"I'd like to keep an early induction on the table."
"You could have an elective c-section if you want," my OB offered. I was surprised the suggestion came from her and not my perinatologist.
I've found a few secondary sources which stated that the NIH concluded elective c-sections reduce the risk of stillbirth or injury to the child. I've found many more which state that the risk of complication for the mother is much higher with an elective c-section.
I'm really shocked that I'm faced with this decision, given that there doesn't seem to be a compelling medical reason for me to have one, other than my history of second trimester loss and placental insufficiency. As a single parent, I'm not going to have a partner who can pick up the slack if I need to recover from surgery.
Your comments are really encouraged here. I want this baby alive and healthy, but I also need to make a practical, responsible decision as the sole caretaker of my child.
Oh and here's a poll about it to spice things up:
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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I vote no.
The benefits not only to you but the babe are outstanding, but I want burden you with my beliefs.
However, I know far too well the crazy emotions and anxiety that come with pregnancy and the death of a child so, you have my support either way.
I *am* having an elective C because I had a C with my first and my husband won't get behind a VBAC. But this is such a highly personal choice, I don't think my input would help.
Hi Runafteryou and Melanie,
I'm trying to do as much information gathering as I can. Every experience and consideration helps - don't discount what you have to offer.
It is a very personal choice, but I hope to make it a well informed one.
Delurking here: I wouldn't recommend it unless it is after a previous one. Although there is often healing after a VB, things like weight limits aren't as common. I would maybe go with an induction in your case though so you are monitored even before your labor starts.
This is only how I feel: after being through what I've been through (and what you've been through) every romantic notion, best intention, chance at redemption goes out the window. You choose whatever feels right in your heart. There is no right or wrong anymore. There is only the matter of your own personal peace, and what YOU feel might help you to increase your chances of finding it. That might mean removing the uncontrolled aspects of labour. Or it might include as much of what's considered 'normal' as possible. Again, only you can make that choice: and whatever you choose is your perogative.
As for me, I'd like to think that maybe I could have a normal birth, a happy birth with minimal intervention. But I'm convinced that only happens for other people, and I don't know... if I ever got pregnant again, I'm not sure I'd have enough faith to get past my own cynicism. I wish I could, though. I'm very envious of people for whom it all works out.
There will be (or certainly shouldn't be) a complete lack of judgements here. I understand both choices fully.
Okay, ignore the contents of that last parentheses. That makes no sense. :)
I voted no. I survived a c-section and the recovery was NOT fun. So not fun, that given the risks, I'm electing to have a VBAC. (that took ALOT of convincing on my husbands part) I have no living children, so this wasn't a decision I took lightly.
I'm a birth doula (I may have mentioned that before) and there are manymanymany things that you can do to ready your body for an induction if you choose to go that route. If you choose to go the natural route and let nature take it's course, there are also many things you can do to help your body get ready for labor. If you ever have any labor/pregnancy related questions.. I have loads of information that I can send via email. :) I know you'll make the right choice for you and your baby no matter which option you choose -- and there are lots of options out there!!! Good luck!
My first full term was a c-section. I had a horrible recovery that drew out over months so even though I could have had an elective c I chose to try for a v-bac with my second living child. My chances were slim due to the nature of my first c but I managed to have a successful natural birth. The recovery was one day so from my experience no I wouldn't have an elective c. That said I have only lost babies in the first and second trimester so I do not know the strain you are facing. I'm sure you will make the right decision for you...I would chat with a doula though as either way you go that could be incredibly helpful.
Okay, I think my comment went poof.
Anyway, I was really just stopping by to offer my services as a recovery nurse/friend/personal comedian. Whichever way you choose, I am more than happy to help.
I haven't voted yet, mostly because I really don't know. My initial inclination is to do it simply because I think I would want to control as much as possible (not that I'd really have any, but you know what I mean). But you have a good point about recovery, which I've heard can be easy *or* hard. Personally, I've wondered, after my experience birthing the boys, if a birth experience wouldn't be *extremely* difficult for me emotionally. On the other hand, maybe it would be healing. I just don't know yet.
I think s/s Kate has a good point about needing to do what feels right -- do you just want the kid out, safe and sound, or do you want to have a "birth" (which would also likely get the kid out safe and sound, but would give you the experience). Either way, I think it's important that it feel okay both practically and, well, emotionally.
Also, I wonder what your peri has to say on the subject.
I, of course, support you either way, for what that's worth.
Remove from the situation that I had to have one because of the cerclage...
I would have ABSOLUTELY elected to have one otherwise. I really valued my Peri's opinion, and we had a very good relationship. When they wheeled me in the day Lily was born, I looked him straight in the eye with fierce protection for my unborn child (I have no idea where it came from) and told him that I needed her here today, alive, then dead tomorrow.
He respected my words, and decided to go ahead and deliver. He didn't once try and talk me out of it or lecture me on the risks. He saw it in my eyes, and I will always be grateful for that.
I am all for removing the most amount of stress from your life, especially afte what we've been through. I know I don't have the popular opinion here, but if it will help you emotionally...it will help you tremendously.
Oh, and I totally second what the other's said about it being a whole experience or about it getting the child the quickest and the safest way possible. I didn't realize until I was pregnant again that I was a complete control freak, and I needed to control the uncontrollable.
Also, my recovery from the c-section was nothing. I was up that night and walking around. I realize that I had adrenaline behind me and that could have played a large part..but still, not that bad. So don't let that stear you away...it totally depends on your body and what YOU can handle.
There are people to whom the birth
'experience' is very important. I am not one of them. My first pregnancy suddenly turned high risk with a faulty placenta and later abruption, so I landed an emergency section. I had postpartum PE and HELLP syndrome, and recovery *still* wasn't bad. I had one of the most medicalized pregnancies on Earth with my last (complete with the lovenox) and had another section even though my docs offered to let me VBAC; recovery was even easier this time because I wasn't sick. The time they keep you in the hospital will give you time to get past the worst of it physically in terms of pain. The hardest part for me was the 'no lifting' rule.
Personally (and this is me), I don't care how the kid gets here so long as it does. And I wanted my last one out as soon as she was deemed full term before my placenta crapped out again.
If I'd never had a section, I probably *would* attempt a vaginal, but now sections are all I know and I don't feel that I've missed out on anything.
Given your history, and your life, you need to do whatever feels right for you. But you're right, informed is much better than not informed.
I did Bradley, I thought I wanted natural childbirth, I ended up with a c. I had a very uncomplicated c, and I struggle now with VBAC, scheduling another c, waiting to see what happens....the endless options. I'm really torn.
But, I know a lot about options, have talked to a lot of people who have gone a lot of different ways. Too much to type in a comment - let's talk if you want a big dump of info. And I have a bunch of books I could loan you. My biggest question is - how much do you want to breastfeed? Because choosing interventions can dramatically affect your ability to breastfeed. I've found often we think we make decisions in isolation, but each decision in the pregnancy/childbirth/early days is integrally related, and you should consider wider impacts, how much hlep you can pull in if yours is not an easy recovery (from any option), how much help you can line up before (taking a lactation class before birth ups breastfeeding success rate exponentially), etc. In the end, it's all about having a happy and healthy mother AND baby.
I think that as your pregnancy progresses you will have a very clear idea of what is going to work best for you. For me a c-section ended up necessary but I was already signed up and ready to do it because of the decreased risk to my babies. My section was easy and the recovery was minimal. I say follow your gut and your doctors on this one.
Hokay, the thing about c-sections, elective or not, is that they're major abdominal surgery. You're going to be in serious pain for the first few weeks, and the first week is an absolute nightmare for sleeping/picking up the baby. When they say not to use stairs, trust me, they really mean it. Seriously, though, everything is going to hurt. Standing, sitting, pooping, bending over, laughing, washing your hair, owie owie owie. If you can manage to have someone stay with you once get home, I highly recommend it. Chances are, you won't be able to lift anything heavier than the baby, so if you're going to be alone, start cooking meals and do any cleaning now.
However, the pain and swealling doesn't last forever. As for breastfeeding, my milk didn't come in for 2 days, and there was much wailing and screaming from the wee one, but then it came in with no problems at ll.
I am a csection mom...both were unplanned, one after a failed induction. The only vbac I had was Caleb and we all know how that turned out.
I had a very easy recovery from both sections. I was up the next day, walking, showering, holding the baby, laughing, pooping, bending etc.. The pain was really minimal and as others wrote the extra time in the hospital(you get 72 hours After the section) where you have nurses helping you, food being brought to you, people helping with the baby mreally made a ton of difference. I think the days of weeks and weeks of recovery after a section are long gone. Did I mention the old vitamin V (vico.den) that comes home with you? That helps too, but you really will be fine without it.
Given your history of placenta failure and the horror stories I have read here in db land of due date loss b/c of it, despite a baby being fine the day before, I'd be afraid to wait, I mean I already am afraid to wait...I'm arguing with my doc over 38 vs 39 weeks for my section.
So maybe I am biased, alot, but I would do the early section.
Have you looked into hiring a doula to help you with labor? You can also hire a post-partum doula to help you with things like house work and cooking and breast feeding help, etc. There are studies that show that women who have a doula have a much smoother and healthier labor and delivery. In fact, there's even a study that shows that if another woman is just sitting in the room giving emotional support (let alone the direct labor support that a doula gives) improves the healthy outcome of the labor/delivery. Once you hire a doula you can also call her any time you have a question or concern, etc. It might be worth looking into... It may really help your peace of mind.
Since you asked with the poll, my personal opinion is that having elective major surgery (a c-section) to start off your journey as a single parent seems like one of the hardest ways to begin...
No matter what you decide, I hope the result is a healthy baby and healthy mom!
The baby going through the birth canal helps get the lungs ready for breathing - wet lung is so much more common in c-sections. My dear friend had to have a c-section for medical reasons and her daughter was in the NICU for days. While she is absolutely fine now - if it's not necessary - I recommend that you just let the baby come when he's ready.
I had an emergency c-section. It was one of the scariest things that I have ever been through. They started cutting before my dh had a chance to even get into the room.
With that being said, the recovery wasn't awful and my baby was fine. I do think you might need some help for your first few days home. By day 5 after my bean was born I was back, almost completely in the full swing of things.
I think it is also important to consider your mental well-being. If you would take comfort in knowing that you have a plan in place and that your physicians are perfectly alright the plan then I think you should do what you want.
On a side note, OB docs have the worst malpractice insurance issues, right? If it were that risky for you or the baby they most likely wouldn't offer it. I don't see them potentially sacrificing their livelihood if they are not pretty certain that the risks are low.
Both of my kids were vaginal births. My first child was delivered with forceps and I had a lot of pain after his delivery. For almost a week. I felt great after my daughters delivery and they had use a vacuum extractor. I had an abdominal hysterectomy last year and the recovery from that was worse than both of my deliveries. I have a pretty high pain tollerence and I was really uncomfortable. Everyone is different. You may have no problem if you have a c section. The problem is you never know till after the fact. My vote is that you should do whatever you feel the most comfortable with. Closer to delivery your decision may even change.
You know how I feel. Sorry, I'mnot making this decision any easier.
I think everyone has a different recovery from c-sections so you really can't place too much weight on any one person't opinion. I had one due to Hannah being breech. My recovery was not bad. I was off painkillers in 3 days and walking around semi-normally within a week. I am not saying it was easy, but to be honest, I have felt worst pain due to other illnesses (u. colitis for example). And maybe the physical pain was minimalized due to the mental anguish I was in, who knows. There is no right choice here.
I think what people forget about when they get caught up with the "experience" is that it is secondary to having a healthy living baby. Do I wish I had a vaginal birth? Yes. Am I going to beat myself up about my decision made under the worst circumstances? No. And will I get a c-section again? Yes. I will have a planned one, because I am not going past 37 weeks and I can't be induced since I already have one. It bums me out every now and then, but the actual goal of having a live healthy baby is so much more important to me, that I will give up on the "experience".
And I don't think anyone is harping on it here (at least from the comments I read), but I have seen some nasty comments on other blogs when people discuss this, but then those are usually from ignorant women who do not know or think about dead babies.
I say no. Unless myself or the baby were under some sort of imminent danger, it seems a little extreme to choose the c-sec. But that is what I would do for me. This is you, and I can't tell you what I would do for you.
I hope you find a decision that gives you peace.
Lurker here. I have been reading your blog for a while.
I would say do what feels right for you. I have had 2 c-sections and 3 VB's. I recovered easily but, there was pain. And if you have everything in a centralized section, when you get home and don't have to keep getting up for this or that, you should be ok. I set up shop in the living room. It was easier to sleep on the couch because I could sleep kinda inclined.
Believe me there is pain, but, ibuprophen or extra strength tylenol took most of it away.
But, whatever feels right for you. You have to look into your heart and do what your heart says. Only you know what decision to make for the two of you.
I had an unplanned c-section 14 years ago. My husband was there but he didn't lift one finger to help me take care of our son and I managed. Do what you feel is right for you.
I had a c-section with my daughter, unplanned but necessary in the end. Recovery was not that bad. I took pain killers for the 2 days I was in the hospital and for any car rides for the next 2 days (because of jostling). I needed some help positioning the baby to feed her but other than that, was fine. And will have a scheduled c-section next time.
I voted no, but with some caveats. For a low-risk pregnancy, definitely no. The evidence shows higher risks to mother and child.I have seen maternity patients with nicked bowels and bladders, or pulmonary embolisms, in my ICU- on rare occasions.
Loss and higher-risk changes the landscape. I think if I had to do it over again, and my child was showing distress (non-reassuring stress test and BPP 4/10) like my son did, I wouldn't have trialed labor. I ended up with a c/s. If there are signs of risk to you or the child, a c/s benefits will likely outweigh the risks.
Everyone's c/s experience is different, but I needed a lot of physical help for 2 weeks. I have tenderness at my scar 4 months later. Because of the c/s, I had a blood loss of 1800cc, compared to a typical blood loss of 1000cc for an average c/s, and of 500 cc or less for a vaginal delivery. It can happen. I was exhausted and almost ended up transfused. The IV in my left hand made it hard to figure out how to nurse on that side, and that nipple ended up looking dreadful and squirting out blood. BF failed for me- and it is very difficult for me to feel ok about that.
I think, either way, you would benefit from having a doula. If you try a vaginal birth, one might help you immensely. Mine was supportive of whatever route we chose, and is probably the reason why I feel so good about ending up with a c/s. A postpartum doula can be a great support after you have a c/s, especially with BF.
I just wrote an article on Pregnancy After Infertility/Loss for the Our Bodies, Ourselves website, and it will hopefully go up on the site soon. This website might be helpful in weighing the evidence:
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10166
You start with an induction. Then, if the induction doesn't work after a certain amount of time, go for the c-section.
For my first birth, I had an induction followed by a ridiculously easy vaginal birth. Oh, and a live baby.
The second time, I had a semi-emergency c-section and zero live babies.
Frankly, the recovery from the c-section was a piece of cake compared to the recovery from the "easy" vaginal delivery. You just never know.
I'm not voting because I still think it's way too early to be thinking about this stuff.
I think you start thinking vaginal would be dreamy, non-induced labor would be heaven with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a cherry. But leave everything else on the table. If at 35w you're a fucking basket case, start thinking about your plan B, whether it's induction or C-section. Your docs should be fine with this -- they don't plan these things THAT far in advance.
Hang in there. Good to know your options, go in eyes wide open.
What are the options for you in getting help if you do have/need a C-section? Family, friends, hire a nurse or something for assistance during recovery time? That might help you balance the decision making.
Best of luck to you making this really hard decision.
I haven't vote and I probably won't. I have no idea what will be right for you and only you can decide what you'll be most comfortable with. However, having read a few of the previous comments I did want to add in my own C-section experience. I delivered my daughter via emergency c-section due to placental abruption, after I'd been on complete bedrest for 10 days. I lost alot of blood and my body was a complete wreck. HOWEVER, my recovery from my c-section was actually not bad. I stopped using prescription pain meds after 5 days and I was able to drive after only 3 weeks (though the docs didn't recommend that!). Obviously, there are plenty of women who have a harder time with recovery, but I'm also not the only woman I know who had a relatively easy one either. I guess I just wanted to make sure you got to hear the full range of experiences as you weigh your options and think about the pros and cons. Good Luck with whatever you decide.
I voted with my head, and said no, but now, reading the comments and considering your concerns further, I think you should do whatever gives you the ability to get through this pregnancy with the least amount of stress possible. Whichever options gives you a sense of peace is the one you should go with. Perseus will benefit from that sense of peace immensely, regardless of how he comes into the world.
Plus, for what it's worth, I had a vaginal delivery, and frankly, was SHOCKED by the recovery process. My son is 8 months old, and things still feel funny at times.
I opted for an elective c-section because I simply did not want to go through labor with twins. And they ended up staying breech anyway. Mine was scheduled for 36w5d gestation however, placental abruption landed me an emerg. c-section at 34w6d instead.
The first few days after surgery are the hardest (imo). I was able to drive by day 6 (although not advisable, I had to get to see my babies in the NICU 40 miles away from my house).
I've been lurking on your site for some time and want to chime in with one additional (albeit bizarre) advantage of a c-section, which is that you get to stay in the hospital a little longer. For me this was a godsend because my son had a hard time learning to breastfeed and I'm not sure how I would have dealt with my milk coming in when it was just us alone at home (rather than in the hospital with a very helpful nurse, a LC, etc.)
I can't begin to offer advice on what decision you should make, but to tell you my story, I had an induction at 41.5 weeks that ended in a section. I had a very uncomplicated recovery with no painkillers needed, etc. One negative thing to consider is that you can't drive for two weeks after a c-section, so if you aren't going to have any help, that could be an issue. Good luck! I am praying for you and your baby!
It is pretty early to think about it, but given your history understandable. I can understand the need for just getting him out alive. There is whole internet city out there that talks about the whole birth "experience" and it must be as natural as possible to be a truly profound moment. I don't believe that, but I'm sure there are some that truly do. It is your decision but weigh it carefully.
As to my experience, I have had both. My first was a c/s as her heart was decelerating too much during labor, and my second was (obviously) a VBAC. Unlike others I found my recovery from the c/s actually pretty easy. I had a difficult time sitting up for a few days, but I was up and around within a few days, and except for some minor numbness around the incision, no problems. My VBAC was quick, 6 hours from my water breaking to delivery. Except for Norah not breathing for a few minutes it was an easy birth. Recovery was fast too - even with a lot of stitching. All in all though, I didn't find a lot of differences in the recovery time. I also profoundly disagree with folks that it isn't as joyous with a c/s, it was still a beautiful time for me.
Long winded comment, ultimately you in consultation with the peri and your OB will come to a conclusion that works for you.
Peace
I vote yes.
It's not picnic. If you choose to have a C you will need someone around to help you for a few days. But honestly, after what you have been through, I say go with your gut. If your gut tells you to do it, LISTEN! That is your motherly instinct talking.
Let's see...brief history...
Baby #1 was an emergency c/s after water breaking, 22.5 hours of labor, and failure to progress.
Baby #2 was a natural delivery of a stillborn baby at 35 weeks.
Baby #3 was a natural delivery of a stillborn baby at 20 weeks.
Baby #4 was an elective c/s.
You can see where my experience would cloud my judgment on this issue. I am a firm believer, however, that only you and your doctor can figure out what is best FOR YOU. Don't listen to all the generalized stuff that people will throw at you. Every woman...every pregnancy...every baby...is different. Period.
You will need recovery time. You won't be able to drive immediately following surgery. You won't be able to lift heavy things. You won't be able to walk the dog like normal. These are practical things that you CAN plan ahead for. But there is always the possibility of the unexpected...no matter what delivery option you choose.
Can I just say that the fact that you're thinking about it makes me smile?
I vote NO.
If you need one fine. But if not, you'd be better off without having to recover from that on your own.
But, saying that...I hope you do what YOU want to do, no matter what.
xoxo
I can only offer my personal experience, which is that after 30+hrs of labor, 4 hrs of pushing and a failed vacuum extraction, my c-section was a blessed relief. My recovery was fine, just a few days on the strong painkillers, but I was up and about within 12 hrs of my c-section and had no problems breastfeeding. As others have mentioned, that extra day in the hospital with the help of nurses and lactation consultants is also a benefit.
My in-laws stayed with us for 2 wks after delivery, mainly to drive me to my doctor appointments (2wks was my restricted period for driving). But that was excessive, to me - I wanted them out of there. If you have a friend or someone from a volunteer organization who can drive you to appointments, that's all you need. They can carry the baby and car seat to the car for you.
I loved my c-section, and would NEVER wish for a vaginal delivery in future. Recovery from that can be rough, though people rarely talk about that. My sister ended up with an anal fissure after her vaginal delivery, resulting in months of pain and bleeding and almost having to have it surgically repaired. Another friend is semi-incontinent after her vaginal delivery more than 2 years ago, and that's not so uncommon. Me, I just have a big scar, but I'll take it.
Wishing you the best with your decision and a happy delivery.
I'm not sure what I would do but I would have two alternate paths -- intensive monitoring with a predetermined trigger for induction, then a doula attended induction with another trigger for when to do a C.
Or a scheduled C with a postpartum doula to help you get by in those potentially rough weeks.
I was intensively monitored due to high BP and low amniotic fluid. I was induced but let it go TOO long (four days of fluids and pitocin) so by the time I had the C, I was so swollen it took me ten long very painful days to get to any semblence of my old self. It also got our bfing relationship off to a rough start (baby wasn't upset but he did get jaundice from losing so much weight). And I was on pain meds for two solid weeks (percocet since I am allergic to vicodin). I had a willing husband who was really physically spent by the whole experience and had a hard time helping. I would NOT recommend doing it the way I did it, even though both of us are fine and bfing is now great.
I voted no. I do not think elective c sections for essentially medical reasons such as previous loss/abruption/complications should be called elective - it isn't really a choice. I would confine the term to the better for my figure/filming schedule crowd.
I also think it is too early to think about it.
I had an early induction with VagD for pre-e/iugr reasons for no 1 and a planned early induction for no 2 - he came a few days before under his own steam. For no 1 the labour was long and contractions were strong from the off so no build up but the process was fine.
In your situation I would not go beyond the 37th week and go for the early induction. If there was a medical reason to want to go earlier then 37w I would probably go for a c-section but I don't think there is any evidene base for that.
I think you have it correctly. As a single mother, it'd be difficult to recover from a c-section AND care for your infant. I know it's hard to recover even with tons of help. It is surgery and takes a long time to heal. you won't be able to really get out of bed and walking around much.
Plus, with any surgery, there are increased risks to the mother and things that can go wrong in the OR
just my 2 cents but having had two, non-requested c/s due to failure to progress I would say no. Recovery is not fun even in the best of circumstances and it is surgery and there are risks.
That said I would never expect anyone to look at this other than a completely personal choice, based very, very much on circumstanes.
Wow, I just read through all the comments and C/s doesn't sound that bad! I only know 6 women who have had c-sections and they all complained about the recovery, pain, and not being able to do things.
But after reading all those, I guess it just depends on your own body.
I know both of mine were inductions that resulted in vaginal births. After the first, we went home the next morning and I was climbing stairs no problem. After the second, I left that day and two days later was at the gym on the elliptical trainer.
I think as long as you keep yourself strong (keep walking Sothis), then you should be fine whatever you choose.
I had an elective c-section.
I'm medically qualified and that helped convince my OB I'd done my homework, since they're Frowned Upon officially here. But an interesting snippet- many more female doctors have elective c-sections than the general population.
Partly because the complication rate is quite low (although yes, scary things can happen, they're rare). I chose the small risk of cs complications over some of the things that can happen with vaginal delivery- namely in my case I absolutely did not want pelvic floor injury, sphincter injury (either occult, or apparent) or pudendal neuropathy OR the risk of hypoxia to my second twin.
FWIW- I was mobile and self caring within 24 hours of my cs and went home managing to care for my twins just fine. Good analgesia helps in that regard.
Despite all the hype, there is basically no risk free way to give birth, it's just a matter of choosing which risks you'd rather take. C-sections are not evil, and vaginal births are not the panacea. It's more grey than that.
But it's an individual choice. Very individual. Very very individual.
J
It's true that every body is different, and the only thing you can predict is unpredictability.
I didn't want a cesarean birth, but baby was breech and I was on bedrest for hypertension. We weighed all the factors and decided to accept the docs' recommendation of scheduled c/s at 37 weeks.
Recovery was harder than I thought it would be, but every day was better than the day before. I had a lot of help from mom, sister, MIL, BFF, and DH.
It's true that happy, healthy baby is the best outcome ever regardless of how she came into the world. I still feel "cheated" that I didn't get to experience labor (FWIW).
Even after we knew it was going to be a cesarean birth, we kept our doula and THAT was the best decision ever. She made it possible for me to be mentally and emotionally present at the birth, and ministered to us in a spiritual as well as physical way. I could never repay her for what she gave us. (I say more about this on www.projectprogeny.wordpress.com)
nope
i'm still in pain, can't even enjoy this kid....not worth it unless medically necessary.
So I've never had a baby but here are my thoughts on the issue. These are just my thoughts, I'm sure there are plenty who won't agree. I would consider an elective c-section. It would depend on the circumstances etc surounding the time such as what monitoring shows etc. I'm really not a big fan of induction. I've heard to many storries of inductions that went on forever and then became c-sections. In addition to this being a chubby girl I know that statistically a doc will lean more towards c-section sometimes based on weight. Since I figure there is a possibility I will end up with a c-section anyways unless labor is happening fine on it's own, I'd just as soon skip the labor and then c-section. I'll happily do one or the other but would rather not do both. And yes I am fully aware that mom has a better recovery from VB and babies often transition better with VB however I also know it can all be fine with C-sections.
I vote absolutely no.
The risks of c-section far outweigh the risks of a vaginal birth. I had a section with my first (due to forced induction which I would take back in a heartbeat if I could), then a VBAC with my second daughter.
The vaginal birth was incredible. The c-section was terrible. Recovery was slow and awful.
I'd really suggest a vaginal. It's better for you and baby!
I don't know if you read these comments, but I have had 2 c-sections. My 1st b/c my daughter was breech and the 2nd b/c the risk was too high to go natural for me. I was FINE both times and it was scary b/c I hadn't ever been through any type of surgical procedure, but it was a VERY easy recovery. You'll be fine - and the baby will be great!!
No. *Maybe* if it were a third-trimester cord issue that could be repeating. Maybe. But I still believe - even after my loss - that laboring is healthier for mother and babe. And giving birth vaginally is definitely healthier for mother, especially a single mother. (Although, elective inductions have a high risk of ending in c-section anyways... but at least the babe gets the benefits of labor first.)
It depends what the other underlying factors are...are you or your baby high risk? C-sections are not a walk in the park. It is major abdominal surgery and there can be complications i.e. infection. And the healing after is never discussed. Some moms can't hold their babies for a while due to the incision.
You don't have to make a decision now - you can let labor start and if it doesn't progress or there is distress - it's an option.
OK. Having had an elective c-section with my second after my first one was an emergency and having the easiest recovery on record from it, I would say that an elective c isn't such a bad thing. My "birth plan" is to have a live baby and a live me at the end of the whole thing but that's just me. The pregnancy I am currently enjoying/enduring right now (it alternates based upon symptoms/lack thereof) will be a scheduled c since I've already had 2. (Funny how pregnancy attitudes change after a loss, huh? My first 2 pregnancies, even the 3rd until everything went wrong, were joyous times of expectation. Now it's mostly scary...)
So anyway, I have had a great scheduled c and plan on having another great one. They are not necessarily scary and you have a bit of control by allowing the control to be put in the doctor's hands...
I have 3 children (4 pregnancies), 2 here with me one waiting for me in Heaven. I had my first c/s after 16 hours of labor and no progress. I had my second one after we determined my little Lucas had died and, while the risk to him durng a VBAC was gone, I shouldn't put myself through the pain of labor on top of the emotional pain. My third one was 5/19/08 to bring my sweet little Cameron into the world. I would not have had a VBAC with Cameron for any reason because there is too much risk of cord injury and I wasn't taking any unnecessary risks. If you have a planned c-section, and don't go through labor first, they are relatively easy to recover from---especially if you have a high threshold for pain. You would need help shopping and vaccumming, as you can't do that for yourself for 6 weeks after.
Thank you so much!
Some thoughts. I think the surgeon performing the c-section can matter quite a bit. An excellent surgeon can provide a good base from which to recover.
My history (for what it's worth):
1st birth - emergency c-section because of fetal distress. Horrible recovery because of the speed at which our son was born - basically a slash and grab kind of affair. Infection. Extraordinarily painful physical recovery. Son died.
2nd birth - vaginal. Up and walking around in a few hours really. It felt like a bloomin' dream compared to first birth.
3rd birth - vaginal but with complications. Afterwards, I developed pulmonary edema and septicemia and almost died. Infection jumped placenta and went into my bloodstream. Daughter was stillborn. Even so, it was a really great birth experience. Recovery though, was deep in the depths of hell.
4th birth - scheduled c-section. The worst part was the epidural. I hate those so much. Excellent surgeon - absolute best in the business. Clean perfect incision, clean perfect suturing. Perfect. Up and at it in a day. Also, pain management these days is just awesome with the constant cover protocol. That recovery was really good. Breastfed immediately like a champ. Brought baby home. Yeah!! :-)
As others have said, there are lots of different birthing experiences one could have, it's the baby at the end that counts. I never give a thought to how my living son was born. I focus on raising him.
I am pro vaginal birth, but in your case I feel an elective C-section may be justified. I live in South Africa where elective C-sections are quite common. I have a large number of friends and family who have had C-sections and not a single one of them had had any problems afterwards. It is a bit more painful and you cannot drive for about 4 weeks after, but otherwise no-one I know has experienced it negatively.
You do what you need to do. I don't know if I commented already about this, but Brenda at www.lifecanbeashit.wordpress.com chose to have a c/s 5 weeks early with her baby. She was breech, but she'd already planned to have an elective c/s before that anyway.
I had a c/s myself, because TTG was breech in my UU. Haven't written his birth story yet, but when I do it'll be on my blog.
This time I voted no. I have not had a C-section. I did ask plenty of questions in the run-up to my induced vaginal birth about how an emergency C-section would happen should it end up being necessary. When the cord ended up around my son's neck, I was seriously considering C-section at 36 weeks although it's not considered to be a reason in itself for C-section by the medical community, and 36 weeks is still considered premature, in this country anyway. When I found out my first son had died in utero at 40w4days, I also asked for a C-section.
Each time my OB talked me down and convinced me that attempting a vaginal birth, even induced, was best, especially if in my case I had never had a prior C-section. I am glad she did.
I am one of those who doesn't give a rat's arse about "birth experience". That's not the reason, the potential complications and recovery were the real reason. It remains major abdominal surgery.
But, as everyone above says, in the end only you and your doctor's can decide what's best for you and Perseus.
The first comment I typed up was way too long so I'm trying again. I was too chicken to VBAC and so elected a second c-section. I'm very happy with that decision and should I magically win the neverending discussion with my husband I will have a c-section for baby #3.
I had minimal pain. The second time when I wasn't too chicken to tell the nurses that I didn't need anything more all I took was Tylenol and then not very often. My OB said that I had great abs, so maybe that had something to do with it. I know that my tattoo didn't hurt me at all, so maybe it's just that I have a high tolerance for pain. Whatever it was I really didn't have much pain. Recovery was only difficult the 2nd time because my son expected to be rocked to sleep for every nap and at bedtime. That just meant he had to learn to climb into my lap himself. And that was well after the 4 days that insurance had to pay for me to stay in the hospital (California). Also I couldn't drive for 6 weeks per my doctor. Lucky women that could drive after 2!
Thank God that no one suggested to me that breastfeeding would be hard because of a c-section. I have no idea where that thought comes from. Both my kids latched on perfectly in the recovery room and did great. Even my first who has Down syndrome where tongue thrusting can be a problem. Not for us. We had "normal" trials and tribulations -- which were horrendous during all the hormonal crap going on -- but nothing outside of ordinary for vaginal birth non-Down syndrome kids and their moms too. He nursed until he weaned himself at a about 19 months old when I was about 4 months pregnant with his sister. She's almost 17 months old and is mostly weaned during the day. I think really she is, she's just comfortable with getting to sleep this way. Frankly, I'm READY for her to be done, but feel that if I could stick it out for her brother then I can do the same for her. Definitely no problems in that area for us.
I voted "yes" and all of that is why. Can you believe that this is less than half the length of the first comment I drafted??? And I wouldn't have said anything if you hadn't asked. In your shoes I would probably let Tash's comment weigh a million times more than mine. Just sayin'.
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