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C-Section By Choice?
Today I received an interesting invitation. It was to the NIH Conference on Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request. Also called elective c-sections and patient-choice cesareans, cesarean birth without a traditional indication is a hot topic these days. It's in the medical news, on the CBS News, and it's being blogged about. A colleague of mine (who hasn't delivered a baby in about twenty years), jokingly has referred to c-section as the "vaginal bypass" operation. Unfortunately, that thinking seems to be catching on without careful consideration.
The subject is alarming to me on a gut level. I am objective enough to believe that an elective c-section might carry a low enough risk to justify a patient's request for whatever reason. She may desire the convenience of planning her delivery date, she may find the idea of labor "horrendous," or she might believe that by having a c-section she'll reduce the risk to her baby or of damage to her pelvic floor. It's also possible that if elective cesarean birth became routine, the cost would be equal to or lower than the average cost of labor and vaginal birth. But, the truth is, we just don't know if these are reasonable considerations. We don't know the true benefits and risks of isolated elective cesarean delivery to mothers and babies. In fact, right now, there's an ACOG front page press release that vaginal birth is not associated with urinary incontinence later in life. And, there are several studies that suggest that mothers and babies bond and breastfeed better following vaginal birth. It seems to me we need to know a lot more before such choice becomes routine standard practice in this country.
Apparently I am not alone in my misgivings. I find it interesting that although almost two-thirds of obstetricians in the US and in other countries say they would give careful consideration to a patient's request for elective cesarean section, only about fifteen percent of them would recommend it for themselves or their family members. And, I think I know why: It's because of the frequently forgotten interface between the normal life functions of pregnancy and birth, and the best-intentioned but interventive practice of modern obstetrics. My long-held belief is that pregnancy and birth are far from disease and surgery, and that just because we can do something doesn't mean we should do it. And, my experience is that vaginal birth is an empowering feat for most women. Apparently, deep down, my colleagues around the world share these beliefs on some level.
I applaud the NIH for convening this conference. I just hope those in attendance represent all the important issues regarding this important subject.
Regards,
RW, MD
Related Topics: C-Sections: Necessity or Choice Issue?, Preterm Birth and C-Section Rates Up
Technorati Tags: pregnancy, childbirth, c-section
The subject is alarming to me on a gut level. I am objective enough to believe that an elective c-section might carry a low enough risk to justify a patient's request for whatever reason. She may desire the convenience of planning her delivery date, she may find the idea of labor "horrendous," or she might believe that by having a c-section she'll reduce the risk to her baby or of damage to her pelvic floor. It's also possible that if elective cesarean birth became routine, the cost would be equal to or lower than the average cost of labor and vaginal birth. But, the truth is, we just don't know if these are reasonable considerations. We don't know the true benefits and risks of isolated elective cesarean delivery to mothers and babies. In fact, right now, there's an ACOG front page press release that vaginal birth is not associated with urinary incontinence later in life. And, there are several studies that suggest that mothers and babies bond and breastfeed better following vaginal birth. It seems to me we need to know a lot more before such choice becomes routine standard practice in this country.
Apparently I am not alone in my misgivings. I find it interesting that although almost two-thirds of obstetricians in the US and in other countries say they would give careful consideration to a patient's request for elective cesarean section, only about fifteen percent of them would recommend it for themselves or their family members. And, I think I know why: It's because of the frequently forgotten interface between the normal life functions of pregnancy and birth, and the best-intentioned but interventive practice of modern obstetrics. My long-held belief is that pregnancy and birth are far from disease and surgery, and that just because we can do something doesn't mean we should do it. And, my experience is that vaginal birth is an empowering feat for most women. Apparently, deep down, my colleagues around the world share these beliefs on some level.
I applaud the NIH for convening this conference. I just hope those in attendance represent all the important issues regarding this important subject.
Regards,
RW, MD
Related Topics: C-Sections: Necessity or Choice Issue?, Preterm Birth and C-Section Rates Up
Technorati Tags: pregnancy, childbirth, c-section
140 Comments:
The doctor makes some good points about the elective c-section becoming popular because of the convenience. If this is the women’s first child, then I agree that nature should be allowed to take its course. If it is deemed necessary during the course of labor, or due to health concerns for the mother and/or child, that a c-section is needed, then by all means for the welfare of the mother and child it should be done. However doctor, you state nothing in regards to elective c-section after medically necessary c-section. There are some OBs that feel "once a c-section, always a c-section." It may be a low risk to deliver v-back, but it is also a risk some women who have had c-sections are not willing to take.
A C-section should be a woman's personal choice. If she has decided to continue with her pregnancy, it should be apparent that she wants her child to be healthy. If she deems a c-section is something that is right for her and her child she should have the option to do it, no questions asked.
Electing to have a major invasive surgery sound like insanity to me. There are times when, with a doctor's advice, c-sections are needed, but why opt for major surgery? Nature knows what it's doing and I think any woman who finds going into labor too much of an interruption of her life should think harder about what having a baby means.
As a first time mother....I must admit that giving birth vaginally is one of the most painful and scary experiences that I have ever been through. Not only are you worried about your own body , but you are constantly hoping, throughout the ordeal, that the baby is safe and able to make the journey through the birthing canal. Even though I had nightmares about the birth for several months after my son was born, I believe that it was the most increadible and magical bonding experience for our family to have participated in together. It really is a group effort. The mother is working hard, the father is trying his best, and the baby is using all of its force to escape. I feel lucky and blessed that I was given the chance to deliver naturally. I am looking forward to having another baby and hoping that I am given the opportunity to do it again. (this time with an epidural!)
I agree with one of the above posters- if labor and delivery is too much of a hassle, maybe a kid just ain't for you.
My wife and I just had our first child by necessary C-Section and were scared and disappointed when we were told we had a breached baby. Around the same time a spoiled, whacked out pop princess was exposing me for the first time to this "elective c-secion" trend. The rapid growth of this process leads me to wonder if it will become standard practice in the not too distant future. That scares me. Anyone heard of evolution?
As a Labor&Delivery Registered Nurse, I have to agree with the MD's comments. It is ludicrous to "request" a c-section! This is major abdominal surgery, not to be taken lightly nor is it without risks! Our society has become far too spoiled if we are to the point that non-necessary surgeries are done on a whim.
I believe a doctors' reluctance to perform an elective c-section has more to do with control, than a woman's desire to give birth the way she chooses. The male-dominated medical establishment has always deemed women too stupid to make their own decisions.If a doctor refused to perform a c- section on me, I'd go find one that would. My body, my choice.
Who knows more about C-sections, and when they're necessary or not, the doctor (male or female) or the pregnant woman?
Listen to your doctor.
I had a c-section with my first delivery due to my daughter being breach. This c-section was followed by two successful VBACs. Having given birth both ways, I strongly recommend having a vaginal delivery unless it is medically necessary to have a c-section. The recovery from my VBACs was much quicker and I was able to return to being a good mother to all of my children much more quickly. I have talked to many women who live in the same area I do (Washington, DC) whose doctors did not even offer a VBAC and told them they should have a repeat c-section. I find this practice appalling; it seems that the doctors want to do this more for their convenience. There are risks to repeat c-sections; I have a close friend who had to have a repeat c-section that was medically necessary and had serious problems as a result that caused her to be hospitalized again.
i have not even begun planning to have any children, yet i already have nightmares about giving birth vaginally. I am so ridiculously afraid of pain, 5 nurses had to restrain me when i needed a couple of stitches in a cut on my foot. I also pass out regularly during routine allergy shots due to nervousness and fear. Please stop posting about people who are "too busy" for vaginal birthing. what about those of us who are just terrified of the idea of the pain we will be going through?
PS. and i'm not saying a c-section isn't painful either. i'm just saying the labor and contractions and all of that seem to be worse than being basically numb and knocked out. i know that typically, recovery time for a c-section is longer than that of a vaginal birth.
I have four children; 2 were vaginal and my twins were c-section. After experiencing both, including complications with one of the vaginal births, vaginal is still the way to go, unless there is a medical emergency. My c-section was in response to early labor while the twins were breach. Pain wise, the c-section was harder to get over.
My first son was delivered by c-section. They tried to induce labor and failed after 2 tries. Then I had vaginal birth for my next two children. First of all the c section was very painful. The vaginal birth recovery was almost a no brainer. My body was back to normal much much faster
I had my full-term twins via c-section because they were breach. I left it to my doctor's discretion to make that decision. I am a well-educated woman and the daughter of a physician, so no way was my c-section the result of some doctor's power trip.
I was disappointed that I couldn't have my babies vaginally, and to this day I wish I could have done so. My c-section was my first major surgery, so it was very scary. The recovery period was long and painful, particularly since I had TWO newborns to care for.
But for me, the worst part of having a c-section has been the ongoing pain I've had at and around my incision site. It's been six years since my girls were born and I still have pain every moment of every day. My ob-gyn suggested plastic surgery to "revise" the scar, hoping to free any nerves caught in the scar tissue. The revision made the scar look much prettier, but it still hurt. Three years ago I had a hysterectomy, and I still have pain on and around my scar. I don't think it's ever going to go away.
Most women don't experience this phenomenon, thank god! But I've spoken to maybe five other women who live with the same daily pain. Believe me, it's not worth it if you can avoid it! The short-term pain of vaginal birth would be MUCH easier to bear than this!
A C-section is major surgery. If you request it on grounds of conveince and/or you're "afraid of pain" I have no sympathy, and you are wasting a doctor's valuable time. (And you should probably rethink having a child.)
Bonding, breastfeeding, parenting and more, are all so effected by Cesarean, even when it is necessary...why opt for it? It is so much harder to recover after a long labor and surgery--or even a planned C-birth.
And just FYI, having a doula contributes to better memory of the birth, lower interventions, fewer Cesareans, better breastfeeding, etc.
Hannah
www.millinersdream.blogspot.com
The woman who wrote about the fear of pain and wanting a c-section to avoid labor has no idea what she is talking about. Let me tell you from experience and I believe the mother who did both can back this up..... c-sections are EXTREMELY painful. It took me up to four months for all of my pain to go away. There was a point where no amount of medication was going to help. I spent 16 of my 22 hours of labor without any pain medication and I would so much rather go through that again then spend months recovering. You must talk to many mothers who did both before you make such a decision. I think you may end up being disappointed.
I have never given birth so I cannot yet speak from experience. However, it seems to me that elective c sections expose the mother to more risk than vaginal birth. When the baby is in trouble, then that risk becomes more acceptable to take on. It sees foolhardy to do it for any other reason. Any time one undergoes major surgery, you expose normally sterile tissue compartments to bacteria. The doctors and nurses take precautions to minimize this risk, but nothing is foolproof. The risk of developing an infection is still present. The vagina is not a sterile tissue compartment and has intrinsic features to make it harder for bacteria to use that as a portal of entry. Plus, I have heard from several women that the C section is more painful and takes longer to recover from than vaginal delivery. As far as being afraid of the pain, I would suggest an epidural. Also, there are plenty of women OBs that would be hesitant to perform elective C sections. I think doctors in general are hesitant because they have studied the anatomy and physiology of the body for years and know a bit more about it than the patients do; not because it is a patriarchal establishment! I am not a doctor, but even so, I think the poster who said MDs think women are too stupid to make their own decisions is offensive. Not being "too stupid to make your own decision" would imply that the poster had researched both procedures. I can't imagine anyone doing so and still electing to have a C section.
Okay, this is going to be long. I had what you could consider an "elective" c-section. My OB, my husband and I together decided that this was the best option for me. Technically it was "elective" because it was scheduled, it was my first, and I did not have a "trial of labor". My reasons were not about pain avoidance or convenience. My reasons were 100% for the health of my child. Basically I did not want to risk my baby's health by going past my due date with a large baby. Before you tell me about "nature" knowing what to do, blah, blah, blah, let me tell you that I have a dead niece because of a doctor who allowed my sister in law to carry a large baby to 42 weeks. The doctor felt induction at 42 weeks was safer than a c/s, but my niece died in utero on the way to the hospital because she was too large and her head compressed her umbilical cord. After watching my brother and sister in law experience the pain and anguish of losing what should have been a healthy baby girl, I swore I would NEVER EVER allow myself to be in that situation. I explained to my OB from day one that I was not comfortable going past my due date, and he was very understanding and sympathetic. As my due date approached, my baby was still not fitting into my pelvis and my cervix was closed and tight. As a result, my OB would not try induction and I was left with two choices - schedule a c-section or wait and let "nature" take it's course. Well, I had already seen what a great job nature did with my niece, so I opted for the scheduled c-section. My son was born completely healthy and had NO ill effects from the c/s. And as far as a c/s affecting bonding and nursing...that is BOLONEY! My son nursed 2 1/2 hours after birth and I exclusively breastfed him for a year - not one drop of formula. He is very securely attached to both my husband and myself, and I can't imagine how our parenting could be any different just because I had surgery. And, truthfully, I did not find the recovery difficult at all. I was up and around within a few hours, and I was back to my normal exercise routine (running 2-3 miles a day) at exactly three weeks post-surgery. I am now pregnant again and would have no problem with another c-section. Of course, if circumstances are different and I go into labor on my own before my due date, I would try a VBAC. But if my due date approaches and there is no baby in sight, I will gladly schedule another "elective" c-section. IMO, a healthy baby is what is most important, and it is up to a woman and her doctor to decide the best way to ensure just that.
I experienced c-section due to my baby being breached but witnessed several VBACs. From my experience I believe the decision should be the woman's decision after she had all the information on both delivery methods. The decision has to ultimately be the woman who has her and her baby's best interest at heart. The doctor would have to guide her to make an informed decision whatever may be right for her.
I am 15 weeks pregnant and have already been begging my OB for a c-section. I had a tubal pregnancy approximately a year and a half ago- it resulted in my tube rupturing and me needing emergency surgery. This being my first major surgery, I obviously was terrified. Yes, I did have some complications as a result of uncleanliness at the hospital and my recovery time was longer due to this infection. However, I would and will opt for a c-section in a heartbeat. I already have the scar and know what I am in store for. Just because I do not want to deliver normally and "let nature take it's course" makes me no less of a woman or no less of a mother.
My daughter is 5 months old and one of my biggest fears about delivery was that I wouldn't for some very scary reason, be able to have my baby the way nature intended. I, too, agree with one of the comments stating that if you'd prefer an uneccesary c-section to a traditional vaginal delivery, then maybe you should reconsider your desicion to conceive.
With the fertility options avaiilable that makes having a baby possible for those who otherwise couldn't is a miracle for them. Who's to say that optional c-section isn't a miracle for those who make wonderful parents not to go through the painful process of vbac. What makes one thing right for one person wrong for another? We all are different why condemn those who choose what's right for them? Is having epideral wrong? Is having assistance in birthing wrong? We should appreciate the fact that we have choices to choose for ourselves...why must we feel the need choose for others as well.
I agree with the mothers that have had both natural and C-secions. Because I have had both also and if I could have had my frist natural I would have it took me three months to heal up enough to do simple things, like pack my baby's diper bag. C-secions are not for an easy way out of having your baby. I was told that after have a C-secion it would be up to two years before my body could handle another pregnancy.
hi to everyone there,
i am midwife working in an NHS hospital in London. The labour ward where i am practising is very busy.
I have not got my own kids since now.
I have seen wondereful vaginal deliveries and i have seen women dialing with dreadful pain screaming with scary voices.
I am feeling jelous of some women having normal fast deliveries with minimal tears(very rarely i would perform an episiotomy)On the other hand i am feeling sympathy for those women having go through very long paiful labours with no progress and end up with an emergency C/S.
In the C/S under spinal you will not feel anything pf pain yopu may experience a bit of pulling and in the end you will your amazing baby having just grapped from your tammy. If you see the C/S from the doctors and nurses' position dials with a lot of pulling cutting tissues and stitching up large traumatic areas.
Going through a well progressive nature wise labour in the end you are feeling amazed. When the baby amazingly sweepes out of the body of his mother, the pain wears off. It is the most powerful moment for both parents.
I do not really from what i am seeing what i would opt for myself. I am afraid a lot of the pain but i do not like to go through a major surgical procedure in order to have a baby neither to go through a very long painful labour. I think i would prefer to have a normal quick labour. I hope.....
I had an extremely bad c-section experience. It was planned too. My baby was breech. I am not afraid of surgery, and can handle pain, so I thought it would be a piece of cake...especially with all of the good things c-section mommies told me. The anesthesiologist gave me something that was supposedly for nausea about a half hour before the surgery. It made me so nervous and antsy and drugged up...I was fine and happy until he gave me that. Then, during the surgery, I freaked out because I could feel it a little and they gave me something for pain. After the baby was born I began convulsing non stop for about 45 minutes(I've reacted like that to general anesthesia once, but not local). The nurses were concerned about something, I think it was my blood pressure dropping, but they opted not to call the doctor (maybe because it was new years eve!!). My husband showed me the baby and I was so drugged up, I said "is that him?" I couldn't even smile. When the pain meds wore off, I was still numb from the waist down. My face was extremely swollen and itchy, and my legs were huge also. (I am normally very petite). I was nauseaus but avoided vomiting with medication. My baby's bed said "breastfeeding" but they continued to drug me up with Oxycodone every 4 hours or so. My poor son was probably so drugged up. No wonder he was such a happy (almost lethargic) baby who started sleeping through the night almost immediately. Never napped much though. I was unable to breast feed much because of the extreme pain I was in when the numbness went away. I pumped some milk because I was so engorged. But there was a point when my son went like twelve hours without a drop to eat. I couldn't even move my arms, neck, anything without extreme pain. You don't realize how often you use your abdominal muscles. My entire stomach was bruised up. My scar was so huge and swolen. I was bleeding a lot and passing large clots. The nurses wanted me to get up. It was the most painful thing ever. It was unbearable. I was not out of shape, I can't imagine why this was so hard for me. I seem to remember it taking a while for them to get my baby out. Maybe he was in a weird position. My doctor just discounted my convulsions saying "your body is just getting used to not having a baby in it." I think he should have said "you may be having a reaction to the anesthesia or pain meds, and you have lost a lot of blood and your pressure dropped a bit." I have seen people convulse like that when they go into shock from blood loss...could that be what happened?? The next day he came to see me and gave me iron pills, saying that my blood test came back showing I did indeed lose quite a bit of blood. I think there was some kind of complication...I know so many women who have had c-sections, and almost all of them highly recommend it. I am wondering if there is something in my family. A cousin of mine almost died during her c-section and lost use of her arm for a while (due to a clot?) They had to give her 7 units of blood, that's how close she came. Her sister bled a lot during her second c-section and her doctor said she should stop at two children. I have had doctors comment on me bleeding easily during routine procedures (removal of skin lesion), so that's a thought. Maybe blood loss can cause this extreme pain too. Going to the bathroom, urine or bowel movement was a challenge for at least a month. So painful, I chose not to eat much, and used suppositories. I couldn't even stand up to take a shower for the first two weeks. I needed constant care. It was so humiliating for my husband to see me so helpless...for him to have to bath me and take me to the toilet. For someone who is extremely independent, this was very depressing for me. I couldn't roll over to get out of bed. I was on oxycodone constantly, and it didn't help the pain at all. It only helped me sleep. The swelling in the face went away after a day or so, the legs took weeks to get back to normal size. I think they gave me too much IV fluid when my pressure dropped, and it caused the leg swelling. After about two months I was able to stand up straight and do most daily things, but the incision was very painful at times, on and off for a few more months. I bled non stop for 9 weeks, until my OB put me back on birth control, and that stopped the bleeding. It wasn't like period blood, it was more like shedding of fleshy stuff...sometimes red but mostly brown. It smelled like that brown stuff they use in the hospital to treat wounds. The whole experience was so traumatizing that I told my husband I didn't want any more children. That all changed after a few months and I am pregnant again, 3 1/2 years later. I am going to try for a vbac, even though I am paranoid about transmission of hpv/hsv. I know the risk is so low, but I am deathly afraid of a c-section. I changed doctors, thinking maybe it was something my doctor did...but he is highly respected, and a high risk specialist, but he didn't take me seriously when I told him about my pain. One other weird thing..I developed a weird allergy to advil/aleve containing drugs after the birth. My whole face swells up and my nasal passages swell so I can't breath at all through my nose, and my throat starts to tingle...scarey! I wish someone could tell me what the heck happened to me during my birth!!!!!!!! So for everyone supporting c-sections..for some of us it is a traumatizing, horrible experience...and for some people it's even worse than that. You just never know. I feel it is my duty to warn people that it can hurt A LOT. Last but not least, I had a lot of bonding trouble. I was depressed for the first time in my life and angry and didn't bond well with my son. Perhaps with vaginal, I would have done better...I don't know, but my son has some issues today (developmental delays, behavioral issues..occupational/speech therapy), and I can't help but blame myself for not wanting to interact with him for the first few months of life (luckily he had my mom there a lot, and a very involved father too). Thanks for listening!
My c-section was due to breech presentation and was thus scheduled. During the surgery everything went fine, I didn't have any infections or blood loss but perhaps a nerve was accidentally cut because I was in excruciating pain for four months. Pain killers (even morphine) did not touch the pain. I did have a difficult time bonding with my baby but it did eventually happen and now I'm crazy about her. I'm ten months post partum and I'm still feeling pain in the form of pulling and tugging. I wish I had never needed a c-section but I am happy than my baby is alright. I have heard from women that their recovery after surgery was a breeze and I believe them. However, I would recommend to women that they choose what they think they could live with better. However, if they are choosing a c-section to avoid pain, they are greatly misinformed.
I agree that a woman should be allowed to choose the way she delivers a baby. In America people elect to have many different types of surgery. If a woman knows the pro and cons of each type of delivery then she should be able to make an informed decision. Delivery can be very dangerous either way. The well being after both deliveries can vary for each individual. A woman can deliver vaginally and be very ill and not be able to function as much as someone who had a c-section. A person knows thier body type best and I wouldnt say that there is such a huge demand for elective c-sections that we really need to worry as professionals. Most women dont choose a c-section, but if they want to that is thier choice.
i am 32 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. i had to have an emergency c-section after 11 hours of hard labour. i have been pschologiclly scared because i had to experience the 11 hours of painful contractions,and then the pain of the ceserean. i am now going to visit my consultant to discuss the mode of labour. i am praying that as i have had ac-section before he will allow for another.if he doesnt then i dont know what i will do as i am terrified. the ceserean wasnt that bad. i wqs out the hospital after three days. my scar has gone and i really prefer that pain to the horrible labour.i think that in this day an age a woman should have the right of choice....
First off, if you are a man, you have absolutely no clue about what/how/why/etc. a woman is feeling what she is. I would like to think that if i elect to have a surgery-assissted birth, I may do so. I get physically ill and am terrified of the prospect of vagnial delivery... and its not like i can just be put to sleep and have this child pulled through my vagina, right? Women's rights are still far behind, I see.
I also had a sch. c-sec. due to a breech baby and I am currently 30 weeks along with my second. I am also opting for another c-sec. I have made the decision that if she comes on/before her due date I will try for a vaginal delivery. But I must say that I experianced absolutley NO problems during my s/c or with the bonding experiance with my daughter. I dont think that anyone has the right to say that a s/c with interfer with your parenting skills or the relationship that you will have with your child.Because it was/is not the case with me --it is someones opinion.Every situation,family and child are differant.
its a choice.... my daughter was delivered via csection 5 weeks early.... but my doctor was an idiot to say the least... i hope to have a vbac when we have a second but who knows.
A C-section should be woman's choice!If woman can decide to have an abortion(sometimes really late in her pregnancy)she should have the choice to decide how her baby is gonna come out to this world).Viganal birth has got many risk and lets be honest the care woman receive after birth it's very,very poor!!!episiotomy!every second woman will have one no matter if there is a need for one!the docor is doing it for his or her convinient!!!why nobody is respecting woman's rights!it's us to get pregnant(sometimes not easy,taking years,lots of doctors visits,all kind of hormons)us to make sure we do everything right for a healthy baby,us to feel sick,have headaches,all kind of pains etc.If a woman has decided to continue with pregnancy it should be apparent taht she wants her child to be healthy!
I am 8 months pregnant & this is going to be my 3rd c-section. My first 2 were medically needed, so with th reasons, my doctor said it would be best to have a c-section. I was in labor both times for more then 12 hours and needed a c-section. I don't see why someone would elect to just have one because. It is painful & I still have pain on one side of my scar & my last child is now 9 years old. I don't have a choice but I also want more kids. Thanks
I don't see anything 'wrong' with a truly medically necessary c-section. However, I DO NOT believe that insurance companies should pay for elective ones. The FACT is that c-sections cost twice as much as a vaginal delivery and we are all paying that price in our premiums. Insurance doesn't cover other 'elective' surgeries, why this one? If it isn't deemed medically necessary - then the patient can foot the bill. Anyone can have a nosejob (it's their choice), but I, nor insurance, should pay for their 'choice.'
I am pg with my 2nd child now, but was nearly forced into a c-section by my doc with my 1st. With zero issues except he felt like I "wasn't progressing fast enough." For who? I must have been interferring with his teetime or something. Certainly my baby was in no risk and I went on to have a healthy boy - but 10 hours past what my doc would have liked.
Just remember labor is just that - hard - but billions of woman have done it for thousands of years. And, c-section recovery can be difficult as well. Slicing through and sewing up your abdominal/uterine wall is not minor. But our bodies are MADE for vaginal delivery - some doctors and woman have just stopped believing that.
Good points made by all, but I think it comes down to personal choice. I don't think that "convenience" and being able to plan an actual date for it is a good enough reason to choose c-section.
However, I had a vaginal delivery for my 1st child. I had an episiotomy, 3rd degree tearing, and huge problem with hemorroids ever since. With another one on the way, I don't want to chance the same problems as with the first. Also, the scar tissue from that first tearing/episio have never gone away, and likely never will. It took a YEAR for me to even try to have sex again. I would be devastated if even more damage occurred during a second vaginal delivery birth.
How DARE these overly judgemental women have the audacity to tell someone who doesn't want to have a baby vaginally that maybe they shouldn't have children. Like that somehow translates into us not caring about our babies and we will be non-involved parents. You people should be ashamed of yourselves for your close-minded, judgemental and extremely venoumous points of view. What the h*ll is it to you how a woman chooses to birth her child. I have loved being pregnant and when other pregnant women have been freaked out how their lives will change after the baby is born, all having vaginal birth mind U, I can't relate I know it will chng, I will be sleepless many nights and no more spontaneous trips out of the house alone etc.. None of that has bothered me, I can't wait to meet my baby girl. Complications with a vaginal birth have always struck me with absolute horror. Get off your high horse about how your way to have a baby is the only option to choose and that if I don't want to experience that that somehow I am not worthy of being a parent. I think you people think the only significant thing you do in life is have a baby vaginally and that is sad, being a parent is the most important thing you can do with your life, not the method you choose to have the baby. Get a life!
It does seem rather a shame that people are quick to pass judgement on women who have c-sections as if we are all thoughtless no brainers who are not fit to be parents.
I went through a full labour with my first child, but he was stuck in an awkward position and became distressed, hence an emergency section was required, which by the way I was both upset by and in a lot of pain for a long time.It took 5 years of THOUGHT!!before we tried again. This time I was all for a vbac, however due to kidney problems and the fact that I could not be induced I had a last min elective at 41 weeks. Not because I was afraid of something that I had already tasted at it's worst, but because I actually wanted to see my baby here safe and sound, as did my husband (the poor people that everyone seems to forget)who actually thought he was going to lose one or both of us the first time round.We did not want to risk a problem with our baby again, and after the section, my baby was in fact bigger than my first which the consultants did not think was going to be the case, even an earlier scan was showing a smaller baby than my first. and his head was large, and once again the consultant commented that it was actually a good job that I had had a section after all, as there could have been a repeat again.
So our instincts and fears were founded, and we had a healthy boy weighing nearly ten pounds, I got to see him because it was not an emergency, and he was safe.Which was the most important thing to us.
So when you judge that we do not care about our babies, put yourself in that situation, I could have risked losing my baby the secind time round too, and I would not have deliberatly put my child at risk just to avoid giving birth I had very good reasons for my choices as I am sure many other women do.That does not mean that I would not have loved to have been able to give birth naturally, and finish this time, but what I wanted and what was best for all of us was two different things.
I don't know how long ago these women had c-sections, or how old they were, but i had a c-section due to my daughter being breech and i loved it, no pain and my recovery time was way fast maybe their just weaklings or too old to handle it, or they had one years ago, but i'm pregnant with my second a boy and i elected to have a c-section, it's my body my choice. So for all of you that think your so bad-ass and better than other women just because you had a baby vaginally you can just shove it. for the women who have elected to have c-sections, it's your body your temple and nobody else has to go through this experience but you. so make a choice a well educated choice, yes it is considered major surgery, but hello is it not a major thing to have a baby? by the way you may be numb but ur not knocked out i watched them take my baby out and it was a great experience, and this may just be because i'm young and heal well but two weeks later i was exercising regularly, and i plan on it being the same this time.
I had a scheduled c/s 5 months ago with my first child because she was breech. I was concerned going into it because I wanted to breast feed and I heard that it takes longer for a woman who has had a c/s for her milk to come in. Honestly though, I had NO problems what so ever. I breast fed exclusively for 4 1/2 months and my recovery was a cake walk. I never even had any pain medication after my surgery, just advil. I really think each person is unique in her experiences and I also strongly believe it has a lot to do with your health prior to the surgery as to how your recovery will be. When my husband and I have our next child, we will carefully choose the delivery method based my doctors recommendations and what is in the best interest of our child. Thanks to everyone for you comments.
While I agree that elective, pre-scheduled c-sections by women who just don't want to go through labor are ridiculous, I also agree that when medically neccessary, they save lives(both mom and baby). A friend of mine had one with her son because he was breech, and she still has pain all the way from her skin to her insides and at the spinal site. Another friend went through almost 20 hours of labor with no progression, so she and her doctor decided on a C. If it is medically neccessary for me to have one, I will. Otherwise, my choice is to go as long as possible "naturally", because that is the way my mom and her mom and her mom gave birth, and that is the way we were meant to. To those who have lost or have friends/relatives that have lost babies due to long and arduous vaginal labors and births, that was God's will and they should take comfort in the fact that their baby is safe now and in good hands.
That is ridiculous that any of you women would knock another woman because of the method she chose when giving birth. You bitchez must have the IQ of an eggplant to even suggest that any of these women that have had an elected C-section are any less of a parent that a woman who has chose a VBAC. I am 3 months pregnant with my first child and have seriously considered an elective C-Section. After reading some of these comments posted by these ignorant people, I was appalled!
I really wanted to give birth the natural way, unfortunately it did not work out that way. After being in labor for about 16 hours AND being induced, I was also 4 days past the due date, I started pushing. Pushing the traditional way put the baby in distress. Then I was pushing lying on my right side and nothing was happening. Although I was fully dilated, his head was not descended far enough to make pushing productive. After 3 hours of pushing the doctor said the best way to deliver was by c-section. SHE said she was willing to keep working with me but that the c-section would be the quicker route at that point. My husband & I talked and prayed together and opted for the c-section. Our son was born weighing 9 pounds and 5 ounces, 21 inches long. I believe all things work out for the best. I hope that if we have another child to deliver vaginally. I'm all for natural everything, but ultimately what matters most is that a healthy child is born. Our son is healthy, strong and such a blessing to us!
I actually have a comment but I am hoping someone will give me feedback on this. My son was born Dec. 2005 by C-section because I was past my due date, my fluid was low, and I was diagnosed with an "un-inducible cervix". While I experienced no significant complications (aside from the fact that I still get occasional internal pain when I stand too quickly,sneeze,or cough at the site of the incision) I was very disappointed that I could not hold my son when he was delivered because my arms were strapped down...no one mentioned this important down-side. To make matters worse, the hospital whisked my son away from my husband just as I was finished being sewn up and put drops in his eyes. These drops caused an allergic reaction to my son's eyes, causing then to swell and stick shut, so I didn't get a chance to look into mt first born child's eyes for five whole days...another great disappointment. My husband did get to spend quality time while he and the baby just stared at one another prior to the drops, so at least one of us was seen by the newborn. I am now pregnant with my second child and I am very interested in a VBAC. This is mostly for selfish reasons, because I am bound and determined first of all to feel what labor at least feels like (I know, people tell me all the time that I am not missing anything and if I have an excuse to avoid the pain I should take it, but I feel it is my right to at least know what the sensation of contractions and labor feel like just for the sake of an experience of womanhood) and I am adamant that this time I will be the first to hold and bond with our child...I mean fair's fair. However, My OBGYN seems to be against the VBAC option stating that with a recent C-section only two years earlier and no previous vaginal deliveries, that it is too dangerous and risky (because of possible uterine rupture), and wants to schedule another C-section. I know there are risks involved with a repeat C, as well but this doesn't seem to be a topic of discussion. I also know a fewpeople who had successful VBACS after c-sections with no previous vaginal births. Is there anyone out there who is familiar with the serious risks to both VBAC and repeat C-section, who can reccommend which is safer? Am I being too selfish for wanting this Natural delivery and is it too much of a health risk for me?
i totally agree that c-sections should only be deemed necessary when there is a risk of harm for mother or baby.
Due to many factors, I had to undergo surgery for my son. The post partum period is hard enough both physically and mentally, without having to deal with the pain and frustration that comes with a c section recovery. the hardest part was not being able to hold my son, or rock him to sleep in those early days when he was still a lil 6 pound newborn. i coulnt even burp him because of the pain!
im not saying that a vaginal delivery isnt painful by any means, but im sure that healing from something that your body was built for is less difficult than being sliced open.
its been 3 months, and its just getting better now.
ultimatley, it boils down to personal choice. everyone's body heals diffrently. im just sharing my experience.
I personally have had 2 c-sections myself and the with my first child it was a emergency c-section because I could not deliver vaginally for more than one major reason, and i did not expect that at all. So due to medical reasons I was faced with either being on crutches for 6 months due to a pelvic break after the delivery or knowing how the recovery was from my first, dealing with about a few weeks where I can still move around and take care of my child alone when needed. so I decided to have a c-section with my second child because I knew what I could tolerate. So, some women don't just decide to have a c-section because you can choose to. some women have to decide what is the best decision to make for her, her baby and her family. I would have liked to have had a vaginal delivery but my body just doesn't allow me too due to the size of my babies, my body would face a major outcome.
This is in response to the "but vaginal deliveries hurt too much" explanation for wanting a C-Section. C-Sections are very painful! It is far from a pain free event. While an epidural makes the initial surgery free from pain (however, you "feel" the surgery completely - you just don't register the pain of the invasion. Think about that for a moment, you will feel the tugging, pulling, suctioning - everything - it is not comfortable.) the recovery is very painful. You will have weeks of difficulty sitting up and walking with significant pain in your abdomen. Your abdomen is cut open, your abdominal walls separated and your inards moved around for crying out loud. I find it funny that people talk about the pain of contractions (I had those, too, yes, they hurt - but it is not unmanageable. Especially with an epidural) but never talk about the pain of a C-Section. Take my word, if you can, have the vaginal delivery.
Every woman is different - some friends of mine would never, ever opt to have a c-section, believing it should be a natural process, while others think that the power of choice should rule. The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Either way, you should discuss your preferences with your doctor beforehand. You may surprised at what they say. My personal situation is that I have 2 metal rods in my back from scoliosis surgery. When I asked my doctor (before trying) if that would preclude me from having an epidural or spinal block, she told me that they could be ineffective depending on where the rods were placed. I got x-rays done to help the anesthesiologist. However, if a c-section is medically necessary and I am not responding to the drugs, I will need general anesthea. Right now, I am still trying but I plan to discuss all my options with my doctor again, when the time comes. If it makes more sense to have an "elective" c-section to avoid a more dangerous outcome then I would do so. I do not think it would be more painful then my 3-weeks in the hospital following back surgery - and I don't think I should not be a mother because I find natural childbirth unsavory (I also lost stomach muscle, which had to be cut in the back surgery -so, pushing is not an easy task for me). We are lucky to be living in a free and open society where we do have a lot of options. Find a doctor who listens as well as they give advice and, either way, go for it - good luck!
My first child was an emergency c-section and my second a VBAC. I highly recommend vaginal birth if given a choice. With an epidural, there is virtually no pain and the recovery is so much faster. I was on my feet and able to be a better mother to my son with the vaginal birth. The c-section had me struggling for five days in the hospital with pain, exhaustion, etc. (and this was not my first major surgery). Plus, it was harder to bond with my child after the c-section -- they have you strapped down in a crucifixtion pose, the baby gets whisked away to be measured and weighed while the doctor is closing you up. My doctor was so concerned with getting my incision closed that he forgot to check and see if he had just delivered a boy or a girl! P.S. When the doctor actually removed my son from my uterus during the c-section, he warned me I would feel "a little pressure" on my lungs. What an understatement! It felt like I was suffocating! People who think c-sections are "a piece of cake" are just plain ignorant.
I can understand where the doctor is coming from, but I also feel that it is entirely the woman's choice. I believe a huge reason today that woman choose to have a c-section is fear. I personally can understand this as I was actually thinking about having a c-section by choice. I am actually considering this because I got pregnant and I'm only 20. I decided to give the child up for adoption, however my boyfriend left after finding out about me getting pregnant. Though I'm not making an excuses for my previous mistakes and a decisions, I do have to say I've talked to many people who suggest a c-section makes one feel less connected to the child during the birth. Obviously you'll be connected from carrying the child for 9 months, but they have said when giving a child up for adoption you actually feel like you just went through a surgery, not a birth. While I dont' think this would be best for mothers who are keeping the child I think in my situation it would be a good thing in helping me come to terms with the fact I'm giving the child up for adoption so it can have a better life. With a c-section I think it might minimize some of the fears I possess and make me feel less attached to the child which will mean it will be easier to let go.
I am 29 weeks pregnant and having a c-section due to 3 doctors recommending it for the safety of mine and my baby's lives (the baby is very large already and I am very small). I had already told the doctor that I wanted a c-section, he was going to do it after thoroughly discussing all of the pros and cons of this choice, but as it turns out, I have to have one anyway.
I do not understand why people are so critical about a woman's choice to do something. How is it that some women are so disgusting that they can say "a woman who wants an elective c-section, should reconsider even having a child"? So, are these women, the women of nature, going to say to their doctors (if god forbid their children are seriously ill at some point) "no... I do not opt to have this procedure for my child... let nature take it's course"?
Science evolves as do people... women included... what is the point in evolution if it is to be ignored? If a woman can avoid a potentialy terrible labor or even just the fright of imagining one, by scheduling a c-section... why not?
You think a woman who has been through excruciating pains during labor will be more affectionate towards the baby that was essentially the source of this pain, or the woman who had a fast, pain free delivery will be able to coo more lovingly at her baby?
And it goes the other way too, there are plenty of women who have had terrible c-sections and or recovery from one (elective or needed) and wish they could have had a natural birth... but who are we to judge another woman?
We are humans, not baby machines... we have fears, feelings, desires and instincts on what is best for ourselves.
Should we stop voting and allow men to decide if we will even have children?
Also, to those of you think a c-section shouldn't be covered by insurance if it is elective....I do believe that if women can convince insurance companies that a nose job is due to a deviated septum and have a cosmetic surgery covered, that there is no reason insurance shouldn't cover an elective c-section. I don't pay BCBS $900 a month so that I am denied coverage for something so major.
Let women decide what is best for themselves, their children, and family.
Would you rather have the person have an abortion? I think whatever a woman chooses is what should be done. I am a very religious person. Just because you think a c-section doesen't hurt...it does. You have a longer recovery time and usually more side effects. I think that if a woman wants to go through them she should. Also you bond with a child for nine months. C'mon people I don't believe having a c-section will hurt a bond at all. That's really ignorant if you ask me. I think that having a c-scetion should be a woman's choice no matter what. So get over it if you ain't having one and be nice to your fellow man and worry about something that really matters in the world such as war, politics, etc.
I had my first two children vaginally and my third child was born after an emergency c-section. Any way you have a child, other than adoption, is painful. After my c-section I developed a severe infection in the incision site. This required more surgeries, a wound vac, and then wet to dry dressing changes. There are risks with anything,however, I think you need to fully research your decisions. I wanted four children and now that is not an option for me. So just research your choice and think seriously about it.
Sheesh, do we have any normal people in this world? What the hell is wrong with a C-Section? We all know it is major surgery(it has its pros and cons),all that really matters to me is that the baby is free from brain damage(bleeding of the blood vessels)and hypoxia(lack of oxygen).Why do so many uppity and egocentered women get bent out of shape over the fact that "so and so had a planned C Section...blah,blah,blah..." It could be the other way around,remember the lady who would rather let her twins die rather than be "cut like that."
Hey neanderthals, here's one for you:why would you consider it "selfish" for someone to have a planned C-Section when the C-Section is just as (or more painful) than labor.Would you consider it "selfish" for a woman to have a planned C-Section to avoid the risk of landing in the hands of an irresponsible physician who would not perform the needed C-Section which would result in irreversable brain damage which COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WITH A C-SECTION. Just remember, anything that can go wrong during the birth process WILL GO WRONG. As for the uppity and egocentered women who still look down women who chose to have a planned C-Section for the right reasons(being afraid of labor pains is NOT a good reason)need to increase their medication and go find somthing else to do.
I find it interesting that none of the posts that I have read has actually considered how your baby feels. While I understand they do not have decisive reasoning skills I do know from my own experience that babies are definetly affected as well as the mother during both birth situations. I had my first child vaginally and for fear of the epidural I was extremly tough and was blessed with a super-healthy baby girl with a HUGE head and I survived. I had trouble sleeping because I was a first time parent and that affected my bonding abilities. My son who was born 6 months ago was not the same. I had a doctor who even told me breastfeeding was pointless and my son should be circumsized without pain relief because he will never have to go through labor basically punish him for not being female. YUK! I was threatened into a c-section by her. I tried to say no but she told me that she would probably refuse to deliver him vaginally anyway. I suffered severe depression over this. I actually wanted to go through naturally like the first time. I didn't want to give my son any unnecessary risks. Well surgery day I had to get to the hospital and while everyone was really nice (except the Dr.) I was nervous. I could not videotape the birth like I did for my daughter and I began getting poked and prodded more than ever before. They began with the catheter and if you have never been catheterized you are lucky it is the most horrible and embarrassing thing I could imagine. I sat with this cold plastic tube inside of me and was constantly urinating or at least feeling like I was. Then came the IV and the cold fluids from that running through my veins. Then the epidural which I still suffer pain from this process. My husband watched them put it in and described it from all the blood spraing all over the room as looking like a gunshot wound. When you go through labor for several hours and then choose an epidural you don't really notice the needle much, but when you are fully aware of what is going on you can feel the spinal catheter scraping against your vertebrae. Now granted once the medicine shoots through you it is pretty cool. I guess it's like showing up pretty drunk to the birth of your child. I laughed and sang and had a great time and felt some pressure and saw a foot but heard no crying from the baby. They worked on him for a minute and explained it is a part of c-sections. He eventually began crying and the showed him to me. Pure torture is seeing the baby of your dreams after months of waiting and not being able to even touch him and being told you had to wait at leats an hour and maybe several hours before you can see him again. Then I was shipped off to the recovery room with the typical curtain to shield me from basically no one. To add insult to injury I was spending one of the happiest days of my life alone and in a confused state from the drugs and then came the nausea. Desperate to be near my son again I had to try very hard not to vomit unfortunately I did not succeed and vomited in front of a bunch of strangers. I tried hard to hurry along the recovery room experience and soon began to get feeling back. OH MY GOSH!!! I was in pain and felt that darn catheter again. After my Dr. finally felt guilty over forcing me into an unwanted c-section she sort of apologized and to make up for her faux pas she offered to get the catheter out of me that night(usually it is kept in until the next day). When you go through a birthing experience your body wants replenishment and jello does not do the trick, but I was forced to be on a liquid diet for the first day. I WAS STARVING!!!! I continuously begged my nurses for food because it had been almost 24 hours without a meal and would end up being well over that by the time I finally had my husband bring me something. Also for the first two days I had a crazy itch and had to take more medication. I was told this is the usual thing to expect after a C-section because of the mixture of the meds. I finally got to see my baby again and desperately wanted to bond with him, but I was too weak to do too much. I tried to sleep for days, but the surgical pain and the staples in my abdomen pulled and pinched that I couldn't even roll over without having help or using my arms to move me (thankfully I have always been very strong) Anyway getting out of bed was nearly impossible as well and to top it off I began getting a cold, but guess what!? You literally are unable to cough or sneeze because you ab muscle is now paralized and some of it for life!!! I finally agreed to take larger doses of my pain meds not realizing that they were the only chance I had to get through this. Before being released from the hospital I was loaded up with gas medication because they refused to let me leave until I had a bowel movement. For two days straight I tried and nothing happened finally they gave me a suppository and I was able to go, but again my ab muscles were gone so it was an experience in and of itself. I eventually recovered a few months later or so I thought, but I am currently (6 mos later) having an unending period it has been 22 days now and I have also been cramping. What some of the ladies did not mention is what it is like to itch and be unable to scratch it because the scar will continue to itch but because it is numb you can scratch until you bleed, but no relief.
In the beginning I discussed the baby's feelings and I'd like to expand on that. What no one ever told me was that my baby would go through choking and gagging because of the amniotic fluids left in his lungs due to the c-section. When a baby does not have time to clear his lungs of the amniotic fluid BEFORE birth it gets stuck in their. Imagine breathing in water and like a vaginal birth the water is emptied out gradually and now imagine like in a c-section as you take a big gulp of water being ripped out and leaving all that water in there. Four weeks after my son's birth he was admited into the hospital because of surprise, surprise a respiratory illness called RSV. Do not be selfish enough to think my body my choice when there is someone else dealing with that decision. My situation was insane there was NO medical reason found for a c-section, but later I found out the most of this doctors patients were pressured into C-sections regardless of the medical need. I agree that there are certain reasons and some doctors that should offer c-sections when a high risk pregnancy is at play, but for heaven sake's don't think the grass is greener on the other side when you have no idea what either one is like. If you can handle menstral cramps you can handle labor. What happened to women being strong!!! Remember the story of the mother who could lift a car off of her child when the child's life was threatened. On a side note my daughter is turning five and has never had health problems, but my son has had a few respiratory illnesses since and I was told it is normal in a C-section baby. I will try a VBAC next time if I can because labor was easy next to this experience. Take care and good luck.
What do you women of nature want, a purple heart? As for the remark, 'whatever happened to women being strong?'(refering to the natural labor being the only right way),WOMEN ARE WAY MORE THAN BABY MACHINES!!! The last thing the world needs is a bunch of stuck-up,self-righteous,and ignorant women who have nothing else better to do other than impose their veiews on other people. A C-section is major surgery and is more painful than natural labor. Those who opt. for a C/S because of being afraid of labor pains are in for rude awakening.Better safe than sorry is my rule. There are so many things that could go wrong in the delivery room(being deprived of oxygen)...many of them can be prevented by a C/S. Women of nature, let me put this in terms you can understand: Sometimes nature can take its course, other times, doing things your way can be a natural disaster. Get off your high horse and get a life, humanity will be better off without you!
I guess I should clear up an obvious misunderstanding. When I refered to women being strong some peole may have found that to mean natural child birth is what strength I was refering to. Obviously if you had read on you would realize that what I was refering to is the fact that women for years have fought to be as strong if not stronger than men so why is it that we suddenly have stopped believing in that superhuman strength that is inside us. Also, on a side note you can get surgery for menstral cramps too... it is called a hysterectomy, but there are obvious consequences. To me this seems obvious, but we live in a society that believes wholeheartedly in drugging up ourselves and all of our children because they like to play and laugh.
My point in my other blog comments was that my baby and MANY other babies who have gone through C-sections have had several problems some of them fatal. I find it ignorant to automatically assume that just because you get a C-section that it is safer. I personally didn't like the epidural because I don't like my butt being numb. If you don't want to deal with the pain of labor get an epidural above surgery. (it is ususally easier to survive) You have to have one anyway if you get a c-section. I believe that we ALL are strong that is why we are the ones who get pregnant. My comments were supposed to be encouraging and resulting from my own horrible experiences and unfortunately people enjoy taking things out of context to be justified in their own decisions.
My husband and I had been trying for 3 years to get pregnant. And after alot of emotional and painful fertility treatments our prayers were answered. Although I'm only 3 months the thoughts of delivery have already entered my mind. Vaginally or Ceserean? Either way it's going to be no cakewalk. Hence the word "Labor."
The question that is on my mind is if family history plays a role in your delivery? I'm saying this bacause my mother and 2 grandmothers all had terrible vaginal deliveries. All resulting in 28-30 hrs of labor.
I was a forcept baby leaving marks on my head for a week. And after my mother delivered the doctor said," we really should've done a c-section." So I'm a little undecisive of what to do. It's really great to hear both sides of the story from you strong women. And let's face it, if we all had the same views on these subject matters what fun would that be :)
I agree with the last entry, it hit the nail right on the head. This is not a one size fits all solution :)
I really hope all of you go back and read the comments from the beginning. I am amazed at the anger spewing from these "pro-choice" people. I am concerned that someone with so much anger at another person's opinion even has children, regardless of how they're born.
The problem, as I see it, with elective c-sections to avoid pain, or for the sake of convenience is in the fact that, with that decision, the mother has already shown that she puts her own needs and CHOICES ahead of those of her child. What a very selfish society we live in.
I know there are many mothers on here who say that their bonding/parenting wasn't affected by a selective c-section, but is that really surprising? Of course they aren't going to say that they aren't as close to their children as someone who put their child's needs first. The truth is, there are many studies that have shown that c-sections do have an adverse effect on mother/child relationships.
What the hell is with the last comment on how "The truth is, there are many studies..." After reading the comment about women who have had a C/S are horrible people, I am reminded of the woman who would rather let her twins die rather than be 'cut like that'.
I find it odd that these neanderthal women who claim that elective C/S is all about pain avoidance and convenience when:
1. A C/S is more painful than a natural birth.
2. A C/S takes longer to recover from.
To me, it sounds like these neanderthals are looking for some lame excuse to bully women for not doing things their way.
The world would be a much better place without judgmental people. If these neanderthals have a problem with this entry, they can go stick their heads in a wood chipper and let "nature" do the rest.
I am Tokophobic (look it up), I am a Registered Nurse, have a Masters in Psychology and am in no way what you could call 'dumb'. I CHOSE a C/section under GA for the delivery of my now 7 year old. Why? Because it was my choice due to psychological reasons. It was a fantastic experience with none judgemental staff and a healthy baby.
I believe in a person making their own choices in life - so why does society in general think they have the right to condem a woman if she chooses to have a non-vaginal birth? WHAT THE HELL DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH ANYBODY ELSE ANYWAY? They are aware of the risks and they choose to take them.
My son and I are 'bonded' (ridiculous word) and not seeing his first few minutes of life is neither here nor there.
If I could not have another c section (I am five months with number two) then I would have had an abortion - despite not being 'for' them. I am that terrified of birth and labour.
Like I said, it is MY choice and anyone who says otherwise can go and **** themselves quite frankly!!!
Name some studies which actually PROVE 'bonding' is adversely affected by c-sections. GIVE US THE EVIDENCE!! As far as I can see it is all anecdotal.
Some people that have left comments here have said they are scared of the pain of labor. My question to them is are you forgetting or refusing to factor in the pain of a c-section recovery in the process of making these decisions? I've had one baby vaginally and have been told that my second (due in just a few short weeks) will likely need to be delivered via c-section due to the fact he is in a frank breech position. I can't say I'm happy about this. I've had a terrible pregnancy. I have Hyperemesis Gravidarum or basically extreme morning sickness that, for both pregnancies, started at week 6 and will not end until the baby is delivered. Even with the strongest medications they can perscribe for this the nausea is 24/7 and the vomiting is daily. Think of it as having the stomach flu for your whole pregnancy. I've been forced by my own body to be on partial bed rest my whole pregnancy due to this and the complications that come with it. I'm also bi-polar. Although for me this is mild compared to most, and although my depressive episodes are the true concern for me, the fact that I am unable to take medication has not helped my situation in the slightest. I can tell you that I too was terrified of giving birth vaginally. I was in labor for 21-1/2 hours and was stuck at 7 cm for nearly 4 hours alone and still they wouldn't let me have a c-section under failure to progress, but once it was over, once that baby was delivered, there was an immediate relief. Now, faced with the prospect of having to recover from a c-section after the nausea, vomiting, medication side effects (all very yucky I assure you), pain, dizzyness, and fatigue both physical and mental, I am truely saddened that I will not get that immediate relief again. Please remember that there is pain in every aspect of pregnancy be it in the pregnancy itself, a vaginal delivery, or a c-section. I've had my appendix out and I know how it feels to have abdominal surgery. I've had a baby vaginally with extreme anxiety over the labor and out come. I would still choose a vaginal delivery over the recovery time of c-section. You may say I'm biased after having a tough time during the pregnancy, but the fact is for most (not all but most) women after the pain and trials of labor and delivery (which are short compared to what alot of people go through) are over recovery is simpler and quicker. I urge those who would jump at the chance to have a c-section to be sure to remember this as they mull over all options available to them. For me the most important part will come after the baby is out and I get to take care of them and I would prefer to make it a bit easier on myself (certainly the new bundle isn't going to be cutting their mommy any slack)those first days after delivery by giving myself the best chance at a speedy recovery.
Just my 2 cents...I am 40 wks and 3 days today. I go to the doctor at the start of next week. I have a COMPLETELY closed cervix and NO effacion (sp?). She has told me that she doesn't like to do "elective c-sections" but in my case, an induction would result in nothing but a failed induction. If I am dialated on Monday, she will induce me, if not, we will schedule a c-section. I am expecting to schedule the C-section because I've not even had ONE set of contractions.
I do not think I am less of a mother because my baby is just content in my belly and doesn't want to come out. It's true that next Tues (my date to be induced or operated on) is only the 41 wk mark. However, I'm a VERY petite mom and my baby is already pushing 9 lbs. The doctor is afraid that if I try to deliver vaginally I will hurt the baby and myself. It's true that she can't say "100%" that it will break my pelvis or he could die in-utero, but why risk it?? If I wait and he gets any bigger, I will have to have a c-section anyway, so WHY does it make me a bad mom to want to go ahead and have one?? I believe that God is in control of what happens to me, but I also believe he gave us brains to figure out how to help each other. If we don't let our doctors help us, then why are we going to them? I KNOW a C-section is going to hurt, but I know a vaginal birth of a 9 lb baby is going to hurt too. My sister had an episio & stage 4 tearing with a 6lb 7 oz baby...so avoiding pain is not a priortiy for me...pain inevitable. I really think anyone who is saying that We're weaker or not good mothers or - my favorite - SELFISH (?) for having a C-section should remember there are LOTS of reasons beside being "breech" for having a c-section. This is my first child and I don't know if it will cause bonding problems, but I do know that my sister and I were BOTH c-section babies and I don't remember ever NOT being close with my mom or my dad. I don't see how going through a surgery as a baby (cause YOU ALL KNOW the baby doesn't remember it) affects the bonding with the mother?!? I was also a formula fed child and I have no learning disabilities or developmental problems.
Just like every mom, I want what's best for mine and my husband's baby. I don't agree that having a c-section (regardless of why) makes me a bad mother!
If I could do it all over again, I would still try to have a vaginal delivery. But I know that's not always an option. After 24 hours of labor, my first daughter arrived via c-section because she just wasn't coming any other way. I am grateful for the c-section; who knows what would have happened without it. I was even able to walk the next day. However, a c-section is major surgery and there are plenty of complications that can come along. Ten days after my section, I began to ooze at the incision. My husband rushed me to my OB, and an OB and a nurse proceeded to open my incision by applying pressure - no time for pain meds. There was apparently some bleeding behind the incision and the blood had to get out. The nurse even told me that had I waited an hour longer before getting to the office, the incision probably would have burst on its own. It gets worse. They couldn't just stitch me up. They had to leave the wound open and it had to be packed three times a day. My husband is a saint and got to clean the wound and pack it. It took months for it to heal. What happened to me was unusual, but it seemed once we started to talk about it, everyone knew "someone" who had similar complications. Yes, c-sections can be a godsend, but they should not be entered into lightly and I hope women will remember that they are major surgery and realize complications can happen.
Wow, I am amazed at some of these posts.
First, an elective c-section because there is concern regarding the mother or child's safety during vaginal birth is one thing. To do it because you are afraid of the pain is another. To me this is completely common sense.
Second, some of the stories you women are posting about BOTH deliveries are frightening and I almost wonder how these doctors and hospitals are still in practice!!
I have 3 children. I am PETRIFIED of pain and needles and took holistic childbirth because the thought of a c-section and epidurals scared me more than anything. My son was measuring 2 weeks bigger than he should have on my sonogram but it was blown off that sonograms are not completely accurate with due dates and what not the farther along you get - which is true. They are most accurate early like at 9 weeks.
Much to my surprise, my son came 2 weeks before his due date. My water broke because he had flipped and I went into labor. The holistic lessons were AWESOME and I was doing fine until they found out he was breach and told me I would have to have a c-section. Just as they teach in holistic childbirth, as soon as I lost focus, the pain began. Once they pulled my son out, he was so big that doing so caused a suction type reaction and my chest filled with air. Talk about pain! They had to knock me out because I literally felt like I was being stabbed to death. As a result, I was out for 5 hours and it took until the next day for the meds to completely wear off. Until they, I talked like somebody who was high. While the birth did not go as planned, I am thankful it went the way it did as for being 2 weeks early, he was 9 lbs 3 oz and looked blue when I got to see the pictures.
With my second son, my doctor originally said he would suggest a VBAC. Then there came new studies that the risk of uterine rupture (a possibility with a VBAC) was actually much greater than doctors had been led to believe. Because my first son was so big, they suggested I have a repeat c-section to be safe. I did and everything went fine...my son was nursing at 1 1/2 hours old.
Both of my recoveries while painful were not as bad as I expected. My doctor back home was awesome to the point that he still calls to see how I'm doing after moving to NY a few years ago.
The end of last year I found myself expecting our third child. I have always been told that once you have two c-sections it is extremely risky to do anything else so I knew I was going to have a third c-section. I wanted to go back home to my old doctor as I was scared to death to have such major surgery here where I wasn't comfortable with any of the hospitals nor was I completely comfortable with my new doctor.
The thing that amazes me about the posts here about these horrible doctors who threaten the patient into having a c-section and all the other stories I've read, I find myself wondering why any of you stayed with those doctors! I wasn't happy with the care I was getting with my first doctor here in NY so three months before my due date, I switched offices.
My new doctor made me feel comfortable and took amazing care of me when I thought he was maybe even being a bit overprotective though in a good way. The hospital he works through was amazing with wonderfully caring nurses, great anesthesiologists and phlebotomists, and everything.
In ALL THREE cases I asked the doctors to wait to do the catheter until I was in the OR and given the spinal and they agreed each time. I am surprised about the woman who says she was up in a couple of hours as I've never seen that happen until more than 12 hours after labor. You are also not supposed to be running at 3 weeks postpartum and instead only doing light aerobic exercise starting at about 6 weeks. :|
I learned in the last hospital that they actually give you a liquid meal after delivery but if you have the baby in the morning for instance, come dinner you can have actual food because it helps the body to begin processing things again sooner. I can attest to this as the gas and elimination process took less time to get back in order the third time. I have also not heard of hospitals not letting you leave without having a BM since about 10 years ago or so. Instead, they usually just make sure you are passing gas before they will let you leave.
My youngest is 5 weeks old and while the delivery and recovery at the hospital were perfect, I am having trouble now. It is taking longer this time and is more painful. I really hoped we'd be blessed with 4 children but with the problems I am having, I worry I may not have a choice now. I wonder if women choosing to have a c-section realize that they may not have a choice how many children they will have as a result. So many things can go wrong in a c-section plus if you have too much scar tissue from the surgeries, that will limit how many more you can have as well. I may not have a choice whether to have another child or not because of my c-sections.
As I said, no wonder some people have the views they do about this topic as their experiences are unbelievable to me and I'm actually quite sorry they have the memories for that day that they do. I just pray everyone takes their doctor opinions into consideration and even get a second opinion if it makes you feel more comfortable.
march 6th 2007 i had a csection. it was sceduled because the doctor told me she was going to be to big for v.departure. i was scared out of my mind come to find out my 2week checkup to have the staples removed she was breach and hadnt dropped and i was already two centimeters dialated. Now im scared that im possibly pregnant with my second. i wonder if my doctor will tell me the same story?
I have had three terrible vaginal births. The first was 48 hours of of screaming and crying finally I was given pitocin. I needed a large episiotomy to allow for the forceps. My daughter was turned all wrong for a vaginal birth. Everyone knew this, including the doctor. I could not urinate for a week and a half. Baby two, much faster labor, however my blood pressure was so high, I should be dead. Still, on with the vaginal. And then there is baby number three. He was breach until the night I went into labor. Two weeks early. Him turning is what pushed me into labor I feel. The pain from him turning was horrible. Then he was still not turned right. But my doctor felt everything was fine. I felt something was wrong. Especially when the epidural they had given me did not prevent me from screaming uncontrollably as the baby's giant head "broke" my tailbone. I screamed for two hours, before my tailbone finally gave way and he came out from head to toe in such a rush that the doctor and all other thirteen doctors and nurses jumped and gasped. My tailbone was at a ninety degree angle from the rest of my spine. The doctor said, "oh, well that was the problem. perhaps you were right about that c-section. I would not suggest having anymore babies, because they will only be bigger."
I refused to have an episiotomy with babies two and three and had no tearing. I believe that a woman may know deep down what she really needs. My third child had to be given oxygen and have his lungs sucked out and whatnot because he was stuck for so long. He had an irregular heart beat and other small problems. Not to mention that fact that he was blue. He now has developmental issues and I believe that all this could have possibly been avoided. Even if he was meant to be developmentally delayed, I could have avoided the excrutiating daily pain I experience with my tailbone. I cannot sit, run, walk, have sex, ride a roller coaster or a horse etc. without paying the consecuences. I have horrible nerve pain running down my legs and through my tailbone just because it's almost time for my period. this doesn't let up until after it's over. I am unable to take birth control due to blood clotting issues. I wanted to have a c-section with my third, however the doctor wouldn't even consider it. I feel I should have been given this oppurtunity, instead my doctor was confident that I could do it since I'd already had two, even though he was breach and my friends with breach babies were all scheduled about two weeks before due dates to avoid such catastrophes. Oh well, what do I know? I did it, and now I suffer because of...what exactly? arrogance? or refusal to allow a woman to make informed decisions. I knew in my heart something was wrong, sure the baby is alive, but my quality of life could be so much better...unless you suffer from coccydynia I guess you wouldn't get that.
I think it's outrageous that many of the people posting comment as though their experiences define what everyone will experience. We all have differnet bodies and heal differently. Also, having an emergency csection is much more traumatic than having a planned c section. I have given birth vaginally and then had a c section the second time. I had a much much easier recovery time from the c section. I went home 24 hours after it and had no problems. And the women who say you have to breastfeed or give birth vaginally in order to bond with their babies are idiots. If you love your baby and nurture them and take care of them, you will bond with your baby. i breastfed my first daughter and was unable to with my second and both my girls and I have bonded very well to eachother. The second girl was able to bond better with her sister and father since they were able to take part in more of her care since she wasn't being breastfed. Now I'm sure that other people have felt they bonded better with their babies by breastfeeding and have had miserable c section recoveries. I am just saying my experiences and that you should do what you think is right for you, and your baby and your family because that is what matters. Don't let someone else tell you that you can't love your baby unless you do whatever they are promoting.
I have had 3 boys. Two which were vaginal, my last, my Dr asked me to do a c-sect. With my first two boys i had 4th degree taring, i riped all the way with 4 layers of stitching. my last i did the c-sect in worries of having permanent damage, with the degree of tearing. with a reg, vag birth if you have an epidural there is nothing to whine about even with the tares i recieved i was on my feet in a few hrs. my c-sect was very hard for me, recovery wise. it is way more painful, and if your afraid of giving birth imagine having surgery wide awake. hello, easy answer, i still have major migrains and i am still very sore after almost 3 weeks. i was on my feet in 4 hrs with my first boys....c-sect is not easier at any rate!!! it's a womans easy way out in her head, but really in the long run, you will suffer way more!
i think the women should have a choice its her body i had 2 c-sections and loved it i can take the pain from a cut anyday but physical pain no way i couldnt imagine being half naked in front of all those drs and having to go through all that pain and see all that blood and gross stuff vaginal birth is definetley not for everybody it should be up to the women
I'm very concerned by the number of women posting here who are so quick to judge someone whose viewpoint is different than theirs. I have one child, and after 24+ hours of labor (4 hours of active labor), we went up for a c-section. I like to joke that I got the "worst of both worlds" - my daughter is healthy and so I am really not in a position to complain, but she was way too big for my body to deliver naturally, and as a result of me trying I suffered a broken tailbone and a displaced pelvis. Had I had an elective c-section, this would not have happened and I would be able to pick my now 25 pound 13 month old daughter up without considerable amount of pain. My point is that every woman's birth experience is unique to that woman, and while I feel incredibly blessed with the life I have, I would never be so presumptuous as to tell another woman how she should give birth.
My first child was 10lbs 7 oz and wasn't able to pass through the birth canal, therefore after 24 hours of labour, I had to have an emergency c-section. I am 33 weeks pregnant with my second child and I am opting for another section. I was able to leave the hospital and not take anything but tylenol for the pain. Yes it wasn't easy, but when I would hold my baby, it was worth it all. I changed docs in the middle of my preg. this time, because the doc I was using wanted me to Vbac and I lost my aunt two years ago from vbac complications. So, here is to another c-section!
My first baby was by vaginal induced at 41.5 weeks. 18.5 hours of labor, 2.5 of pushing, and I couldn't sit for weeks following delivery b/c of a bruised or broken tailbone. Recovery was awful. Just delivered twins via C-section at 37.5 weeks b/c 2nd was breech, I had preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, so delivery was necessary, even though it was scheduled. Drs. wouldn't consider doing a vaginal delivery, although that was my firmly expressed preference. Now that it's over, i have to say the C-Section was MUCH easier to recover from (thanks to excellent care at the hospital and good pain management), and although caring for twins following surgery is no picnic, I would have been in equally bad shape following vaginal delivery, and my children may not have fared as well. I won't be having any more children, but if i were, I would definitely opt for C-section again, due to the comparitive ease of recovery. Only complaint i have is that the area around my scar is very, very itchy right now (3 weeks following delivery).
It is a woman’s right to choose whether she wants a c-section or a vaginal delivery!!
I’m very disappointed by those who suggested that women should re-think parenthood simply because they prefer to have an elective cesarean. These intolerant attitudes as simplistic, extremely ignorant and downright shameful. My opinion of women dropped when I read those posts.
To the person who posted that insurance companies should not pay for elective c-sections. You too are plainly ignorant. Being overweight and the health complications that result from this (eg. type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke etc) are primarily responsible for higher health insurance premiums, not the cost of elective cesareans.
Furthermore, just because something is natural it does mean that it is good for you. Many diseases and poisons occur naturally and these can kill. So using this as an argument of why elective c-sections are "bad" is just ridiculous.
I have had a vaginal birth (the first child) and an elective c-section (2nd child) and I would recommend a c-section any day!
I was in labor for 22 hours with no pain meds at all then my baby's heart rate was dropping and so was mine and my ob gave me a c-section and i was so relieved an wondered why i didn't just get a c-section in the first place.So i am having another c-section for my second child because i have high blood pressure and my ob thinks its to big of a risk to have a vbac but if i could i would probably try a vbac w/ an epi though cause people made fun and said i wasn't a woman because i had a c-section but to me i went through labor pains long enough to know what it felt like except the whole baby coming out there ya know. But i think woman should at least try to have the baby naturally then if something goes wrong then have a c-section. And if your scared of pain get an epidural.
I had a vaginal delivery and it was absolutely horrible. I had an epidural, but because my blood pressure dropped so severely it was like I was giving birth on tylenol. I felt everything, the appeaseotomy, the tearing, and them sewing me up afterward - everything. I had such severe tearing my recovery was WORSE than that if I had had a C-section. I am so horrified by the experience I now have post traumatic stress from the event on top of post partum depression. I believe if the woman wants a c-section by all means give her one!!!!!
I'm just appalled at the people who say that women who choose C-sections shouldn't have children. That's simply ridiculous. It does not in any way hurt a child to have a C-section, so why on earth would it make a woman unfit to be a mother because that was her choice?
The object is to deliver a healthy child, not to eschew medical options over some lofty idea of what birth should be.
With my first child, I was in labor for 24 hours before the baby's heart rate dropped and the doctor gave me no choice. I was getting a C-section. While I assumed she'd be born naturally, I was not the least bit disappointed because my baby being healthy was all that mattered.
I elected for a C-section with my next child because I didn't want the baby to be endangered by the birthing process, like my first one was. And I am a wonderful parent even though I chose a C-section.
I have to suggest a little about c-section. I had three all because of Having too. Not wanting too. My first child, I was seventeen. Had the cord wrapped around her neck twice. and after being in labor for 32 hours I assure you'd give in to anything. But the c-section was the doctors last resort.
For I don't remember much. I do remember telling the doctor I couldn't breath. And he told me I had it. (had enough)
My second and third were born the same way. by c-section. Because I showed greater signs of the first pregnancy. Preclamsia. And bad I might add. My choice for all three, was the best. and I know it had alot to do with the doctor.
However I know he did not talk me out of it. and I know he worried for I had the same problems.
I was walking the next day and I didn't have much trouble. A little pulling on the stitches but that was all. C-sections are just as fearful as delivery. Don't place one worse then the other. Nurse doctor or whatever, unless you had one. Don't knock it.
I had my first c-section in 2002 at the age of 19. The cord was wrapped around my son's neck 3 times, and he would have died had I not had the emergency surgery. When I had my second son in 2004 I elected to have another c-section because I felt that the first one went really well, and I healed really fast. My doctor had no problem doing the second c-section. I became pregnant again in 2006, and at 11 1/2 weeks along my fallopian tube ruptured because I had an ectopic pregnancy. I was rushed in for emergency surgery. It was during this surgery that they discovered that when I was healing from my second c-section, scar-tissue formed, attaching my uterus to the wall of my abdomen where the incision was made. I have constant pain, I have pain during and after sex, and at 24 years old I was told that I wouldn't be able to have anymore children because my uterus might tear and I could bleed to death internally. I was told that the best thing I could do would be to have a hysterectomy.(which I have not done.) If I had know that second time around that that would be it, I would have had a vbac. I know that everyone's body heals differently. I've done research, and this is happening a lot ladies. Get information before you "elect" to have a c-section. You are not a fool for wanting to know what is going to happen to your body or your babies. I am still searching to find out if I can have this fixed. But, I would like for more women to hear that this stuff happens, I was told nothing of these risks. After every surgery, your body tries to heal itself by forming scar tissue. This is what happens inside of you when you have a c-section. Choose to be informed please...
I would like to know why an OB would let a woman choose to have a major surgery like a C/S while there are plenty of us out there that had C/S's and can't find an OB that will "let" us try for a VBAC? Apparently that 1% chance of uterine rupture is just too much but it is okay to have all of the elective c-sections that you want. I just don't get it!
Why not be able to choose? Who wouldn't want to be gutted like a trout?
Okay... As an NICU nurse I can say that an elective C-sect is crazy. I understand the women who had a neice die, that is a valid issue. However the baby and mom work together during delivery to prepare the baby to take that first initial deep breath and get everything going. If you skip the birth process you risk your baby having extra fluid on the lungs or needing interventions to help them breathe. After have 4 children myself I can't imagine anyone wanting to go under the knife for no good reason.
To tell everyone the truth, I'm not sure if I would opt for a c-section or go with vaginal birth. I was 17 and pregnant with my and my fiancee's first baby. Well I thought that I was going to end up having a normal delivary, but I had to have an emergency c-section because his hearbeat was too low, and he was in distress. So I got prepared for a c-section(without any medication)So when I got into the operating room, they had already started cutting me open, I started to scream so they had to put me out. Well he came out with severe brain damage, and he passed away 1 month later. I am now 18, and my finacee and I are almost 16 weeks pregnant with our second one. I am a little scared because I don't know if i want to have another c-section because it is ver painful, or a normal delivery. I am scared of being in labor for too long or the baby being too big( I am very petite) So both ways I am a little scared, but I think that I want to have a c-section even though it is painful, but I don't want it to happen like it did last time. But I am going to do whatever my ob thinks will be best for me.
Hii,
These articles are really interesting. But I did not hear any sever complain from a mother who gave vaginal birth. This gives some good commonsense to the mothers who are thinking to have C-section for no real reason.
If a baby is to large or other you have complications it is not elective I think some people are confused. I am diabetic and had high blood pressure with my fist and at 8 months I had to be induced. Almost 36 hours later I had an emergency c-section. I just had my second baby 2 weeks ago and in Las Vegas there is only one hospital that will do a VCB after a c-section and my insurance does not cover it. Apparently it puts stress on he old incision and could cause it to burst. I would have rather gone through labor. It's been 2 weeks and I'm still in alot of pain.
I'm finding a lot of these comments nothing short of ludacris! I had my first son by emergency c-section after over 72 hours in induced labor. At that point I was mortified, exhausted, and literally ready to hurt the next doctor they brought in. I was very much against having a c-section, as well as an epi, and ended up with both. Let me tell you I am thankful for both! The epi was immediate relief, and the c-section, though medically nessicary at that point went great. I wasn't allowed up for the first day after to walk as normal, but by the end of the second day I was taking a shower on my own, walking the halls, ect. There was recovery time, but it wasn't weeks. Having a baby is one of the if not the most painful and stressful experiences you will ever go through and I'd rather have an elective c-section now, than be stressed out, waiting for labor, wondering when anything will happen, and then being in horrible pain. You want empowerment, go run for president. I'd rather have my baby here quickly, in a safe manner, without all the exhaustion of regular labor, so I can be with my baby quicker, and in a better mind!
I have not had my baby yet but I broke my tailbone a few years back and it pinches on the nerves. The baby has laid so far back that it was awful to try to move. I know that when I get to having my baby that it will be terrible pain just to try to put my feet up in the stirrups when asked to. C-sections should be elective if there is a pre-existing injury which no article I have seen mentions yet.
I think the immaturity level of us women fighting and being rude over which is harder or better...a c-section or vaginal birth is the most ridiculous thing I have read thus far. Who is to say which is better or who should make the choice,etc. It should be based on a case by case basis with whats better for both the mother and the baby. As long as the outcome is a healthy baby why be judgemental about how someone else decides to deliver? Both have their pros and cons. Both yield pain in different ways and both yield the same outcome....a baby. Both have risk. Out of every blog I have been reading since coming pregnant with my second child...this one seems very immature and if nothing else would confuse someone who was trying to decide whats best for them personally. If we are using this resource as a way to inform the undecided, then please do it in a mature way. Thanks.
I have had 3 c-sections. 2 were recomended and the 1st I was 1 month over due. I think that if you are confronted with the option or choice that is made for you to have a c-section that people need to relax and just accept the fact that you are having a major surgery. After every time I had the surgery I was in my normal clthing in 1 month. You have to be tough and deal with the pain and realize that this is the best choice for your child. I have remarried and had my tubes reveresed and are expecting trilects and am not the least bit afraid of c-sections. Don't be afraid and just be accepting!!!!
I have had 3 c-sections. My first was due to my son's head being to big to enter the birth canal and he was in distress. The other 2 were an educated choice. I had read about the risk of damage to my uterus if I went with a v-back. There are risks either way. To the women who is afraid of the pain. I echo the other comments. C-sections HURT. 18 years after my first I still have aches on rainy damp days. Push that baby out if you can.
I just love how there are so many women who are quick to judge other women and put them down by saying they are NOT worthy enough to be a parent at all, if they choose to have an elective c section. No wonder our world is in such a mess if women can't even unite and embrace being a mother - no matter how the child comes into the world. Why must women get competitive and put other women down? We all have to nurture and protect a child in the womb and give our undivided attention, forever, after it is born - so why must there be some women out there who think they are MORE WORTHY or BETTER at being a mother because they give birth naturally or vaginally?
I am having an elective c section because I have a chronic vaginal condition that I experience every day of my life. There is absolutely nothing NATURAL about this condition. Nothing. My vagina hurts at rest and during sex. If I have a "normal" birth my chances of the condition worsening, increases by 50%. BUT there is a 10% chance that it may improve! There is a 40% chance that it will stay the same - you can do the maths. So I am going to be a BAD PARENT and SELFISH because I want to try and have limited future complications with my vagina by choosing an elective c-section. If I chose to deliver vaginally, I can gaurantee that my life will revolve more around my chronically painful vagina, and my child and husband will suffer. So either way I am going to be a bad parent. Don't worry about the fact that I have had to sacrafice my entire pregnancy (and after for breastfeeding) to go off medication, suffer and persist in actually falling pregnant, but I also have to be judged by other people who think they know what's best for me and my child as though I am not adult enough to make an informed decision. I really shouldn't need to justify my reasons for doing so, particularly to people I don't know and who generalise.
Where is the rule book to say tht what's right for one is right for all? Not all our bodies are built the same (good luck to those women who have the perfectly formed parts that ensure a safe delvery) but we all aren't built from the same template - unfortunately. SO those people who get on their high horse and preach that 'REAL WOMEN' GIVE BIRTH or it's cheating, need to take a step off the pedestal and instead embrace the fact that we are all creating new life. Women have enough to cope with in this world without other women creating more reasons to be competitive and judgmental.
I will be an excellent mother because I am intelligent, informed, nurturing, tireless and have so much to offer. I certainly will NOT be teaching my children to judge others.
I think that every situation is unique in that every woman's body is different. I had my daughter vaginally over a year ago and I still haven't recovered. My perineum bleeds after intercourse and I have coccygodynia that requires me to have cortisone injections in my tailbone every few months. It is worth it because I love my daughter but I have often wondered, if given a choice and knowing what I know now, would c-section have been a better decision for me?
Just wondering if anyone out there could tell me how many c-sections is it safe for a women to have? I am pregnant with my 3rd and my doctor told me that she didn't reccomend I have any more. Due to it being unsafe. I think I may need a new doctor!
There's nothing "natural" about using epiderals when giving birth, and I'm sure any new ways of making child birth either comfortable or convenient have always been challenged by ideas of what is natural or even traditional. There were many people protesting about the ethics of the first open-heart surgeries, after all, for many this invasive surgery didn't seem natural. But it has proved to be necessary. Even cosmetic surgeries are invasive, and personally, I believe they are unnecessary, but it is still and individual's decision to have it.
Doctors should ALWAYS discuss the "pros" and "cons" of how a woman decides to deliver her child, and unless there is a major health concern, the ultimate decision belongs to the mother.
My sister should have been advised to have a c-section. Her baby was large and was two weeks over-do. She had been to the hospital twice to be induced, and was sent home each time simply because she couldn't get a bed. When she finally delivered (vaginally), she tore from vagina to anus, and because the child was so big he had to be yanked from her. Nerves in his shoulder were pulled and he developed Erbs Palsy in one of his arms.
It's ignorant to let morals or personal feelings affect this kind of choice that a mother should make. It's even more important that although doctors have opinions have their own personal opinions, their professional opinions should be as just and informative with respect to the mother's decision.
as someone who has had 2 c-sections (not because I wanted them!), I cannot fathom why someone would choose to have one! Yea, no pushing, no "squeezing out a watermellon"... but, usually, a short while after vaginal delivery, you can be up and walking around. NOT SO with c-sections! I had an emergency c-section with my first son 10 years ago. I HURT for a LONG time afterwards! 3 years ago, I had a second c-section. No, not because I had one before either, I cannot deliver vaginally. I would have given anything to have either child "naturally". Yea, I would have taken the drugs for the pain, I'm sure! The healing with a c-section is long, it's painful and it can have it's own complications. After my second one, I developed an allergy to the internal stitches and they (ew) seeped out of my incision and caused me a lot of problems to this day. "Elective c-section" to me is like saying "I think I want all my teeth pulled because I'm so tired of 6 month cleanings"
If one's personal choice on having a c-section is insane because it is a major surgery, as some of the comments above say, what about the over 10 million people who get plastic surgery every year in this country? If the so popular saying "my body, my choice" is really true, the women who want to have their baby should have the choice of how they want him delivered! Period.
I am a little torn with this. My first was born by C/S at 36 weeks due to toxemia. My kidney's were shutting down and my body would not have been able to handle induction. From the time I was checked in, to the time she was born was literally only 45 min. Was was disappointed that I didn't get to have the experience or labor and vaginal birth, But I, as well was my husband, doctor and family, was just happy my baby and I made it out alive. My doctor said I was one day away from ICU. Those who say they didn't bond was well with there baby are just plain old selfish. How can you be so concerned "being a real woman" to the point you don't bond with your baby?? I had NO trouble what so ever bonding with my baby. And as far as breast feeding goes, I didn't have a problem with milk production. But My baby and I had a problem with learning how and thus a month after my C/S I dried up. It had NOTHING to do with the C/S. Now I am 23 weeks pregnant with our 2nd and though I hoped to attempt a VBAC, none or the hospitals in my city are insured to do one so they are not allowed. And I'm sorry to all those ultra natural feminist but I'm not going to put my life and my baby's life at risk so that I may be the one to feel like a "real woman" with a home birth. I refuse to try a VBAC unless there are medical professionals close by to step in if something really bad goes wrong. So for me C/S it is. I don't have that much of a problem with it as long as myself and my baby are alive and well that all I care about. And as far as recovery goes. Those who had such a hard time are wimps or had bad doc's who botched it. I was up and walking that night and was turning down pain meds. the nurses kept looking at me funny too for it and kept asking me if I was sure I didn't want any. I mean I was sore, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Maybe I have a high tolerance for pain? IDK. But really I don't think naturalist should encourage home VBAC's it's just not safe and it's wrong to condemn a woman for doing what she feels is safest for her and her baby. I also think condemning C/S could drive women to feel less than a woman and try a home VBAC with out proper knowledge simply because they are being told C/S are evil woman controlling things made up by "the man". They seem to be forgetting that there are a lot or woman OBGYN's who perform C/S all the time. I am just as much of a woman as my mother who had three natural births and in fact she was so proud of how well I did after my C/S she said I was more woman than her. And none of this is to say that some time's a doc has a different agenda, which is wrong but there are more dangerous ways docs speed up delivery to fit their schedule. Like what happened to my mom. She got too much pitocin because the doc wanted her to go faster so he could go play golf and as a result my brother was born dead and my mom almost died. luckily they brought my brother back but he has a lot of disabilities caused from brain damage. so thought it's wrong it could have been worse and at least your baby made it out ok.
I believe that there is nothing wrong with a c-section. I have 3 sons and my last two had to be c-sections due to being 9 lb babies. One being aweek overdue and the other delivered at 8 1/2 months and had no problems with it. But with my first son he was delivered naturaly and suffered alot of trauma to the brain due to forcepts. And if the doctor would of did a emergency c-section he would be a perfectly normal 9 year old.But now he is at a kindergarten level in his 2nd grade, gets speech,takes 4 different pills, and goes to therapy. And today we found out about his recent MRI that they found acouple of problems that if they get any worst that they will have to do brain surgery. So, my opinion on c-sections is that if it makes you comfortable in having one go for it and not to worry about what other people think about it. And that you still can have family in there my husband and mother was in there for my two c-sections and they had no problems in there and my mother was more facinated in it then my first sons natural birth. And I know it has it's risk but I would do it all over again.
How dare anyone try to say someone who would choose to have a c-section is undeserving to be a mother!! I carried my first baby for almost ten months was way overdue before they deciced to induce me for a vaginal labor. I am a very small petite girl 100lbs before i got pregnant..167lbs at time of birth.. I have absolutely nothing for hips and after two whole days of contractions and doctors checking me trying to keep from having a c-section it just wasn't going to possible for a vaginal birth. I had, I wouldn't say an emergency c-section although thats what it was called. It was more like a relief. If i had kept trying vaginally my baby had already no fluid and had gone to the bathroom (can't remember the propper term for that sry.)while still inside which could have given her lung problems to say the least had she kept swallowing in there. Not to mention it probably would have killed me before i was able to get a baby through my hips. The c-section took a while to heal but i had people who loved me and nursed me through about the first two weeks. after that i couldn't be more happy at how it all turned out. i have lost the whole 67lbs that i gained within the first year afterward,i have almost no stretch marks that are noticable, i have a tiny little scar that doesn,t bother me at all. As a matter of fact, it always reminds me of the beautiful child that i have now thanks to my hard nine+ months of pregnancy and modern surgery. The fact that anyone wants to take away my credit as to being a mom because of this it just blows my mind that people are still so ignorant to allow women to decide what is best for their own body. No woman is made exactly the same and should know what her body is capeable of enduring.. That certainly does not mean that i do not deserve to have children. I am now almost two months pregnant with my second baby. I am definatly having a c-section.. It is my choice and if the doctors do not beleive it to be my choice I wiil find a doctor that does... And i will have two beautiful children that I most definatly deserve to have...
P.S., i was not put to sleep to have what was called the emergency c-section and i did see my baby girl as soon as she was out of my belly and we are definately bonded maybe even too bonded seeing as how she is almost two and will not go or be anywhere where i am not or her father is not. F.Y.I., I also think that her father has bonded a lot better with her since he was the only person other than I to be there for the birth. It has been mommy and daddy ever since and she has absolutely no health problems..
I've had both: first vaginal, the twins were c-section. vaginal was better by far. i got a resistant staph infection that i almost didn't shake, the pain, the not being able to get up and enjoy the newborns, the not being able to spend much time in the nicu where one was because i was hurting so bad.... c-sections are good for a last resort, otherwise i highly recommend vaginal. no question.
I agree with the doctor about the fact that more woman are electing to have a c-section for fashionable reasons. I am not a health professional, but a mother who had one emergency c-section under very nightmare-like conditions. As I am an overweight short person (5 foot exact), due to an unhealthy habit of emotional eating. I believe this contributed to my baby's large size for someone 'small' and I guess inheriting a small pelvis from my mother's family (my aunt has one as well, so 2 c-sections for her)did nothing to prevent the need for the emergency procedure when my baby got stuck. I was informed afterwards that "in future we would prefer you to have c-sections with any more pregnancies" by a doctor who had not been present for the procedure. I admit that I agreed with them and still do, but then my situation WARRANTED one. I am pregnant again and have been asked by the local hospital midwifery team to book in for a c-section. I am alright with it but I do have my reservations about it, but it was presented to me based on my small pelvis plus my elder baby's size at birth that this is the best course of action. I still want to wait and see how big my baby will be (fingers crossed he/she is small) then maybe I might get to have a normal vaginal birth and not the vaginal bypass. In summary, it should be up to the medical professionals if you need this procedure for real possibly life threatening situations to put you and your baby under the knife, not because the mother wants to appear fashionable.
I am going in today to tell my doctor that I want a c-section. I don't believe it's elective, in my mind it is medically nessecary. I never in my life thought that I would opt for something like this; but I believe I have a valid reason. My son was born after 36 hours of labor and an emergency transport from home. For some reason, my contractions went haywire and I was in transition for 16 hours. I ended up with an episiotomy and a 4th degree tear due to the use of a vaccuum extractor. For all you ladies that say your vaginal birth was easy, please do not pass judgement unless you have dealt with a 4th degree tear that tore all the way through your rectum. I have dealt with flatulence control and some incontonence already. I went through the majority of this second pregnancy thinking everything would be easier since it was my second and things would "stretch" better. Thank goodness I started doing some research! turns out 71% of colorectal surgeons advise against vaginal birth after 4th degree tear, as opposed to 20% of obstetricians. 1 in 4 women who have experienced a 3rd or 4th degree tear in their first birth will have one in subsequent births. It took me 2 weeks to get out of bed with my vaginal birth, and it was very hard to bond with my newborn being in constant pain. So yes, I'm opting for a c-section, and I'm very thankful to have a choice.
A woman's choice, is a woman's choice. During my pregnancy, I had many many problems, and was put on full bed rest for 6 months, only being able to get up to go to the bathroom, and other necessary things. There were early contractions, I needed to take meds to stop them, and there was a great fear that my baby would be born way too early and not survive. Because of all these problems, and the stress involved being placed upon my baby, my doctor and I considered a c-section. Thankfully, she proved everyone wrong, and came nearly week late. I had to be induced, and because of this, the contractions were immediately close together and very very painful. ( I left marks on the plastic rails on the bed with my nails..) I wasn't dialating properly, and was stuck at 4 for about 6 hours. My doctor began talking about a c-section, but we decided to wait it out a couple more hours and see what happened. We discussed this, and it was by my choice, though I was definately not opposed to a c-section. at 18 hours, my body finally decided to cooperate, and I only pushed for 1/2 hour before my baby came into the world. I am SO thankful I did not need the c-section, but would have gotten one if necessary. I personally believe that it does not matter HOW your baby comes into this world, as long as he/she comes healthy. I believe we should take the natural route whenever possible, but as I stated above, a woman's choice is a woman's choice; especially if there are medical reasons involved. It does not effect her ability to be a loving, nurturing parent.
I firmly believe it is a woman's choice to have a C-section. It is different for every woman and every delivery is not the same. For example, My baby is due in one month and I am seriously leaning towards having a C-section, a major abdominal surgery. My reasons for it are quite simple. I will have a big baby. They are probably going to do a c-section after about 24 hours of labor anyway, so why shouldn’t I just have it right off the bet? There is no fetal stress involved in delivering a baby by C-section. Many possible complications to my baby are avoided and I can be sure that nothing is going to go wrong during my delivery. Yes, I’m a control freak, but is it such a crime to want to know that my son is going to come out without any problems? Major abdominal surgery, yes there could be complications for me, but there are also possible complications that are involved in vaginal birth, some of them are just as bad, if not worse, then complications caused by a C-section, in my opinion. I’m the one who is going to live with the pain after the delivery, so why not let me choose how it will go? C-section should definitely be a mother’s choice. If some of the known facts about my pregnancy and my health in general been different – I may not have even considered having a C-section. But, be it as it may, I deserve a choice, no matter what some doctors and nurses believe.
I agree with the doctor's comments! His perspective should be put in high regard! Afterall, he is trained, and knows the complications that can occur during a c-section! I have personally had 3 c-sections, and have no idea why a woman would choose to have major surgery if it were not an emergency situation! Too many complications can occur during and after a c-section! I have had a great deal of trouble following my c-sections, and will suffer long term as a result! A woman's right to chose? WELL what about the women who didn't get to choose a vaginal birth? Don't get pregnant, or have sex if you're afraid to have a baby vaginally! Life isn't fair! We don't always get to choose everything we WANT! That's the problem in America today! People think they SHOULD have everything they WANT!
in anything other than extreme circumstances where vaginal delivery is just out of the question, c-sections shouldn't be brought up. Vaginal delivery is scary? Puh-shaw. I had two vaginal deliveries, and my thrid child was an emergancy c-section. I would not wish the healing time from that on myself ever again. WHY ANY woman would willingly say "Yeah, sure, make it so I can't sit, stand do anything without feeling like my insides are being ripped out!" is beyond me. I was back to life as normal within 4 weeks of my vaginal deliveries. Now, 7 months after my c-section, I still endure pain at the surgical site.
But yes, by all means, if women want to CHOOSE to put themselves through more agony let them, after all, birth is completely unnatural and should be on a busy socialite and her doctor's schedule and should never go by it's own course *rolls eyes*
The first thing I want to say is this:
There are some of you who have already posted here that have really upset me. "Maybe that woman should rethink her decision to conceive," just because she WANTS a c-section?
That is an absolutely ridiculous thing to say- and how dare you make that kind of judgment! In this day and age where there are so many "Pro Choice" Women, you'd think you'd be more understanding of women who want to make their own decisions regarding their pregnancy and the birth of their children.
The fact that some of you are saying women who want c-sections shouldn't conceive really disgusts me. As fellow women and fellow mothers you should just be supportive of a woman's right to choose, and give your advice accordingly.
For those of you who believe Vaginal births are the best way to go, share your experiences, but don't sit there and criticize other women for their own personal choices.
I am personally terrified of giving birth vaginally. I do not have children yet and I am not pregnant, but every woman in my family has had complications with childbirth. My mother had two children who died during childbirth and then decided to adopt my brother and me because of the trauma she had been through. My aunt's doctor was a moron who tried to make her vaginally deliver a baby that was too large and she had a lot of complications after birth from vaginal tearing. My sister-in-law had the same problem as my aunt, and ended up having some internal bleeding and died after giving birth to my nephew. So as you can see, I have my own misgivings about vaginal birth. When the time comes I will talk to my doctor and get as informed as I can, but stop pointing your fingers at women for wanting to make their own choices.
I got on this post because I did have an emergency C-sec 3.5 years ago because of several health reasons that put the baby's and my life at risk. I'm now 32 weeks with baby #2 and was wanting to try for a vaginal, but am very scared at the risks involved- not the pain or such but the risk of having your uterus rupture. I'm curious if anyone out there has ever had a VBAC where they had a utirine rupture. While the statistics are low, if it were to happen it can be fatal and that scares the heck out of me. So I guess I'm trying to weigh the risks of vaginal vs C-sec. I would love to do it vaginaly but not if there is a higher risk of loosing my baby. That is and will ALWAYS be the deciding factor for me. Anyone out there experience this???
I had to have an emergency c-section after 26 hours of active labor, and i couldnt get past 5 centimeters, i didnt use pain meds i wanted to go naturally but i couldnt, my son is 13 months old and my husband and i are due in october with our second they will be about 15 months apart, and as much as i want to experiece a vaginal birth, b/c my two are going to be so close the doctors think it will be much safer for me to have a repeat, but i dont think someone should have a c-section just b/c it fits their schedule, if you can have a vaginal birth i think you should
I have had two c-sections, one medically necessary after being in labor, and one scheduled on the recommendation of my doctor. Just wanted to add that I did not find either of them to be especially painful or difficult to recover from, but I do have two sisters who gave birth vaginally who spent longer than I did recovering from tearing. I am in no way saying that c-sections are a better way to give birth; I was not opposed to a vaginal birth in any way. My contention is that every situation is different, and it is wrong for someone to pass judgment on the personal choices of another person.
Well to comment on C-Section births. I feel if you have had a C-section you should always have a C-Section. I had my first child in a C-Section and it was not all so bad. Then 10 years later here comes my next one and he was v-bac with his head getting stuck side-ways and the forceps were used. I can admit it was the best experience seeing him coming out and the whole ordeal. Then two years later I was pregnant and having another one in the military hospital. And the do not believe in C-Sections unless it is a medical issue. Well, I was pushing and my sons heartbeat dropped and my doctor thought the cord had wrapped around his neck and I was rushed to the operating room where he opened me up and to his suprise my on was free flowing in my stomach. So, what had happen was my uterus, bladder and vaganial had ruptured and he was free flowing in my belly. It was the worse thing a mother could deal with. It took them 4 and a half hours to sew me up and I was in recovery almost all night where I was in pain so much. But thank God and my military doctor my son turned out okay with some health issues and I am alright after some major problems. But what counts is I and my son is alive. He is 9 now and doing pretty good. But, like the old school OBGYN docs say wants a C-Section always a C-Section and I believe it now.
There are so many personal opinions and experiences on this subject, but I'll give mine. I had an elective c-section two months ago. I love my new son more than I ever thought possible, but I've never wanted children. I agreed for my husband of seven years who very much wanted kids. When I found out I was pregnant (not a surprise) I was so scared and spent the first part those nine months very depressed. I didn't have that light at the end of the tunnel (as in, "but you get to take home a baby"!) to psychologically get through labor like an expectant mother should. I found myself in tears on a daily basis. My doctor was wonderful and truly cared about me as a whole person. Ethan was born via c-section, healthy as a horse. I felt very at peace with how he came into the world. I know all choices come with some risk, but my experience was absolutely great. Not to say it was easy, but for me it was the right decision. I was out of the hospital just as quick as anybody who has had a vaginal delivery. Ibeuprofin was my best friend for that first week or two, but other than that I felt pretty good. Back in the gym by week five - sooner than my sister who had a vaginal delivery a few months earlier (she had to go back for several appts because she had severe pain/trouble healing from her episiotomy.) She was jealous of how relatively good I felt! Just thought I should put in a word for those of us terrible women who chose to go that route.
I see that it is not a good idea to do a c-section for pure "convenience." But I had a c-section with my first child after many greuling hours of labor and puking my guts out every time I had a contraction. Eventually, when my water broke... there was mechonium in there. Soon after that, they discovered my baby was breach. I was never so greatfull for a surgery in my life! What a relief. This time, the doctor's recommended a repeat c-section and I am glad for the opportunity. I would rather have a routing or "safe" c-section that is planned, than go the vbac rout and rupture and have to do an "emergency" c-section, thus, putting both me and my baby at risk. Thank God for modern technology... with c-sections, many babys and mothers are saved every day. I want four children and with God willing... I will have them all safely with a c-section. I was fully allert the entire time, felt no pain and bonded wonderfully, I was also able to breast feed. C-section is not an easy way out, but for many women, it is a better and smarter choice. Either way takes bravery and courage. Please don't condemn women who "can't handle" labor... many times it's not our fault and at least we are alive to tell about it and our baby is alive.
I agree 100% w/ the comment above me. I had a friend whose baby's head was bigger than they thought and he ruptured her uterus. She had to get a hysterectomy and this was her first and only child!!!
When I had my daughter I had an arrest of dialation, I stopped at 7, even w/ the use of Pitossin. They broke my water where they found meconium. Then they realized that she was face up. So after being in labor for about 8-9 hours my doctor decided after the Pitossin if I didn't dialate to an 8 we would do an emergency c-section. The funny thing is that my mother had a c-section w/ me for the exact same reasons!!!
Anyways we did the emergency c-section. Once they took her out they realized I had a cyst the size of a baseball on my right ovary!!! They ended up taking out my right ovary just in case it was cancerous. It turned out that it wasn't BUT my doctors were not even aware that it was there. If I had attempted a vaginal delivery it could have ended badly. Trying to push a baby out w/ a baseball size cyst on a ovary is not a safe way to deliver.
Now I am 9 months pregnant scheduled for a c-section in 10 days!!!! My doctor and I both decided this would be the best option. I personally felt more at ease knowing the doctors could fully SEE what they were doing instead of having to guess w/ a vaginal delivery. Also people kill me w/ not wanting a c-section b/c it interferes w/ bonding etc. THAT IS GARBAGE!!! How you bring your child into the world has NOTHING to do w/ your womanhood or whatever else.
I feel like this whole string of comments has really detoured from what the author was conveying. I feel like when he spoke of elective c-section he was speaking of it in terms of wanting to decide when your baby comes and that's it, not for any other medical reason. Medical reasons being pre eclampsia, breech, and other major medical issues, but also including things the doctor deems problematic, like failure to progress or even the baby being to big. I am 24 and have two boys one will be 3 in a couple of months the other 19 months old. I am now expecting my third in April and having had 2 prior c-sections I am hoping to have a VBAC. The first c-section was failure to progress at 42 weeks (did not dilate at all) and second 3 doctors told me c-section was the only decision. I wish I had the choices some other women on here talked about where the docs damn near refused another c-section, not down here in Louisiana. I am seeing a new doc next week and hopefully she will let me do the trial of labor. I never had problems with my c-sections except for placenta previa early on with my second child which thankfully went away but I have researched it and the occurence of placenta previa (which can be very dangerous) goes up drastically with each subsequent c-section. Imo if u plan on a few children try to have a vaginal birth as to avoid guaranteed higher percentages of medical problems with ur subsequent pregnancies. Good luck to everyone. As for both sides getting heating and condemning each other it is rather juvenile. Research Research Research. Just to reiterate, medical I believe is anything that could harm mother or baby; elective, choosing to be conveinant.
I am one of the women who elected to have my baby via c-section. I had an irrational fear of v birth (similar to roller coasters for some, I suppose). Fortunately you can stay off roller coasters :) My doctor insisted I see a psychiatrist to verify I was competent to make this decision. I did as requested as I saw it as the path of least resistance. I did find it ridiculous and stated I found there to be a real irony that should I have opted to abort my baby I would have been considerd competent. I had my baby via c-section 4 years ago and am having my second via csection in 12 days. For the record, I breast fed my daughter for 13 months, stayed away from my career (I was a senior level manager, therefore this was a big drop) for 2.5 years and will likely be a stay at home mom of two moving forward. I truly resent opinions put forward that there is some kind of award that should be handed out to women who go au naturel at childbirth. It's what you do once they are born that is pertinent.
Robbed, Mad & Hurt
I was told for years and by 4 different doctors that the chance of me getting pregnant was at best 20%. When I found out I was pregnant a month after my husband and I were married I WAS UTTERLY FLOORED!! I was so excited that I could do this amazing thing, I COULD MAKE A LIFE AND BRING IT INTO THIS WORLD. Almost every night I dreamed of giving birth and then my baby being placed into my arms and looking into his eyes and me being the first person he would ever see. I wanted my husband to be the one to cut the cord. I wanted to hold MY SON!! I didn’t want the doctors and nurses to be the first people my William would be held by or ooooed and aweeed at, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME AND HIS DADDY!!! But I didn't get to do that for THREE HOURS!! I could hear him crying and I couldn’t do anything for him and IT KILLED ME. I feel 100% that I did not have a choice and from the bottom of my heart feel like that finial step in bringing life into this world was taken away from me, and I HATE IT. There was no emergency that made a c-section the only way; my doctor felt the baby was too big. My son was only born at 8lbs 1 point 4oz; I COULD HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT HARM TO HIM OR MYSELF!! But starting when I was 6 months along almost every appointment I went to my doctor told me nothing other than "what could go wrong" and being a first time mother I was terrified. I am scared to my core now about having another baby because of the risks of my scar tearing open during labor. Speaking of my scar it is still numb for the most part and the only thing I can feel is stinging every few seconds and William is almost 2 years old. Plus the risks of repeat c-sections are scary as well, not to mention I for the second time will be robbed of the experience of giving birth to my own child. I do believe no-one has the right to make a decision like that for you or scare you into it in any way. And don't judge others for their choice, it is theirs to make. HOWEVER ((AND I DO HOPE DOCTORS READ THESE COMMENTS)) I FEEL THAT DOCTORS SHOULD FOR NO REASON PRESSURE PEOPLE INTO HAVING A C-SECTION, IT IS WRONG AND HATEFUL!!!! IF THEY WANT TO CUT FLESH JUST TO CUT FLESH MAYBE THEY SHOULD BE WORKING IN THE MORAGE!!!!
I am pregnant with my 2nd and i had a c-setion with the first due to babys heart rate droping..I am now being asked if i want a vbac and im scared of the ricks i dont want anything to happen to the baby or myslef so i was woundering if any of you would give me any ideas on the vbac...Thanks
I had an C-Section Twice the first one wasn't by choice we had to get my daughter out right away, so I'm thankful for that, but the second C-Section wasn't and I wanted an VBAC, but my doctor didnt feel like it would be a good idea, because it's had for me to dialate, all I can say to each it's own BUT I very much feel like I was robbed of that experince to give birth .
Hopefully someday people will evolve enough to get over this silly obsession with "letting nature take it's course." If we let nature take it's course, many of us would die from head colds. I believe that if western medicine scares you so much that you believe women should be subjected to unnecessary pain because of some primitive, provencial ignorant belief that all women deserve to suffer and risk their health for no reason other than their personal (likely religious) beliefs that women are evil and stupid and should have no say in their own lives, then it is you who should think twice about having children. You are too small minded and dangerously ignorant to be trusted with that responsibility, and what if god forbid you have a daughter? Will you expose her on a hilltop and try again for a boy? The only people with the authority to speak on this subject are women who have had both and have constructive, objective comments to make. Not fundamentalist, anti-woman crazies.
I labored for 28 hours with my first child and 15 with the second.
I have a stretched bowel and urethra and poop and pee functions are screwed up from the births.
I dont need to have a vaginal birth to prove I am a strong woman. I already knew that before I decided to become a mom. That many hours of labor is not empowering it was tramatic.
I think that a woman should choose how she spends her time. 27 hours in labor? or two minutes in surgery and 26 hours 58 minutes recovering so you can enjoy your baby.
Women have painful elective surgery all the time. There are meds for pain and a womans body is her own.
Male doctors should not be telling women anything about vaginal childbirth being empowering.
I dont think some of these comments are unfare, there reather lacking experince. I am a mother to a son born by c-section. He was sposta be a 10 pound baby by 41 weeks. And in my family its pretty commen the women carry to 41-42 weeks, have big babys and have to be induced. He was 8 pounds and 5 onces and i wasnt progressing at 39 weeks. So we did what we thought was best with doctors advice.. Now im 37 weeks and its alot more safer to repeat a c-section then it is to try vbac and face uterus rupter so we have choicen again to repeat the process and have a c-section. If you have a ruptur, you baby is faced with death,brain damage or chance of defect from the rupture.And there is a chance you will not be able to have anymore kids. I personaly will not put my baby at risk. I reather have two healthy babys then face those chances. If a women chocie to have a c-section and feels its best no one should be telling her she is wrong or she will feel less of a mother.. You breastfed just the same and you love and care for baby just the same... so dont be scareying her, if your worryed educate her and let her choice whats best!!
Isn't everyone forgetting, as they relay their PERSONAL experience, that just because it was so for you doesn't mean it will be the same for another. Just because you had it both ways gives you no right to say which way is better. You can only say it was better for YOU. If a woman thinks a C-section is the right treatment for her then concider this...It might be true. Just as a woman who decides she wants a vaginal birth with NO pain medication might be right that that is best for HER. Everyone should shut up about thier personal experiences being their basis for advice.
The ONLY advice and comment that should be made is : Before making any choice that will be elective (not made in the midst of an emergency) read as much as you can to inform yourself about the procedure and it's risks. Talk to your doctor at this point about anything he/she may be concerned about or have more information for you to concider. This applys to ANYTHING, not just childbirth.
Making an informed and educated decision is all you need to do.
I would like to say I support the mothers right to choose what she believes to be best for her and her child. As long as you do listen to what your OB says. I disagree witht he attitude "if my doctor wont do it, i will just find one that will".
It's awful to say that a woman needs to reconsider if she should be having a baby because she wants a c-section. Who do you think you are?
Obviously if she has chosen to follow through with her pregnancy then she cares about her baby and probably wants whats best.
Whatever your reasons for an elective c-section are I think you are justified. Talk to your doctor and see what they suggest. And don't be discouraged by women saying it makes you less of a woman or it's selfish.
There are actually less risks for the baby with a c-section.
My first child was a vaginal delivery. It went smoothly according to everyone. A day later we found out my daughter had a 3 / 4 brain bleed and until this day I believe it was my fault from that delivery. So before I got pregnant with my second child I want to make sure my doctor would allow me to have a c-section. I had a second child by c-section and have never regreted my choice. He was health and I am so happy I had that choice and I feel all women should.
I have an idea. How about instead of wasting your lives pondering birthing methods and complaining about other peoples birthing methods and being angry over motives behind birthing methods you all take a long moment to yourselves and think about this for a change: does the world really truly need more babies?
I know all of your internal clocks are ringing and your instincts are screaming "BABIES, BABIES, BABIES!" and conceiving and giving birth to children seems like the most important, and noble thing for you to do with your lives, but for a group of people who spend so much time chattering on and on about the evolution of society, medical advancement, intelligence and unintelligence, and the general idea of strength and nobility you certainly haven't given absolutely any thought at all to problems of overpopulation, global crowding, lack of natural recourses, or environmental stabilization.
here's another idea: if you're so intent on having children that you're willing to go through "three years of expensive fertility treatments" why don't you do the world a favor and adopt.
Just as every pregnancy is different, every person's individual feelings about labor/delivery are different and subject to change based on circumstance. Every OB and labor/delivery nurse has one goal in mind: a healthy mom and a healthy baby. Unless you have a medical degree and are present in the LDR room for each specific delivery perhaps it's best to leave the decisions to the professionals who are. None of us are in any kind of position to judge anyone else based on our own prejudices.
I'm 37 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. I will deliver via repeat c-section in 2 weeks. My daughter (now 4 1/2 years) was born via necessary c-section at 42 weeks. My OB does not offer VBAC and our regional medical center only has a few OBs that will even permit a mother to attempt VBAC....and then with restrictions and limitations.
I have a wonderful OB. I trust her and believe in her intellect and skill. She is the only one of us, after all, who not only went to medical school but has a clear understanding of my medical history.
I think it is both frightening and hilarious that yet another male doctor is smirking childbirth. When was the last time you saw a woman OB get up and denounce any part of how a woman delivers a baby? I've read everyone's response....and some very painful stories. And, it just seems that all of our mothers were right - every pregnancy and every delivery is different. Do your homework and talk openly with your doctor. Make an educated and informed decision. But, know that anything is possible in childbirth and as long as you and your child are healthy and happy at the end of the day...well, there's nothing else that really matters.
I was born by a c-section and I'm perfectly fine.
I have had one child by natural birth, who is 8 years. My lastest is now 5 weeks and I had to have her by emergency c-section at 36 weeks, because she was distressing to the point they almost lost me too. I would never choose to have a c-section by choice to me it was so much more painful and not as easy to get over a as a vaginal birth. After a vaginal birth it hurts a little to get up a walk but you can do it . After a C-Section its a lot different story. I don't believe you should have it done unless necessary
As several people have said, everyone is different (not better or worse). I'm jealous of those that have a choice. My body was not designed to give birth vaginally. I had a small baby with a small head and she still wouldn't fit through my pelvic bones (just too narrow), even after trying for 48 hours of labor. To my disappointment, I had to have a c-section. Having gone through it, I would never recommend it to anyone that has a choice; however, it isn't the end of the world if you can not give birth vaginally. I have bonded and breastfed just like anyone else. I had a great OB that did a wonderful job. It was scary during surgery, but my recovery couldn't have been better. Based on my bone structure, I won't have a choice next time either. My baby wasn't breach. Everything was fine, just wouldn't fit. So, for those of you out there that are just built with a narrow bone structure, it's ok if you end up needing a c-section. Thanks to modern medicine, we aren't doomed to die during childbirth. You are no less of a mother. Now that my daughter is here, everything feels so natural!
After reading these responses, I'm taken aback about nasty some of you can be. A women's choice is her choice, there a many reasons one may choose/must have a c-section. For anyone to say that they shouldn't then conceive or they are less of a mother is plain. No one has walked in another mother's shoes. Help your fellow women with your stories and advice, keep your judgements to yourself.
plain mean, that is.
I truly believe that in a few centuries we will look at the c-section as Medieval practice. No one thus far has even mentioned the impact on the baby. Should we ask ourselves why so many children has learning and developmental disorders - including autistic spectrum disorders? Women who are vulnerable want to believe first in the "experts" that they know more. I believe that women need to regain their ability to trust their instincts and their body in a natural process, not a "medical event." Nevertheless, just look at the evidence. The British Medical Journal has a study indicating a 4-fold increase in respiratory problems of infants we are scheduled c-section babies. Look at work in the Netherlands, UK, Japan, Sweden, Canada and France and you will realize we have substandard medical outcomes on this topic in the US. I recommend reading anything by physician Michele Odent. The problem is conventional hospitals in the US focus on interventions that increase the likelihood of delivery by c-section. This is due to concerns about physician liablity, being sued in court. Follow your gut, not hollywood and you may avoid serious consequences. Educate yourself, question society using socratic method and you will come to the best conclusion.
Never - believe a doctor who tells you that you grew a baby inside you that you don't have the right bone structure or capacity to bring through a normal delivery. This is just plain ignorance. Read and educate yourself. I recommend reading Ina May Gaskin books, who explains how women carry necessary equipment to expand during birth. So taking a premeasurement, means absolutely nothing. It tells a doctor simply nothing about your capacity to deliver a healthy baby. It is simply tragic, if a woman let's herself believe the "experts" this way instead of trusting her body and reading up on the facts. It is like saying if your skull is bigger you are more intelligent as a human. 19thc. medicine - hello!
I, personally, will bot be able to give birth. I would rather adopt a child than go through that, because of my severe fear of vaginal birth. I fear everything about it, I am afraid of putting the baby in danger, putting my self in danger. I find it beautiful to witness, but as for it happening myself, I would find it, and do find it, a horrifying piece of the puzzle. I believe that a woman has the right to make her own decisions about her birthing methods.
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