Advantages and disadvantages of having a c section baby

Joann - posted on 05/11/2010

I think that the decision taken on giving birth is individual to each woman.

For some c-sections are the way to go to avoid complications and for others it's natural or with drug assistance. I personally didn't get the choice. I found out I was pregnant less than 3 hours before I gave birth and it was all natural with no drugs - not even gas and air. I know I was very lucky, I had to have an episiotomy so I got a local anaesthetic so they could cut to get the ventouse in, but I wasn't in any pain. The midwife had to tell me that I was having a contraction and to push cos I couldn't tell. I know that no 2 pregnancies/labours are the same so I'm preparing myself for the next time I'm pregnant just incase things don't go so smoothly....

Whatever you decide, it will be the right choice for you x

Natasha - posted on 05/11/2010

i hav just recently had a csection 13weks ago and did with my other 3 children i suffer from back trouble n a weak bladder from a catheter wish i could of had mine natural its not easy after a csection with daily jobs in aus drs wont do a ga cause it makes the baby drowsy good luck with it all,i just wish i had natural,2 were emergencys n 2 were elective

Kristen - posted on 05/10/2010

I wouldn't say that there are any advantages of having an elected c-section (unless this is your second child and the first was born via c-section). It is MAJOR surgery, this is like electing to have heart surgery . . . Your pelvis is cut from one side to another.

That being said, I had an emergency c-section. I did go through the natural labor pains, however I was induced. I WOULD NOT recommend being induced to anyone, especially if you are concerned with the pain. I know that when you are 40 weeks pregnant you just want the baby out . . . but just wait. I did not feel the epidural nor did I have any pain afterwards from the injection. I'm pregnant now and the thing that scares me the most is having to have a planned c-section and receiving an epidural without being in labor. Labor takes your mind off of the needle I PROMISE!

After my c section I was in severe pain for about a week, and that was with the pain meds every four hours. I could not get up in the middle of the night to nurse; my husband had to bring my daughter to me. I could not get up out of bed by myself for at least a week and a half. My husband had to pull me up to a sitting position then I could swing my legs around and even this was excruciating. Now in regards to my daughter, the cesarean was the worst possible way for her to come into this world. She was put in the nicu because she had fluid in her lungs and pulmonary hypertension. The neonatologist said that there is a high occurrence of this in babies born via c-section. The reason is because the baby is not pushed through the vaginal canal and many babies do not cry right away, thus the valve that is supposed to close when they cry does not and fluid enters their lungs. Being pushed through the birth canal actually jump starts the baby and prepares them for the world of o2. Because of this I plan to have a VBAC. Knowing exactly when my baby will be born is not worth all the medical complications for the baby and my self.

I have noticed, just by asking people at my university and around town, that bigger women seem to have less pain from a c-section. I don't say this to offend anyone, because I know how much they hurt, but very few of the overweight women describe the pain as being as intense . Now there are far to many variables for that to actually be a scientific fact but never the less it's just what i have found.

Sorry for the rambling, I hope you get some valuable insight from my ramblings at least. Good luck in whatever way you choose. There isn't a right or wrong answer here, it all depends on you and the baby at that moment.

Lori - posted on 05/10/2010

I had a c-section in february. I was scared when they gave me the epidural. When they gave it to me it just felt like a little bee sting. I am not going to lie...there is a possibility of paralization if they do it wrong but that does not happen very often. As I was getting it I told myself I walked in here and I am walking out....The worst part about the c-section was the incision hurting for about 10 days after but that is it. There are pros and cons to both...c-sections can hurt afterwords to where as pushing your vagina may hurt for a few days or so. Do what you think you can handle....if you can't do an epidural then aks them if at all possible to not give you one. Make sure you talk to your doctor before labor though about your concerns. Good luck and happy delivery.

Marisa - posted on 05/10/2010

Not everyone takes 6 weeks to heal. i wsas up the next day walking around with no problems.

Dawn - posted on 05/10/2010

Hi Divya!
I had a planned c-section for medical reasons, and I was most nervous about the epidural. It's over before you know it, and really not bad at all. All I felt was some strong pressure for just a moment during the injection and it was over so quickly. It was great being able to be awake for the birth of our son rather than completely under general anesthesia. Just remember that while it may mildly hurt for just a moment, it's just temporary. Before you know it you'll be all numbed up and welcoming your new one into the world. :)

When you're allowed out of bed is up to your hospital, but mine wanted me walking as soon as the epidural wore off. The more you get up and walk around after surgery the easier and faster your recovery time will be. Recovery time is about six weeks to be completely back to normal (not counting weight loss), but, I was easily up, moving around, lifting light objects after about a week. Again, that's because my docs had me up and moving quickly.

There's no wrong decision to have either a vaginal labor with no painkillers versus vaginal delivery with painkillers versus c-section. You need to do what's right for you, not what others may try to pressure you into. Bottom line.

Overall, remember that the pain is temporary, and you will forget it. I promise! :)

Good luck with your delivery and enjoy your new baby!!!

-Dawn Gunter

Good luck!

-Dawn

Raquel - posted on 05/10/2010

Divya,

I had a c-section after 14 hours of trying dialation, unfortunely only to 6 cm... my personal recommendation is to go for a natutal labour... I hope you are aware that recovery time with C-section takes up to 6 weeks, where you are very limited in your movemements. Natural labour your are fit in no time... so if there is no medical reason, PLEASE go natural!!!

Good luck

Rachel - posted on 05/10/2010

hi divya i was 42 weeks pregnant and was induced i went pain free upuntil my contractions had gotten bad i was given morphine & the gas and that helped so much but after 24 hours of labour my babys heartrate dropped and i was rushed for an emergency c section, due to the fact like you i didnt want an epidural cos i am worried about the after pains etc. i decided to be put to sleep during it i woke up and remember everything, i was quite unsteady as i only just came out of theatre, it was a long recovery though i was in alot of pain and wasnt allowed out of my bed for 2 days not even for a shower

in my mind i wish i could of had a natural labour all i wanted was to have a shower but i couldnt move. and then you have to be careful not to tear your stitches that takes about 5 weeks atleast to heal

Virginia - posted on 05/10/2010

I didn't have a c-section but I will say this - I could not image caring for a newborn after having major surgery. The level of attention that babies need in the first few weeks is staggering and if I was recovering from this procedure, I don't know how I would have managed.

I had an epidural and it was WONDERFUL and I have had no complications as a result.

Annabel - posted on 05/10/2010

i have to have a section due to breakin my back and pelvis when i was younger i had my first child with an epidural section and it was amazing and the pain after was not bad at all with my second child they couldnt get the needle in so i had to have a general it was horrible i had a horrible dream something had happened to my baby and the pain was terrible has you cant have any pain releif till you awake im due with my 3 rd soon and going to ask the docs to try there best with the spinal

Jessie - posted on 05/09/2010

Well, first off let me say congrats on becoming a mother! it is sooo much fun. I never truely knew love until my lil girl. I also had a c-section. I was planning on a normal birthing experience....but mine was far from normal. I was a week past due, so they started platocin, and broke my water. I started having back to back contractions and they were bad, so i had the epidural as i had already been in over night and only dialated to a 4. not much later they had to do emergency c- section because her heart rate was very low. Well when they had put the epidural in they put it in 3 times and left it on the third time. It still was not in right. they start preping me for surgery and gave me a top off through the epidural sight. I never numbed out. they tipped me upside down on the table trying to get it to run down to my stomache, he stuck more than 3 diff. needles through the i.v. and then they cut me open and took her out. as i said before i never numbed out. i screamed the whole time. I was crying and my head was so drugged up i dont know how to explain it. i dont understand why they didnt knock me out. The guy even had the nerve to peek his head under the cover and say "i cant imagine what your going through right now" yet it was his fault because he was told by the nurse that it was not in right. when they showed me my little girl i had no emotion and was in sooo much pain( they were sewing me up) i am still recovering from the emotional and physcological damage this has caused. As this was my first child and i really wanted the experience. i tried to sue but was told it wasnt worth it. freakin crazy huh!

Crystal - posted on 05/09/2010

Oh, and I did have a milk supply issue and had to supplement since she was five days old (still breastfeeding however). My sister didn't have any issues with production...

Crystal - posted on 05/09/2010

My daughter was breech, so I had to have a c-section. I was totally bummed at the thought and was anxious the whole time. I feared the epidural too, and dreaded the thought of getting cut open. Well, it went very smooth and I had no complications. I barely felt the epidural, and had no issues with my back afterward. I felt some tugging and pressure during the delivery, but that's about it. For me, I wouldn't want to be put under. You miss that first opportunity to see and bond with your baby. I didn't feel groggy at all and was completely alert once I could hold her in my arms. The recovery was rough, I will say. Sitting up in bed was the worst and my husband pretty much did everything for me for the first two weeks. Felt completely back to normal after 5 weeks. My sister also had a C and had a similar experience. Good luck!

13322 - posted on 05/08/2010

I had a epidural with my 9 year old that went on for 18 hours and 3 1/2 hours pushing then my next was a total natural 4 hours labor10 pushing then my daughter well she was a scarey one went into labor at 33 weeks and she was under 3 lbs they thought so they had me on bed rest in the hospital and i was 5 to 6 cm at that point so i waited a whole week and it was a scarey week some pain no pain meds but cause I had so many problems we where having a c-section they gave me options to be placed out were no one was alone in the room with me at the time of our daughter birth or a spinal which was there other opion and myhusband could be there to see our daughter now both I was only allowed to see our daughter once i had feeling in my legs and was able to walk which was the hardest choice cause it is a scary thing but I picked spinal and it was such a great spinal I felt nothing at all and recovery was breeze. If I ever had to ever give birth again it would be c-section with a spinal . I was the best minus I didnt get to see my daughter until the next day and every one else saw her like my mom , my husband' mom and his aunt and cousin and the other upsetting thing was our daughter was very small and a n.i.c.u baby so everyone was talking about what was happening and I had really no clue but now my daughter is 7 months old and doing well and very close to her mommy and i want to keep it that way. i wish you the best and congrats on the baby. also remember everybody's body is built different and can handle pain diffrent too so I just dont listen to everyone to get scaredcause well we do mean to do that Just relax and enjoy this time that you have now

Charlotte - posted on 05/08/2010

I had a c-section with by daughter, it was planned because she was breech, however I loved it and I had the epidural. I didnt think that it was all that bad to get and i dont consider myself extrememly tough either. However, I would recommened getting the epidural as opposed to the GA so you can hear and witness your daughter coming into the world. Best of luck in whatever you do...

Trina - posted on 05/08/2010

Healing time would be a huge disadvantage. Also, when a baby is born vaginally it colonizes the baby with all of the mothers flora. In a c-section a newborn get colonized by the hospital staff. It seems like maternal fatality and infant mortality rates increase http://www.childbirthconnection.org/arti...

Hillary - posted on 05/08/2010

In my opinion C-section should never be elected unless the mother, the baby or both are in danger. Labor is no picnic, but the complications due to c-sections can be horrendous. Doctors make them out to be completely safe even though they are not. Of course this is my opinion, and every mother's decision is hers, and only hers. Just be sure to do some research.

Kathy - posted on 05/08/2010

As Natanya said it can affect breast feeding... When I was expecting my MIL told me with both my hubby & his sister she had to have c-sections, and that was before epidurals were even heard of so GA was the only option... she said both times it dried up her milk before she was awake and stopped her from being able to breast feed.

Sam - posted on 05/08/2010

I wouldn't opt for a c-section. I was really scared about giving birth but actually gave birth naturally with no complications, no pain relief except gas and air and turned up at hospital when I was 9 and a half cm dilated!! I would take it as it comes as it is much easier to recover and return to 'normal' if you deliever naturally! Good Luck just don't believe all the stories you hear they may be true but your labour could be totally different.

Madelon - posted on 05/07/2010

i was terrified when i was pregnant of the same thing, i had never even had my blood taken more than a few times until i started going to the obgyn, i went in to the hospital night before i was induced ( i was 41 weeks) and got a cervix softener and the nurse came in and told me i was having contractions every 3 to 5 min and i didnt even know it! and boy i had worked myself up about how scared i was about labor. when i got my epideral i was TERRIFIED but i didnt even feel it, and i had a c section not by choice and it was PAINFUL and the recovery is absolutly MISERABLE and inconvientient esp when ur in so much pain trying to keep up with the demands of a newborn baby. 3 weeks later im still recovering. but being put to sleep? i think u will regret not seeing your child be born no matter how scared u were seeing ur baby come into the world makes up for it all.

Natanya - posted on 05/07/2010

Oh, and both my kids have perfect heads. If they do get a "cone head" you can take them to the osteopath very early on and they'll fix it pretty well.

Natanya - posted on 05/07/2010

I had 2 totally natural labours and births, all great and children fabo! You need to remember that pain is a very individual thing. Also remember that any intervention creates a risk of even more intervention. There is a theory that c-secs interfere later with breastfeeding, but I'm not so sure about that. I think it all just depends and you never can tell. The most important thing of all is a healthy baby and a healthy mummy. Good luck.

Keely - posted on 05/07/2010

I would love to be able to have a natural but there is no hope. On top of that there is no way I can actually have a spinal block or anything similar due to my spine so general anaesthetic is my only option. I wouldnt want to miss my child's first moments for any reason...I hope all goes well though.

Kathy - posted on 05/07/2010

Divya, I had a c-section, I didn't want one, but after 28 hours of labour having to be further induced because I wasn't dilating the baby started to become stressed and I wasn't given a choice. I already had the epidural, which to me was the best feeling ever!! I'm thankful for it because my contractions were one on top of the other. The c-section its self went good and I was still awake enough to see my baby, I didn't hold her but I got to kiss her, with GA you don't get that... BUT 2 days after I got home with her I was right back at the hospital, the incision opened up, wasn't infected at that point but because it opened it became infected. That led to me not being able to do much for almost an extra month, home care visits, and alot of pain and frustration. I also ended up not being able to snuggle my baby as much as I wanted to. There are alot of risks with a c-section, if you can avoid one I would....

Divya - posted on 05/07/2010

Very well said, thanks Nicloe,i am going to do the same.Can you just write to me abt the things which you prepared before you left for the hospi..would be great help.So far i havent shopped a single thing ,7 month now..it would be lovely if u could give me a sort of list..sorry to bother you Nicole:-)
much love
Divya

Nicole - posted on 05/07/2010

I think it's alredy been said but you must do what is right for you. One woman's dream delivery is another woman's nightmare. I had a planned C section and I had a wonderful experience. Because we planned it I understood the whole process and I was not overwhelmed or scared during the procedure. I had a good night's sleep before the delivery and was not exhausted by hours of labor. I was also able to prepare for the post-op. I was off my feet for a little while but I had everything ready at home before I left for the hospital, and I was lucky enough to have family and friends help me thru the first few days. I had a great recovery and I think it's because I did not push myself. I will say getting the epidural was more uncomfortable then I thought it would be, but it was just a few minutes of pain opposed to hours that other women describe. I think there are pros and cons with either method so no matter what you will have some level of discomfort. Just make your decision based on what you want and not what others want for you!

Jeannette - posted on 05/07/2010

I had a natural birth, like I stated earlier, and my son didn't have a cone head.

Marisa - posted on 05/07/2010

another good thing about c-sections baby had no cone head :)

Veronique - posted on 05/07/2010

I had 2 c-section. The first one not planned i laboured for 11 hours push for 3 hours and baby never wanted to come out so i had a c-section. With the second my pregnancies were to close for me to try a natural delivery so i had another c-section. Now the pain! With my first c-section i didn't expect it and had laboured for so long that i was in a lot of pain for a few weeks. With the second i knew what to expect and actualy felt great and no pain. As for anesthsia i'm sorry to say you will have to get the spinal. The do not give general anesthesia bacause it affects the baby in a great way. Don't worry about the pain of the spinal injection because they freeze your back before doing the spinal. All you feel is the pressure when they are putting it in but no pain.
Good luck

Heather - posted on 05/07/2010

I have a friend who is glad she was sent in for a c section after her labor didn't progress fast enough. Her recovery time was just as quick as mine (natural, no drugs), and she can have sex as soon as she wants, since there is no healing to be had "down there". The only thing that sucks is the recovery is worse for the first few days.

Madilyn - posted on 05/07/2010

I had my child completely natural and it wasnt bad at all, I remember a little pain when his head was coming out but its just a wisp of a memory, I had a euphoria after birth because of a drug free labor. My friend had a C-section and it took a while for her to bond with her baby and now 10 months later shes still having problems with her incision site and hers is considered normal. She said that any future babies she will have VBAC. I would reccomend to try natural and if you have pain you cant handle then do an epi, then only use C-sect. as you LAST resort

Sara - posted on 05/07/2010

I would recommend you take a good childbirth education class. Your body is designed to have the baby vaginally and the baby benefits a great deal from being born that way. A c-section is a major surgery and has risks. It really shouldn't be done without a good medical reason. Educate yourself as much as possible. Fear of pain makes the pain worse... but your body has natural pain relieving hormones to get you through labor if you let it. Furthermore, with a vaginal delivery, most of the pain is done when you deliver, and the rest will go away within a few days. With a c-section, you will continue to have pain for several weeks.

Erica - posted on 05/07/2010

I had 3 of my boys by c section and 1 normal i like c sections and the spinal taps are not as bad as they sound its very qiuck and your not as tired after having a baby normally you enjoy well i did holding my baby right away after getting cut as my hubby would say recovery is a little hard but just keep yourself binded most hospitals provide binders for your abdomen and moving at your own pace and everything comes naturally and falls into place. enjoy your baby they grow quickly and remember to smell them those first few days is intoxicating because that wears off!!

Divya - posted on 05/06/2010

Thanks Emily..will keep what you have shared in mind.Maybe its not that bad afterall.. :-)

Divya - posted on 05/06/2010

Becki,thanks for the reply.I am seriously now thinking of taking the pain of the spinal,i just hope its tolerable!! As i agree, i might miss out on that first time,of hearing my lil one.. thanks !Did the spinal hurt you,how as bad is it..how much more is the pain from a regular injection?
Love
Divya

Becki - posted on 05/06/2010

divya,

i have had 2 c-sections one with general anesthsia and one with a edpidural. i must say i feel the same way as u did with the getting the needle in the spinal area i was extremely nervous but i must say that i much rather have gotten that bc when u get the g.a they dont wake up up right afterwards and seein your baby for the first time right after u have ur child is so precious and u will wish u did it in long run hearin his/hers first cry is a sound u will always remember and takin the couple minutes to get a shot in the back is well worth it

Tara - posted on 05/06/2010

Divya,

I just had my first baby via c-section. This was not my first choice but I was in "active labor" at the hospital for 88 hours. (not to scare you... I was against using meds to speed up the process). I was super nervous about the spinal also. I wanted a general anesthetic but my doctor did not want to do it because I was so weak. The spinal was not nearly as bad as I had worked it up to be in my head. I do not have any back pain from the injection site like many people said I would. Thank goodness!

I would recommend you trying to do a vaginal birth with pain meds if you are nervous about the labor pains. If you do decide to do a c-section you will want to be awake. It is the most amazing experience to hear your baby cry for the very first time. Also, it takes a lot longer in recovery with a general than a local. :) I am sure you will want to hold your sweet baby as soon as possible.

Hope I was able to help.

Always,
Tara

Amanda - posted on 05/06/2010

Hi Divya, I have had 3 c-sections and all went differently. I had an infection on my wound with my first and it took 6 months of healing with a home nurse cleaning and packing the incision on a daily basis. My send c-section went ok excpet that the needle didn't go in right in my back and I had this pain shoot up my right side of body. And with my 3rd, 8 weeks ago, I had to much anesthetic put in my back I got dumb all the way up to my face and I couldn't breathe. SO, all were different but my babies are healthy. Your baby will come out all nice looking with no cone head. Most c-section babies have alot more fluid in there mouths when born as they didn't get it pushed out from a vaginal delivery. That's what scared me the most is when they start spitting up all this fluid. Once they getit out they are fine. Good luck to you.

Emma - posted on 05/06/2010

I had to have an emergency c-section. Thankfully everything was ready as my labor was quite difficult. I didn't have any problems with the epidural at all. My recovery was quite speedy as well. The next day I was up and walking, yes it was painful but I went slow and steady. By the next day I was able to walk around a little more. I was almost fully healed by week 4, 2 weeks ahead of schedule. No infections, no lasting back pain. I found the key was to keep walking around. If you spend too much time sitting down, and being afraid of walking then you are going to take longer to recover.

Nicole - posted on 05/06/2010

i had an emergancy c section and was very disapointed. you mis the first hour of your childs life. no first bath, no holding, everybody sees them before you except when the dr holds him up. i hope i never have to do it again! you cant lift, or really bend. i was sad about it but in the end it doesnt matter. you have a new baby who you love no matter how it came into the world

Emily - posted on 05/06/2010

Congrats on the upcoming arrival!! I had a C-section, also. They tried inducing me for over 18 hours, to no avail, so I had no choice really. Not that I minded! I had already received the epidural by the time they decided to move on to a C-section, so I was already numb from the waist down. I didn't even notice them doing the epidural, I just had a cold sensation in my back as the medicine went in. Once I had the additional pain meds, I was numb from the chest down I didn't have pain during or immediately after the procedure, but my IV infiltrated, so it had to be removed and I had to rely on oral pain killers. Recovery wise, the first couple days were bad and the nurses kept telling me I had to stand up straight, which was near impossible. After a couple days, though, the pain subsided and I was able to stand straighter. But sitting up in bed, etc. was very painful. Be sure to have plenty of helpers on hand for the first few days at least if you do go with the C-section. best of luck!!

Divya - posted on 05/06/2010

Mandy ,Thanks a million..I just had a nice hot oil massage after a full day of work..I will keep in mind.Best wishes
Divya..with love

Mandy - posted on 05/06/2010

That's such a nice thing to say thank you.
I live in Scotland and I didn't get very long with the midwife for every appointment, for 1st timers you get 12 appointments and for every baby after that 10 appointments, we only get to see a Dr if we have a high risk pregnancy. They never last more than 10 mins. I had terrible pelvic pain with my son and was worried about resenting him because of the pain but my midwife just brushed my fears aside, I was lucky I was able to see that the pain wasn't his fault and bond with him really well after he was born.
I found having my husband and families support to be really helpful, when I got emotional my husband would step in and fight my corner. I also did as much of my own research as I could, so I was able to counter every argument they put to me.
I really wish you all the best, relax as much as you can and remember to pamper yourself. x

Divya - posted on 05/06/2010

Mandy, you are so right.You are open minded and believe in putting forth one's fear.Here in India,for first timers ,its a nightmare especially in smaller cities ..where good drs.might not necessarily like to spend too much time.Its a scary situation to be in,but i am having to take the chance as my family is there and we dont have a aplace in the big city .I will be flying home end of my 7th month & shall talk to my dr.who always seems to be so busy.Thats what makes me nervous,anyway i can hope & pray for the best.Mandy thank you..take care,you give me strength.

Mandy - posted on 05/06/2010

You're welcome Divya. I was able to push for an elective section more with my 2nd child because I was so scared of a repeat of my 1st labour. Some women have a true phobia of labour and childbirth. Make sure you tell your Dr that you are having nightmares, if you can counselling may help to allay some fears. But it's your birth and your child, so if you feel more at ease having an elective section then that should be your choice, don't let anyone make you feel bad for choosing what is best for you.

Divya - posted on 05/06/2010

Thanks Mandy,,that was very helpful..:-) take care.I think i should talk about it frankly with the doc as i really do think i have an issue here that is giving me nightmares.

Divya - posted on 05/06/2010

Thanks ..i see.. ok will keep in mind.

Jeannette - posted on 05/06/2010

I wouldn't go for a C-section, unless it is absolutely necessary. You will still have labor pains, before you have the C-section, and also, it is major surgery. Yes, there can be complications with a natural birth, and yes after having a C-section, you could be fine, but I would NOT do it unless necessary. I had my first baby 6 months ago. I had a natural, un-medicated birth. I am by no means tough and yeah, it hurt, but women have been having babies naturally since the beginning of time.

Mandy - posted on 05/06/2010

For me c-section is the only choice when it comes to birthing my babies, I have a condition which means my cervix doesn't dilate properly and also my pelvis doesn't expand to allow the baby through.

I had spinals with both of mine, which allowed me to be awake while they born and hold them asap. Most surgeons don't like to do general anesthestic unless it is a true emergency section, as it can interfere with the important 1st moments of bonding with your baby. It would be best to discuss your pain relief options with your Dr to talk through your fears of the spinal.
I and no one else I have ever met has had any lasting problems from an epidural, back problems are very common in pregnancy and after anyway.
Good luck with your birth and baby.

Divya - posted on 05/06/2010

Simone, seems you did have an expereince like another of my frnds, not too bad,,the labour ok and then the relief needle.. and ofcourse the joy of seing ur lil one the moment girl,what have you named her?
Thanks for the warm wishes,
Lovely to share!!