first bub - determined to have C section

[trickylee]

Hi girls,
Ever since I found out about CS I said I would always have one....
Now I have found out I am 5 weeks up the duff.
Im adamant I want a C section as the thought of labour and birth absolutely frightens the pants off me....to the point of having a panic attck...
Am I normal ? Do any other girls want an elective C section for the same reasons....
Im 34 , so not super young .
My partner wanst me to be open to a natural labour - but it's not him that has to be in pain for 20 hours :rolleyes:

[Freya]

When I found out I was pregnant for a while I thought there is no way a baby if coming out of my vagina, I got over that soon enough and achieved my natural birth as the thought of a c-section started to make me scared and still does scare the absolute hell out of me. You may change your mind, it is normal to be afraid in the beginning but really give me a VB anyday major abdominal surgery freaks me out more then anything.

[MumOf4Monsters]

First of all, Congratulations!

It's perfectly normal to be scared of labour and birth, i know i was when i was pregnant with my first! Just try to remember that it is a natural process and you can do it.

Personally i think labour and birth is an enjoyable experience and something so special and unlike anything you will ever experience.

I suggest that maybe you maybe do some reading on the pros and con associated with vb and cs.
If it is the pain that you are worried about...you have the option to have an epidural. I imagine that the pain and healing time would be more great after a cs than a vb.

Try to be open minded and good luck with your decision!:hugs:

[georgiesmum]

Congratulations to you!

I have experienced both (sort of) - 17 hours of labour followed by an emergency c-section. At the end of the 17 hours I was just happy to get my little out and hold her in my arms. I expected the recovery to be much worse than it was. I am having an elective c-section next time (at this stage anyway) and am looking forward to it because I will have time for my mind to prepare more.
Good luck with whatever you decide. I wish you a hassle free and healthy pregnancy.
:)

[samken]

There are many woman in HB who have had to have CS, there are those who chose to have a CS over VB. What is refreshing is the ones who chose have usually done there homework and know what they are doing, why they are doing it and the impact on their health by doing it.

I'm not interested in stopping you doing what you truly want to do but you may want to make sure you know what you are talking about. My labour for DD was 2 hours and I'm 39.

[34me]

Mmm yes I think its best to know EXACTLY what actually happens during a cesarian. Its not as glamourous as people think. I am equally scared of vaginal and cesarian birth, but I will try my hardest to birth my baby vaginally, as thats what my vagina is there for :)

[Angike]

Mmm yes I think its best to know EXACTLY what actually happens during a cesarian. Its not as glamourous as people think. I am equally scared of vaginal and cesarian birth, but I will try my hardest to birth my baby vaginally, as thats what my vagina is there for :)

:yes: Me too.

I am petrified of giving birth vaginally again because it really hurt but I'm glad I did because I recovered so quickly, almost within hours.

[Milliner]

I am petrified of having a c-sect, I have seen those videos *shudder*

You really need to educate yourself on the pros and cons. Yes childbirth is painful but there is pain relief available to you. After giving birth to my second child I was ready to get up and leave within an hour (they advised against me going until at least 4 hrs after the birth) I can't imagine feeling that good after a c-sect.

34me is right they are not as glamorous as people think.

[Pixie]

I am slightly nervous about having a baby come out of my vagina but hey people have done it for a while now. I ended up having a section for my first I nearly died..yes I am serious I tore down both sides of my uterus and lost a lot of blood I was in surgery for 4 hours then 3 in recovery due to fluid on my lungs. Not scaring you just telling you what can happen and does happen a lot, perhaps you could ask you hospital to see the consent form that will give you an idea of the risks you run from having one. I am not anti c/section at all I just think be informed and be so, so aware that it's major surgery watch a few videos of it on you tube there are some good ones.

Oh and congrats hope you have a happy and healthy 9 months!

[~Emmylou~]

The way you feel isn't uncommon, and I'm not going to tell you that you shouldn't feel that way... because everyone is afraid of the unknown. And lets face it to someone who has never had a baby, labour and birth can seem like the biggest unknown there is :hugs:

What I would say though is that you do really need to understand what is involved in a caesarean birth - in terms of both the birth itself and the recovery - and what increased risks it presents for both you and your bub. A caesarean is neither the safest option, or the easy option and there is reams of research out there that will clearly explain to you what sort of increased risks a caesar involves. So if you want to go about this in an informed way, it would be really helpful to do some reading.

The other thing about your post that kind of got my attention was when you said that "it was alright for your partner because he doesn't have to go through 20 hours of pain".

Talk to anyone who has had a caesar and they will tell you that they were in a heck of alot of pain that lasted ALOT longer than 20 hours. Most women will have strong pain for at least a week and many are in pain for quite a few weeks. It's not the easy way out by any stretch, and recovering from major abdominal surgery with a newborn waking you up relentlessly every few hours around the clock plus all the normal hormonal ups and downs you'd have after any birth is not pretty.

The thing about being pregnant is that there really is no easy way of getting that baby out of there. There's just not. Yes a vaginal birth involves pain but it's during the birth, is generally shortlived and generally over with in a relatively short time. A ceasar means a "painless" birth - but you will be in pain afterwards, and no one can tell you for how long for or how much, just as no one can tell you how long or how painful your labour will be.

[OJandMe]

I reccomend reading some of the birth stories.

Not all VB's are bad.

Mine lasted for 1 and a half hours and the worst of the pain wasn't much more than a bad period.

We went home same day.

But if you DO have a CS first time round, then if you do want to have a VB next time, you'll have to jump through all these hoops even to get them to consider it.

Just think about your decision.

(PS: if your worried about how a VB will effect your sex life, well I can honestly say sex feels better now than it did before. ;))

[Chicco25]

I walked into my Ob's office at 19 and 8 weeks pregnant demanding a c-sect. One of my major reasons was because the idea of pushing something out of my vagina scared the **** out of me, and I also didnt want to change anything down there. I've had 3 c-secst all up.

Its purely a personal choice. If your happy with your decision then do it. But in saying that, you are only 5 weeks. You have plenty of time to weigh up the pro and cons of both deliveries.

C-sects seem like the easier option. But I'm not going to sugar coat it. The first week is not easy. You sneeze and you feel like your going to split like a piniata. While in hospy the midwives will want bubs to be with you most of the time, so you just cant lay down for a couple of days to recover. Your on the go from day dot and you wont get special treatment just because you had major abdominal surgery. I'm not trying to put you off, but personally if I could be 19 again I would do vaginal.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.:)

[xxxDragonFlyxxx]

Your body works. Let it do what it was designed to do. Push a baby out of your vagina :)

C-sections are far more risky for both mother and baby than a vaginal birth, don't be too quick to say that you want a c-section. Recovery from a c-section is harder, longer and more painful than a vaginal birth, so if it's pain factor that worries you, be more scared of the c-section.

While some women (myself included) heal extremely well and very quickly after a c-section the pain is still a lot more than with a vaginal birth.

C-sections are major abdominal surgery, it is not a quick or pretty procedure and it's not something that should be treated as such. Do your research, find out exactly what risks are involved, what the procedure entails, and do a list of pro's and con's. I think you'll find that vaginal birth will come out on top in terms of those things.

If it's purely a psychological fear that you have about vaginal birth, counselling would be a far better option that having a c-section. See if your GP can refer you to someone you can speak to about all of this. You still have a long way to go in your pregnancy and there's plenty of time to over come your fears :)

Like Pixie, I almost died during my c-section, I lost a lot of blood and it was all pretty touch and go. I was also knocked out with a general as the epidural failed. So while bad things also happen during vaginal births, they are usually a lot less severe than when something goes wrong during a c-section. So yep, definitely read up on both sides before making a decision.

[mum_I'm_hungry]

I am really not into the whole 'birth experience' thing (it hurts, I'd rather not do it etc.!), but do keep your mind open. I thought long and hard about an elective caesar. with my first and then decided to have a crack at the vaginal birth thing and see how I went. Well, it took 3.5 hours from the first contraction, so I'm glad I did. My second baby took 40 minutes. And I was in the shower (sure it was like being hosed down at Camp XRay, but I was standing in the shower...) about an hour after both births. I'm glad I changed my mind. My advice would be to have a look into both options and keep your mind open before you decide.

[missie_mack]

Im not anti c section but I would suggest opening your mind to all possibilities. My actual c section wasnt the most unpleasant experience but the recovery was so much further behind everyone else. I really didnt start feeling back up to speed (so to speak) for 2 - 3 months even though I was up doing all housework and the like after about 3 weeks. I really had to envy those who left the next day without the slow slow walking and the ability to easily sit in the car without being ginger on the way home :laughing:

But seriously read up on all options and open your mind. Whether it be a VB or a CS closing your mind can lead to disappointment if you dont get the outcome you have hoped for :)
Good luck with your decision

[KatiesMum]

Hi :wave:

I agree with most of the girls here.

Firstly - make your own decision. It is your body and your birth experience, only you know how you feel about it.

Having said that, do the research before you make any final decisions. (I cannot stress that enough). Look at all the risks and pros and cons about both ... and make an informed decision.

If it is just the fact that you are scared of a vb (even severely so) maybe try some counselling before you decide that it is something you don't want. You can still opt for a c/s if you are still having the panic attacks.

If after all the research, you decide that you still want a c/s, go for it - and dont let anyone make you feel bad for that choice. It is your baby, your body, your choice and your birth experience.

Good luck and best wishes to you and your family. :)

[MilkOnTap]

The advice you have been given so far is fantastic. No one is going to say "have a VB" or "have a C/S". The decision is purely personal and is different for everyone.

Personally, I had no choice but to have a c/sect. I'd had 2 previous ectopic pregnancies and one of them damaged my uterus so I was not allowed to have a c/sect due to risk of haemmorrage. Despite getting half a dozen different opinions, no one would allow me to have the natural water birth that I longed for.

So c/s it was for me. And it wasn't a particular 'natural' experience, believe you me. I never imagined laying on a bed in a surgical environment, blood pressure band on arm, tray of steristrips beside me, half a dozen doctors with masks over their faces all gawking at my bits and another half a dozen nurses buzzing around to be the kind of birth that I would have. That said, I now cant imagine it any other way and I'm just glad that my son made it through alright with terriffic APGAR scores.

If it were up to me, I still would have preferred a natural birth and will even try and find an OB who will allow it for my next pregnancy. Very VERY doubtful that I'll find one - but hey; I may as well give it a shot, right?

[Natsmummy]

The way you feel isn't uncommon, and I'm not going to tell you that you shouldn't feel that way... because everyone is afraid of the unknown. And lets face it to someone who has never had a baby, labour and birth can seem like the biggest unknown there is :hugs:

What I would say though is that you do really need to understand what is involved in a caesarean birth - in terms of both the birth itself and the recovery - and what increased risks it presents for both you and your bub. A caesarean is neither the safest option, or the easy option and there is reams of research out there that will clearly explain to you what sort of increased risks a caesar involves. So if you want to go about this in an informed way, it would be really helpful to do some reading.

The other thing about your post that kind of got my attention was when you said that "it was alright for your partner because he doesn't have to go through 20 hours of pain".

Talk to anyone who has had a caesar and they will tell you that they were in a heck of alot of pain that lasted ALOT longer than 20 hours. Most women will have strong pain for at least a week and many are in pain for quite a few weeks. It's not the easy way out by any stretch, and recovering from major abdominal surgery with a newborn waking you up relentlessly every few hours around the clock plus all the normal hormonal ups and downs you'd have after any birth is not pretty.

The thing about being pregnant is that there really is no easy way of getting that baby out of there. There's just not. Yes a vaginal birth involves pain but it's during the birth, is generally shortlived and generally over with in a relatively short time. A ceasar means a "painless" birth - but you will be in pain afterwards, and no one can tell you for how long for or how much, just as no one can tell you how long or how painful your labour will be.

:iagree: Very well said Emmylou. My labour lasted 6 hours and yes it was painful but as soon as it is over it is forgotten. I was (and will be with any future pregnancies) more scared of having a CS than a VB for the very reason that you are not up and about straight away and are in pain for weeks afterwards.


(PS: if your worried about how a VB will effect your sex life, well I can honestly say sex feels better now than it did before. ;))
This may be too much information, but I agree;). Not sure why its better, but it is!:cloud9:

[kas3]

I completely understand where you're coming from trickylee.

The thought of vb scares the s*** out of me too.

My DH says he's fine with whatever choice I make. (He thinks I'm over-reacting though. Of course, as you point out, it's not his body...)

I'm thinking of going to a counsellor/psychologist to help me work through this.

It would be much easier to be ok with vb. None of my family (incl. DH) or friends really understand. They all seem to think I'm being a drama queen.

They just don't 'get' that I'm terrified. With my first pregnancy (I miscarried at 8 weeks), I was already having sleepless nights.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that YOU'RE NOT ALONE.

[Mariana]

I am not pregnant yet; hoping to start ttc'ing next summer. But I've been reading up on pros and cons of vb and c-section over the last few weeks just to know what to expect.

I wish, I really wish I could be okay with a vb, but the mere thought of it makes me cry (and I'm not even pregnant yet!) It's not the pain that I'm scared of, I think I can handle a few hours of pain knowing there is a reward in the end; I'm scared of tearing or getting an episiotomy, scared of having no control over what's going on, pooping in front of everyone (including my husband).

Like I said, I've done some research and watched some videos. Surprisingly, c-section videos do not scare me at all; on the contrary, I feel some kind of awe and calmness (and even jealousy!) It is vb videos that frighten and disturb me.

My husband supports my decision, my mom does not understand my fears, but I know what I want and why I want it and just hope I will be able to find a c-section-friendly OB in my area.

So no, Trickylee, you are not the only one feeling that way! I completely understand you and am glad to read that I'm not alone.

[Freya]

I am not pregnant yet; hoping to start ttc'ing next summer. But I've been reading up on pros and cons of vb and c-section over the last few weeks just to know what to expect.

I wish, I really wish I could be okay with a vb, but the mere thought of it makes me cry (and I'm not even pregnant yet!) It's not the pain that I'm scared of, I think I can handle a few hours of pain knowing there is a reward in the end; I'm scared of tearing or getting an episiotomy, scared of having no control over what's going on, pooping in front of everyone (including my husband).

Like I said, I've done some research and watched some videos. Surprisingly, c-section videos do not scare me at all; on the contrary, I feel some kind of awe and calmness (and even jealousy!) It is vb videos that frighten and disturb me.

My husband supports my decision, my mom does not understand my fears, but I know what I want and why I want it and just hope I will be able to find a c-section-friendly OB in my area.

So no, Trickylee, you are not the only one feeling that way! I completely understand you and am glad to read that I'm not alone.

So you are okay that a c-section is dangerous? At the end of the day it is your decision, but in my opinion it is putting your baby at risk if there is no reason why you need it...

[jaxcoop]

hi there, I think what you are feeling is totally normal. Your body is designed to give birth. CC is riskier for both you and bub. But that is your decision to make for the both of you. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for your decision.

I have had both and i actually found that a c/s was more pleasant for me. But everyone is different. I had a terrible healing after my VB so the CS healing wasn't that bad.

I think maybe you should talk to your doctor and maybe get a referral for a pychologist to talk about your fears. And hopefully you can work through your fears. Do loads of research to work out what risks you are willing to take. And don't go into it blind sighted. Its totally up to you but please research for your bubs and your own sake.

Good luck. I hope it all goes well and if you need any links to sites, i'd be happy to pass them on :)

[veve]

So you are okay that a c-section is dangerous? At the end of the day it is your decision, but in my opinion it is putting your baby at risk if there is no reason why you need it...
every birth is dangerous .. every day .. even with modern medicine babies and mothers die - during the birthing process - vb or c-section

[MoonstoneMumma]

i had an emergency c/section with my bub. yes the labour hurt, but what hurts more, and still does 17 months later, was the fact that the epi didn't work on me and i never saw my son enter the world, didn't hear that first cry, see my dh meet him, didn't get to hold him until the next day and so on.

for my next birth i am planning a home waterbith. i can not wait to give birth! with the right knowledge and support people, your birth can be a wonderful, empowering experience.

talk to doulas, midwives and do research. read birth stories. but please also weigh up the risks. either way as they have all said, it is your body and your birth, make sure you dont regret which way you go.

[Freya]

every birth is dangerous .. every day .. even with modern medicine babies and mothers die - during the birthing process - vb or c-section

Yes, but an unneccessary c-section is alot more dangerous then a vaginal birth.

We have vaginas for a reason... Except for certain medical reasons and cases like jaxcoops we should use them as it carries alot less risk for our babies.

[Becs999]

Hello - I don't think many women relish the idea of a vb, I know I didn't. The pain, the indignity, the unknown... What gave me confidence is when I kept thinking about all the billions of other women who have done this before me including my mother and my grandmother (who homebirthed twins back in 1941!). If all these women before me could do it then so could I! We've also got the benefit of some pretty amazing pain relief these days too. I had an epi and actually slept through most of my labour!

Congrats on your preg and I hope that you get the birth you want. :)

[4B2L]

It is your birth, do what you want. If you want a c-section, then go for it.
I have had 4 (not through choice) and I recovered quickly and really enjoyed the experience.

[KatiesMum]

I am not pregnant yet; hoping to start ttc'ing next summer. But I've been reading up on pros and cons of vb and c-section over the last few weeks just to know what to expect.

I wish, I really wish I could be okay with a vb, but the mere thought of it makes me cry (and I'm not even pregnant yet!) It's not the pain that I'm scared of, I think I can handle a few hours of pain knowing there is a reward in the end; I'm scared of tearing or getting an episiotomy, scared of having no control over what's going on, pooping in front of everyone (including my husband).

Like I said, I've done some research and watched some videos. Surprisingly, c-section videos do not scare me at all; on the contrary, I feel some kind of awe and calmness (and even jealousy!) It is vb videos that frighten and disturb me.



The other thing to take into consideration - especially in cases like yours Mariana, is that a c/s is not an intimate personal experience. Your dignity definately does not survive!!!!

You are basically laid on a sugery table, naked from the waist down, where they erect a screen so you cant see what they are doing, insert a catheter etc and do the surgery.

I counted 11 people in the room (apart from me and DH) all watching ..... and in many cases you still poop in front of everyone (and a lot more people at that), you still have a substantial risk of incontinence as this is from pregnancy not birth etc. You dont have the risk of tearing, so that is a plus, but all in all it isnt personal or intimate.

I am not saying dont have a c/s (mine was great) just dont rule out a vb because of the lack of intimacy issues......do the research and make an informed decision.

[delirium]

congrats on your pregnancy. I think a fear of the pain of vb is normal and understandable. I was terrified all the way through my first pregnancy of the pain. I want to tell you though that c/s are no walk in the park either. I won't go into the details, but my first c/s was a real bad experience. My second was actually pretty good, but you are sore for quite a while. I'm not trying to scare you but inform you. :) I have a friend that also had a c/s and had a bad experience too. Admittedly, I've never had a vb to compare with, but for me, I'd rather been in terrible pain for 12 hours than bad pain for a month or more. That's just me though.

The other thing to take into consideration - especially in cases like yours Mariana, is that a c/s is not an intimate personal experience. Your dignity definitely does not survive!!!!

that's very true. A catheter has to be inserted which I found pretty demeaning (especially when she didn't do it right first time and had to redo it :rolleyes:). You have your butt and genitals hanging out whilst getting the spinal and during the op. And then there's the embarrassment of the nurses having to change your first pad because you are confined to bed and the spinal hasn't worn off. Birth can be embarrassing no matter the method of delivery.

[4B2L]

The other thing to take into consideration - especially in cases like yours Mariana, is that a c/s is not an intimate personal experience. Your dignity definately does not survive!!!!

You are basically laid on a sugery table, naked from the waist down, where they erect a screen so you cant see what they are doing, insert a catheter etc and do the surgery.

I counted 11 people in the room (apart from me and DH) all watching ..... and in many cases you still poop in front of everyone (and a lot more people at that), you still have a substantial risk of incontinence as this is from pregnancy not birth etc. You dont have the risk of tearing, so that is a plus, but all in all it isnt personal or intimate.

I am not saying dont have a c/s (mine was great) just dont rule out a vb because of the lack of intimacy issues......do the research and make an informed decision.

I would disagree, I loved that I had 10 or so people in the room all there to welcome my baby, every staff member was beaming ear to ear as though it were the first birth they had ever witnessed. One nurse had tears in her eyes.

The catheter is put in after you are numb, so you don't even realise. Catheters are put in for any operation someone has, so it is really no big deal.

Like I said earlier, her birth, her call. If she has a genuine fear of delivering vaginally, then it may not be the best option. In a perfect world all births would be vaginally, but it is not, and sometimes we need to cater for individuals.

[KatiesMum]

I actually had a great c/s and was very happy .... everyone was really great - the anaesth took photos etc. :)

My point is if you are concerned about 'pooping in front of everyone' ... c/s doesn't get around that.

[Tulp]

I had an emergency c/s after 17 hours of labour. Was holding out for v/b but had to have a c/s as a safer option. I was excited then because I knew I was going to be able to see my little boy soon.

There are pros and cons to both c/s & v/b and you could probably get a lot of information here. Oh let me just add does not matter how your kid arrives - you will love him/her just the same.

I had a great c/s. Had a fantastic team working on me. Was chatting with DH during the procedure and was so excited when I heard DS cry and I saw him. Before I knew it he was next to me for a bit while they stitched me up then DH held him.

I guess I am ok with a c/s because we are not planning on any more kids. One is all we want. I guess if you plan on having more the risk of c/s increases.

Good luck in whatever decision you take and congratulations.

[MoonstoneMumma]

something i just remembered! all of my clients (and myself included) were scared of labour and the pain that comes with it. However, as soon as their first contractions came, or their waters broke, or the plug came out they were excited. they have all called me and have been really excited that they get to meet their little person soon. just thought i would add that for you :)

[KiahsMum]

There has been a great deal of fantastic advice given above and the most important one is whatever you decide it is your decision and let NO ONE guilt you or make you feel bad about it, you need to do what is right for you :)

[~Emmylou~]

something i just remembered! all of my clients (and myself included) were scared of labour and the pain that comes with it. However, as soon as their first contractions came, or their waters broke, or the plug came out they were excited. they have all called me and have been really excited that they get to meet their little person soon. just thought i would add that for you :)

I think that's a really important point Shea.
Lots of times the things that scare the bejeezus out of us when we're first pregnant can become a lot less scary when we're 41 weeks pregnant, can't move, can't sleep, can't eat, pee every 5 minutes, swollen, hormonal, exhausted and so totally OVER IT that we would would happily pay the next person who walks past us to put us out of our misery.

By the time you get to that stage you're just so excited to meet baby and be done with the whole pregnancy thing...that giving birth doesn't seem anywhere near as horrifying as staying pregnant :laughing:

[Becs999]

Lots of times the things that scare the bejeezus out of us when we're first pregnant can become a lot less scary when we're 41 weeks pregnant, can't move, can't sleep, can't eat, pee every 5 minutes, swollen, hormonal, exhausted and so totally OVER IT that we would would happily pay the next person who walks past us to put us out of our misery.

By the time you get to that stage you're just so excited to meet baby and be done with the whole pregnancy thing...that giving birth doesn't seem anywhere near as horrifying as staying pregnant :laughing:
Yep and it's even more so at 42 weeks preg! :laughing:
I remember chopping up veggies one night looking at the veggie knife thinking "c-sect, right here, right now, get this pregnancy over with!". (Obviously I was kidding but you get my point.)

[Tulp]

I'd have to agree about the excitement when you go into labour and when your water breaks. I am glad I got to experience that - 17 hours of it, before they decided to wheel me in. DS decided to arrive on his due date too - how good is that. :)

[0BleSseD0]

Up until I got pregnant and did the research for myself I was a "Too posh to push" too, and was SURE that I wanted a C-sec.

I had two completely un-medicated wonderful births.

All I can reccommend is that you do as much of your own research as possible. Be VERY well informed. Watch a c-sec or look at pictures.

Keep in mind that it is major surgery. Giving birth is not.

ETA. I didn't poop with either birth.

[neostudded]

Hey I just want you to know I had a 7 hour labour with 25 minutes of pushing.So first birth's are not always 20 plus hours.

Everyone here has given you such wonderful advice, good luck making the right choice.:)

[TwoWiseGals]

At the end of the day you need to do what is going to be the best outcome for you and your little one.... not what anyone else thinks you should do.... your hardly going to have a great vb experience if you are that anxious your having panic attacks and hyperventilating between contractions now are you...

But please do your research if you haven't done so already, so you know what you are really comparing.... fear of childbirth is a very real thing, and for some people when it is so overwhelming, cs very well can be the best option....

Can I suggest something else.... maybe there are underlying causes for your anxieties and fears.... maybe some counselling, meditation, etc may help eleviate this..... just a thought.... best to explore all these things now as you have plenty of time til you get to meet your beautiful child!

Best of luck!

Just had to add... I had an emergency c/s after 13 hrs of posterior labour and having been awake for 36 hrs straight.... I was so tired and was so sick with a raging fever by the time they decided to do a c/s that I was happy to have my bubba any which way... I honestly don't think I would have had the energy to push a fart out let alone a baby.... HAHA.... but if I had a chance to do it over knowing what I do now I would have been more persistant, I would have asked for a different midwife way back in the beginning.....

I did however have a great c/s experience.... a great team in the OR and a great recovery.... so can't complain!

[kita]

I was adiment from day 1 that i was going to have a c/sfor my birth, it took alot to get it, had to travel hours to a hospital i could have one.
It was excellent, so relaxed and peaceful, recovered in bout 2 weeks back to normal, tiny cat scratch scar and never felt better.
Got beautiful 5 month old to show from it.
As long as your happy your entitled to the birth you want.

[MummaBear03]

I'm not against the idea of a c-section, but do you realise it's major abdominal surgery and not just a minor procedure? It will take you more than 20 hours to recover and you may find it quite painful holding your baby to feed. Also the success rate of breastfeeding after a caesarean is not all that good, although it's far from impossible. You just have to work harder at it if you want to breastfeed. You can't drive a car, lift your arms to hang out the washing or do anything that requires lifting your arms, including washing your hair, for approximately 6 weeks. People can recover quicker, some take longer. I just hope you look into it before you decide what to do. For me, surgery freaks me out, I'm not sure what it is but it scares the pants off me! Not as much as having an epidural does but it comes close. Of course if it was necessary I would agree to it without thinking twice, regardless of my fears or the pain following or anything else because you have to put your children first with everything. I'm not trying to talk you out of it but it is something you should talk about with a doctor or midwife, and definately something you will need to research a little more. I learnt fast to be open to everything because sometimes things don't go to plan, but definately have it in your mind what you would like. Good luck with your research and decisions, and a big congratulations on the pregnancy!:smiliedance:

[MummaBear03]

Hey I just want you to know I had a 7 hour labour with 25 minutes of pushing.So first birth's are not always 20 plus hours.

Everyone here has given you such wonderful advice, good luck making the right choice.:)

Mine was less than 2 hours from the time my water's broke to the time she was born and was drug free and totally painless so there are some that are not so bad too. I was running and touching my toes that same day. But if you do the research and decide that a c-section is best for you, then that's the choice you've made. Don't let people push you, just know that it's not bad. Oh and I didn't poop either but i know someone from a playgroup we went to who had a touch of diarrhoea during a c-section and didn't know until she'd done it and she was horrified, as the reason she wanted a c-section was to save face. Birth and pregnancy is not exactly the most difnified thing a woman can go through regardless of the type of birth chosen.

[trickylee]

for all your advice , I realise C sections are the "Topic de jour"....yes I will make sure I am informed , and yes I do have 7 - 8 months to decide , get over my fears etc.....
There are some very valid points and pro's and con's to each birth. No-one is the same, no birth is the same....so I guess as planned and as pain free as I want to try and be . Life sometimes throws us a curve - ball and you just roll with the punches :laughing:
cheers ladies .....
Bring on the RAIN in Brisbane :thumbsup:

[jpm3]

i have had elective c-sect (first bub was breech) and 2 normal deliveries, i much prefer vaginal delivery they are less painful afterward, which makes it easier to tend to bub

[EsSjAy]

Hi there....:wave:

I have had 4 c/s... No not by choice but due to a small pelvic opening....
I wanted to attempt a natural birth the second time around but it was dependant on the size of bub....(wasn't going to happen... i breed em big:laughing:)

There is scientific research which states the benefits to CS opposed to VB (which comforted me knowing i had no choice) but at the end of the day VB is the way nature intended...
CS provides women with an option... Right, wrong or indifferent...
I'm not trying to open a can of worms here i'm just stating that if you do your own research and weigh up the pro's and con's then you can make a desision that will be an informed one FOR YOU!!!

If you would like some references PM me....
I still have some bookmarked...

Congratulations by the way... All the best... x x:)

[miss b]

Hysterectomy risk with Caesarean (http://news.scotsman.com/health?articleid=3632280)

This is a link to a news story that I watched on the late night news last night. Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it yet.
PLEASE READ AND BE INFORMED

I think that every woman has the right to make choices about there own body, but don't choose a CS if it is just the pain that your scared of! A CS can be just as painful during recovery if not more so.
Good luck with everything and congrate on your bubba

[lilpearl]

Hi girls,
Ever since I found out about CS I said I would always have one....
Now I have found out I am 5 weeks up the duff.
Im adamant I want a C section as the thought of labour and birth absolutely frightens the pants off me....to the point of having a panic attck...
Am I normal ? Do any other girls want an elective C section for the same reasons....
Im 34 , so not super young .
My partner wanst me to be open to a natural labour - but it's not him that has to be in pain for 20 hours :rolleyes:


It is natural to feel scared of labour if you have only ever heard people talk of the 'terrible pain of labour' or their '20 hour horror story'. However, some women have extatic labours, smiling throughout. Labour and birth are not necessarily easy, but they are meant to be enjoyed. A woman is supposed to love it so much that she wants to do it all over again - that is what nature intended. It is societies negative view of birth as a painful, risky medical 'procedure' that makes women fear it.

It is a wonderful thing that you have a partner who has a positive view of birth. I would suggest you seek some pre-natal couselling, meditation, etc, and become well informed about the phisiology of labour and birth. Hiring a doula may be a great way to hunt out all the important information.

Stear clear of books like 'What to Expect'....they have no substance, and come from a very up-tight viewpoint (American hospital system approach). Instead, find some books on specific topics that are of interest or concern to you, such as caesarean section, labour induction, use of water in labour and birth, homebirth, the pelvis, etc. There are a few great recent books that cover many of the important basses, including: 'Gentle Birth, gentle Motehring' by Dr. Sarah J Buckley; 'Better Birth', by Lareen Newmann; 'A Labour of Love', by Gabrielle Targett; 'Empowering Women' by Andrea Robertson...these are books of quality that you may be able to find in your local bookstore. Capers Online is great but a bit pricey....Amazon is fantastic for range and price.

I think it is really important that women try to work through their fears of birth and avoid a caesarean if at all possible. If you need a caesarean, that's one thing, but it isn't a trip to the dentist, it is abdominal surgery with the risks and recovery associated with such....and a new baby to care for on top of that recovery.

Personally, I have had three children. My first baby was born via 'emergency' caesarean at full dilation. Second time round, i had a waterbirth in a birth centre. Third time around, I had a waterbirth at home. There is a HUGE difference in the experience during birth, and post-birth. Some women breeze through a caesarean and think nothing of it. However, most women take a while to heal, both physically and emotionally. Birth is a rite-of-passage, important for both mother and baby. When a vagianl birth is not possible, a caesaran is the best and safest way to go. However, whena vagianl birth IS possible, from a medical, social and emotional point of view, a caesrean should be avoided.

It is SO important that you receive the support you require in learning about the true nature of birth and gaining confidence in the birth process and your body. Labour is quicker, more enjoyable, more straight-forward, and less painful (sometimes pleasurable) when a woman does not fear, accepts, surrenders, and goes with the flow. it is fear that will equal tension, that will equal pain, a slower labour, more intervention, etc.

P.M me for any further info you require.

All the very best! :)

[elissas]

I agree with most people here. A friend of mine ended up with an emergency caesar, and was in excruciating, unproductive pain for weeks while trying to care for her baby. Her wound became infected, and with all the antibiotics etc she was taking it affected her bub so much she had to give up an otherwise successful breastfeeding relationship with her little girl.

As far as fear of childbirth goes, there are many things you can do to ease that fear. I suggest "Hypnobirthing" by Marie Mongan, it includes a relaxation CD with hypnotic suggestions.

We did hypnobirthing and had a wonderful experience. Although my duration of contractions was about 57hrs, hehe, I enjoyed every minute of it and at it's most intense it felt like strong period pain. I found pushing easy, all 20mins of it, and just had a tiny graze that healed in no time. It never occurred to me at any stage during my labour that drugs/pain relief were even available! I was fully aware the whole time, able to make decisions, and can still tell you to this day the entire course of my labour by the hour!

Also, DH and I were back "in business" just under 3 weeks after DS was born and sex has been as good as, if not better, than before (sorry if tmi).

Hypnobirthing works on a number of levels. Before the birth, you prepare by working through your fears and learning relaxation techniques. You work on creating a self-induced state of hypnosis during labour - hypnosis is very powerful and can block the pain messages from getting to the brain! There are cases of people having full surgery (such as appendectomies) under hypnosis only with no anaesthetic and not feeling a thing (and recovering a lot more quickly I might add!).

[baylees mummy]

hi, yes i know exactly what you mean... i was 19 when i had my first bub and was scared to go through labour naturally. i ended up with 5 days of natural labour with no drugs before needing an emergency c section for fetal distress and a few other complications with the baby coming out... i do have to say that personally i would preferr a c section as the pain is very mild compared to a labour but i felt dam good knowing i tried kwim... its a bad pain but a pain you forget... i am going c section next time but if i had a choice i would try natural again with an epidural. remember there are pain drugs out there so you dont need to be scared about the pain. i wish you all the luck with your pregnancy and birth. :hugs: