Should I do C Section or Vaginal Birth?

Judy - posted on 06/01/2012

We are supposed to be supportive...circle of moms......really......its pretty easy to give your own opinion with out criticizing the opinions of others. I feel strongly against elective c.section since I almost died from having one and find it quite rude and insulting that my opinion is being criticized by people who have not walked in my shoes......this woman has a right to make a decision of her own and was asked for opinions.I don't know about you but I want to know best and worst case scenario whenever i'm trying to make an informed decision.......if you agree with elective csection then just tell her that ....and tell her why....not why you think everyone else is wrong!

Michelle - posted on 06/01/2012

I would advise you to do what you decide is right for you. I personally elected to have a c-section with my son and do not regret it. Yes you are sore, yes healing takes time, but in a few short weeks you forget all about the pain. It is surgery but you will heal and your are under the care of an experienced doctor. I hate when everyone bad mouths having an elective c-section. I feel it should be your decision to make and as long as the doctor does not see anything wrong with it, then it should not be a problem.

Dawn - posted on 06/01/2012

I don't understand why everyone has such problems with c-sections either. I consider it medical advancement. I never wanted a vaginal birth and am thankful I never had to have one. I feel it was less stressful on me and both my babies. I was fine both times up and around the next morning, walking around ans showering. i also had an edidural the forst time and a spinal block the second - again, no issues. Do what is BEST for you.

NATALIE - posted on 06/01/2012

Kelsey, I am an RN and mother of two boys 3yrs and 21 months. Both born via C-section but that was after 27 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing and due to preg iinduced hypertension! For starters you never want to have surgery unless absolutely necessary! Surgery is serious business n includes many risks to a healthy person. I understand you are a diabetic so that means you will be at risk for many other possible complications. A ,c-section is a controlled situation but the recovery is much more involved than a natural vaginal birth. Natural is the way to go if possible. There is nothing better than the way GOD intended it to be. Just remember no two births are the same! Just because you had a difficult time the first time doesn't mean it will that way with your second birth. It's worth a try. I will be praying for you and your baby for a healthy , safe birth delivery and a much happier experience! Good luck! I know you can do it!!!
Natalie RN

Kathy - posted on 06/01/2012

Go natural if you can a c-section is still SURGERY ! It takes time to heal witch will make caring for the new baby more difficult and make sleeping even harder to achieve! Congrats!

Wajiha - posted on 06/01/2012

I personally think it's best to go the natural way, without surgery. You've had one bad experience, but doesn't mean the next is going to be the same way. I've had my daughter through natural birth and I'm all for it. Vaginal birth may be painful in some cases, but the pain is for that time only. With a c-section, the recovery is a much longer process and may become complicated also. I've heard of terrible c-section cases also. There's a reason why doctors also don't want to do the c-section unless and until it's absolutely necessary. My advice would be to go for the vaginal birth, if you have a choice! Best of luck!!!

Kylie - posted on 06/01/2012

Hi Kelsey. I had my only child almost 5 years ago by C Section. For me my choice was taken away as I was severly sick with the flu and a torn intercostle muscle (in the ribs) so I was strongly advised to have the C Section. Looking back now I know it was the best choice at the time but would have been nice to have the choice. After the operation the recovery obviously takes longer than a natural birth as you need 6 weeks. This 6 weeks you are unable to drive, hang washing, carry anything heavy and turning/bending over is also a chore. This is probably going to cause you some dramas as you already have a little one. Having said that, you usually get to choose the day for the op so you can better prepare yourself. Should you chose to go C Section I would advise that after the op when you're allowed to get up have a shower and try your best to stand up as per normal and not double over (some girls at the hospital the same time as me did that and they had some issues later on when they tried to stand up straight). Also know that once you've had a C section and you want more children the doctors advise you that they too will be born by C Section and you have to wait 1 year to fall pregnant again. Good luck with your decision and pending birth of your new little one. Kylie

Rosa - posted on 05/31/2012

I was doing my best to not comment on this post again, but I just have to put some more. With both my csections I healed quickly and rarely needed those ridiculously strong pills the docs gave me. I was walking comfortably within days and granted it is sore for a few weeks. If you do go with c-section one just has to take care of the incision to prevent infection and keep it neat. People heal differently. Also, both my daughters are perfectly healthy even if they didn't get to go through the vag canal. They never had any medical problems at all. But I do believe when some of the ladies mentioned the lung problems, my sisters (she had 3 csecs) 2nd daughter does have a lot of medical problems but I've seen those with kids who were born vaginally also. I don't have any problems with my scar and the doctors were very impressed with the way it healed. I will say this, my only problem with my second csection was that now I can't drink any soda and rarely any sugar drinks. (ILOVEPEPSI) :( ANd that iis because of being opened up. But it's healthier for me to not drink all that sugar. Good Luck And let us know how everything goes.

Becky - posted on 05/31/2012

Hi Kelsey,
I think you should stick to a vaginal birth. I had a 18 1/2hr birth with my first daughter Lilly with no drugs (yes very silly) and then have just had twins. The first twin Abbie, came quite quick, I had planned to have an epidural but when I asked for it they looked and said no sorry start pushing. If only all births could be like her. I then tried to deliver the second twin Lara, who was breach for 2hrs, They managed to turn her a little but she wasn't coming. I had to have a C section to get her out. The pain I was in after the c section I personally would rather be in labour for a couple of days. It was very hard when I got home, new babies and a toddler who was wanting to be picked up all the time, it was hard trying to tell her mummy too sore wait till I sit down before I can give you a cuddle. Also the birth of Abbie was so much different to Lilly, it was sooo much easier, if they all came like her I would have 10 kids. Just remember that all births are very different. Good luck in whatever you decide to do, at the end of the day it is your choice and yours only. I hope everything goes well, good luck with everything.

Michelle - posted on 05/31/2012

I don't know why anyone would ever choose a c-section. It is MAJOR surgery and I cannot understand why anyone would elect major surgery without medical necessity.. It seems like it should be an emergency thing or only if recommended by the professional assisting your birth. The recovery time is also much longer and I've heard from friends who have had csections that their abdominal area never is the same bc they actual cut muscles that never heal back the same. Sorry to hear that childbirth was so hard the first time around. It doesnt have to be that way. I've given birth 2 times and am going to have baby #3 in the summer. I used a technique called Hypnobirthing and Compared to horror stories I've heard, it is so opposite. I had no pain meds, nothing, no long labor, no forced pushing and the best: I wouldn't describe what I had as pain, just pressure and some discomfort. It is possible! I recommend it to anyone who believes childbirth is a natural process that women have done since time began and that our bodies were designed to do this!

Olivia - posted on 05/31/2012

I agree with your dr.s DON'T do it unless it is absolutely necessary.

I had a necessary c-section with my first, as I had placenta previa and due to the pain medication afterwards I have no clear memory of the first 3 days, my son or the stay at the hospital! I couldn't stand up straight for a month, I could cuddle my son without some awkwardness and it took a year for the tenderness around the incision to go away! Due to the lack of pressure in a c-section that should expel excess fluid from the lungs my son had some lung issues and they were concerned about pneumonia for a few days, he had to sleep on an elevated bed for a month so he could breath clearly.

I had a V-BAC(vaginal birth after caesarian) with my daughter and it was a world of difference, yes I went through 16hrs of labor, but I got to hold my daughter right away, not having to wait in recovery for 4hrs, I only had to take mild pain killers so I remember my daughter from day 1 and 3 days later I was at the playground with my new baby girl and 3yr old son!

Also after you have a c-section it is near impossible to go back, it is very hard to find a doctor to perform a V-BAC and a hospital that will even allow it and that doesn't matter how many safe V-BAC you have every birth after a C-section is considered a V-BAC....where I live now even though we have 2 hospitals in a 6 mile radius I will have to drive over an hour and a half to get to a hospital that will allow a V-BAC, and even then I will be required to go in as soon as labor starts and remain in bed monitored and hooked up to IV's the entire time!

Please really consider all of the repercussions of this decision, I recommend getting a pregnancy video/youtube video and watching everything they do to your body, from the initial incision to pulling out the baby, etc. so that you are truly informed. It is massive surgery!

Aimee - posted on 05/31/2012

You either have pain during or after! You are not going to escape it from having a c section! Everyone heals differently, just because your friends didnt have any problems doesnt mean that you wont either. C Section babies have a lot more to worry about you dont get to have your baby in the room with you because they cant push all the fluid out of their lungs the way it happens through a vaginal birth. I would look at all avenues before considering which way to go. Its not only about you but your beautiful baby. I have had 3 sections and planning on my 4th. Good luck!

Margaret - posted on 05/31/2012

Vaginal...... dont even consider C section..... hire a doula!

Sharon - posted on 05/30/2012

I had a C-section for my first, and it was awful! The pain and recovery were long and hard, but the infections that followed were even worse. I had to FIGHT to get a VBAC for my second. The vaginal birth was difficult, but not even close to the C-section. Why open yourself up to all the extra complications that come from surgery. On a totally shallow note, the scar SUCKS! Good luck with your decision. Let us know what you decided and how it goes!

Angelica - posted on 05/30/2012

You don't want ur insides pulled out and placed on your chest if you don't really have too...believe go with vaginal.

Cheri - posted on 05/30/2012

I recovered pretty quickly from my c-section, but it was a bit difficult to get around for the first few weeks. I wouldn't recommend it just because you want to avoid labor though. There are more risks involved, and it has become favored by some doctors bc they have less lawsuits with c-section patients. I labored for 2 days and pushed for 3 hours, and then had to have an emergency section. So I experienced both. Labor is no joke, and I understand your fears. But as many women have said here, it's easier the second time around. There are a few things you can do to aide in a better birthing experience. One...go full term, and don't be induced unless it's medically necessary. Two... hire a doula if you can afford to (they're great) Three...have a thorough discussion with your anesthesiologist about your concerns and previous experience(make sure it is not a resident and it is an attending doing it). Congrats, and best of luck to you!

Groovy Girl - posted on 05/30/2012

Kelsey,
I am sitting here reading all this advice and am really getting tired of all the comments about the c sections scars and quicker recovery in a vaginal birth. This is not the case all the time. When I delivered my first son vaginally, I had to have a vacuum extractor, forcepts episiotomy,and then went on to tear so bad that it went right to my rectum. That was 12 years ago. I experienced bowel incontinence for years and even after surgery still do occasionally. And Yes, your vagina can change a lot, and it can change your sex life as well, especially if you never can tell when your going to have a bowel movement. So let me also tell you that I couldn't lift anything(including my baby ) for over a week. And pain,try having a bowel movement with an incision from your vagina to your rectum. That was more painful than giving birth with no epidural. So, I think either way you go there can be complications, talk to your doctor and go with your gut and hope for the best. Good luck to you.
Oh and one more thing, while our bodies were meant to give birth, we do know before c sections many womens bodies didn't do their job and they would die. Babies too. It is surgery but thank god for it.

Ashley - posted on 05/30/2012

I am sorry that you had a rough vaginal birth before. I have had 2 c-sections, and will be having my third this summer. I have terrible memories from my experiences as well. I was throwing up on the operating table as i was strapped down, ended up being put completely out, since I could feel everything, they couldn't get a B/P on me it was so low, I got a bad infection and was too sick to hold/nurse my baby, couldn't get out of bed for days, and my incision opened up a week after surgery and I had to go back into hospital. This on top of terrible, painful recovery that everyone that has a csection endures. Your abdomen is never the same after having a section as well. I wish so badly that I could have a vaginal birth. The labor may be awful, but the recovery period will be much better with a vag delivery. I hope you have a better anesthesiologist this time and talk to your doctor in advance to see if you can have phenergan to help with the nausea. Good luck!

Kristie - posted on 05/30/2012

I had all three of mine vaginally. I think my son(he's the first) should of ended up being a c-section. the doctor was horrid(atleast i thought so).He yelled at me for being in labor over 36 and just came to hospital. Sorry didnt know I was in labor. Well both of my sisters in law ended up having c-sections. Darlene had to have emergency ceserean section and with their 2nd child she chose to have another c-section. I think she chose to have it that way for fear of needing ot have an emergency one. Sam she and the baby would of died if they waited another hour or two(she went to hospital around 1 or 2 am) and there was no way to have it vaginally. I'm glad I was there that night to let her know her "contractins" were not right and to go to the e.r..

Sathya - posted on 05/30/2012

Hi Kelsey,
Interesting to see that most people do not want to OPT for a c-section if they could! I am sorry but I agree with them. Unfortunately for me, I am one of those few who also ended up having a c-section after 26 hours of labor (no pain meds), 3 hours of pushing and no baby yet. I was told my birthing canal was too narrow for the baby to come out...

Honestly, the surgery itself didn't bother me too much - agreed, I couldn't get back to my active lifestyle within a week - definitely takes a LOT longer to heal and get back to normal. The biggest challenge for me was the depression that followed. I remember, at the 6 weeks post partum appointment at my OB-GYN, I was sitting in the waiting room and all I could do was cry! I don't know if it was the thought that I couldn't birth my child like everyone else, or that I was bedridden with a newborn to care for, it was too much to handle. I sometimes wonder if I had birthed vaginally, I would have recovered sooner, got back to being my active self sooner and maybe not had to deal with depression? I was prescribed Zoloft and sadly, now, 3 years after my delivery, I am still on Zoloft!

I can't say its because of the C-section, but it always makes me wonder what it could have been without. Even now, I am optimistic that I might be allowed to try for a v-bac for my second if I conceive, however that could turn out to be just my wishful thinking.

Good luck with your decision and congratulations on your new addition! :)

Jessica - posted on 05/30/2012

So wrong! Recovery from a c-section, especially if you are normally an active person, is HELL! I had to have a c-section the first time because he was breech, and I had a VBAC the second time and was SO glad I did. Recovery was awful the first time, not to mention that babies born by c-section tend to have more health issues due to not having the pressure on their systems to clear everything out like they do vaginally. There is no point to doing a c-section unless it is absolutely necessary. Just because someone had a c-section and recovered well, doesn't mean you will, just like just because you had a rough first delivery that your second will be just as rough. I wouldn't recommend it.

SHEYVONNE JUDY - posted on 05/30/2012

Hi kelsey well with my first child I had natural birth and with my second child had a C-section, although it was not my choice because of complications I had to go that route, but its not the best feeling afterwards. Pain, pressure and time of healing is a killer, I believe to stick with natural birth because its a one time feeling.

Shay - posted on 05/30/2012

I had a vaginal birth with my first child now ten years later pregnant with my daughter. She was awful big to come down the birth canal so C-section was the way to go. So I remember the long hospital stay before birth and the pain of having to be cut (down below because he was slighly smaller than her) after having my son. Hard to use the bathroom, had to wear hemerroid pads, and had heavy bleeding. So with my daughter it took all of five minutes to pull her out. Thirty minutes for putting me back togther. Then I was off to spend time with her and the family. Was moving around in a day, with a normal cycle. Healed up nicely down below can't see a thing. But where I was put back together from my som , still can see and feel. Long as you have a great support team anyone can do a C-Section

Louise - posted on 05/30/2012

Kelsey i had natural for my first and an emergency c-section for my second and because of it had to have one for my 3. The one thing to remember is a c-section is surgery and it takes time to heal alot longer then natural and they are cutting thru muscle which means you will never get those muscles back totally especially when you have another child at home and can affect you later in life. Listen to your doctor, they know all the things that can go wrong and the good and bad about having a c-section. As most have said on here your second child is usually faster and easier then the first unless there are complications as with me he was ill and 1 mth early but the third was a planned c-section and still she didn't wait for the day of planned deliver and went very quickly ......3 hrs from start to finish I wish they were all natural because the way I felt coming out of the sections was awful and could barely hold my baby i hurt so much. I never hurt like that for my first one. My advice is just take the pregancy as it goes and if the daoctor says u have to have a c-section once your in labour well then you have to do it but DON'T INSIST ON HAVING ONE BECAUSE YOU THINK IT IS EASIER ....ITS NOT

Kendrea - posted on 05/30/2012

Rose, I didn't have any drugs either and both mine were big babies. I totally agree our bodies are meant to have babies. I know unfortunately some things arise that require one to have to have a c section. One of my sisters had to have 2 and she has had various problems every since then.

Felicia - posted on 05/30/2012

I never understand why women go into delivery and say what they will not do. Delivering a baby can produce so many problems, whether VB or CS. You have to do what is best for you and your child. Talk to your doctor and decide what is best for YOUR SITUATION. Everyone on here has a different opinion, had a different experience. It is nice to relay all of our stories, but you know what your issues are so make a medically informed decision for YOU.

I was induced as my child was one week late. I immediately got my epidural. I ended up having a c-section due to placenta previa. Long story short, I had some minor issues, but mom and child are healthy. Things can happen with your child as he develops, minor or major. Your health can change. My point, there are no absolutes, there are no predictions, people have different experiences that have nothing to do with the fact you had a CS or a VB. Anything can happen at any time for any reason. Just do what you can, and logically deal with things as they come. Good Luck!

Lexann - posted on 05/30/2012

Avoid a C-section if at all possible. You won't have less pain. In fact, you'll have more. In the long run, recovery will be longer. Get a better anesthesiologist next time. Or try other methods of pain relief. Water birth, for example. Since this is your second, your labor will probably be much shorter. I would really recommend that you go vaginal.

Laura - posted on 05/30/2012

Kelsey, there is nothing wrong with you. You have medical issues that complicate a pregnancy. I love the idea of using a doula; my daughter used one recently for a VBAC birth (first child was breech) and it helped tremendously especially since she is a major drama queen. Even if you should end up with C/S, the doula can make the transition smoother.

Kelsey - posted on 05/30/2012

Hi Rose,

I agree that there are better things that can be done but unfortunately for people like me, we don't have a lot of choices. Its not just my baby at risk, but it's also me. Things aren't going as well and I would love to do things as natural as possible but when I need to be hooked up to 4 different IV's, I just can't. Thank you for this valuable information though. It was very interesting. :)

Kelsey - posted on 05/30/2012

I just want to add something. I, in no way, meant to offend any women who have had C-sections by saying it was "easy". I do know that either way, labor is not a fun process for us. Basically, I am diabetic and there are other conditions I did not mention in here (You would have had pages to read haha) but I just wanted to know what other womens experience were with a C section. I don't know what will happen since my pregnancy has not been going very well at all so I may not have a choice. I wanted to know some other women's thoughts.

And yes, my friends are apparently crazy. Not only did the ones who had C sections have everything go very well, the ones who had vaginal births were done in less then 6 hours, no problems. I was starting to feel there was something wrong with me. :)

Thank you to all the women who responded with great suggestions and classes. I will definitely talk to my Dr and look into some other options. Thank you!!

Katrina - posted on 05/30/2012

hey i just want to say listen to the doctors and what they dicide. i never had a c-section but i was always terrified in having one. i had 2 natural births and i think everyone should do a vaginal birth unless they have problems and they can't . every pregnancey and births are different never compare to everyone elses and ur own. my 2 births were different. you need to believe you have the strength to give birth to ur baby, i dont know if ur christian or not but i will pray for you that you find the strength and find answers fast to what you should do. I really hope everything works out for the best for you. ....I also just want to say 1 thing everything you go through no matter how hard or long it takes to have your baby i find it worth everything you go through when you look into your childs eyes. they will be forever greatful for all the hard work you have done to bring them into this world. hope this helps

Megan - posted on 05/30/2012

Definitely go natural if you can! I had a HORRIBLE vaginal birth with my first son, where I said I would never have another child, I would rather adopt then go through that again. I lost so much blood and had so many stitches, I couldn't even sit comfortably for probably two months afterwards. My son was 3 years old when I had my second son, and did vaginal delivery again and it was like a walk in the park! After I delivered and left the delivery room to go to my room the nurse commented on how good I was walking, it didn't even seem like I had just pushed out an 8lb baby! You're not going to be able to drive after a c-section, or lift your other child, etc. It is major surgery! I think it you have exhausted all of your other options and it is the final option!

Brenda - posted on 05/30/2012

I agree with all the ladyies, a c-section is major surgye.I have had three c-sections also,the first an emergencie and the other two because my pelvis is to small so they get stuck. It's the knowing of what' goner happen that is scarey. Have you thought of having a water birth?.... i did start out with a water birth for my first, it was relaxing and when you got in the water you have that arrrrrrrrr moment because it takes the weight off your body and it clams you..it is another option to think about, good luck..

Cori - posted on 05/30/2012

both types of birth are very different for each person. I've had two sections. My first was an emergency, the second, I tried to go natural but baby was stuck. My third child is due in December and I worry about having to have another section and deal with a 6 and 4 year old. I tend to heal quickly and don't experience a lot of pain however, I can tell you that my scar does still feel strange after four years. I wish that I could have a natural birth, unfortunately my pelvic arch is too small. :( My babies were not big either, 7lb4 and 7lb5 so there is just no way I'd be able to birth a baby naturally. I feel sad about it sometimes, but my kids are both healthy and happy. I never had a problem with breastfeeding or anything like that either. If you can have a natural birth, that is the way to go. The risks with a c-section are not worth taking if you can avoid it. :)

Cynthia - posted on 05/30/2012

Kelsey, just listen to your inner voice. One thing is for sure, no pregnancy is like the other and neither the two ways is better than the other. A CS may turn out badly than the vaginal or even the vaginal worse than the CS. Best luck on whichever way you choose.

Layla - posted on 05/30/2012

Your next birth will most likely be faster since your body now knows what to do.
I suggest you hire a doula so that you can labor for a while at home so you can avoid unnecessary interventions, have good support so you are less likely to have drugs, etc. She will help keep you comfortable and calm and help guide you for a more relaxed and pleasant birth experience.

Thalia - posted on 05/30/2012

I'm so happy to hear so many moms opting for vaginal birth, that is so rare nowadays, everybody seems to make appointments to have c-section babaies, when it really should be a natural thing that happens whn the time is right.. But yes I had all four of my children vaginal and eveyone was a different experience, but good (longest labour for me was 2 hours).

I say go vaginal birth if you can. Congrats on your new baby!

Julie - posted on 05/30/2012

You need a doula! Find one a www.dona.org

Sherry - posted on 05/30/2012

I ended up needing a C-section with my son. It didn't bother me at all. It had t be done, as his heart rate kept dropping, so there wasn't a choice. I didn't really have any pain, just discomfort. I didn't want pain meds after the first night, as they made me feel drowsy and sick. I am diabetic too and healed just fine. It's best to go with whatever way Mother Nature wants but of course if something goes wrong, a C-section would be done.

Monique - posted on 05/30/2012

I want to state to each is own but in MY opinion i had the best c-section in the world my doctors were awesome. I had to babies via c-section i had the first one due to placenta previa we would both die if i delivered vaginally so there was no other choice but i went all the way to 37 weeks and then my c-section was planned so it was explained in detail to me and then i did my own research too. after the first one i had pain yeap thats normal i just had gotten a stomach surgery but 1st night i had get up and walk to the restroom which was not so bad then after that i was fine i didn't do pain pills now this is the thing cause i breast fed so i felt all the pain which bad i tookit like a soilder and when i thought about it later it wasn't that bad i had to postion myself to be pain free now here is the killer my 2nd c-section was like OMG it was better than the 1st one i didn't have all that bad pain and it was only 17 months later the 2nd go around was not as painful so i said from that point on if i had another i would hope i would get another c-section cause they work for me now vaginal birth would be the killer for m e cause i not use to that and i don't have time for all that pushing bump all that if you ask me that unnecessary pain but to each its own and plus all that strecthing of my vaginal muscles who needs that mines are still intact thank to my beautiful c-section deliveries but this is my opinion

Amy - posted on 05/30/2012

You mentioned that it was painful to have a birth vaginally, did youk now that you have tons of pain for many weeks after a c section and can have a dead patch of numb skin forever? THere are also side effects that are posible and maybe even likely due to your diabetes such as a serroma (deep tissue infection) or puckered or gangenous skin due to your sugar issues. Recovery is hard from a c section and don't think they are gonig to give you good pain meds either, they send you home with tylenol! I think its pretty risky to do a c section just to avoid the pain of birth, especially with diabetes, the potential for something to go wrong is that much more with a chronic condition. You shoudlspeak with your doctor abotu your concerns of the epidural running out, any good anestetist will have a few extras ready if you specifically mention it.

Beth - posted on 05/30/2012

That situation will doubtfully happen again. The problem with C section is you dont have the use of those stomach muscles like they should be again. I really would highly recommend vaginal. because with the c section; afterwards you'll always have a horrible blob there above the insicion site that doesnt go away.

Rose - posted on 05/30/2012

I had zero drugs at all and I had two hours of labor. I got in the hospital at 4 and had him at 6:20. Drugs just complicate things more. Your body is made to have babies. you need to trust it. Women's bodies have been having babies since the beginning of time. Hospitals haven't been around that long. Your body knows more than a doctor does. Remember, hospitals are all about making money. Your body is all about surviving.

Rose - posted on 05/30/2012

I would never do a c section. First of all I like to do things naturally. I am having a home birth with a mid wife therefore I won't have any drugs. I had my first child in the hospital without any kind of drugs. Secondly, the c section hurts much longer afterward.My cousin just had one last year. She was miserable for a couple weeks after. Having a new baby around and having to be miserable is not fun. I know C sections are the new fad but its def not natural. Please watch this documentary. If you care about this kind of stuff I think you will find it interesting. Hospitals look at giving birth as a business anymore. They actually want people to either be induced or get c sections because they can schedule their lives and other births better. http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/
Child birth does not have to be as scary and hard as the hospitals make it out to be. I wouldn't do the c section at all.

Rachel - posted on 05/30/2012

A friend of mine had a terrible first birth experience. She was induced, had an epidural needed an episiotomy, and they used forceps!! Her baby was only 5lbs 7oz... I was baffeled when she told me about it. Last fall I was lucky enough to be there for her during her second delivery. She did opt for a shot of morphine but didnt really want to do the epidural again. Anyway her labour was insanely short, baby came really quick and smoothly. Her body had a better idea of what it needed to do and things went much smoother the second time! I think in general things get easier/ go better with each delivery. Im terrified of needles let alone elective surgery, but my point is you should trust your body. I know after your first experience you cant help but be a bit jaded but this time around your body has the experience of labour and delivery. I wouldnt expect it to respond the same way it did with your first. Good luck with whichever experience you choose! :)

LucyGish - posted on 05/30/2012

Hie Kesley, your situation is tricky. Obviously you had an awful labour. my advise to you would be to go for vaginal birth (1) because as much as it hurts, as soon as the baby is delivered all is well again and you are available for the baby right away
(2) with C- Section, the time anaesthesia is out of your system thats when the pain begins and it lasts for close to 3 days and during this time you are not really available for your baby.
(3) considering you are diabetic, you will be risking healing of the surgery wound.
Good luck with your decision and all the best.

Allanette - posted on 05/30/2012

Unless its necessary as your doctor will advise vaginal birth will give you the feeling of a real Mother!! The c section is done only when you& baby will be at risk.i would surely want to have one but there was no other way the baby won't go out.recovery with C section will take at least 6months while vaginal will be faster.the pain will be worth it,and you won't have an ugly scar in your tummy afterwards!:)

Rosaline - posted on 05/30/2012

If it is not a life threatening cause, go normal. It feels good or is it pride when you look at your child and remember all you went through to bring him/her forth. CS.....is just a procedure and will be so fast. The laboring, the pushing I think creates a bigger attachment with your babay. Thanks

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Jenny - posted on 05/30/2012

there is nothing easy about birth.just remember that wit a c section you can't lift anything for six weeks. would you have 24/7 help for that time?

Tora - posted on 05/29/2012

Cesarean sections are not safer for babies. More babies born by cesarean have respiratory difficulties because they are meant to be squeezed through the birth canal. I have seen babies cut on the face or head by the incision into the uterus. It is more difficult to have delayed cord clamping and skin to skin after a cesarean too. Cesarean sections are major surgery and should only be used if absolutely necessary, to save the mother or baby. That is what they are there for. Women are twice as likely to die after a cesarean! Also it is harder to have a VBAC after one cesarean, so you increase your chances of complications, including infection, scar tissue buildup, hemorrhage, placental previa and other issues. I would recommend that you find a good doula and think about the health of you and your baby. Good luck and may your labor be short and your baby beautiful.