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TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

Last post 11-01-2009 2:22 PM by Chuffy. 55 replies.
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  • 10-19-2009 3:20 PM

    TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    Willa was breech so I didn't have a choice; I had to have a c-section. My doctor says that unless this baby is breech or there are other complications, I get to decide which way to go. I've really been leaning towards vbac (vaginal birth after cesarean) because I think a natural birth is better for the baby and mom. A c-section just seems so clinical and unnatural. Obviously it is necessary in some circumstances, but it's just weird to be pregnant and have the baby without your body going through the whole labor process.

    My sister had two natural births, then the third was breech (little stinker flipped during labor!) and had to be delivered via c-section. She said hands-down she prefers natural birth. However, she had two other kids (3 and 1) to chase around so her recovery took longer because she just didn't have time to rest.

    I thought my c-section was pretty easy. I didn't have a lot of pain, and didn't even take any painkillers except Tylenol when I got out of the hospital. I did have trouble walking without being hunched over and getting up out of bed for a while... I think that lasted about a week. Also, I basically had a regular period afterwards; no prolonged bleeding. The hardest part was that it took an hour to sew me back up, then I had to be in recovery for another hour. So I didn't get to hold Willa for over two hours. That was torture!

    DH has been pushing me towards another c-section. He will be able to take two weeks off so he'll be around to help. I think he likes the "knowing" part so we can plan. Plus he's talked to other guys at work whose wives did it naturally and were really sore and had a long recovery. A friend of mine who did it naturally said it felt she got beat by a baseball bat "down there" and she bled for months.

    I know everybody is different, but I'd like to get an idea of how other women's births went. Now you don't have to go into details if you don't want Stick out tongue, but if you've had both, which would you prefer and why?

    Thanks in advance!


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  • 10-19-2009 3:25 PM In reply to janobonano

    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

     I've always thought once you have a c-section any other time you go to give birth you had to have a c-section, my brothers wife had a c-section with her first baby and her second baby they didn't give her a choice of having a c-section or natural they said she was gonna have another c-section.

    Both my sister's had all 3 kids naturally even with no pain meds they got nothing.

     

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  • 10-19-2009 3:29 PM In reply to janobonano

    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    OK, I do not have any children and have never been pregnant...but, my Mom has my younger brother and I. I was natural, he was emergency c-section (my brother flipped during labor, too). My Mom said if I ever get to choose, choose natural. She said it was so much easier and less recovery time. She said she was ready to walk out of the hospital the same day of having me! But, with my brother she was in the hospital for 11 days and was stapled and was very, very sore for a long time.

    Best of luck! :)

    -Stephanie
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  • 10-19-2009 3:29 PM In reply to janobonano

    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    I'd always thought that once you had a C-section, that it was unlikely you'd be doing a natural birth again.  Not sure if it's the uterus being weaker, or what, but that was always the impression I had.  I wonder where I got that.

    I found out recently that because of some physiological thing with me, that I will likely have to have a c-section if I have a baby.  I'm sorta scared of the idea, so I'm interested in others' thoughts on this subject.  (Of course at this rate, I gotta find a husband first.)

    PS, I *just* got a text that my friend (ex's step-sis) is getting induced tomorrow.  Hoooray for newborn babies and their moms!

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  • 10-19-2009 3:45 PM In reply to miranadobe

    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    It used to be, 20 years ago, that "once a c-section always a c-section", but I don't think that is the case any longer because there are times when it is not as invasive as it used to be.

    I've only had one child, via natural childbirth.  I was lucky enough not to tear much or need an episiotomy, which is when most women get the multitudes of stitches and recovery can be painful.  The feeling of the baby coming out was once described like a bowling ball lit on fire, which is pretty accurate.  Then the placenta is just plain weird feeling.  I had 3 stitches total, but one of my roommates had something like 23 for a natural birth.  I don't know that the pain is any less, just the location.  You still have to be careful lifting and moving around for a few days.  And of course, infection, esp. because it's closer to, well, the anal area.

    Did your sister have an episiotomy during any of the births, Janice?  Because I've heard horror stories about this procedure and the patient not being prepared for it.  And this would be the main reason you'd need stitches "down there". 

    Tina
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  • 10-19-2009 3:50 PM In reply to miranadobe

    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

     Many women have VBAC's.  I think a lot of people opt for a C-section b/c it is often a choice after the first one but many also opt to try for a VBAC.   

     I had a vaginal birth with a 4th degree laceration.  I had a forceps delivery and my husband tells me I had an episiotomy although I never would have known otherwise.  It is good my epidural was finally working I guess.  I also felt like I had been beaten with a baseball bat and had to be sewn from one end to the other.  All that said, I would still choose a natural birth over C-section if it were possible.  I really didn't feel like the recovery was that difficult.  Maybe just the first day in the hospital but I think you would still feel that way with a C-section.  I was up and out of bed within an hour of giving birth.  You also have to remember, just b/c your first C-section was easy for you, doesn't mean it will be the same the second time.  My sister in law just had her second child by c-section last week.  It was planned for Friday but her water broke Thursday morning and they had to do it then.  So although you may try to plan it, it doesn't mean anything! 

    I would say go with what you are comfortable with.  Do you have to decide right now anyway or do you have some time to think about it? 

    ~Sarah, Harley & Izzy~
    boneyjean.blogspot.com

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  • 10-19-2009 4:00 PM In reply to boneyjean

    • Myra
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    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    It's no longer "once a c-section, always a c-section".  Much depends on why the first c-section was needed.  In the case of a breech, I don't see that there'd be any particular reason to plan on another c-section?

    I needed a section with my first.  Apparently I have a very small pelvis.  Who woulda guessed?  DS had to be delivered via c-section when my labor failed to progress and both our heart rates dropped into very worrisome territory.  Afterwards, my doctor (who I trust implicitly) estimated that there was a 75% chance I'd need another c-section with subsequent children.  When the time came for DS #2, based on the doctor's estimate and the fact that ultrasounds showed him to be a bit bigger than his older brother, I decided to go ahead and plan a c-section.

    Neither c-section seemed weird or unnatural to me.  I didn't have any special birth plan/experience in mind other than to come home with a healthy baby.  I got that both times, so I felt blessed.  I didn't have a bit of trouble recovering from either c-section, although the second one was much easier.  I was in labor for over 24 hours before the first c-section, plus I had a torn uterus.  Not having to go through labor or uterine complications with the second one, plus knowing what to expect, made it much easier.

    Myra
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  • 10-19-2009 4:00 PM In reply to boneyjean

    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

     I had a c-section with Samantha. I hurt but not enough to take any medicines and recovery was great but I hated that I didnt get to have her natural. Kinda felt cheated in some way. Pregnancy was great and I was looking forward to a natural delivery. If I was to ever have another baby and I had the option of a Vbac I would take it!

    Your hubby isnt the one with the option of getting major surgery!! So if your Dr thinks you can have a Vbac and you want to try go for it!!

    Kimberly
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  • 10-19-2009 4:43 PM In reply to kle1986

    • grab01
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    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    No kids yet, but I always said I'd prefer a C-section. Still feel that way

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  • 10-19-2009 4:55 PM In reply to janobonano

    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    I did vaginal with both, vacuum pump AND forceps on the 1st and as a result much stiching to be done...the 2nd was a threee push deal...and I tore both times.

    Honestly? You asking now is like...such a distant memory, yet I know it was a distant memory even right afterwards.*shrug*. I don't really recall it anyways in details. Unless you video it you probably will recall it differently each time...I mean remember different details or feelings.

    It's all a blur...is a saying invented for motherhood IMO.

    IMO, It doesn't matter...healthy baby and Mom is what sticks with you. I do think men should have NO say...period. In fact I'd never ask my husband nor welcome his input lol. This is my territory and my body and I want to decide it. My dh never said anything about the process...just went to the classes and did what he was told during by me or the hospital staff...IOW he did a great job LOL

    Recovery is long...but I mean I think you bleed for 40 days c section or no so? No benefit there. The lining sheds out...unless they do some kinda procedure while they're in there to hasten it along? (do they?) The pain, well to me anyways my biggest pains came when I breastfed and had contractions...and well, that's just what is supposed to happen. Oh and my boobs hurt...but again...c section will not do anything to abate that LOL.

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  • 10-19-2009 5:38 PM In reply to janobonano

    • Chuffy
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    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

     Natural, natural, natural.  Far better option for mother and baby in the vast majority of cases.  Unless it is a true emergency, I cannot imagine why anyone would prefer CS over a vaginal delivery.

    [tongue firmly in cheek here] - You KNOW babies aren't about convenience and planning.  If that's your bag, don't have a baby!  Stick out tongue

    High on my list of reasons for wanting a vaginal delivery: increased chance of successful breastfeeding.

    Not being able to hold my baby for that long after birth would bother me HUGELY.  With Will, he had to have oxygen, so the cord was cut and he was whisked away, and I didn't get him back for nearly half an hour - and after the first couple of minutes, they were only washing him and doing his apgars!  Next time I am going for skin to skin immediately, breast crawl, feed..... cut the cord only after it's turned white and stopped pulsing (unless kiddo needs oxy again...)  But in any case I want washing, weighing, apgars etc. delayed until at least an hour after birth. 

    No way do I want to be in "recovery" while my kid needs me.  And, immediately after they have been born your kid DOES need you.  Unless the situation is truly dire (ie. the baby is in special care), then what s/he needs most in the entire world is your warmth, to feel your breathing and heartbeat, to hear your voice, feel your touch...  And mum needs baby.  Mum needs to hold the baby in her arms.  Needs to bond with the baby.  Needs to put the baby to her breast.  (The faster she does that, the better the chances of success for breastfeeding.)

     Sadly, because so many women have been pushed into CS when their baby was breech, it's now a rare doc/midwife that can deliver a breech baby.  So, depending where you are, you probably DON'T have a choice if your baby is breech.  Choice is being taken away from us.  Birth is being medicalised.  If half of what I hear is correct, in America, you have it A LOT worse than we do in the UK.... don't the doctors get paid more for a CS?!  Talking to otehr mums and browsing around mums forums, its incredible HOW MANY women actually have their labour SLOWED DOWN by hospital interference, and then get rushed to an emergency CS for "failure to progress".  Hmmm.

    janobonano:
    but it's just weird to be pregnant and have the baby without your body going through the whole labor process.

    Yes it IS weird.  There is a reason for that.  You need the hormones and such that labour and delivery and the whole shebang bring into the equation.  Sacrificing them for convenience is unconscionable to me.

    In addition, there is evidence to suggest that vaginal births are safer, particularly if you have already had a caesarean:

    Excerpt:

    There is a cultural myth in this country that cesareans are just as safe as, if not safer than, normal vaginal birth. However, a study by MacDorman et al., published in 2006, specifically looked at infant and neonatal mortality rates and found that the overall neonatal death rate for babies born by c-section is 2.9 times as high as that for babies born via vaginal birth, and 6.7 times as high if the cause of death was intrauterine hypoxia and birth asphyxia.(4) Additionally, maternal mortality is three times as high for women who have c-sections.(5)

    Source

    Another article

    Personally, I think there are a lot of women who choose C-S because they are frightened at the prospect of "normal" births.  The medical profession and the media are cultivating that fear, and it is to the detriment of mothers and babies everywhere.

    Sorry.  Can you tell I have a bee in my bonnet about this one?!



    "Give a man a fire and he is warm for a day, but set fire to him and he is warm for the rest of his life." - Pratchett, "Jingo"
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  • 10-19-2009 5:43 PM In reply to Chuffy

    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    Chuffy:

    High on my list of reasons for wanting a vaginal delivery: increased chance of successful breastfeeding.

    I agree with this. Again, I don't have kids, but I was born all natural and was successfully breastfed. My brother, breech baby born emergency c-section (and not given back to my Mom for about an hour), could not be breastfed- he just wouldn't latch. So, my Mom pumped breastmilk and bottle fed him.

    -Stephanie
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  • 10-19-2009 5:50 PM In reply to rwbeagles

    • .stacer.
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    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    I find this thread interesting. 

    I don't have any kids, but will....have ONE....eventually.  

    I am TERRIFIED at the thought of giving birth.  The actual giving birth part, not so much the pregnancy, although I do get creeped out from time to time on that at the thought of something living inside of me.  The raising a kid part....I'm good with too, I see so many crappy parents I figure hey, I'm going to be AWESOME.  HAHAHA ya right, if only it were that easy right. 

    I always thought I would much prefer a c-section because I wouldn't have to actually see a baby coming out of me....etc. I was then told how much worse c-sections hurt and how the recovery is much longer. 

    So...from what I'm gathering here.....you can have a painful recovery either way, there is really no way to tell until it happens?

    Stacey.
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  • 10-19-2009 6:32 PM In reply to .stacer.

    • Truley
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    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

    Not a mom but here is a story that ran last week. I would read it and check with the hospital guidelines!

    And for what it is worth, I do not like the idea of a forced surgery.

    http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/15/hospitals.ban.vbacs/index.html




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  • 10-19-2009 6:58 PM In reply to Truley

    Re: TMI Poll for moms: c-section or natural?

      The only thing I did like about having a c-section I did not bleed like my 2 friends who had natural deliveries 3 months before me. Heck I was done bleeding 3 days into my 5 day stay at the hospital.

     

    Chuffy:

    High on my list of reasons for wanting a vaginal delivery: increased chance of successful breastfeeding.



    I agree. I tried to breastfeed Samantha but in the end had to bottle feed her. My milk never came in. I remember my friends complaining and using ice packs but I never hurt or was uncomfortable in the breast. I tried pumping nothing but a couple ounces would come out. I tried for a 6 weels but I could only let Samantha starve for so long. Finally had to break down and let her have formula.
    Kimberly
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