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
95 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.