elective c third time

**farmerswife** · 18-01-2009 21:56

Hi All,
Just wanting a little feedback.
I have had two long (both 24hr+) labors both resulting in forcep delivery and having to be cut and stitched after.
Both times left me in a bad way mentally for some time but physically i was up the next day and active within a few days.
My doc has said that given my history, he was there for both, he would support my decision either way but im not sure.
Ive read the medical info but wanted to hear from someone who has experienced both delveries.
Adding to my worries is the fact that i live in the country, an the hospital and midwives are fairly old fashioned when it comes to electives.

If you have experienced both could you please give me your opinion of pros and cons when compared?

Thanks

**sunnyflower** · 18-01-2009 22:04

I'm sorry i have only had one c section (emergency)but it seems you have had a really hard time with both deliveries and while your third may not be like that i don't think anyone would begrudge you wanting to have a c section now (well they would have to be quite nasty).

I think you should just do what feels right for you.

**beebs** · 19-01-2009 06:40

Hiya - I haven't had both,but just wanted to say that I am in the same boat as you. I had a shocker first birth and have now made up my mind - well I'm at about 95% of going for an elective c section. Good luck with the desicion - its a pretty hard one isnt it!

**laughtermoontree** · 01-02-2009 20:20

Hi
With my DS I had 3 deg tearing resulting in about 6 months of pain afterwards, with DD1 I had more tearing though not as bad, then with DD2 I found out in late pregnancy that she was going to be larger than my first 2, I didn't know if I could mentally go thru labour again knowing I could tear like DS. In the end the decision to have a ceasar was made for me as my waters had broken and after 15 hours, no dilation DD2 would not engage. Even via ceasar they had trouble getting DD2 out.
Initially the pain after ceasar was so much worse, I was not allowed out of bed until day3, could not hold my baby properly, but after day 4 I was ok still sore when laughing getting up etc but ok.
I am having #4 in august and I am having the same feelings already, Do I want to go natural again, as each baby has been larger than the previous?
I hope this helps, for me mentally the ceasar was easier even thou initially in more pain afterwards

**mea** · 18-02-2009 16:59

I'm in a similar boat. I've only had one VB but it was a shocker and all the tearing meant having another VB brings the risk of incontinence etc. It was also psychologically very traumatic and took me months to get over it.

I'm going to have a c/s on the advice of my ob. My dilemma is whether to have it at 38 wks or risk waiting until 40 wks.

You could try making the decision one way and seeing how you feel about it. You can always change your mind if it feels wrong. Worked for me.

Good luck

**maisymum** · 18-02-2009 17:12

With my DD i had her naturally ( with drugs ) and it was the worst experience of my life, i had 4th degree tearing was unable to stand or tend to my baby for the 1st 2 days, that in it's self was very distressing....and also brocken tail bone!......I had to go back in for surgery when DD was 6 months old....the whole experience wasn't nice....then for my next i was advised and it was the only way i was going to let that baby out....i had a c-section...what a great experience compared to the 1st delivery...i was up the next day tending to DS i was happy and laughing, hubby couldn't believe the difference in me....with our 3rd i had another c-section all was fine and with this bub i am also booked in for another c-section.....There is no way i could go through that hell and months of emotional ups and downs ( after my 1 st i also suffered PND as a result from a traumatic birth ) All the best with your decission....I'm sure what ever way you decide you will know whats right for you....MM xx

**sansha** · 18-02-2009 17:14

I haven't had a vaginal birth but I chose to have an elective c-section and am happy to tell you about my experience. I had a fantastic experience - I was up and off pain meds within 48 hours, fine except after long walks after a week, and completely normal after 2 weeks.

**jewelzy** · 03-03-2009 14:34

Hello,

Farmerwife, I can relate full to your situation.

I had nightmare first birth, that was traumatic and resulted in Forceps and stiches. Ouch!
So can fully understand your fears.
In fact I vowed no more kids and went 5 years without any more kids.

However after 5 years I really wanted kids.
Ive since had planned C Sections due to medical complications. I love kids but pregnancy doesnt like me.

Anyway my 2nd Child was born by C Section,at the time I was petrified of operations (couldnt even watch medical stuff on tv).
So I vomited all the way to theatre due to nerves and fright!
However half way through the C Section felt bit of an idiot as it was so relaxed and not stressful. In fact it was great, my son was born quickly and healthy.

I felt so stupid later, and now laugh about worrying about my C Section. As it was so safe and so much less stressful for me than long birth with forceps and stiches.

Ive since had 3 C Sections. Each was great, in fact my 3rd was my best. I now think C Sections are wonderful and good for those who have had traumatic births.

I could have stuck with one child, due to traumatic birth. But now have 4 kids and had 3 wonderful birth experiences.

J

**Josh** · 31-03-2009 22:05

I have 10 kids, 8 were born vaginally and 2 caesars, and if you have a straight forward vaginal birth with no problems at all, then it would be better physically, but I personally prefer a caesar birth, both my caesars were fantastic one was emergency and the other elective and I was up and about walking around quicker than I thought, I only needed the midwives to look after my bub's for a short time, breastfeeding was established quicker than after my natural deliveries, and there was a lady opposite me who had her first bub naturally but she had stiches and she was really sore for days she couldn't walk properly and she cried the whole time, I think a bad experience with a vaginal birth will stay in your mind forever, anyway thats my story best wishes to you.

**Hooves** · 01-04-2009 10:23

I am so glad I found this thread.

I have had 3 children vaginally, and each time, it has been with cuts, and tears, and lots of stitches.

My first birth, was my worst, and I have come to realise, it left me with PTSD.

SO with my last two births, I was in panic mode, and while both were born quickly, the damage, has left me with other issues.

This time around, the nightmares started straight away, and I have discussed with my doctor about having a c-section.

HE is prepared to do one. I just have to make up my mind, if I want to go ahead with it.

AND these stories have helped me decide. Thankyou.

I am going to make a decision. I really don't think I can go through birth again, either. IT scares the hell out of me.

Good luck with your decision.