Why choose caesarian over normal birth?

[Tracie]

Hi everyone,

There certainly seems to be quite a few mums here on Bub-Hub who are choosing to have a caesarian birth rather than a normal birth.

For my studies, I have to choose a few topics to research and this one is of particular interest to me.

I would love to hear from mums who are choosing the caesarian experience without medical indication. (This would also include mums choosing another caesar after previous caesars)

Could you give me a brief idea of why you are choosing NOT to have a normal birth? (This is a trick question - I don't want to know why you are choosing a c/s, I just want to know what the reasons are that you wouldn't choose a normal birth)

An idea of where you are getting your information about the risks involved with C/s?

What do you believe are the biggest risks you are taking?

What is it about C/s that appeals most to you?

What is it about C/s that appeals least to you?

And lastly, what would it take for you to consider choosing a normal birth?

Would love to hear from as many mums as possible - if you are worried about posting here, by all means PM me instead.

Thanks so much!

[rynosmum]

Hi Tracie,

I'm curious as to what you refer to as a 'normal' birth?

I gather you mean vaginal birth but with the high rates of C/S currently, what is normal ?:detective:

[Tracie]

Sorry - yes normal birth meaning vaginal birth (being the normal way ...in a female bodily function sense...that a baby is born)

[Kaileysmum]

Hi, Im not pregnant yet, or TTC but when I have another child I will be having a c-section.


Could you give me a brief idea of why you are choosing NOT to have a normal birth?

The reason for me not choosing a normal birth is I hated my first labour, it was a painful, confusing, long (36hours plus 3 hours of pushing) with an emerg c-section. I was one of those people who advocated natural births, but Ive changed my mind. Also I had a bad c-section, but id still prefer it.


An idea of where you are getting your information about the risks involved with C/s?

Internet, books, and previous experience.


What do you believe are the biggest risks you are taking?

I dont believe Im talking to much risk, only the fact that you can bleed quite a lot as I lost over 1 litre of blood last c-section, also the baby MIGHT have diffuculty breathing, but mine had no troubles last time (both apars were 9's)


What is it about C/s that appeals most to you?

No labour, which woould probably in my case end up with emerg c-section

What is it about C/s that appeals least to you?

After pain, and spinal tap.

And lastly, what would it take for you to consider choosing a normal birth?

Nothing but a garentee Id have a quick easy labour, with no troubles or emerg c-section.

[Tracie]

Thanks ewells1983 - I really appreciate your time!

[Foxy]

Hi Tracie, happy to answer your questions, but I would like say that I find your title a little insulting (maybe I'm a bit defensive). I know you don't mean it to sound judgmental, but perhaps you could refer to a "natural" birth, rather than a "normal" birth.


Could you give me a brief idea of why you are choosing NOT to have a normal birth?

With DS 1, I was 14 days overdue, had to be induced "twice", went through 10 hours of immediate painful labour, only to end up with an emergency C/S, because even though I was 10cms dilated, he was not progressing. DS was sick when born because he was overdue and had swallowed too much amniotic fluid and had eaten meconium. This made me very angry - why hadn't they induced me earlier? I blame the public system, which is why I now have private health cover and can ensure next birth will be in a private hospital. I would say the treatment I received in the public system is a major factor in my decision not to chose a VBAC next time, even though I will be in private, I just cannot face going through that again.


An idea of where you are getting your information about the risks involved with C/s?

From my previous experience, and from the fabulous OB I intend to have next time.


What do you believe are the biggest risks you are taking?

The things I am most worried about are not having the immediate bonding time with my child and my milk supply being affected because I will not have had labour.

What is it about C/s that appeals most to you?

Not having to go through labour again for it only to end in another emergency c/s.
I have already had one, my scare is barley noticable, so I don't think another one will change anything for me physically. Embarassing to admit, but I guess I also like the fact the everything "down there" is still in one piece and good working order. I did not have to worry about having sex after having a c/s.

What is it about C/s that appeals least to you?

A longer recovery time, especially since I will have a toddler this time.

And lastly, what would it take for you to consider choosing a normal birth?

Honestly? Nothing. If I couldn't have an elective c/s next time, I would seriously reconsider having # 2.



Hope this helps, good luck with your studies. :)

[diamonds22]

Could you give me a brief idea of why you are choosing NOT to have a normal birth?

I am having a normal birth, I have no health reasons to be concerned about...I am electing for a c/sec because it is what I want...the baby isn't going to remember or care which part she comes out of...so for me its more important that I am the most comfortable.

An idea of where you are getting your information about the risks involved with C/s?

My Ob is the professonal.


What do you believe are the biggest risks you are taking?

My ob has advised of risks and has told me that its actually less risker then vaginal birth...and Dr's prefer C/sec over vaginal as many more complications can happen from vaginal births


What is it about C/s that appeals most to you?
I don't want the painful experience of labour...nor do I want my internal organs streched

What is it about C/s that appeals least to you?

nothing, if modern technology is available with fantastic safe results why not use it? I know there is a stigma attached that if u elect to have a c/sec your "to posh to push"...I couldnt careless....my baby is going to be delievered the safest way possible...and I will be able to comfortably enjoy the experience of childbirth with my husband right there besides me.

And lastly, what would it take for you to consider choosing a normal birth?

Not even going to consider a vaginal birth....its my body therefore my choice, my baby will be in less danger and so will I.

[Odessa]

Hi ladies,

Tracie has clarified that by "normal" birth she did actually mean "vaginal" or "natural" birth. Normal is simply a synonym of natural, there is no need to feel insulted or slighted by the wording of the topic. Thanks. By the way, Tracie, great topic!

Carry on!

[natasha]

I had an elective C section because I couldn't stand the thought of going through labour, having my bits stretched and torn, and something the size of a melon coming out of me 'that' way!!!:laughing: :laughing:

It just wasn't for me. And if i get pregnant again I'll defo have another one.

[Rhys'Mum]

I would love to hear from mums who are choosing the caesarian experience without medical indication. (This would also include mums choosing another caesar after previous caesars)

If we choose to have a second I will most definately be choosing to have a c-section.

Could you give me a brief idea of why you are choosing NOT to have a normal birth? (This is a trick question - I don't want to know why you are choosing a c/s, I just want to know what the reasons are that you wouldn't choose a normal birth)

I would not choose to have a vaginal birth because I did not feel supported in my last labour. I experienced 57 hours of painful contractions that ended in an emergency c-section and I am still traumatised not by needing emergency intervetion but by the labour process, pain and the midwives attitudes. :mad:

A very secondary issue is the fact that I have arthritis in my hip and spine which may have contributed to his poor positioning and as a result my not dilating, and it may well have been the reason my son got stuck. I would not risk this happening again even now that I know to throw a hissy fit.

An idea of where you are getting your information about the risks involved with C/s?

My OB primarily, although I have spoken to nurses, friends that have elected VBAC, magazine articles etc

What do you believe are the biggest risks you are taking?

Surgery always poses a level of risk eg there is the Aneasthetic in particular the risk of paralysis with a spinal block (which would be my choice), there is the risk of infection, poor worksmanship, bleeding etc and of course there is the scarring, the fact that your muscles, nerves etc have been severed so may not heal appropriately.

However I see these risks being offset to some degree by the risks of complications, bleeding, scarring, prolapse etc with vaginal birth, the risks to the baby where there are problems and risk of paralysis etc if you need an epidural to manage the pain of a vaginal birth:fingerscrossed:

What is it about C/s that appeals most to you?

Not living through another labour!!!!

Also the reduced risk of the next baby going into distress and coming face to face with losing it. Avoiding the risk of rupture that a vaginal birth would involve having already had a C/s.

What is it about C/s that appeals least to you?

The risks inherent in surgery, although I am very pleased with my OB so would feel quite confident were he to perform a second C/s.

And lastly, what would it take for you to consider choosing a normal birth?

I do occasionally toy with the idea, but then I smack myself around a little and think about all the reasons I swore I would never voluntarily go through labour again.

[Tracie]

Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to write your answers.
I really appreciate it and it will be immensely helpful to me.:yelclap:

For anyone who is interested in comparing risks of vaginal birth vs caesarian birth, here is a great link where you can download a pdf booklet "What every pregnant woman needs to know about caesarian section"
The booklet was produced after an exhausting review of hundreds of studies and has been endorsed by many well-respected and international organisations....

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLink=274&ck=10168&area=27

And this link will take you to an online copy of "A guide to effective care in pregnancy and childbirth" which is an evidence based book written by highly respected authors. It really is one of the best resources you can find....

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLink=329&ck=10218&area=27

Thanks so much again ladies - Keep your answers coming - the more the better!:thumbsup:

[mysonroger]

i had two vaginal deliveries so can't participate, but these comments sound like similar experiences that my friends had in a public hospital. there is no way on this earth i will go public.
i'm keen to look on those links, after reading diamonds 22 response.

[~beckkles~]

Could you give me a brief idea of why you are choosing NOT to have a normal birth? I chose to have an elec c-sect after loosing 2 pregnancys in the 2nd trimester and having to vaginally birth them. I was afraid of flashbacks and not being able to cope.

An idea of where you are getting your information about the risks involved with C/s? My Obst sat me down and went through everything with me.

What do you believe are the biggest risks you are taking? I was naive and thought the risks were minor to the big picture but when the obst started the c-sect he seperated the placental post and my womb leaving me to bleed and baby to have limited o2

What is it about C/s that appeals most to you? Preparation and "scheduled" procedures, the fear of the unknown taken out

What is it about C/s that appeals least to you?Definatly the spinal tap

And lastly, what would it take for you to consider choosing a normal birth? Years of counselling to vanish the demons from prev delieveries and a obst that wouldnt leave my side for the whole delievery lol as if

[Tracie]

Hi Beccles,

Thanks for your reply! What a strong woman you must be to make it thru such a difficult journey.....and what beautiful names you chose for all of your girls!
I really appreciate your time!

Any more bubhubbers out there able to help with my research?

The more the better!:)