section, MAJOR surgery. They have their places but if you have no underlying medical reason to have a major surgery, why would you?

If you are healthy and your baby is healthy I'm pretty certain you would be much safer having a vaginal birth....major surgery is a huge recovery period and while you may tear during a vaginal birth it heals a lot faster than the sutures and staples that you get from a c-section. I think you'll find it hard to find an OB that would perform one for no medical reason.

bwelding85 · August 2013

Its great that you're weighing all the options. The way I look at it is that vaginal birth is what our bodies are made to do. Yes, there can be tearing, etc. but the recovery from any of that will still be easier than from a c-section. Plus if you have a good midwife or OB they will do all they can to make sure injury to your perineum is minimal by supporting you and helping you stretch slowly.

Just my two cents, and I'll admit I'm personally all for natural birth, but I also firmly believe women need to research and decide for themselves what kind of birth experience they want. It's something you'll remember forever. In addition to talking to other mamas, I definitely recommend doing some reading and Googling to find out what's right for you

Luck Be A Lady · August 2013

Priscillamanni said:

I'm asking what is better as in safer for me and the baby I don't want to give birth vaginally because I've heard bad things about it. Extremely painful, tearing etc. the costs does not matter to me I just wanted to ask experienced moms what would they recommend. That is all

You'd rather elect for a major surgery because you've "heard" bad things about vaginal delivery??

I'd strongly suggest you do some research on the topic via medical journals, questions posed to your doctor, etc. Research does not equal conversations with friends who experienced a difficult delivery.

squeakyfrog15 · August 2013

It's better for the baby if you to a vaginal birth. I'm a FTM but my mom has always told me that there is something (and I can't remember what) important that happens with the baby as it it pushed through. My mom had a third degree tear and I was born with my cord rapped three times! She wasn't pregressing and they weren't sure until after why. She almost had a c-section. I was fine and she was sore and in pain. But she knew it was better for me and her than the surgery would have been. The older we get the harder surgery is on us. The recovery takes longer and sometime c-sections have major complications. You are goin to be in pain no matter what! What you have to decide is should you do what your body was naturally made to do or elect to skip that processes all together. If you can avoid a c-section that's probably going to be your best bet! Trust me I'm scared! I don't like shots and I don't want to have a tear! But I also want to keep as many drugs away for as long as I can! I plan on a epidural, but not until the very last minute they will give it! I don't want picton unless I have to have it! The bump has a delivery plan sheet with a ton of options! Find it and research all of them! Good luck:)

MrzJuarez · August 2013

Watch the business of being born on Netflix. It will answer this question for you

MamaFantastic · August 2013

squeakyfrog15 said:

It's better for the baby if you to a vaginal birth. I'm a FTM but my mom has always told me that there is something (and I can't remember what) important that happens with the baby as it it pushed through.

the pressure of squeezing through the birth canal helps "wring out" the amniotic fluids in baby's lungs, and makes it easier and safer for baby to breath after emerging.

the exposure to mom's vaginal bacteria promotes a healthy immune system development and healthy gut bacteria development in the new baby. studies have linked a healthy infant gut bacteria to reduced risks of all kinds of illnesses.

MrzJuarez · August 2013

Also, if You can avoid abdominal surgery, you should! I had surgery earlier this year and the recovery was dreadful. I couldn't care for myself, so think about trying to recover and feeling awful, and taking care of your baby.... Might not work out so well and you could loose that special bonding time because of fear. I hope you choose Natural childbirth, and watch the business of being born!

Rrrrrachel · August 2013

Have you considered a vaginal birth with an epidural? Personally my first was born without medication and that's the plan for this one, too, but modern medicine can help you out with the pain. Vaginal birth really is better, absent any other medical conditions. You would probably benefit from some reading about birth. The author penny simkin has written some great things I recommend.

harleychic726 · August 2013

I had my DD at the age of 24. I wanted a natural birth, but due to the fact that I had a large cyst I was given no option but a cs. To this day I feel like I was missing something with her birth. I never felt a contraction. It was all over so quickly, but the healing process was so long. I was not able to see my DD for almost 4 hours after she was born while in recovery. If I am given the option I do not want a cs. That is just my opinion.

katieharpiceland · August 2013

Abdominal surgery is no joke if you're talking about pain!! Weeks and weeks of pain after. I'ma FTM but I've had 4 abdominal surgeries, and just laproscopies at that (not a full cut like a c section) . Pain, pain and more pain! Why not explore more pain relief options for a vaginal birth. There are loads out there.

nikki912 · August 2013

I'm not going to repeat the other posters because I believe they've said it all. I will also urge you to watch business of being born ( streaming in netflix) and pick up a book about natural childbirth though.This is a big decision and you aren't going to be the only one affected by it. Think of your baby too.

ashtonblair123 · August 2013

I'm asking what is better as in safer for me and the baby I don't want to give birth vaginally because I've heard bad things about it. Extremely painful, tearing etc. the costs does not matter to me I just wanted to ask experienced moms what would they recommend. That is all

I had my baby naturally.. They worst par t is that I was tired. I had no tears, no stitches, wasn't in any major pain afterwrds. I didn't even take any pain meds after. I did have an epidural 6 hours into labor, simply because I was tired and thought it would help me sleep. My friend who had to have a csection for medical reasons was in pain for 2 months afterwards. Vaginal delivery isn't that scary to me, hearing someone tell you they are about to put your intestines back in is pretty scary to me.

thomas930 · August 2013

I wanted to add that with my son's birth I was induced with no pain meds and I was up and walking, taking pictures and going to the bathroom within 10 mins of having him. That in not ever going to be possible after a c-section.

WifeofaComposer · August 2013

I'll give you a simple answer: talk with your doctor.

maltwin1 · August 2013

Personally I wouldn't have a c/s unless I absolutely had to. The recovery from a c-section is a beast. It's very painful and limits what you are able to do with your baby for a certain amount if time as far as lifting and carrying.

I would highly reccomend you look into vaginal birth with an epidural. I never wanted to deliver med-free and was totally prepared to labor as long as I felt I could handle it and then get some pain assistance. Birth was a great experience for me. I labored for anout 6 hours wothout meds, so i got to experience what the pain of labor is, but after I was happy and comfortable while I was waiting (after the epi). My little guy was born healthy and alert and I was up walking around not long after.

There are risks associated with all kinds of delivery, but I'd reccomend to avoid having someone cut you open if you can.

Manda+panda · August 2013

My friend has an 8 month old. Due to a liver condition, she had to have a cs, and when she sneezes, she still hurts. My SIL has had quite a few problems reproductive and pain wise since her emergency cs 5 years ago. Personally, I'd rather have pain that is natural to my body and that heals faster, not have surgery and scars, and be that much more able to take care of my newborn. Just my opinion, though. Hell, when I had to have an emergency d&c I fought it, until fighting was no longer an option. I'm not a fan of surgery.

Charlyse · August 2013

Natural for me. I did it with my daughter and I liked that I was able to tend to her right after birth and I was home within 25 hours of her birth. I pray there are no complications that would lead to a CS because I would have to recover from a major surgery and still be momma.

thumper11 · August 2013

I can only tell you my experience with a vaginal birth. This isn't advice or me telling you to go one way or another!

I didn't have any tearing and was up within 10 minutes using the bathroom and getting dressed. I really do hope you do your research. Word of mouth in a sense is research but if it's from a saturated source, it's not as helpful as you would think! GL in your decision!

RedDawnsRevenge · August 2013

I had an emergency c/s. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. My daughter is 15 months and the pain in my left side has never gone away. I also have NO feeling from my navel to my pubic bone. I could go on and on. If you'd like to know it all, I'll tell you.

DemoDoll · August 2013

bwelding85 said:
It's a very personal decision, but do keep in mind that a c-section is major surgery and will very likely lead to a much longer recovery time than natural birth.

Curious about @knsatx's question. Seems like you're considering two opposite ends of the spectrum.

Why is a c-section a "much longer" recovery than a vaginal birth? I have friends that were recovering for a couple of weeks with a vaginal birth because of tearing. I was up and walking, holding my baby, showering within 12 hours of my c-section and actually walked 3 miles pushing a stroller at 10 days PP. that's kind of a general statement.

Rrrrrachel · August 2013

Generally recovering from a c section takes longer than recovering from a natural birth. Short term disability companies pay out more weeks for c sections than vaginal deliveries. There are always exceptions.

DemoDoll · August 2013

I do agree with others that your doctor will be best to go with all of your questions. They won't do a c-section unless its medically necessary. If they do, they shouldn't be practicing medicine.

I had a wonderful c-section and am so glad with the outcome but it was absolutely medically necessary. I am still seeking a VBAC because I would like to experience both.

kellylaurel · August 2013

Just wanted to share my experience. I had a vaginal birth with no drugs (mostly due to how quickly everything progressed). I found my body just took over and knew what to do. I did have tearing, but at the time I didn't even noticed it had happened. It did take some time to heal afterwards, but I think that is a given no matter how you deliver the baby. Overall I had a really positive experience and with this baby (baby #2) I'm hoping I can have a similar experience of a drug free vaginal delivery. All choices with pregnancy, child birth, and ultimately parenting are very personal and all you can do is make the best decision for you and your family. I just wanted to share my experience and say while it hurt, it didn't hurt so much as to discourage me from wanting a second vaginal delivery

.

jlrschmidt · August 2013

spasticfantastic said:

squeakyfrog15 said:

It's better for the baby if you to a vaginal birth. I'm a FTM but my mom has always told me that there is something (and I can't remember what) important that happens with the baby as it it pushed through.

the pressure of squeezing through the birth canal helps "wring out" the amniotic fluids in baby's lungs, and makes it easier and safer for baby to breath after emerging.

the exposure to mom's vaginal bacteria promotes a healthy immune system development and healthy gut bacteria development in the new baby. studies have linked a healthy infant gut bacteria to reduced risks of all kinds of illnesses.

Natural birth is better for you and baby because that's biologically what is supposed to happen. Modern medicine is wonderful at saving the lives of women/babies that have certain risks, but I wouldn't choose a C-section unless you or baby have those risks. Natural birth is also better for breastfeeding (in general, but I do know moms who have had no issues BFing after a c-section). Having an elective c-section in my opinion is like saying "My throat hurts so I'd like to have my tonsils out." Your Dr. would probably tell you to try some cough drops first.

Sarahjess06 · August 2013

I would never elect to have a c section. Our bodies were made to have babies. I had an epidural with my first and I don't even want to do that again. I couldn't feel ANYTHING. Just pressure. I couldn't tell when I needed to push..... I agree watch the business of being born. I actually bought it online for relatively cheap. Very very informative!

Marusika · August 2013

The induced stillbirth was a huge trauma for me... Now I don`t know if i have courage to go through a vaginal birth again.

christina627 · August 2013

I'm not reading all the responses, so I'm sorry if I repeat. A natural birth is much safer and easier on both of you if there are no medical complications. C-sections are wonderful in case of an emergency or due to some other reason that vaginal birth is not possible. I was born by C-section, bc my mom's pelvis wouldn't open from a previous injury.

My first birth was induced at 43 weeks and 1 day. I had no pain meds and delivered a 10lb 6.8oz baby boy. I had a first degree tear (4 stitches) from his fist being up by his face during birth. I was up and walking within an hour after birth. There was a bit of pain sitting for a little bit, but I felt fine to do anything else.

My 2nd was a completely natural homebirth with no pain meds (obviously) and delivered an 8 lb 5oz baby girl. I had no tears and felt AMAZING the next day. I felt like I could run a marathon or anything. And after snuggling with my baby and nursing for awhile, I got right up and showered about 45 minutes after her birth.

Yes, if you don't have pain meds (I can't say how it feels with pain meds) it will hurt during (especially the ring of fire/crowning part), but it's so worth it to have your baby in your arms and both of you alert and feeling good within minutes afterwards.

CajunTwist06 · August 2013

In my "personal" opinion. I think natural is the way to go. My doctor tried to induce me with both my sons. but, I was only a week away from my due dates, so I declined and they both came on time. It takes longer to recovery with a C section. Unless, of course you have then choice it doesn't matter. Best wishes!

bwelding85 · August 2013

DemoDoll said:
It's a very personal decision, but do keep in mind that a c-section is major surgery and will very likely lead to a much longer recovery time than natural birth.

Curious about @knsatx's question. Seems like you're considering two opposite ends of the spectrum.

Why is a c-section a "much longer" recovery than a vaginal birth? I have friends that were recovering for a couple of weeks with a vaginal birth because of tearing. I was up and walking, holding my baby, showering within 12 hours of my c-section and actually walked 3 miles pushing a stroller at 10 days PP. that's kind of a general statement.

Oh its definitely a very general statement. And i apologize if it was offensive.

I haven't had a c/s myself, so I'm going off of what I've researched and experiences of other moms that I know who have had c/s's vs vaginal births. There are always instances when vaginal birth can lead to harder recoveries and c/s's can have easier recoveries.

Mainly I'm just encouraging the original poster to dive in and do the research for herself so whatever she chooses, she can be confident in her decision.

DemoDoll · August 2013

@poru, how long ago did you have your c-section (I'm on mobile and can't see siggy)? My doctor didn't cut my stomach muscles, she moved my muscles aside. I can see how cutting them would take a longer time to recover. Mine wasn't an emergency c-section, i wonder if they cut the muscle for an emergency c-section. I'm impressed with how well my doctor did, she was on her 23rd hour of her shift.

Also, I could start driving at 2 weeks PP and only took perscription pain killers until 5 days pp. I never had the restriction of stairs or lifting. I was just told to listen to my body.

CajunTwist06 · August 2013

I guess it depends on the woman then. I tore and had stiniches with both my boys. Three of my best friends had C sections and it took them much longer to get around. I'm not a doctor it was just a "personal opinion".

AcaAwkward · August 2013

Ooopsbaby14 said:
DemoDoll--moved your muscles? I've never heard of that! That would make recovery time much faster. Learn something new every day!

I've also NEVER heard of this! Was it because your daughter had already dropped into the birth canal? Was your incision really low?

I would categorize my recovery from c/s as "good," considering. I was up walking within an hour of surgery (I had spinal anesthesia instead of an epidural), but I was in a decent amount of pain for a good 4 weeks. B/c my body never released the "labor" hormones, my breast milk did not come in for 2 weeks, which contributed to a lot of stress over BFing. B/c DD had severe jaundice and my milk wasn't in, we had a crazy NICU feeding schedule of attempting BFing, feeding pumped colostrum, then feeding formula to ensure her system was flushing out all those bilirubins. Even without complications like that, caring for a newborn while recovering from major surgery is no picnic.

Delphi2506 · August 2013

I have had both a vaginal birth ( with a significant 4th degree tear) and a planned c-section (due to the previous tear ). Both were uncomfortable recoveries but I would never go through a c-section if I didn't have a good reason to. I am now pregnant with #3 and really would love to have a natural birth but I have been told that due to the nature of my first tear I run the risk of ending up with a colostomy bag

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