Planned C-section - Castle Rock,CO

I've not been through this.

If I was going through this, I certainly would value the opinion of my trusted doctor more than the "feelings" of friends!

Good luck!

C-sections for both my kiddos.first one after 26 hrs of induced labor when I just didn't progress; second was scheduled. My sister was so worried after the first that I missed out on the experience of birth, but honestly I wasn't really looking forward to HOW my kid came out, just that we ended up with the final product :)

Just my 2 cents, I've had both a vaginal delivery and a c-section. If I was to have another baby (no chance of that though) I would go for a c-section again with no more questions asked. Granted, I have very big babies (9lb 2 oz and 9lbs 12oz) so that may be part of the reason.

I had an emergency c-section with my first, and a planned with my second. Both times I had smooth recovery, wonderful bonding experiences, and successful breastfeeding. I don't think there is anything to feel bad about-if this is the plan that works for you then do it. When I was pregnant and feeling a little bad that I wouldn't experience natural birth, my grandmother said, "Honey, neither way is pretty." :)

There's nothing to feel guilty about at all! You sound like a sweet person and a wonderful mom-to-be.

Realistically, though, the thing to know about a C-section is that your recovery time will be longer and harder than if you deliver vaginally. And newborns are a whole, whole lot of work. That doesn't mean you shouldn't go ahead with the C-section; it just means you should plan ahead and make sure you'll have the support you're going to need.

It's pretty unusual for a full term baby to stay transverse, so she might get back into position. I would try seeing a Chiro for the Webster technique. It is easier to move a transverse over a breach baby. Also, see what your chances of success are for an external version. My first was breech and I had about 50/50 chance of success, so I choose the c-section. What you are talking is not "elective c-section". You did not choose to have a c-section. No doctor can or will deliver a transverse baby. "Elective c-sections" are very rare and no repudable doctor will give you one if it is not the best choice medically.

You feel what you are doing is best. Don't let others make you feel badly.

I had a "scheduled" c-section. I did have medical issues and a high risk pregnancy, so I had no choice. C-section was my only option. However, I have heard stories from friends who had to have emergency sections. They describe all the chaos and how scary it was. They were in a lot more pain, because of all the labor beforehand. My c-section was wonderfully peaceful. They had music on, the nurses were singing and the doctor was telling me every step. (It was actually quite short!) I am so glad I had that experience, verses the other. I was more scared of getting the spinal. It was NOTHING. Seriously, I had nothing to be scared over.

A few tips: get up and move as soon as they will let you! Also, whenever you wake over night, move around in your bed. Walk around the hospital floor with the baby. Movement, is key. It helps you heal faster. Don't not take pain meds while you are in the hospital, if you start feeling OK. I did this, and 8 hours later my body was catching up and it really hurt. (I was able to not take any once I got home.) They give you a little pillow. Use that against your stomach when you are getting up, sneezing, laughing, bending...anything. The support really does help. Do NOT let your bladder get full. That hurts. The first few days, I couldn't tell when my bladder was full, so I got up and attempted to go every hour-2 hours. My c-section was a breeze. Aside from the days at the hospital, I didn't have much pain. I don't regret it, in any way. It's almost 4 years later and my scar is so small and flash toned, I almost can't see it. Good luck!!! And, it's never worth allowing others to color your feelings, when you know it's right.

I don't see why you would regret it, and it's not giving up and doing what's convenient. My first child was in that position...at least YOUR doctor knows it!! My idiot of a doctor didn't realize it until I had labored with her for about 12 hour, and attempted pushing for about 2...and then it turned into an emergency c-section.

Because my hospital doesn't allow V-bacs, my second child was a planned section. I ended up going into labor a week before scheduled for the surgery, though, so again it turned into an emergency.

So, with both children I had the horror of going through labor, both times with no drugs, and then ended up having a c-section. I think I would have RATHER gotten to go in all relaxed and had the c-section...I can just imagine that I wouldn't have been exhausted, I would've been more relaxed, etc.

I fully support your decision on this, and if you have any other questions about the procedure or recovery, ask away!

My second baby was an emergency c-section and I had a planned c-section 23 months later. I was nervous about it, but knew I didn't want the risks that came with a VBAC so shortly after an emergency c-section.

My planned c-section went so smoothly, easy recovery, breastfed baby, etc. He actually just turned 6 on Tuesday :). Do what's right for you and your family. Congrats!!

All that matters is what You and your doctor feel is best. Anyone else's opinion is irrelevant . I had 2 c-sections and all was fine. Congrats and enjoy every moment!

My neighbor just went through a very long and arduous labor, 2 weeks late. After all that exhausting work, she was unable to deliver vaginally and had to have a c-section anyway. And she didn't have a transverse situation like you did.

The only thing I would say is that you COULD go in expecting the section, and have them try to turn the baby first. They always proceed with the understanding that trying to turn the baby will put you in labor anyway, so there's that. My second child was thankfully NOT transverse, but was turned face up (OP). I labored for 23 hours like this until the NURSE figured it out and turned him. Then he shot down through the birth canal and was actually born without a contraction. The doctor made it in the just in time to catch him, without even sitting down, that's how fast it was. (It was a scary delivery because my blood pressure dropped so low - I was pretty ill, and I feel pretty lucky, actually.)

I actually think that in your circumstance, you SHOULD schedule a section. If you want to try to see if they can turn the baby, that's an option. There may be reasons why they are nervous doing that, and you should listen to that. I would NOT want you to be in my neighbor's position of laboring for SOOO very long and end up with a c-section anyway. She was beyond exhausted. And for WHAT?

It's not about HOW you birth a baby that is most important, mom. It's the health of the baby and you, and that's what is called a successful birth!

Another vote for doing what is best for your family based on you and your husband's decision. The point is most certainly having a healthy baby and mom at the end of it all. For me the birth of my sons was only a miniscule part of the whole parenting experience.

I had a breech situation with my first and in spite of trying everything except the manual version he would not budge. The scheduled c-section was no big deal and I followed all the advice (get up ASAP after surgery, move around as much as possible, take the pain meds to stay ahead of the pain/don't be a hero and take the drugs, etc.). I didn't find it difficult to care for my newborn. They do so little the first few weeks the recovery wasn't terrible at home. My second was likewise a scheduled c-section but he had other ideas and came early. It turned into an emergency c-section. Not scary but certainly not the calm experience as my first (more rushed, more tense from the hospital staff, not my doctor, etc.). Good luck and many well wishes.

The MOST important thing is a healthy, safe delivery for Mama and baby. The way the baby is delivered is NOT important, especially when there are health risks involved.

If you've debated your options, listened to your doctor, thought about what you'd like to do and are comfortable with it, then make your decision and don't worry about it. If you are 2nd guessing yourself, maybe speak to your husband/doctor again about possible options. Maybe hearing it again will ease your worry about it and confirm what you want to do.

You said you are very uncomfortable with trying to turn the baby at this point. You said "but I am truly doing what I feel is best and safest at this point."

That's all you need.

Follow your instincts. With my first, I had 23 hrs of labor THEN an emergency c-section. She had the cord around her head and when I pushed her heart rate dropped to a dangerously low level. My second (15 mos later) was a planned c-section. So that's all I know. I have no regrets. Do what is safest and best for the baby and you. I think you have your priorities in order - as that is #1. Also, as "One and Done" said - Dr. knows best. Most importantly, enjoy every moment of your birth experience. However, the little ones come out, it is a miracle - focus on that :)

Do the c-section and do not feel guilty!!

My first baby was breech and I too had all the same feelings. My doctor wanted me to try a version and I decided to go ahead with it. I got to the hospital and they did another high resolution (or whatever it's called) ultrasound and figured out my baby had her cord wrapped around her neck and it they tried the version it could end badly. So of course we didn't do it.

I'm sure they would do another ultrasound with you as well, before the procedure, but what I took away from this experience was to let the baby decide if it was going to move. The perinatologist said to me, and I quote...babies are smarter than people think! :) She knew that if she tried moving it would choke her, so she stayed put.

Your baby may just be hanging out there, I'm not trying to freak you out or anything. My baby hung out for another week before I even had my c-section and she was just fine!

A planned section is so much better than going through labor and then having to face surgery. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to have a healthy baby and this seems like the best option. You are not giving up you are making an informed decision!

Recovery isn't as horrible as you think it will be. Take it easy but don't stress. I did have to go up and down stairs b/c I didn't really have a choice and although it was tender the first couple days, I survived! If you have a supportive husband it will be the best thing!

I've had one emergency c-section, and one scheduled. I'm all for doing whats safer for baby, but I'd at least try to move the baby. Is it possible that your fears of vaginal delivery are playing into this?
Here are some things to consider: if you have other toddlers you will need someone in your home for at least 2-weeks to help because you won't be able to lift the other child or drive to babies dr. appointments.
You will need to both care for a new born and recover from surgery. One of those by themselves is challenging, put them together, and you will find that you will not be able to enjoy the first several weeks of bringing baby home. You will survive it. But you will be robbed of some of the joys of motherhood.

I don't lament my C-sections. I can see vaginal delivery was not in the cards for me and I accept it. I'm glad my vagina is in tact and I dont pee myself when laughing. On the other hand I have a visible scar and adhesions that are painful at times. I had an infection the first time which both took me out physically and caused serious adhesions.

I can see that its tempting to think of a C-section as easier, but once you factor in the recovery, possible infections, its really not easier. But again, nothing to fear if its what needs to happen.

You are doing the right thing for sure. Personally, I do not like the idea of a version. Good luck and congratulations.

We had a planned C-section, 6 days before due date. My placenta was in a position where it could have gone either way, and they didn't want to chance it. I was actually kind fearful of deciding which procedure I would follow through with, so I was glad not to have to make the decision.

So what if people think that you are taking the easy way out? There will always be some idiot criticizing your parental choices; you might as well get used to it and thicken your skin now. I would criticize you if you were scheduling it at 6 months because you didn't want your belly to be distended. Yeah, I'd probably talk about you bad, then. What you're doing is in the best interest of your family, and you should not feel guilty for making that decision.

Now, let's talk about it. My procedure was perfect. I felt nothing, not even the tugging that they'd promised me. I sent my husband to wear they wre cleaning him up, to watch and take pictures. And then he brought my little on over so I could kiss his face. My recovery was good, too.

Good luck and many blessings to you!!

ETA: Also, don't tell people what you're doing. It's nobody's business, and you don't need to open yourself up to their criticisms while you're going through this.

I had twins and had a planned c-section. One was head down and the other was transverse. It was possible that once the first one was delivered, the other would turn head down but it was also possible that the other would become breach. I opted not to risk the "full delivery experience" (vaginal + c-section) and scheduled a c-section.

I don't have any regrets doing so. It's true I could have chanced it and maybe had a vaginal birth, but how my babies arrived isn't the most significant thing to me...it doesn't change how I treat them or how much I love them. I don't feel like I missed out on anything. My delivering experience is just different from someone else's.

The time to recover or the level of pain is different for each person. If you have a low pain threshold and aren't good about managing your pain meds, then you might have a difficult time. But, it wasn't really that big of a deal for me. The first day and post-op is definitely painful, but by the time I left the hospital, I felt pretty mobile. I wasn't carrying anything heavy, but I didn't have issues getting around, including sitting on the floor and getting back up.

Regarding the actual procedure, my sister and husband were in the operating room, sitting beside/behind me on chairs. They are also behind a sheet so they can't really see anything until the baby is brought over. So there isn't much that may cause issues with passing out or throwing up unless one decides to peek around the sheet.

If you want more details (TMI type stuff) on what it's like to have and recover from a c-section, drop me a message and I'll send you a note privately.

I am not a strong believer in scheduling a c-section when there isn't a valid medical reason for it - like, when people just don't want their bodies to change or they don't want the pain of pushing and labor. However, when there is a medical reason for it, I don't think you'll regret it.

The recovery time is harder and longer; however, it's much easier to recover from a planned c-section than if you went through a long labor, pushed, and then needed an emergency c-section anyway. Trust me! I've done both and laboring and pushing first was EXHAUSTING and the recovery was way harder because my body was so worn down before the surgery.

Don't worry about other people telling you that you should have tried. Do what is best for you and what your doctor thinks is best.

Hi there,
My 1st pregnancy had to be terminated due to complications, I was 6 mths. along. They induced labor, so I had him naturally, with demoral (spelling, sorry) for pain.
My 2nd pregnancy was my daughter, she was breech. I tried for a month standing on my head a couple of times a day, hoping she would change positions, but she didn't. So, I had to have a c-sec with her. After going through a natural birth, with lots of pain, the c-sec was easier on both of us. I had her with me in my room, as soon as they would bring her. I was up out of bed & taking a shower the next day. I even stopped the controlled powerful pain meds & knocked them down to just Tylenol 3, as I felt I needed them.
my 3rd pregnancy was my son, here I had an option of going either way & I choose c-sec, because how there wasn't near the pain afterwards & I was well enough to have my daughter with me right away, I also could have him with me sooner. It turned out to be the better choice, as the doctor was cutting me, he saw that if I had tried to deliver naturally, my placenta would have burst & I would have bled internally. He was a big baby at 8 lbs & 14 1/2 ozs.
My kids are now 22 & soon to be 24.

I think you should follow your feelings on what is best for you & your baby. Don't let others try to make you feel guilty in doing a c-sec. What is most important here, is you & your newborn's lives.

Congratulations & God Bless,
C.

You do what you feel is best.

You have to make whatever decision is right for you. If you are at peace with having a planned c/s, then o ahead and have one.

I WANTED a vaginal birth, it was an experience that was important to ME. My DD was breech and I had a version so I could have a vaginal birth. I loved the experience. It was right for me.

Unless something was seriously wrong with my health or the baby's I would not choose a scheduled c/s. Personally I believe that laboring is beneficial for the baby, even if you have a planned c/s and this IS supported by research. In many countries, instead of scheduling a planned c/s the mother will go to the hospital when labor starts and then have the c section - this is an appropriate approach when the only factor preventing a vaginal birth is the position of the baby. The advantages are threefold: even some labor is shown to reduce postnatal respiratory complications, your baby and you get a lot of beneficial hormones which promote bonding and breastfeeding and last but not least there is a chance that your baby will move into a more optimal position just prior to or at the onset of labor.

So scheduling a c/s is truly just convenience. An unscheduled but planned c/s is NOT an "emergency" - scheduling it ahead of time just allows you and your doctor to conveniently time it around other obligations, rather than waiting until your body and your baby are ready.

There is nothing inherently wrong with that, it wouldn't be what I would choose, but as long as YOU make an informed choice that you are happy with, you probably won't regret it.
Good luck.

I can't tell you how you will feel, but I can tell you how I feel, having had all c-sections for my 3 babies. I had a tremendous feeling of loss that I haven't been able to give birth vaginally. It isn't a feeling I want to have, and I want to be OK with how things went down (1st was emergency c-section, 2nd another c-section after trying to do a VBAC, 3rd planned c-section & #4 will be another c-section), but for the rest of my life I think I will have the desire to have experienced what the vast majority of mothers do.

If I were in your position I would try the aversion before going with a c-section, but that doesn't mean that you should do as I would. Do you have adequate support to help you during recovery from a c-section?

Good luck!