Was your first pregnancy cesarian or natural, and what are you planning this time around?

Bri - posted on 11/05/2009

My first child was a vaginal birth with the help of the epidural in the hospital... The doctor I saw was amazing but was on vacation at the time of delivery. So needless to say since he was a one-man practice, the doctor that ended up delivering was completely new to me and from a different facility...He was amazing but I still felt uncomfortable having not known him.
This time around, I am hoping to have a natural waterbirth at the Birthing Center in my state... The current dr that I am using, however hasn't given me a sonogram yet and at 11 wks I'm showing already so I want to be sure I am not having twins this time around as the BC does not do delivery of twins... Hopefully there's just one in there and I will have the birthing experience that I longed to have with my first child

Jessica - posted on 10/26/2009

I had a natural birth first time around... and am hoping to be as lucky as last time! Fingers crossed it all goes as planned again. :-)

Arika - posted on 10/26/2009

My first was a c-section. It was planned because my daughter was breech. My surgery went awesome recovery went really well but I still want to try for a vbac. In a way I kind of feel cheated by not getting to try it vaginally so this time I really want to. My doc is all for it as long as everything goes good the rest of my preg and the baby is in the right position.

Lisa - posted on 10/26/2009

i've had three natural and will have 4th natural as well unless there are complications.

ANGELIA - posted on 10/26/2009

this is my 5th pregnancy! baby 31 was natural, the second , i had to have a csection because he was turned the wrong way. they tried turning him around but he was stubborn so they went ahead and did the csection. it wasnt an emergency or anything,i had a choice to go home and see if he turned ,or stay and have the baby csection. i wasnt in labor or anything.the 3rd and 4th i had naturally(vbac)they wouldnt let me go too far over my due dates,so they had to induce my labor and give me a pitocin drip both times. but i had both with no drugs. this one i plan to have naturally also

Emma - posted on 10/25/2009

My first was a natural, drug free 4 hour labor with 15 minutes of pushing, perfect in every way. 8 days late. Currently 3 1/2 months pregnant and would love to have that same experience but due to other issues have to have a c-section as 38 weeks as I am not allowed to go into labor - two ectopic pregnancies with part of my uterus removed earlier this year. Will still try and talk the specialist into it but don't like my chances. Not looking forward to recovering from the surgery again this time with a baby and have no idea why anyone would elect to have a c-section if they had the option for natural. It is a brilliant experience and the recovery is heaps easier.

Marcy - posted on 10/25/2009

My first was an unplanned cesarian, and I've been told that because I'm carrying twins, this delivery will be cesarian as well; I will have no choice.

Jen - posted on 10/24/2009

My first daughter was all natural, no drugs or anything. Then again I went through all my labor at home and got to the hospital at 7cm. lol But I am going to do all natural with this baby as well. I just prefer to experience everything. Even though for those hours I'll be in a lot of pain I'll back on it and think of how great it actually was. It may sound weird but I'm actually a little excited for this labor and delivery in a couple monthes. lol

Rachele - posted on 10/24/2009

Had to have a c-section the first time cause my oldest wasn't active. Had a repeat c-section with my second son and now have a planned c-section with my third one in Feb.

Kelly - posted on 10/24/2009

Had a very natural birth last time and hoping to do it again but since Kurt got stuck coming out (sholder got stuck on my pelvis bone) i have to watch out as they reckon i have a 90% chance it will happen again... and i dont want stiches or anything as i hear it hurts like hell

Cassie - posted on 10/22/2009

My son was born a week early due to my gall bladder problems, they induced me with pitocin at 10 in the morning and he was born at 5:15 that afternoon. I had an epidural but it wore off as I was pushing. I remember pushing for what felt like forever but they tell me it was only for 57 minutes. I was very blessed to have had him as easily as I did I just hope my next little guy is as ready to come see me!

Chelle - posted on 10/01/2009

My first was an emergency c-section at 33 weeks and 6 days. I was comfortable through the whole thing but I want a VBAC next time around and my doctor is aware and as long as nothing bad happens, we will go for it!

Sigrid - posted on 10/01/2009

Induced a week past my due date, because they thought I had little amniotic fluid (which turned out to be false-- my midwife called me "Niagara Falls" when my water broke)... pushed for 3 hours, then had an emergency C-Section. The C/S was AWFUL and I hated every second of it. Recovery was wretched.

My biggest fear is another emergency c/s, but I think VBAC is worth trying for! I want my "victory baby"! It's better for me, better for baby, and it leaves more options for future pregnancies!

Tracy - posted on 09/28/2009

Mine was vaginal, and I am planning to do this one natural as well.

Becky - posted on 09/12/2009

Well, 33 hours of labor with the first. She was sunny side up, so they had me lay on either side for about 20 minutes. Pushed for 35 minutes, and my beautiful Annabelle Grace entered the world. I did have an epidural with her, and had no regrets about it. We are currently TTC #2, and I'm hoping for a water birth, all natural. Wish I could find a birthing center, but we are Navy, and I'm pretty sure they will make me go to the naval hospital. Wish I was brave enough to do a homebirth, but I'm just not!

Susan - posted on 09/10/2009

I had an emergancy C section at 32 weeks, it was scary. But my son turned out fine. I had some pain, but was up walking around that night to see my son in the NNICU (against my nurses wishes). But recovery for me was no problem, no complications or anything. I'm pregnant again, and my doc is giving me the choice. I haven't decided yet (I'm only 8 weeks now), but will most likey go with another C section. My doctor recomended it when she saw how pulled up my uterous is. But we'll see...

Cathleen - posted on 08/26/2009

a lot of people don't want to have to put up with the pain of labor, not realizing that natural labor, you heal a lot faster and deal with a lot less pain in the end
I had a natural labor for my first with no meds, and that's what ihad planned, and I plan to do the same with this baby.

Kirsty - posted on 08/24/2009

hi i had a natural birth on my first child and loved the whole experience , i had an emergency c section on my 2nd child and absolutely hated it , i didnt get to hold my daughter or see her , i had to have one or we both would have died , i didnt get to see my daughter until she was 24 hrs old and when i did it was the most frightening experience of my life she was covered in wires and tubes fighting for her life. So this time round i want a natural birth no complications and a full term baby but even if my baby wasnt premature i would say natural all the was , recovery is quicker and easier and doesnt leave u marked for the rest of your life .

ME - posted on 07/07/2009

I try not to have too many expectations! The only thing in my first birth plan was NO C-SECTION...however, my pelvis is tipped in one direction and my uterus in the other, and my son got stuck...After 23 hours of labor, I had an emergency c-section...I would NEVER want to go through that much struggle and pain again with the same result. My son is very healthy, ie, no breathing/lung probs., and if my doc says I can't do vbac I will live with it...all I want is a safe arrival of my next baby...so no plans for me this time!

Clarisse - posted on 06/29/2009

On my first pregnancy, the baby did not descend and was 7 cm dilated for 12 hours, no anesthesia and I was trying to do lamaze. In the end they needed to do an emergency CS because of fetal distress. I wish I could have a normal delivery this time around since I'm pregnant again! First trimester. Will try to do the Bradley method this time since the Lamaze method didn't really help, I was miserable.

Teliah - posted on 06/18/2009

I have had 5 natural/vaginal births. My first two were induced, one for suspected intra-uterine growth retardation (Baby not growing properly and thought he would thrive better outside the womb) and the second for being overdue by a week. My last 3 my body had finally cottoned on to how to go into labour, even if a few days overdue!! Oh and as a side note, all my babies were 7lb babies, so no growth issues what so ever:-)

Elsabe - posted on 06/10/2009

My son was a waterbirth. I was induced by a Pitocin drip and they broke my waters, but I was able to go without pain meds and birthed in the water. I would never plan a c-section, but if it's a life and death situation, I'll go with it.



I'm hoping that when we have another baby, I'll be able to have another waterbirth, but no inductions. And maybe even homebirth too... :o)

Chelsye - posted on 06/07/2009

My first was cesarian, also. I knew it would be but the doctor didn't (until I was stuck at 8 for 4 hours and then he changed his mind). I absolutely LOVED my cesarian. LOVED IT! And I'm planning on doing it the same way next time. I really enjoyed it because I was talking to my husband the whole time and laughing and then... she was here! My recovery didn't go so well, either (due to an infection in my incision) but I still definitely want to have a c-section next time around!! It was wonderful!

Kristin - posted on 06/04/2009

my first (who is now 19 mnths) i had an emergency c-section. and now with my second (due Nov.10.09) i have to have another c-section. Then hospital and doctors office no longer allows VBACs. I was really disappointed when i found that out, but now i realize that i know what to expect in terms of pain and recovery time. However, i did end up with an infection last time(a week after surgery) so i'm hoping that it will be different this time.

Judy - posted on 05/17/2009

1st Vaginal but not drug-free. Second (I hope) vaginal and drug-free!

Molly - posted on 05/16/2009

my son was c/s (planed due to birth defect) this time around we are planing a home birth with a traveling midwife (state rules bar local midwives from VBACS)

NaTasna - posted on 04/23/2009

1st on was an emergency c section the 2nd is a planned c section

Denise - posted on 04/14/2009

I have had 7 Vaginal, then a C-Section, then a VBAC. I plan on having another VBAC. I hated the recovery time for the C-Section. I hope to never have another c-seciton.



Denise

Chloë - posted on 03/21/2009

i had a planned  c-setcion with my first child becaues he was breched his head was in my rib cage my doctor said he could try to turn my son around BUT the cord might get stuck around his neck i then i looked at my doctor and said "just cut me" if i get luck to have an othere baby i'll be going back to the same  doctor  my recovery was the best i was up and walking that night as i had my son at 8:46am i did not take any pain killer's i just did not need them it really was the best

Nikki - posted on 02/25/2009

Wow!!! Your medical system sounds confusing!!

My first son I was induced after weeks of on again off again labor! I was in labor 25 hours. It was a very dificult labor. Everything was trying to come out at the same time. It felt like two babies were coming out at the same time. I had the epidural...it didn't work.......So the doctor tried a few other medications. None helped. I felt like I failed for giving into the drugs after 20 hours. But he finally came out..healthy and screaming! Then I had to get a D&C done. Almost worse then the birth!!

My second way more enjoyable. 8 hours no drugs!!!!!! I was so proud! He did get stuck along the way and they thought he was going to have to be a c-section. The nurses were getting me ready then he just popped into place and came RIGHT out!

Emily - posted on 02/19/2009

I absolutely loved the doctor I used for my first two daughters' births. I even recommended her to my sister-in-law... who just gave birth with her almost three weeks ago, and she also loved her... but I will never go back to that doctor for another birth. I had great experiences with her, but they're not the experiences I wanted for my third birth, and not what I want for my current pregnancy and birth. DH and I both believe that each birth is such a unique and personal experience, that we should take the time to make sure we are only surrounded by people who trust us and have a similar birth philosophy. With our third daughter, we chose a midwife and a birth center and had a wonderful experience. If we had chosen to go to a hospital again, our birth would have been covered 100% by our insurance... after on initial co-pay of $20. Instead, we went to the birth center, paid our $500 deductible, then an additional $1200 in co-insurance (then our insurance covered the rest). We had many discussions about this, and ultimately decided that having the best birth situation possible was worth the $1700.

This time around (in a different state), a hospital birth would only be covered 80%... so we'd still end up paying about $2000 for a hospital birth, which is not the birth environment we want this time. So, even though we were planning for a homebirth this time anyway, we're really excited that this time it will actually be cheaper than a hospital birth... total fees for my midwife are around $1400... and there's a chance a portion of that could be covered by insurance too. :)

Basically, I don't think you should necessarily accept a repeat c-section just because you love your doctor. I believe you should do your own research and decide what you want for your next birth. If your doctor isn't on board with what you want... then see if you can find one that is. If you feel totally fine with a second c-section, then obviously stick with the doctor you love... but at least then you won't be wondering about all the what-ifs.

Also, I know it would be difficult to switch OBs after building such a good relationship, and especially since he's helping you to conceive again... but remember, this is your family and your birth... and it's his business.

Raegan - posted on 02/19/2009

I had to have a c-section at the last min. (My son was stuck in my pelvic bone!!!) My OB said he wont do anything but a c-section with the next one. I love my doctor so I guess I'll have to deal with the recovery again. Were haveing trouble TTC our second but with the help of our OB we paln to be pregnat next month!

Sarah - posted on 02/18/2009

I had an emergency c-section too. Pushed for 4 hours and she was "sunny side up" and the heart rate dropped so they forced me into the OR. I am hoping for a VBAC and am going to try to have a Midwife this time instead of my family doctor. I will need an OB too I was told but so hoping to avoid the c-section. My SIL thinks I am nuts to try the VBAC but I don't want the recovery of a section again...that was awful. I couldn't stand for more than 10 minutes at a time for 6 weeks and I couldn't do the stairs more than once a day in our two level house...I felt like a prisoner on my couch. Good luck with the VBAC, just have to find a group of supportive doctors!

Megan - posted on 02/18/2009

I had an emergency c-section last time.  Baby was posteriir & the cord was wrapped around his neck twice.  I labored naturally, pushed for 2 1/2 hours and ended up with C-Section.  It was going perfectly up til that point!  Anyway, am hoping for a VBAC next time!

Abi - posted on 02/18/2009

I had a vaginal delivery with my first - just! Having been in labour 95 hours (yes, you read that right), they finally realised she was back-to-back, hence taking so long. And stuck! I had to have an epidural as she had to be turned in the birth canal and I was told I would clamp up with the pain otherwise. I was prepped for an emergency c-section but happily she arrived with the help of forceps.



It was far from my original idea of a natural waterbirth - still holding ouit for one of those this time round!

Kim - posted on 02/17/2009

I had an epidural with my son. I thought it was a wonderful experience. there was not pain, but I could still feel my contractions. I was laughing and joking around between pushing contractions. I was in active labor for 3 hours and pushed for 28 minutes then our little boy was there! I will more then likely have another for my second child, but I guess we will see. The main reason I got the epidural was because I was sick of pain. I was diagnosed with kidney stones at 27 weeks and was in absolute pain the last 10 weeks of my pregnancy. I had three stent surguries, was in and out of the hospital for pain management and was on bed rest. I was induced at 37 weeks and labor was easy and perfect compared to being pregnant! I just hope the next time around I have a normal pregnancy as well!

Tamara - posted on 02/11/2009

I have had an epidural with my first, which proble turned out to be a good thing they ended up using forseps.  But with my second it was a beutiful labor with no drugs at all just like I wanted for both.  And I will always go drug free if nothing goes wrong and I need a c-section.

Megan - posted on 02/05/2009

Shawnie - I can't imagine having an elective C-section.  Is your friend planning on breast feeding?  Does she know that her milk may delay coming in because of an elective cs?  Does she know that vaginal births are natural and that they help to clear the baby's lungs? C-section baby's tend to be more mucousy than vaginal birthed babies.

I had an emergency C-Section after  2 1/2 hours of pushing-the recovery was horrible.  My son was postierior and I just could not budge him and his heart rate kept dropping with each contraction & taking longer & longer to recover.  Oh AND I made it all the way up to my c-section all natural with no drugs!

Next time I plan on VBAC.

Emily - posted on 02/05/2009

http://hypnobabies.com/ and http://www.birthingfromwithin.com/

Basically HypnoBabies is about total relaxation to the point that you don't feel pain because you are allowing your body to do what it needs to so there is no pain.

Birthing From Within, as I understand it, is about dealing with the pain, managing it, and working through any fears related to birth.

I personally loved HypnoBabies and plan to take the full class again with this pregnancy. I do have one friend who used HypnoBabies with her first, but didn't really find it as effective as she had hoped. She tried Birthing From Within with her second and enjoyed it much more. I think it's mostly just a personality thing... so it would be great to look into both methods and figure out which one fits you best.

I've also heard good things about the Bradley Method which is most similar to the old Lamaze method. http://www.bradleybirth.com/

I also didn't mention in my original post... my first two babies were drug-free hospital births, my third was a birth-center waterbirth, and for this next baby we're planning another waterbirth, but at home this time. :) We're really excited... to bad we still have to wait another 7 months. :)

Christine - posted on 02/05/2009

I planning a drug-free, natural childbirth.  Can you give more information about HynoBabies and Birthing From Within?

Shawnie - posted on 11/21/2008

Yes I have heard good things about Hypnobabies, I think I will try that this next time.

Emily - posted on 11/20/2008

I've had all three of mine drug-free and would never choose any other way. (Though I would go with a c-section if absolutely necessary.)

I preferred HypnoBabies for pain management, but I've also heard good things about Birthing From Within.

Jamie - posted on 11/11/2008

i had an emergency C-Section as well and i would love to have a vbac with the next. hopefully i can. and your friend is nuts.....lol