Thinking of having C-section. Any advice?

*Party* - posted on 03/08/2013

Well, I hear that C-Section takes longer. Not to mention, it's less to be proud of. If it isn't an emergency one, you can't really be like "I was brave and strong enough to push that kid out;D" lol. But I guess I don't see anything wrong with it. The scar will be saggy and kind of gross looking until/unless you lose weight enough to stretch it taunt... which is probably your prepregnancy weight or even skinnier than that. But, idk much. I just know that it takes longer to recover and CAN have some long term damage if you're unlucky. Not to mention, it's very much more stressful for the baby to be ripped out by aliens rather than slipping out the cooch like he/she is supposed to xD Ahaha, that's just how I imagined it. Anyways, if I were you, I would be strong and brave and just bare with it. I think since you had so much trouble with your first, it should be much easier this time? But TALK TO YOUR OB-GYN! They're your best friend xD Any questions you have they can answer fully and with a lot more education than just what the internet or friends or TV says. *16 and pregnant. considered c-sec. decided on natural hospital birth with epidural.

Charlotte - posted on 06/01/2011

hi, i haven't had time to read all posts as i am off to bed but just really wanted to comment. what you went through with your first baby doesn't sound like a nice experience but, as i'm sure you are aware, a c section is MAJOR surgery... its not a decsion to be made simply because you are scared of tearing, and whoever told you you would need to wear nappies if you tore like that again needs some lessons on how to deal with worried mothers. have you thought about a water birth? these are very relaxing,, also do some research on a hypno birth. i had one, i was very skeptical and at first i was worried about tearing but after learning about birthing the correct way through hypnobirth i learnt how to listen to my body. its not as hippy as it sounds, its infact very scientific and i really think it would help you out!

A - posted on 06/01/2011

http://www.sandiegohypnobirth.com/upload...

Michelle - posted on 05/27/2011

Well I have had 2 c-sections the first was an emergency and the second was both by choice and the docs change in policy (once you've had one you gotta do it that way for all pregnancies) I wanted to have another because I knew what to expect. If you are wanting one I'd do it. They are not to bad I was in the hospital for 3 days, only a little pain were they cut me. I healed really good. With my daughter (the fisrt one) she was in distress so I didn't get to see her right away but with my son I got to kiss him for like 5 minutes. Then he was in my room before I was. The recovery wasn't bad walking hurt a little so did coughing and depending on the meds you are laid up in bed untill you come unnumb. If its planned it is a lot easier than an emergency. I would do the c-section if I were you because of the risk of tearing and wouldn't want to have to wear a nappy for the rest of my life.

Kimber - posted on 05/27/2011

Hello, Ann just wanted to say that i have had 2 c-sections
and neither one of them where that bad at all!! Yea it takes you longer to heal,and your stomach will never,ever bee the same afterwards either,and you have to have a longer stay in the hospital,but all in all i thought that it was not that bad at all,and besides the idea of something so big comming out of something so small really,really scared the stuff out of me!!!! So iam glad that i had both of my boys by c-section i would have not wanted it any other way Really!!!!!!!! But all in all you have to be the one that makes that decison for yourself,b/c only you knows what is right for yourself! (well that and your OB) But anyway girl i do wish you all of the best in what ever it is that you pick,and also hope that your baby is healty,and happy little person!!! Well that is my story,so hope that it helped you in some small way take Care,and good luck to you! Kim

Maurita - posted on 05/26/2011

Hi Anne, I had two c sections because I was in labor for such a long time and still was not dilating. My uterus became very thin because I was in labor so long with my second we were trying to have a vaginal birth the second time around but it did not work. I recovered very quickly the second time the first time was harder. Remember it is surgery and the recovery time is longer though it sounds like you had quite a time. Do what you think is right for you don't listen to other people's opinions. C sections are not easy, find out what are the chances of the same thing happening again and then weigh the odds. If I could have avoided surgery I would have. Honor yourself.

Lori - posted on 05/20/2011

My experience with a C-section was great. It was an unplanned emergency procedure but it was the best option for my son. My recovery time was 2-3 weeks at the most. I was able to drive after that amount of time as well, and caring for my boy wasn't hindered in any way. I agree with the other moms that you should consult your doc and make the most informed decision you can. My best advise is to make sure you are making the choice for the right reasons, and not because someone else is putting their anxiety on you. Good Luck.

Brandi - posted on 05/20/2011

I had a c section with my first ( emergency c section) and a VBAC with my second. I would not wish a c section on anyone! It doesn't just hurt when you are healing, there is permanent nerve damage, always weird feelings, numb sections of the abdomen, tingling, all kinds of unpleasantness. Higher risk of infection also, which I was unlucky enough to get and had to be reopened less than 24 hours after being closed. It was horrible, and from healing there is now a "flap" of skin than hangs over, it's not attractive at all. I completely understand your reasons for considering it, in the end you have to do what you feel and believe is best for you and your baby.

Michelle - posted on 05/19/2011

I've had three c-sections and not by choice. If I could have done natural I would've. Six weeks to recovery if you have a c-section that means you can't lift your baby, drive, barely walk, anything for a while. I have a couple of friends and my sister-in-law who didn't follow the directives given by the doctor and ended up getting infections. Had a longer recovery and ended up back in the hospital and then their milk dried out.

My last c-section I ended up on oxygen. Having c-sections is a very weird experience. The drugs I was given I got cold, itchy, my pulsed raced, etc.

It feels like when you are at the end of a toothpaste and you roll up the tube to squeeze out the last little bit of toothpaste. Basically, they pushed and then pulled the baby. Then they clean your insides out, kind of rearrange things inside, and take out your uterus and massage and clean that out. It is major surgery.

I had weird intestinal cramping with one of the c-sections. I don't think things were quite right and then after the next one it got fixed. I can't have any more babies since my uterine wall lining is so thin from the three c-sections. The doctor's are afraid of it tearing.

That is my personal experience with c-sections. You do what you have to and sometimes you don't have a choice. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Julie - posted on 05/18/2011

I had two C-sections and found it to be a wonderful experience, both times. The first was an emergency but the second was planned. The recovery was a little difficult but the whole experience was far more tolerable than the natural child birth I had partially experienced the first time around. No contractions, no pushing and best of all no pain whatsoever during the birth. It was a little painful the first day after but each day it got a little better and by the 5th and final hospital day I was up and around comfortably. I would highly recommend a C-section if you have the choice and for those who feel that it is not a true birthing experience, they probably have never had one and wouldn't know the joy associated with giving birth is every bit as wonderful with a c-section as it is with traditional vaginal birth without all the pain.

Lauren - posted on 05/18/2011

Hi there! I can honestly say i know exactly how you feel in this situation because i'm in the same one. I'm currently 29 wks 2mora but measuring 3-4cm bigger than my dates so keep having growth scans. I do expect my baby to be big as my first daughter was 9lb 3oz. I'm only a little one at 4ft 11 so carrying these big babies sure takes it out of me! My partner doesn't want me to have a c-section either but after my tramatic birth last time and have to use catherters for 6wks as they damaged my bladder with the forceps getting my daughter out i nearly didn't cope as i was so down about 'feeling old' using catheters for so long! i was prepped for emergency c section but managed to get her out with forceps but i cannot imagine if they damaged my bladder for good this time or more damage was caused due to an EVEN bigger baby. i understand there's lots of pro's and cons of a natural birth Vs c section but i can honestly say i think its up to your personal choice. The 6wks recovery is long but i cannot imagine having a really bad tear or damaging my bladder for good, so in essence 6wks is nothing to me for my peace of mind and to avoid depression as i know i definately wouldn't cope this time round with all the trouble! and as i said i was busy with catherters for 6wks so its just the same really!! Hope you find some re assurance from your consultant and make the decision thats right for YOU and your health! xxx

Carissa - posted on 05/18/2011

I had a c-section with my daughter and it wasn't bad. I was in labor for 48 hours and did not dilate so I was scheduled to have a c-section and was out in less than an hour. I felt nothing and got to see my baby right after they pulled her out. After that I slept for a few hours while my husband and family saw the baby. It was painful afterwards but not unbearable. A week and a half after the surgery I was able to climb the steps again and felt almost completely back to normal. It's definitely not as bad as people make it out to be. At least it wasn't for me. If I planned on having another baby I would definitely get another c-section.

Ashley=) - posted on 05/18/2011

With all birth stories, we all have our own to tell.There all different.So with c-sections its the same.Many don't have as much pain as others.

Do what you feel is best.Do what you feel will cause you less stress before the birth.I will not tell you one way is better than the other.As we all feel differently.I had a natural birth and c-section.I recovered faster from the section.

Do what you feel.Its not easy after a c-section, you will have to slow down as you have no choice, you have been cut through several lays but after that, you will heal etc.I recovered so fast, after the first week my gp could not believe i had a c-section lol.

As long as baby is healthy and your happy thats all any one cares about.Its a personal choice, so make it and be happy with that choice.What ever that may be.Best of luck.

Laura - posted on 05/18/2011

If babies were meant to come out that way, there would be a hole there.

I had a healthy, promising pregnancy, but a long difficult labour. Finally my baby went into fetal distress and a C section was the only option. Not only are you a new mom, but you are recovering from major surgery; not just one, but two cuts! Your body doesn't know you've given birth so it can take your milk longer to come in. I couldn't walk up and down stairs. I couldn't get up out of bed without being lifted. I couldn't go to the washroom by myself. Believe me, there is nothing worse than a catheter. Really.

Two years later, I still have loose hips and my core muscles still aren't strong enough. It affects my life, my activity, and my exercise. The amount of physio and core work I have to do to get my core strength back is way more than if I would have had a regular birth.

Get yourself a doula, a therapist, or whatever else you need. Birth is scary for many people, but I still wouldn't recommend major surgery as an alternative. Having done it out of necessity, I would go to any lengths I could to avoid it.

Louise - posted on 05/17/2011

@ Kaitlyn in the UK you are not allowed to drive for 6 weeks after abdominal surgery because of doing an emergency stop with a seat belt on. You are not insured to drive and medically you are not supposed to go for long journeys in the car because of the scaring and where the seat belt lies across the scar. This is standard in the UK in other countries things may vary but here it is a strict 6 weeks rule.

T - posted on 05/17/2011

Have a csection...why take the risk of bowel problems. Csection there is discomfort afterwards but bearable.

Chantel - posted on 05/17/2011

I dont care wat no ones says about a c section being all good its the most painful recovery ever!!!!! My daughters 16months and I just started to wear jeans because my cut is so sensitive. Iam tell like this the recovery once u get home is horrible I couldnt get out the bed it was hard for me to get up from anywhere or bend trust me u dont want it I cant even explain all the details

Sara - posted on 05/17/2011

DO IT! If you have the help of a second person. So much easier in my opinion.

Julie - posted on 05/17/2011

My first baby was breech so I had a csection when I really wanted a vaginal delivery! And I had a csecton with my second because of the first. It is not easy and leaves scar tissue that caused groin pain with my second pregnancy that went away after delivery and my scar seems to itch all the time. It did feel uncomfortable getting the epidural and breathing felt difficult during delivery and i got a bubble in my abdominal cavity and it felt like someone stabbing my shoulder. Then it seems like forever for the morphine to start working and the pitosin(sp) they give you to stop bleeding kicks in first and feels like major cramps. But with my second the scar on my uterus was thin and might have ruptured if i'd tried a vbac and that would have been bad so it probably saved our lives to have a csection. I just wanted a healthy baby and I have two. There are negative and positive aspects to both, you need to do what feels right for you.

Cheri - posted on 05/17/2011

I also agree with Shastin Bird about the attachment. I had a C-section with my son and I also felt like I "was just handed a baby" too. It was hard to connect and for my brain to accept the whole thing. My daughter was a natural birth and I did tear but not nearly as bad and it was an automatic connection. As thought the whole time I could feel us connecting. Also the hormones released only during vaginal birth help with the connection, lactation, recovery, balancing hormones, and helping to heal. The baby going through the vagina squeezes liquid out of the respiratory tract that can turn into pneumonia. The bacteria from the vagina has been linked to lower the risk for food allergies and other health issues. And the baby can nurse sooner and is much more responsive after vaginal birth. There are a lot of benefits for the baby but there is also a risk to you in both situations. I would do as most mom's have suggested and find someone who will actively listen to you to address your concerns productively and help you with massaging.

Cheri - posted on 05/17/2011

I had a C-section with my first and natural with my second. I can tell you that a good doctor makes a huge difference for sure. C-section is very dangerous it's a major surgery and puts your baby at a huge complications risk compared to natural delivery including a lot of issues after birth. I would never have a C-section it was the worst experience of my life! I went through a huge depression. I still hurt at times where I had my C-section 5 years ago! But I've heard that a few people are lucky and don't hurt after the first year or so. I would start stretching right now, and try to get things opening up and getting more pliable. My doctor hard to stretch me a lot to make my daughter fit and I was doing stretching/massaging before that as well. I hope everything works out and I would never opt to do a C-section to much risk and complications for the baby (ie.-food allergies, pneumonia, etc.) let alone all the risks of a major surgery for you. :)

Sally - posted on 05/17/2011

I had to have an emergency c-section, This was my last resort I wanted a natural birth. I was worried about the recover time after the c-section. But I was up and walking the next day, very slowly to start off with but I was catching a bus by week 4 and doing a lot of walking. the only thing that I didnt like was having to take the surgical tape of the cut for me that hurt more then anything else. I would talk to your gp about it.

Kendall - posted on 05/17/2011

I have had 2 c sections now, one was last Wednesday. I was up and walking hours after my surgery. Today, it feels like I didn't even have surgery. I would definately do it again.

Emily - posted on 05/17/2011

FYI: episiotomies more often than not do NOT prevent tears, and in fact, they can lead to more severe tearing. I actually had a 4th degree tear after the doctor did an episiotomy on me. If anyone is interested in reading more, here is a Medscape article on episiotomies which I thought was a good summary of current practice--a bit technical, but if you're wanting to do research, it would be a good place to start reading. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/7215...

I know that people have really strong opinions about this subject, and C-section is not without risk or pain--and as evidenced by all different posts on the subject, you can have a good experience or a bad one, but the same goes for natural labor. I had a terrible natural labor experience, and my body is still paying for it three years later. If it's a choice between crapping your pants perhaps permanently and a C-section, let me tell you from personal experience, the C-section is a good option. You have to make the right choice for your body, your baby, and your family.

Another thing to consider: midwives had a lot lower rates of tears in their deliveries. You might consider going to a midwife this time and getting her opinion on your situation if you decide that you want to go with labor.

Shallanna - posted on 05/17/2011

I had a c-section and it turned out aweful. After having my hip broken in labor with my first I was terrified of vaginally delivering again just like you. I thought this was a sure thing and I would avoid the chance- it turned out way worse for me and I still have issues over the epideral they gave me- leaving my spine damaged. I got an infection- tore open-and nearly died on the table when he hit a vien during the proceedure. I would say no way to another c-section. have you considered asking them for a small cut down there to aid in the tear factor? I had vback after which is vaginal after c-section and it was just fine.

Krista - posted on 05/17/2011

i have never been able to have natural birth, my son was breach i was to small and it was to risky for them to turn him. It took me a good 6 wks before i was back on my feet well again, i had post partum depression with him too, its a very scary operation if u dont know what to expect, and i have been told that by havin a natural birth the baby will have less stuff inhaled in his/her lungs. C sections they dont get it all squeezed out. I do have to say, i have 2 very healthy kids. The only thing that sucks which is minor things is that i have a huge scare on my stomach from and it have tons of adhesions and scar tissue from both my c sections. If u have to have a C section, u will prob have more down time. I was in pain from it for atleast a good 2 wk. Everyone is different tho, u could have a fast recovery. if it something that u have to have, its safer for u and ur baby. if u do have a c section just take one day at a time, its gonna be stressful at times, but it will be ok. I dont know if that helps any, i hope it did.

Camille - posted on 05/17/2011

I had two c-sections and everything went great. I had a speedy and nice recovery and the scar is almost not noticeable. With my first daughter I spent 17 hours trying to give birth but ended up having a c-section. She was almost 9 pounds and she was 23 inches. Since I knew the second one would be as big, I decided to have another c-section. Many women I spoke to were really disrespectful and said mean things because tI like c-sections. I don't regret this to be the way I delivered my girls :-)

Brittany - posted on 05/17/2011

I had a csec Not planned only because I was a 3 1/2 dilated then within the 30 min that it took them to get the epidural I went fully dilated and in that 30 min my daughter went from fully engaged to breached. But I will say that yes I was sore but I was able to handle only 800 mg of motrin every 8 hrs and was fine and was up and walking around just fine 3 days afterwords. But I will say my dr pushed me he told me the day after I was sent home to go walking and to work the muscles soon so that they wouldnt get too stiff. I have had no problems and I would do it again if I have to :) hope it helps

Sarah - posted on 05/16/2011

Well, I guess it depends where you have it done, but with both of my c-sections the baby was immediately given to me for skin to skin contact, she was only taken off me for the usual weighing, etc, then given back to get latched on straight away.

Alyce - posted on 05/16/2011

I had a c-section for my second child cos he wouldnt turn around. i hated the experience. the feeling of not being able to move and not being able to look after or see your new baby for about an hour while in recovery. I prefered the natural birth even though its long and painful but once the baby is born most of it is gone. where as with a c-section you have no pain then have to deal with the pain afterwards. if you have medical reasons like a breech baby or something im all for it but if you have a choice i say no. Just remember tears heal if there is complications with a c-section its a higher risk. Its up to you though and dont let anyone tell you what you should or shouldnt do.

Luz - posted on 05/16/2011

to be honest a c-section is not that bad ive had three..its takes only about three weeks to heel and the scare heels up beatifully...i tried giving birthday vaginally but couldnt and one was by emergency...well its not that bad if you make that choice...good luck with your new baby

Marci - posted on 05/16/2011

Tear? Doesn't your gynecologist utilize an episiotomy? My 2nd, and last, child required 2 episiotomies because he was so big (11.5 lbs). I would only recommend a c-section if your pelvis is too small for the baby to fit through. Otherwise, vaginal birth is much better. More painful, but better for you and the baby.

Rebekah - posted on 05/16/2011

I'd just like to acknowledge the fact that your vaginal birth DID have a longer recovery than a typical vaginal birth OR c-section. I gave birth to my daughter vaginally with a level 3 tear (and VERY similar complications, that I posted about previously) two days prior to a friend of mine having a repeat c-section, and my recovery was MUCH worse and took MUCH longer.

So, if you expect to tear significantly again, a c-section would be the obvious choice.

Natalie - posted on 05/16/2011

Hi, i had a planned c-section with my third baby because she was transverse (side ways inside me), and vaginally with the first 2. Comparing the 3 births i would rather have a vaginal birth only because i found that after the c-section i had alot of pain in my abdomen and i took alot longer to heal after the c-section than i did with the vaginal births, about 6 weeks till i felt no pain. Also found it harder because your not supposed to lift anything heavier than your baby for 6 weeks for fear of tearing your internal stitches. That was hard since at the time i had a 2 year old that still wanted to be picked up at times. Would the incompetent bowel be a temporary thing? If not than i would definately go with a c-section. If it is only temporary would having an episiotomy help control the tearing? just a few things i would consider, but on the whole if you do decide to have a c-cestion the pain after is only temporary. Hope this was helpful and good luck :)

Sarah - posted on 05/16/2011

I had an emergency c-section with first daughter and planned one with second. The planned one was utter bliss by comparison! With first pregnancy the consultant mentioned that if it was up to him all deliveries would be c-section, as it is in a controlled environment with far less unknowns, and therefore safer for baby and mother. I of course still tried for a 'normal' delivery (although there is nothing natural or normal about an induced labour). I felt guilty about both c-sections, as there is so much pressure to have natural labour, but if you feel there may be complications you may want to go for a planned c-section, as I believe it is actually less risky. I know a lot of women who have had c-sections and I've never known one to have infections, and yet so many of the women I know who had natural births have needed long courses of antibiotics and had more pain and a longer recovery than I had with the c-sections.

In the end you've got to do what you think is best for you and your baby, and try not to feel guilty whichever way you decide! Good luck and I hope you have a great experience.

Whitney - posted on 05/16/2011

My first was a vague del (10 years ago), 2 was an ER CS after 18 hours of Bradley labor, 3 was a planned CS. The first I had a full episiotomy and still have pain when I get aroused and the area becomes flushed with blood. The first CS (after 18 hours of natural labor) took 3 weeks to recover from and I had pulling and pain for a full year afterwards. But my DD and I were kept alive so I am certainly not going to complain! The third was planned after the traumas of 1st and second (both were Er deliveries with multiple decals and cord wrapped thrice around babies' necks). Having had a CS I was fully prepared for a similar experience, without the physical trauma of natural birth. I went into natural labor two hours prior to surgery, with baby deceling with every contraction and sure enough, she was born with cord wrapped around her neck 3 times like the other two. I was up walking down the halls 12 hours later, doing laundry a week later and easily able to run my household by the end of 2 weeks. Aside from the sleep deprivation, I felt pretty normal. I never would have believed it, but I think it was because I had already been through a CS with the 2nd child and knew another 10 lb baby from my 4'10" body just wasn't going to happen naturally at that point.



I also am terrified of CS and would not recommend them as elective if you can physically deliver vaginally as I knew two women my age about six years ago that both died from CS complications. Both got blood clots following surgery that went to heart/brain when they were made to get out of bed and walk the next day. So it is certainly nothing to be trifled with. Additionally, if you elect this, understand it takes a year to heal fully, and some times the pain is permanent or there is permanent nerve damage. I still have a weird, sharp twinge (like when you hit your funny bone) that runs from my scar down my left leg every time I sneeze after the 2nd del four years ago. I don't think it's ever going away...



Finally, painful intercourse has been mentioned repeatedly. My first was painful for a year. It has not been an issue with the second CS. However, it was a second, I didn't have hours upon hours of labor prior, and I did some recovery things differently. Push yourself during to recovery physically while staying on top of your meds so you can stay ahead of the pain. Get a travel pillow and/or Belly Bandit (in bamboo only) for at least the first two weeks after surgery. I wore one for four. They are incredible!



Good luck on making the right decision for your family, keeping in mind it is major surgery, can cause other complications (even paralysis or death), and is not optimal if there is another way. I highly suggest a certified nurse midwife and vag del for your situation. A CNM won't let you tear. Massage with primrose oil nightly too prior to delivery! it will help!

Chey - posted on 05/16/2011

I have had 5 csections... and Honestly unless you really NEED one I wouldnt do it... the recovery is SOOOO much more painful and longer! After a csection you ALSO cant cough, sneeze, laugh or anything not even stand up straight without being in pain! So I would really think about it.

Becky - posted on 05/16/2011

Hi...Congrats on your pregnancy :) I have two children, first one was born natural birth, second one was born with a C-Section ( because he was breech). Although you must take it easy as much as you can for "at least" a few weeks following a c-section, it was tough on me because I had a newborn and a three year old to care for, hubby had to go back to work. So C-section has it pros and cons...you can be awake for the birth with the c-section...I was and it all went perfect. Only problem was healing from the huge incision across your abdomen! But as with all things, that pain shall pass too and you will be left with about a 5-6 inch scar, But there is no pain, you can feel something while the baby is being delivered, but you do not feel any pain and there is no chance at all of tearing. Yes, there are great risks with the c-section, as there are great risks for natural birthing too, especially for mamma,but if you have a qualified, experienced OB/GYN then you should be in good hands. If you are that scared of going the natural way again, and it is giving you anxiety attacks, then a c-section may be for you! Good Luck and God Bless you and your little ones :) From one mom to another :)

Katherine - posted on 05/16/2011

I can't imagine what you went thru the first time, because both of my labors were a piece of cake. But I must say, second time around was MUCH easier. BUT I did everything my way, first time I got some meds to force the labor, second time I waited till last minute, literally. And that helped, labor was short and much easier then first one. But if your first experience is causing you to got for C section, then you need to do what feels best. I can only tell you one thing - I have few friends who had a C section, and it all depends on who does it for you, not every doctor is good at it. Some women just get butchered. So ask around and chose the right provider. Good luck honey. And congrats!!!!!

Kristel - posted on 05/16/2011

I agree, you should weigh your pros and cons for a c-section vs vaginal birth with your ob. I had an emergency c-section that went horribly wrong, underwent another surgery to correct it and ended up wearing a wound vac for 2 months. =/

Angela - posted on 05/15/2011

I had a nasty 3rd degree episiotomy with my first and was rather nervous of tearing with the second one. Your diet has a lot to do with your tissue as well: if you eat a lot of sugar it's more likely that your tissue will tear easily. I spoke with my midwife about it and she comforted me with the knowledge that scar tissue is stronger than normal tissue. And she reassured me that she would not be cutting me without my permission (and even that would be a slim chance since she doesn't do them normally). I ended up tearing slightly, but they were only 1st degree and spread out. Healing from these was a piece of cake compared with the cut I had. In fact, sex was finally NORMAL again after having my second (at only 5 weeks postpartum), it's like she stretched out my scar tissue that was causing me lots of discomfort.

I recommend speaking with your care provider and addressing your concerns. A surgical birth poses many many risks to you and to your baby, and personally, I would NEVER CHOOSE to have ELECTIVE MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY. But that's me.

Heather - posted on 05/15/2011

This is one of those things that no matter what anyone says you are going to have to weigh your options and make the decision yourself. My doctor performed an episiotomy during vaginal delivery because she told me I was going to tear if she did not, this may be something else to discuss with your doctor if you are considering delivering vaginally again. I've never had a C-section but from my understanding it is typically a slower recovery, but that is just typically. Everyone and every birth experience is different. I'm sure whatever decision you and your doctor come to will turn out perfectly fine.But If it were me in your shoes I would probably choose to have a c-section just because if you are stressed out to the point of having panic attacks thinking about delivering vaginally that is not healthy for you or your baby.But that's just me, you need to be comfortable with your decision. Talk to your doctor, and if you still have questions contact a midwife or birth doula, or even the hospital where you intend to deliver and see if they have someone you can talk to - I know the hospital I delivered at offered a ton of classes and most of the instructors were nurses that worked in Labor and Delivery or in Postpartum Recovery and they were all willing to answer any questions we had, most even gave us a number we could reach them at after the class if we had and questions. I hope you reach a decision you are comfortable with! Hugs mama!!!

Mercy - posted on 05/15/2011

All my deliveries were C-sections for various reasons. If you do go for it, my advice is to relax as much as you can on the table. They usually keep you awake until the baby is out, then they give you a sedative so that you sleep until the end.
Ask for as many pain killers as you feel you need post-surgery. This will help you feel better and move easier when the time comes. My last baby was born in the morning and I found it so painful when the spinal anesthetic wore off, wearas my first two were born in the evening and I was given a sedative shortly afterwards so I could sleep so I didn't experience the same kind of pain.
You will need lots of time to recover. Especially since you have another small child, you will need help for the first few weeks. Don't lift anything that is heaver than your newborn for at least the first 6 weeks to give yourself time to heal well. It will be good to get your daugher used to not being carried so much now so that when the time comes, she will be happy to just be near you until you are well enough to carry her again. You may also want to wean her soon (if you haven't already) as it will be painful to have even the new baby touch your tummy for at least a few months.
Recovery is important, so accept all help offered and ask for help if you don't have it. With my last one, the scar began to open because I only had a little help, plus a 3 year old and 18 month old to care for. Be careful.
You will also have to wait longer until you can exercise again. Don't rush it.
One last thing: if you are made to have bed rest longer than 36 hours post-delivery, your back will feel extreemly sore. Turning to your side will be uncomfortable so it may help to have the bed up at an angle you find comfortable that helps you sit without putting pressure on the incision. With my first two deliveries I got up after 36 hours, but with the last had to wait 48 hours and the pain in my upper back was almost worse than the incision area.

Martene - posted on 05/15/2011

I had 2 c-sections as babies were breech. I had no troubles at all healed nicely. Recoup takkes about 2weeks with the first 5days being the worst. Only advice have help on hnd for first 2wks so u don't over do it. Good luck

Rebekah - posted on 05/15/2011

What was the reason for your original tear? Forceps? Vacuum? Shoulder Dysplasia? Baby Position? Baby head circumference? At what point did you tear?

I ask, b/c I had a very similar experience with my daughter (baby #2): Level 3 tear internally and externally. Stitches in my rectum. 1.5 hrs to repair. Pain for weeks. Medication for weeks. Infection at 6 weeks post-postpartum that required additional treatment. So, yeah, I completely understand your fear and desire for a c-section.

I am pregnant with my 3rd (20 wks) and have already discussed this with my midwife. We came to the conclusion, based on MY previous experience, that I could have a natural birth without extensive tearing again. The reason for my tearing was primarily shoulder dysplasia, so as long as my next child is in a better position I could have LIMITED tearing. So, I have decided to try for another vaginal birth and pray that my next child won't be so big and will be in a better position.

Michelle - posted on 05/15/2011

after being in labour for 27 hours the baby was'nt comming out so i had to have a emergency c section i was in pain for weeks found it hard going up the stairs moving etc then i got pregenant with twins and wanted to go natural cause i did'nt want to go through c section again but once again i could'nt both times i caught a invention from wear i was cut and the healing took longer i would'nt recommend it and you do get left with a scar but nobody else can see it cause it is low down and very neat but it is your choice and nobody else can make it for you good luck.

Claire - posted on 05/15/2011

I had to have an emergency C Section on my son, 11 months ago. I honestly didnt think it was that bad.. My son was intensive care for 8 days that gave me the motivation to get out of bed. I don't know what its like to have a natural birth, its all over under 10 mins babes is out.. I had a spinal block which I never left a thing.. I am due my 2nd baby on Xmas Eve and will be having another section. so if the choice is yours go for the section, save your self all that pain..... Hope this helps...

Elizabeth - posted on 05/15/2011

i had 3 c sections and if by the grace of god my tubes untie and i have to have another baby i wouldnt get a c section if i get that choice i believe natural sounds alot better no scars un less you tear so if you think you may not handle the pain theni say go ahead but ur in pain alot longer than a few hours after c section good luck on ur decision

Tracie - posted on 05/15/2011

Talk to your doc. I had a c-section and then a vbac. What a difference! A c-section is major abdominal surgery. You will take 5x longer to heal. You can't drive for 6 weeks! Mine was 9+ years ago and I never regained feeling along my incision. Permanently numb there. :-(

I understand your concerns about tearing, but there are ways to mitigate that - stretching the skin, episiotomy, etc. I would recommend not doing the c-section unless you absolutely have to. Having to care for a newborn after abdominal surgery is extremely difficult.

Good luck!

Jeannette - posted on 05/15/2011

I saw someone suggested to have an episiotomy, if you do have a vaginal birth. Do not let your doctor do that. There is so much research out there about if the doctors do give you a preliminary cut, you usually tear worse. Doctors are phasing that out of practice.

It is kind of surprising to see so many women say go for it. As I said in my previous comment, it's nice that sections are an option for when they are necessary, but otherwise, women had natural births when there was no thing as c sections. And not to start drama, but choosing a c-section over natural (when there aren't any reasons why you would need a section) is kind of like choosing formula over breast milk. Yes, I can understand your fears, but you already went through it once, so you aren't going through it as a first timer. You know what to expect. As I said, it is up to you, just make sure to keep researching.