Advice or Experience on Cesarian/C-section

I loved my C-section! I too had the option, but for my medical condition I chose the C. It was great I recovered like 2 weeks quicker than my friend that had a vag.
Best of luck to you! You will make the right choice for YOU!

C-section increases risk of not bonding or not breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is really good for a baby. Plus formula is really expensive $5-20 a day!

Y.,

One thing that might be helpful in deciding is to call it what it is: Major Abdominal Surgery. Why would anyone plan to have major abdominal surgery if they don't NEED major abdominal surgery? In order to have it, you will need some heavy drugs which put a lot of stress on the baby, possibly causing an emergency where none existed before, they will make an incision through the skin, fat, muscles of the abdomen, then through the muscle of the uterus, then they pull (fairly significantly, sometimes strenuously if not violently) on the baby's head to get him out of the uterus, possibly causing not only subluxation but neurological damage. Forget about letting the cord pulse naturally -- they cut the cord immediately, separate the baby from mom and do all kinds of intrusive tests and procedures on baby when you are too groggy to care, though they will, if the baby has no issues, let you see him briefly before they continue with the surgery. Then they will lift your uterus out of your body to do repairs, hopefully with careful and strong enough sutures to prevent any tearing of the uterus during a future labor, then they will stuff it back in and close the several layers of your abdominal wall.

The effects of such a surgery upon the mother and the baby are profound. Even when this sometimes life-saving (but usually unnecessarily performed) surgery is happily decided upon or "planned," the consequences to the family can be surprising and even devastating. It complicates everything: your recovery time, your bonding, your ability to successfully breastfeed, your desire to get pregnant again, your ABILITY to get pregnant and carry another baby, and sometimes the side effects of the drugs are terrible. That doesn't even come close to describing the worst of it all, the psychological effects of having a baby torn from your body rather than birthing it, which can be bad even when the surgery was elected.

Believe me, if you NEED the surgery, get it. It's always available to you. But in this country, there is almost no such thing anymore as an "emergency C-section," because it is performed WAY more often than necessary, and even when necessary, is most often not done in any kind of a hurry.

I have been a natural childbirth educator for about 12 years. I used to be a certified Bradley instructor, and highly recommend you take a Bradley class (rather than Lamaze or any other childbirth class) to start, since the class is 10-12 weeks and you are already late in your pregnancy. Then, take other classes if you wish. The reason I suggest Bradley is that it will prepare you best for what your body will go through, what your (real) options are, what decisions will be in line with a goal of safety and comfort for you and the baby, and how to be an informed consumer. Once you feel thoroughly prepared and educated, making these decisions will be much easier. It's always best to weigh the risks with the perceived benefits before deciding, and you must be educated to keep in the front of your mind that the choice is entirely yours.

In short, major abdominal surgery is not something you probably are going to want to elect casually, without first seriously considering and exploring the alternatives. Your body was not designed to be cut open and messed with in the absence of any compelling reason. Your body WAS designed, perfectly, for giving birth without any interference whatsoever. How much you decide to work with your body, rather than against it, and how much you allow your body to follow it's instincts without intervention is up to you. Believe me when I tell you, Y., that the choice you make will profoundly affect your memories of this birth for the rest of your life. Why not make them sweet?

All the best,
S. Waltner
Natural Childbirth Educator
____@____.com

I had a c-section because I had no choice, but if you DO have a choice, go natural!! You heal so much faster when you give birth naturally.
I'll never forget the time when I was in the hospital and on day 3 after the c-section we went to this "how to give your new baby a bath" class. It was only like 4 doors away from my room and it took me about 15 minutes to walk there (and so much pain!!). So I FINALLY got there, sat down (that alone took like 3 minutes), and then this other girl, who had a natural birth, comes running in (becuase she was late)... running!!! I was so jealous!! LOL
Seriously though, a c-section is MAJOR surgery, so why put yourself through that if it's not NECESSARY for your/baby's safety??
Good luck to you and congrats :)

Hi Y.,
I've had both. The pain leading up to a natural delivery was painful, (the contractions)...but you breathe, walk, eat ice, moan...work through it. Then the pushing. Feels kind of good to relieve the pressure and you're working towards seeing your baby. Then you can go home and relax while you're swollen and tender...okay, it hurts, then be fine.
Or you can have a c-section. They prep you. Put a needle in your spine which can send a shock down your leg. Then lay back and enjoy the high. I hate drugs but thank goodness they make them. I was fine until day 2. I was in so much pain for weeks. I wasn't allowed to pick up anything. I could hardly pick up my baby. After we were home I was useless for a at least a week or two, but your on many restrictions for 8 weeks or so. A simple sneeze would instantly bring tears to my eyes. Bending the wrong way can still cause pain and he's 6 1/2 months.
Now that I've gone through both I personlly highly suggest a vaginal birth. You have to expect the unexpected but your recovery will most likely be much more tolerable.
Good luck with either type of birth and congratulations on your sweet addition.

You really should read up on the real dangers of surgical births. An unmedicated birth is so much better for you and for baby if you aren't high-risk. Ceasarians should truly never be done without medical necessity, and so many that are performed in hospitals out of medical necessity could be prevented with the proper handling of the labor.

I've not had a section, but most moms I talk to who have had both say they'd go vaginal any day of the week.

I have had one hospital birth, which left me with an epidural and an episiotomy, and one birth center birth. The all-natural birth center birth was AMAZING. With proper preparation a natural birth is such an amazing accomplishment (which our bodies are supposed to do!) and experience.

Watch the movie, Business of Being Born. It's an eye-opener and so informative. It's about how corrupt the medical birthing process is, and exposes the world of home birth. For me, home birth wasn't something I wanted at the time, but after getting myself to 8cm before driving to the birth center (the drive being the most horrible part of the labor), I'd do a home birth in an instant.

Birth is not something to be feared. It is a miraculous process and I'm so happy to have experienced it. I thank my daughter everyday for allowing me to go through it. It was such a wonderful thing to be a part of.

Hi Y.
I know you have had many responses to this and I wasn't going to add anything until I read some of them and I feel the need to tell you my experience. After reading the response from Sarah W I have to say that her answer may be true for some women BUT I did not experience anything close to the awful picture she painted.
I labored for 16.5 hrs and my labor stalled at 8cm. I was stuck for a number of hours and the baby was still at -2 station. Given my water broke some 19 hrs before my dr decided it would be best to have a csection.
It was not in my birth plan to have a csection but all that mattered then was that my son was delivered healthy. I didn't feel like he was being ripped from me. The dr still delayed cutting the cord (I know this because they held him up for my husband to see and take pictures. They cleaned him off and suctioned him then carried him to me where I got to touch him, kiss him and talk to him. They did take him back to be weighed etc but never left the room and involved my husband in every step. He never left his sight or reach.
I inicated breastfeeding within the first hour of birth (still breastfeeding on demand to this day and he just turned 14 months). I didn't feel disconnected from my baby. It didn't cause any strain on my family. I recovered 100% by my 6 week pp appt. It did not affect my ability to care for my son or to follow my attachment parenting choice of raising my son

Please do not let others scare you. I would not have picked surgery as my method for birth and will attempt a vbac if I choose to get pregnant again but in no means did ending up with a csection have a negative impact on my life or my families lives.
I didn't feel cheated or

Y.,

Like Susan, I had an 'emergency' C-Section at 29.5 weeks. My son's life was in jeopardy and so was mine, but it was necessary and I it was a very good experience considering the medical issues. I miss the fact that I didn't get to push and breath and sweat...it's sort of the whole process that I wish I had gotten to take part in...that and the not being able to hold my baby right away.

With that being said, I also have a friend who 'scheduled' her C-Section to avoid missing her sister's wedding in Hawaii, and having her hubby there. She later received a bill for some ridiculous amount of money from her insurance provider (PPO) for the full amount of the 'unnecessary operation'. This was just under a year ago and she was told by an attorney that she could fight it, but that her insurance provider had 'rules' about inductions and c-sections requiring that they be approved based on the 'need' for them medically. So, she's paying down the cost of the surgery.

If you choose that this is the way you want to go, PLEASE make sure your insurance will approve the cost. I had a friend who had the same issue with being induced. More and more insurance companies are erring on the side of caution as to not deal with backlash from 'unnecessary' procedures. There was a great article about it in the Times that I can't find anymore.

Make sure you know all the information and get written approval from your provider first BEFORE you schedule anything.

Good Luck. AND congrats!!

I tried for a vaginal birth and ended in C-section. In my case there is no doubt about it- the c-section was a piece of cake! I fully labored and pushed for two hours, I napped during the c-section. But everyone has a different experience. Some women end up having batched epidurals resulting in a spinal headache. Of these women, many opted for natural delivery after and said natural childbirth is preferable to an epidural gone wrong. While labor is sure to be difficult, you will likely have a much better time recovering. With a C-section imagine how you will feel the need to rest and take care of yourself. But you cannot take the care you need for yourself with a newborn, it its a difficult surgery to recover from. Its hard to get out of bed after abdominal surgery that goes through the muscle, and yet you will need to maouver yourslef constantly to tend to the baby. Its rough. With c-section you have less intense pain than vaginal birth, but spread out over a long time. I think mothers who have vaginal birth enjoy those first few weeks of their new born more. Its a tough call because you just don't know if you would have a difficult delivery or not. I will say this much, having not been able to experience vaginal labor, i always feel jealous when i hear women who have pushed their babies out. That being said, I'm still opting for scheduled C-section for baby number two.

Don't do it.

C-scetions are a wonderful option, WHEN NEEDED. Surgery is surgery, there are risks. Although a c-section is safer than a vaginal birth for the baby, but the opposite is true for you. Vag. birth is safer for mom.

I labored without any pain medication all the way to 10 cm dilated and a +2 station (baby almost out) then had to have an emergency c-section. I can not tell you how sad I was that I missed out. You don't get to hold your baby right away with a c-section. You don't have that sense of accomplishment. Everthing is done for you, you almost have no part in the experience. You cant see anything either. Not to mention the recovery process afterward. Labor was nothing compared to everything I endured with the c-section. Physical pain, emotional toll. I guess if you know these things from the beginning it might not be a big deal to you. But I have been with many of my friends for their vag. births and my c-sections were nothing like theirs. I tried to have a v-bac (vaginal birth after cesarean) with my 2nd pregnancy. I had the choice-- vbac or repeat c section, I chose vbac. I ended up not going into labor on my own and was 2 weeks overdue. Sadly my doctor (a different one than my first pregnancy) suggested a c-section was my best bet. He knew how traumatized I was by the first so he did everything to make this birth/c-section as good as it could be. After they checked out my baby, they did put him up to my face. But while I was being put back together they take the baby, clean and weigh the baby etc. With a vag. birth, they do all that in the room with you so you get to be a part of it--watching from your bed. Despite the attempt to make my second delivery everything I hoped it to be it still was not the same. I guess it all depends on what is important to you, what YOU want for your birth experience. I know no ones birth turns out exactly how they hope, but c-section by choice... I just don't understand why anyone would want to go thru that. I also think birth can be so empowering for a woman. What an accomplishment! C-section is the easy route in my opinion. And it's not worth it. In the end, yes... the most important thing is a healthy baby and mama. So good luck with whatever you decide and what ever birth experience you are handed.

If the C-section is something you decide, insurance will probably not cover it.
So, you have to check on this first.
This happened to my friend and so many other women that just wanted to have a c-section, although it was not medically necessary. Then since their insurance did not cover it, they had to just give birth when time came.

For me, my c-section was an emergency c-section, and my 2nd child was a c-section as well... but was covered by insurance because my Doctor made the recommendation and did not advise a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) at that point.

So, the bottom line is: is your insurance going to cover it? AND what does your OB/GYN recommend?
If there is no medical reason for your having a c-section, it will not be deemed "necessary."

All the best,
Susan

I have 4 children. One was born vaginally, with no epidural, and 3 were C-sections. If my body had co-operated, they would all have been born naturally (even with the accompanying 26 1/2 hours of labor)! I would never fear a C-section, or consider it a failure for me or the doctor, but I would also never choose to have one if it could be avoided.

Trust yourself and your doctor, and remember that the birth is only one moment in your life with your daughter. The fun starts after she's delivered, by any method. Enjoy being a mommy!

I was 39 when I had my son C-section. At first I was very afraid of having a C-section. I actually induced labor and went through the whole day of contractions then hard labor for about 4-6 hours. My sons heart rate started to race so they said I needed an emergency C-section. Within 15mins I was holding my beautiful boy. He was perfect !

Now I am pregnant with our second child and scheduling a C-section. It was not as bad as I feared. Its much easier on the baby. The only downside is a little extra recovery for you. My thoughts for my second child are why go through all the distress of labor just to possibly be rushed into another C-section. I only needed an extra day in the hospital and I got 8 weeks maternity leave instead of 6! After having one, I would totally recommend it, especially if you already have some health issues. Good Luck! J.

I had to have a c-section with my first child. My second child I delivered vaginally without any medication. I was 31 and 35 years of age at the time. Of the two, the vaginal delivery was easier and much much less painful to recover from. Perhaps I would have had a better time with the caesarian delivery if I had not undergone such a long labor before hand. I can say for certain, after experiencing both, that the pushing portion of delivery is not pleasant and I would not have been sad to have missed it if I never experienced it. The most important difference for me was the recovery afterward. It took me at least a month to function normally, and not be in pain after the c-section. One week after the vagional delivery I was back at the Gym. The difference in pain afterward was more significant than the pain during.

Hi,
I have had 2 c-sections. The first one was an emergency c-section after 14 hours of labor and only dialating to 6cm. The next one was because they discovered my pelvis area is very small and didn't think that a baby could fit through and the fact that I had one before. I healed up nicely with both and recovered quickly more so with the second because I wasn't so exhausted by 14 hours of labor. My advice is if you can go for a natural birth unless it will really affect your health!

I've had three c-sections (during the last one I had my tubes tied). With my first baby I had to have a c-section because my baby was in the wrong position (breech). After a patient has a one c-section doctor's usually recommend that method for following pregnancies. And that can put a limit on how many children you can have. Basically, it can be too dangerous to have a baby vaginally after you've had a c-section and it can be too dangerous to have more than 3 c-sections. That's how it was explained to me by my doctor's. Hopefully, this helps you to make a more informed decision. Good luck.

Y.,

I had a c-section in Dec 2008 with my only child (had to, she was breech) and honestly, I cannot say enough about it. I got over the pain in a matter of days and was up and about in a week or so. I was even back in the gym 6 weeks later. I know this isn't everyone's experience but if you are physically fit, you might recover quickly.

Congrats. However it goes down... it is sheer joy. Here's my take on things for whatever it's worth. Against the advice of ALL the medical doctors I had my baby girl at home 10 months ago and I am 41. I am not a "hippie" type (most everyone who hears of home birth thinks one must be "granola" or a throw back hippie from the 70's)but,I am neither of those. I wanted to bring her into this world with the least amount of interference from the medical community since hospital births in the united states have a high rate of infant mortality. In Europe 71% of woman have home births. This was a shock to me. Here, it's less than 1% and our infant mortality rate is one of the highest. Ask your hospital what their rate of C-Section is... some are as high as 40%. Some OBGYN's have never even witnessed a "normal" birth -- meaning without any drugs whatsoever. They are trained surgeons. Surgeons perform surgery. And don't be fooled ... the business of having babies is indeed a business. The faster the laboring process can be sped along the more quickly the doctor can go home and the bed becomes available for the next occupant. I wanted more and I feel every woman should have the right of passage in experiencing in as much as possible a "normal" birth. So, yes I would advocate a vaginal birth in as much a "natural" scenario as possible. I am for any deviance from the norm because the birth process isn't just happening to the baby -- it's happening to you. At home, I felt that the "midwife experience" and natural vaginal birth honored this process more than anything else. A great rental is: "the business of being born" available from netflix. Go with your intuition and don't believe every opinion you hear. Being pregnant is a vulnerable place and it's easy to say yes to anything if it's positioned in a way that "is best for baby" because of course, you wouldn't do anything to harm your baby. so, my best advice to you is to tune into your intuition and baby. You'll know what to do.
Remember, you are not alone .. millions of woman have gone before you. Whatever you choose, I wish for you and your soon to be born, greatness!

Watch "The Business of Being Born" (you can rent on Netflix). It will provide a lot of insight on the whole childbirth process. All the best to you!!

PS C-section is only "easier on the baby" if there are complications/problems. If everything is fine - it's not as good for the baby. Vaginal childbirth does a lot of things the baby needs done to it, natural is best in most cases.

Well, take it from me - I've done it both ways and believe me, labor is no fun. My 1st C-Sec was an emergency - not so good, but my last baby was a planned C-Sec and that was just great. You go in feeling great, and with no pain, out comes the baby! Of course, you've got to stay in the hospital and deal with plenty of pain afterwards, but it's certainly manageable and after a few days, it's not too bad. You must plan, though, that when you do bring the baby home, you will be very sore as your muscles get cut and that takes time to heal. You will need help the first week. But I had the choice on my last pregnancy, and I chose C-Sec and I'm glad I did!
Try not to worry - it's very cool. There's just so much joy with that baby, it makes healing much easier!
M.

Y.,
Frankly, I don't know why anyone would choose to have a C-section if there is no medical reason or emergency. Are you frightened of having a vaginal birth? Don't be. Our bodies are made for it. I had a vaginal birth with no epidural (one reason w/ no epidural was to avoid having a C-section, which I adamantly didn't want!) and believe me, if I can do it, you can, too! I don't know if you plan on nursing your baby, but having a vag birth is better for that, too. Do some research and reading and familiarize yourself with the pros and cons and then you'll be prepared and less scared about the unknown. Good luck to you!

I'm sure you've gotten a truckload of responses to this because mothers love to tell their stories. Well, here's mine. I've a had a cesarean and a natural birth and let me tell ya- natural birth is the way to go! It's way safer for you and your baby, way less painful, much shorter recovery time, and emotional and spiritually enriching. C-sections are extremely risky. They interfere with your god-given right and ability to give birth. Why are you considering this, anyway? Natural labor and birth have so many benefits to mother and child. The pain from contractions stimulates your "love" hormones to flow through you and your baby, giving you both natural painkiller and happy emotions. Isn't that more important then timing or escape from labor pains? Unnecessary c-sections suck. They are hoorible. Giving birth is awesome. Watch The Business of Being Born, read Ina May's guide to Childbirth, Read Birthing From Within, Please, oh please. Don't let this wonderful experince get taken from you. Do your homework. Find your truth. Best wishes.

A c-section is a wonderful surgery ... IF, and only if, you NEED surgery! Like an appendectomy is a wonderful surgery if your appendix is ruptured, but would you have your appendix removed by surgery if it was healthy, just to prevent the possibility of a rupture?

There's been a big discussion on another mothering list (Peachhead) about pain from c-section 6 months after the surgery and many, many women have responded that they still have pain 6 months, a year, even 2 or more years later!

Why trade one day of pain for months or years of pain? And labor doesn't have to be painful if you have the right kind of support and education :)

I had three natural births and one c-section. I would never do another c-section if possible. Yes you get out of labor pains, but the pain really starts after you have the baby. Clothes, or anything that touches the incision hurts like crazy. If you cough, omg it hurts so bad. I would much rather put up with labor pains than another c-section. The pain in c-sections lasts 6 weeks. My fourth child they wanted to do a c-section and I would not let them. There was no way I was going through six weeks of hell afterwards. My other three I had natural with no meds at all. I much prefer that.

Hi, Y.,

I had two c-sections (one almost three years ago and the other one and a half years ago). I wish that I had had rented medical equipment (a metal triangle) to help me pull myself out of bed using the muscles in my arm instead of the ones in my abdomen for the first one. (You can get one from a medical equipment rental store for approx. $40 per month.) My husband was gone for a couple of months immediately following the births of both my kids. A few days after my first c-section, I discovered that I was allergic to tape. I was very itchy for a few days, until my doctor could remove the tape from my abdomen. Unfortunately, during the second c-section, my doctor forgot that I was allergic to tape, and put tincture of benzoine on my abdomen and then tape on my abdomen. My whole body broke out in red bumps and was extremely itchy for over six weeks. A couple of days after my second c-section, gas built up in my torso causing extreme pain in my right shoulder and arm. (I felt as though a truck had run over my arm.) If that happens to you, call a nurse right away to give you a tablet to help the gas dissipate.

I now have a discolored band of skin (6"by 2") across my abodomen where the tape was. Even though I weigh less now (5'3" and 107 lb) than when I conceived in my first three pregnancies (first two pregnancies ended in miscarriage) and I exercise, I have a kangaroo pouch and a six inch long scar. Unless I get a tummy tuck, I will always have the pouch.

Unlike some women, I don't feel as though delivering by c-section was "less" a delivery than a vaginal birth. I just wish that I didn't have a kangaroo pouch and scars on my abdomen.

There is a new study out that vaginal births help to prevent asthma... go figure...
Anything can happen during birth. I did natural birth in a birthing center with a midwife, a duala, and a really really experianced nurse. I was in and out of the nice warm tub, and felt like I had a wonderful experiance. At one point, the nurse (who was a hospital/medicine type) told me that at this point, if I had been in the hospital, they would have put me on medications to let me get some rest, but I didn't feel like it was neccessary, so I was really glad that we weren't there. In fact, we delivered about an hour after that, and we took the baby home that night. I felt like I was flying for about two to three weeks, and I had no drugs and no real pain. I did tear, but it was no big deal.
Be comfortable with your decision. Be aware that your choice can change depending on how the baby is doing. I went into the delivery with music and relaxed. It was intensly overwhelming, but I knew that millions of women have had babies with no problems, and I was completely confident with my birthing team. I relaxed into it and let it happen, and it was great.
Good luck Have fun
R.

I had to answer you because people do not really tell the truth about c-sections. I had an emergency c-section after 18 hours of labor so I was exhausted going into it. People make it seem like it is no big deal but it is major surgery. It is very painful and difficult to get around for a few days afterwards. I had a hard time being on pain meds knowing that they were going to the baby. But I had to take them. Of course, the medications also make you feel a little 'out of it' too. I don't think it's the best way to go if at all possible.

It is not usually an elective procedure unless you have health issues. Why would you want to have one, do you have a family history, or a problem you know about? I had to have one, but I would not elect to.

Hi Y.,

I hope you don't mind one more response! First, congratulations on your soon-to-be new daughter. I've had 2 C-sections, both as "emergencies" after nonprogressing labor. (And before I hear from some of our more militant moms -- I labored for 8 days with my second child as a vbac before needing an REAL emergency C-section).

Recovery from the first C-section was easy. The second one was more difficult on both me and my daughter because we were both exhausted from the extended labor. I also ended up with a post-op infection and pulled stitches, which kept me in the hospital for an extra 3 days. After my first C-section, I was completely recovered in about 2 weeks. With the second, it took me about 3 months (of course, by then I had an infant and a preschooler to keep me busy!). If I were going to have a 3rd child (can't anymore though!) and knowing the difficulty I have with vaginal delivery, I would plan another C-section.

So, here's my take on this. If you have to have a C-section for health reasons, either yours or the baby's, go for a planned one before you begin labor. Recovery will be much easier for you. Having a C-section will not affect your ability to bond or breast feed. I was able to hold both my children, sing and talk to them immediately after birth before they were taken to the nursery for cleanup and checkup. I nursed my son (child # 1) exclusively for 8 mos before he weaned himself, even though I had to return to work after 12 weeks and pump twice a day. In fact, he went straight to my breast at delivery. My daughter nursed for 16 months and graduated straight to a cup -- no bottles, no formula.

That being said, labor is physically better for your baby. The anaesthetic you receive for a C-section will make her sleepier than anything you receive (if anything) for a vaginal birth. Also, progression through the birth canal is supposed to be better for the baby's lungs to prepare for breathing, because of the massage your baby's chest receives during the birth process. I can't attest to this theory personally, though. Both of my kids were real screamers at birth and had terrific apgars.

I suggest you discuss your concerns with your obstetrician. Create a birth plan for your ideal birth and for contingencies, and check with whereever you're planning on delivering to make sure that they will honor it. Make sure your OB is on board too. Both the OB and the birth center should have copies of the plan on file before your due date and you should bring a copy with you, too.

I wish you all the best for your delivery. However you choose to have it, it will be one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of your life!

I have had both a vaginal birth and a c-section. The c-section was not by choice. I was in labor and the baby was in some sort of distress so the doctor made the choice and I am sure it was the right ting to do because I have a beautiful healthy baby.
However... I would opt for a vaginal birth over the c-section if I had another. The recovery from the c-scetion was horrible. Also, after the vaginal birth I had a great sense of accomplishment and a connection with my baby that was missing from my c-section experience.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

Y.,

I would highly recommend having a vaginal birth as long as you are able to. I had my son naturally and my recovery was incredibly fast compared to friends who have had c-sections. My advice is to listen to whoever is delivering your baby and when they say to stop pushing then stop. If you follow what your body is telling you and what your doctor/midwife is telling you then you will give your body the time to adjust and expand so to speak and if you're as lucky as me you will not even have much tearing. I had a superficial tear that did not even require stitching and it was healed within a couple of days. This is all compared to friends who took weeks to recovery, had to be on pain meds, some couldn't hold their newborns for a day or two and of course because of the epideral you can't hold your child right after they are born, with a vaginal birth you can. Good luck whatever you choose to do!

Dear Y.,
Everything Sarah Waltner said I completely agree with. I am 40, took the Bradley classes late in my pregnancy, and actually had my baby on the day that they were teaching various positions for making labor easier. (at home, no drugs, no complications) I do encourage you to concider Sarah's words. You child is already picking up experiences she will carry for life and birth is a HUGE experience. I hope you have the birth that you and your little girl desire. Please check out the site Wombtoworld.com if you would like to see the beauty and ease of natural child birth and the peace on the faces of the babies.(go to photogallery)
D. Hogle
Doula, Breastfeeding Support.

My first c sec was a breeze. I was SO SCARED to have one, and I really tried to talk my dr out of it. But, due ot medical issues, I had to. It was so easy.....recovery was tough, but good pain meds will take care of that.
My second c sec was a bit more difficult. I had internal bleeding, and I got a hematoma as a result. The recovery this time was more difficult....but after a few weeks....no big deal. Just be sure you have an AWESOME surgeon. If you have any complications....it will really pay off to have a great surgeon. Call the hospital and ask who is good. the nurses always know.

Hi Y.,

My first pregnancy resulted in an emergency c-section and the recovery was extremely difficult following 18 hours of labor. I couldn't even sit up for several days following the surgery which made it extremely difficult to care for my baby, but I struggled through. My doctor gave me the option of a VBAC with my second child which I elected not to do. I figured that if the 2nd delivery didn't go as planned I would have to have an emergency c-section again and go through that excruciating recovery process. I had a planned c-section and the recovery was much easier. So with my 3rd pregnancy it was just natural that I would have another c-section. Again the recovery was much easier than the 1st. Had I had the option I would have had all 3 via natural childbirth. A c-section does make life painful for a while and with children to care for, it is difficult, but if there is a chance that you will have to have an emergency c-section, opt for a planned one. Again, I would have preferred natural childbirth. I have one ugly scar that I have to live with for the rest of my life. My stomach will never be the same. My husband has told me that if it bugs me so much that I can have a tummy tuck to get rid of the pooch that no amount of exercise can get rid of, but there will always be a scar.

What questions do you have?

Y.,

I had my first child via c-section. He was breech and I didn't have an option. I had my second child VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section). Having been there and done that both ways, I would never, ever sign up for a c-section in advance unless it were absolutely medically necessary. The recovery was very painful. People talk about a c-section like it is nothing but a c-section is major surgery and the recovery isn't great. I had a very rough time getting breastfeeding started and it took 4-5 days for my milk to come in (which is apparently not unusual after a c-section). I bled very heavily for several weeks after my c-section. When I had my second son, I gave birth at 4 a.m. and I was up walking around at 7 a.m. I felt great. I could get in and out of bed by myself, I could pick up my baby and I really didn't have any significant pain after my delivery. My milk came in really well, the after delivery bleeding was less than half of what I'd experienced the first time around. I had to fight to have a vaginal delivery after having had a c-section. It was worth the fight. More women and babies die from complications associated with c-sections than with vaginal births - even VBACs. The difference in the recovery is huge. I got to concentrate on enjoying my new baby instead of being hunched over recovering from surgery. Also, if you have a c-section you'll be in the hospital for 3-4 days. With a vaginal delivery you'll likely go home the next day. I really can't convey in words how much less painful and how much easier the recovery was from a vaginal birth.

Good luck,
T.

If you can have a vaginal delivery I would suggest you do that. I have been in attendance at a dozen or more births and a vaginal birth is a far greater experience. There is also the lack of a scar and easier recovery to think of. My grandson was just born c-section and the drugs he got through breastfeeding made me uncomfortable. Try the Bradley method and find out what the baby needs to do during birth. It is a wonderful way to give birth and the best one I attended as a Dula.

Good luck either way.

I know you've already received a lot of advice on this, but I wanted to add my perspective. I had to have a c-section because my little one was breech and wouldn't turn. I found it to be a really good experience--I was initially very disappointed, but it worked out well. I actually recovered pretty quickly, got to hold my baby for a little bit, then my husband got to hold him for the rest of my surgery and I watched them together--beautiful and I'll never forget it. I had a brief recovery period (when they took my husband and the baby to do the various measurements) but my best friend was allowed to sit with me and we talked as I rested. The best part about it is that the five days in the hospital gave me a lot to time to figure out breastfeeding--by the time we left, my milk had come in and my son knew how to latch properly. I recovered quickly once I was home--was walking around and moving fine once home, and was cleared for all normal activities by my doctor at 8 weeks. I haven't had any recurring pain and the rest of this first year has been smooth. I would say, go with your instincts, and don't let anyone give you a hard time about how your baby is born. The most important thing is that mother & baby are healthy. :-)

Congratulations!! The first is always so exciting! I am currently pregnant with #4, due in August. I was TERRIFIED to give birth the first time, but knew there was NO way unless a medical emergency forced it that I would have a c-section. Our bodies were MADE to give birth...it was truly the most amazing thing I ever experienced...and loved it SO much, I was pregnant with our 2nd child 4 months later! In fact, the night our first child was born, my husband and I sat in our hospital room saying, wow, that was so amazing, we can't wait to do it again!!!

So, like I said, here we go with #4, and I can't wait to go to the hospital and go through the whole experience again, from start to finish. It is truly amazing. That being said, does it hurt, yeah...it's like really strong menstrual cramps...but I took a lot of prenatal yoga and that really helped with my breathing, not to mention my flexibility for my pelvis and body. It helped tremendously. I wanted to go completely without drugs, but once I hit 8cm with all 3, decided to have the epidural. Just make sure they don't overdo it or you won't feel a thing. You still don't feel pain...just a little pressure, but that helps you know when to push and you can feel the progress.

I have lots of friends who had c-sections and I can honestly say over 90% of them wish they could have been natural, saying the recovery was hell...I can only go by what they say, as my experience with natural childbirth was truly incredible and I wouldn't change it for the world!

Best of luck to you!

You cannot just have a c-section wothout medical necessity. Your insurance will not cover it. If you have a choice and your baby is 8 pounds or smaller, have her naturally because you heal faster.

Dear Y.,
Congratulations on your little girl! I had two C-sections- because of frank breech position of baby #1. Some things to consider with c-section... It is a major surgery, so it might not be as intimate a setting as you might imagine- it's loud, there is a lot of staff required to keep both you and baby monitored. I am still grieving over the last c-section experience at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital where I was promised skin to skin contact in the OR with our son through our birth plan and then was not even shown our son naked before he was wrapped and taken away. I sat there alone in recovery feeling very much that this was all wrong (at least my husband was with our baby)- that our baby felt like the property of the hospital. I think this is much more likely to happen with a C-section because the staff will treat you more like a "patient" due to the seriousness of the surgery. Also- you will be required to take a round of antibiotics. I am not sure, but I think this may have killed off some good flora and may have contributed to some of the digestive issues our little one has had from day one. Also- you will have to be in the hospital twice as long. I don't know about you, but I would rather be home. The area around the scar is rather numb and feels very uncomfortable when touched (this may go away in time). I would only have a c-section if there is a medical reason. It really is no fun to care for baby when you are needing to recover from a major surgery and be cared for yourself. If you decide you want to have an elective C-section I would consider making sure you have help at home for several weeks afterward (no carrying laundry baskets, driving, etc. is allowed for several weeks). Best of luck in your decision!
S.

i had a C sec b/c my son was 10.2 lbs and my doc was lazy and also didn't think it would be safe..i hate the scar i have now..i had to have some lipo on it b/c there was a lump left above it..like a golf ball..you're stuck w/ that scar forever..i wish i could have done it the natural way.

Hi Y.,

If you can have a vaginal birth, that would be better. Much quicker recovery, no post-surgery complications (which are actually not common) and a vaginal birth stimulates chi points for the baby which is helpful for his/her growth and development.

Complete recovery from a c-section (including the healing of all of the nerves) can take a year or more.

If there really is no health risk for you or the baby, have the vaginal birth.

Good luck and best wishes.

Hi there. I know I'm a little late with my response, but here goes...I have had 2 c-sections and would do it again to bring another child into the world. The recovery was difficult, but like I said, I'd do it again. However, I would like to try to have a vaginal birth next time around. So, that being said, my only advice would be to go for a vaginal birth if at all possible because depending on your doctor, they may not allow you try to deliver vaginally when you have another child. I don't know what your health issues are,so of course you should check with your doctor regarding that, but I'm had an issue with my last delivery because I wanted to do a VBAC, but it's tough finding a doctor that will allow one.

Hi Y.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I had 2 c-sections, the first was emergency, and I was forced to have another one because I live on Maui and the hospital could not save my life if I had a uterine rupture during a V-BAC. So I had a scheduled C-section for #2. Although I know C-sections are becoming more of an elective these days, I would have gone vaginal all the way given the choice. The scar is colloidal, and I have lost some feeling around the area of my scar. The scar provides a "shelf" for the fat to accumulate over (gone is the flat stomach of pre-pregnancy). My other mom friends recovered so much faster than I did post-partum. My husband LOVED the predictability of "scheduling" her birthday, and it was easier for my parents to fly in for the birth, but I still would have preferred to do it the "natural way"

Good luck with your birth!

Get a good Dr. and figure it out when the time comes. A healthy baby is what matters. Sometimes you don't have a choice. I had a birth defect and my pregnancy had many challenges. Ultimately I had a C-section. I had a great surgeon and all the nurses commented on how small my scar was (WHAT I have 32 staples in my gut!) My recovery was great for a c-section too. BUT, if I didn't have to do it that way, I wouldn't. This is all physical but after breastfeeding your breasts are all chewed up, stretch marks, and half the tissue mass. Then there is this 6 inch scar across my bikini line. I had to mourn the loss of my pre-pregnant body. I thought you should know my experience. The good news is you get this wonderful baby, and it is truly wonderful-Congratulations!

Babies should come out the way nature intended UNLESS there is a true medical emergency. Delivering vaginally enables them to expel stuff from their lungs, and it is actually safer for Mom, as a c-section is major surgery! Either way, I hope you have a beautiful birth.

Hi Y.,

I decided to go with a c-sect and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Contrary to all the warnings, the healing was fast and the delivery was even faster. I'm a fit person and I exercised until the last month of my pregnancy. I'm petite and I gave birth to a 9.5 lbs baby. I can't even imagine having to vaginally deliver my son.
While making my decision I did a lot of research and I had questions about it at every doctor visit. Do the same and I'm sure whatever your decision is, it will work best for you!
Here's an article I came across that I thought it was more "open minded" than the rest and I also like the author a lot (Dr. Laura Berman):

"Too Posh to Push?

It is always interesting when a new, “controversial” area of women’s health is put on the table. The current debate over whether women should be allowed to choose an elective C-section instead of vaginal delivery is a hot one. It’s been added to the list of sensitive topics that seem to divide everyone on one clear side of the fence or another.

Why are women’s choices about their bodies always cause for such uproar?

First we had the Pill, then the debate over whether women could work outside the home and still fulfill their role as mothers. Now that the ashes have settled on those — with the outrage over the Pill seeming like a bad scene straight out of the Stepford Wives — the newest fire-starter is the elective C-section.

I recently made the decision to have an elective C-section when I was carrying my now-seven-week-old son. I made it based in large part on the extremely difficult vaginal delivery of my older son. The experience delivering him was fulfilling and beautiful; however, it is an understatement say I beat the odds and am extremely lucky my anatomy came out of it relatively intact. It was a tough recovery.

When I was eight months pregnant, I dropped “the bomb” that I had chosen to have an elective C-section at a speaking engagement with some of my colleagues. I was amazed at how quickly opinions were ignited, fury and disapproval smoldering before my very eyes. Was I just “too posh to push?” How could I make such an “unnatural” choice? How could I insult feminism, motherhood and the beauty of childbirth? The level of controversy — and anger — surrounding this topic, struck me.

My response was, and is, why undergo a process that is strongly associated with later problems, when another option is available? Or, as I like to put it to my friends, why ruin a perfectly good vagina?

In my experience helping patients face the challenges of female sexual and menopausal health, I witness firsthand the damage that women suffer after vaginal childbirth. These women walk through my clinic doors every day, struggling with the impact on their lives and relationships. Vaginal childbirth poses a five-times greater risk that a woman will develop stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and a three-to-four-times greater risk of pelvic prolapse. There are also increased complaints about loss of sensation to the genital area, genital pain, and loose vaginal muscles in which sex does not feel the same for either the women or their partners, especially after the second vaginal delivery.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ position on elective C-sections is that they warrant consideration on an individual basis. They point out that it is still major surgery, which carries certain risks with it — though some of them may have been exaggerated in the past. A recent HealthGrades study found that 12% of women who delivered vaginally reported complications, whereas only 8% of women who chose an elective C-section did so.

Ultimately, like every healthcare decision, each woman needs to make the choice for herself with her family in mind. It is important to understand the issues both options present and discuss them with your physician and, unfortunately, with your insurance company. "

Please feel free to email me if you want more specific information. Hope this helps!

Hey,
c-section not at bad thing at all but I think natural has got to be better. I had no problems with my c-section as soon as I could feel my legs i was up walking around and I never need more then motrin for pain relief. I did not need tones of bed rest and I was able to do all the household duties without a problem. It is almost a year later and I wish that I could have given birth to my baby because things still aren't right. My stomach in numb or itchy all the time, plus my spine hurts still too. That is what is the worst it feels like it is badly bruised all the time I hate it. When my sister-in-law had her baby she was out shopping 2 days later like nothing ever happened. I wish I could have given natural birth to my baby:(

HI,
When I was pregnant w my twins strangers at the grocery store or just in passing would say "Don't let your Dr make you have a Cesarian" or something along those lines...HOW RUDE!! I am assuming you will get postings discouraging you too. I think it is a personal decision. I felt by having a cesarian I was doing what was safest for the babies. It was a beautiful, moving delivery. Yes, it was in an operating room but the nurses and Drs. were so sweet and supportive I also had my husband and mother with me which all added to the experience. The down side is you have to go to recovery before you can hold and feed your baby. Expect to be uncomfortable and feel some pain after a few hours. I opted for only 1/2 my pain meds at the frustration of my nurses but I did not want to be loopy while taking care of the babies. Overall, I had a good experience and now have two healthy babies!

Hi Y.,

I am the mother of a 3x c-section and in my experience I would have preferred to have had my children vaginal. The healing time is less and your body can somewhat return to normal later on down the years. I am now dealing with things that if I had had my babies vaginal I would not have to deal with. But of course do what is best for your health and the babies. Congrads and enjoy the ride.

I've had BOTH...with our first daughter I planned on a vaginal birth but ended-up with an emergency C-section. It went just fine...she had the cord wrapped around her neck. With our second child, our son, I had a vaginal birth (VBAC)and that went quite fine as well, but the healing time afterward seemed NO different to me than the C-section, so with our twins (#3 & #4) I chose C-section over the vaginal birth because it was actually just as easy as the vaginal birth and yes, I WANTED drugs for the pain (why suffer from all the pain if you don't need to, that's what the drugs are there for). Never had any problems either way and it really was quite simple for me. Others may have their opinions but this was my experience and hope you choose what feels best for you and baby..congratulations!

WHY? I can't imagine electing to have yourself cut open and your insides rearranged. I had a c-sect after a long and ineffective induction and it was the worst. I was up and moving rather quickly, but then had major infections in the incision. My son is 16 months and I still have pain above the incision. It hurts when I bend over and I cannot lie on my stomach. I've also suffered terribly emotionally and metally. There is a tendency to feel like a failure, or like you didn't have a "real" birth. But the worst part is knowing that it will be extremely difficult to have a vaginal birth the next time. It's fairly safe, but so few doctors or hospitals will want to do it. It will be a challenge that I'm not sure I have the energy to fight. So think wisely...this is a pretty major decision.