C-section vs V-birth
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Topic: C-section vs V-birth
Posted By: busybee
Subject: C-section vs V-birth
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 8:34am
I know a lot of people will crucify me for this but I have to ask. I am kinda freaking out about the thought of vb and all that can happen. The tearing and forceps and the suction and the stretching to your ladybits (does it ever go back to normal size). Just the whole idea kinda scares me. So I am thinking about getting and elective c-section...I know it is controversial so I would realy like to know if any of you have had experience of both and how it went. I know a lot of people say normal birth is beautiful and your body have been designed to do it and c-section is unneeded major surgery...but I really need facts to make my decision. People say recovery from VB is easy...but I don't know if I believe that it is as quick and uneventful as they say...I mean no disrespect....I'm just seriously looking for some quidance that is untainted by an agenda. 
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Replies:
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 8:43am
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I understand the freaking out part. I have this mad fear of being cut. Being cut by anything so episotomys freaked me out big time. c-sections fraeked me out too for that reason.
Just a note that I know that my MW that I had won't do electives unless there is a medical reason. I don't know if thats the case everywhere but thats what my MW was like. VB wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be. I had to have an episotomy in the end and it wasn't that bad. With my 2nd it was always going to be way worse because of the circumstances (he was 22w gest and induced when my body was no where near ready) and I managed that without needing an epi. oh and as far as I'm aware everything has gone back to where it should down there lol. I think its normal to freak out. Have a really good chat with your MW about all your fears. You won't be the only one who has them! |
Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 8:52am
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I had a hideous vb with vontouse with my first. It was long and horrible. I went into it just thinking when it gets too sore I will go to hospital and probably have an epidural and whatever i need- thats all the preparation I did. One intervention let to another- I ended up with the apidural being attempted twice, then one drip to make the contarctions more effective, ne to slow their rate, fluids, a catherter, and the the vountouse and being ripped apart with and 3 rows of stitches needed. It wasnt an easy recovery, mentally was worse than phyically which took 4 weeks for the swelling to go and to feel ok down there.
This time I wanted to do it as naturally as possible cos Im sure that the birth went the way it did because of all the intervention. I read heaps on natural birth, hypnobirthing, practised breathing, visualisation, positive affirmations, and practiced and taught my mum and dh accuprssure techniques. i wrote very very clear detailed intructions on excatly what I wanted each person to do. One for me, mum, dh and the midwife, and we all read each others lists and knew what every persons roll would be. I had the most amazing birth experience as a result! Was a planned homebirth, but we transfered to hospital as there was muconuim in the waters, and Aiden was born an hr after that. It was always the plan to go to hospital if anything happened that meant it was safer to be in hospital. I had no pain relief at all, not one even tiny graze or tear. He was the same length and had same head circumference as my daughter (37cm head which is big) and weighed slightly more than her - 8lb 14oz, yet I managed a completely natural birth this time with lots of thought an planning and being incharge of my own birth experience! I dont know if any of this helps you. I havent had a c-section. But I really dont think its the 'easy way out' at all, like u said it is major surgery. I do beleieve that like anything, if u do research and plan how u want it to be, then even if unexpected things arise, you will feel more relaxed and prepared and less anxious than u would have been if unprepared. |
Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 8:53am
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Aww honey - I have only had the one, a VB - I understand that it is a somewhat terrifying prospect. I am assuming this is your first child? I hope what I am about to say isn't at all tainted by an agenda.
Firstly, if you don't have any medical reason for a C-sect I'm not sure you will be granted an elective. But don't quote me on that 
Secondly - during my second trimester I was crapping myself wondering how I was going to get through labour. I had heard the horror stories, all about the pain etc. At around 30 weeks I decided I had to do something to help myself - I started reading up about 'normal' VBing.. Hypnobirthing, etc. This helped me immensely, I was no longer worried at all about what was ahead of me. I went into labour with a positive frame of mind and had a birthing experience I truely can't wait to do all over again. My recovery was easy - up and walking around 25mins after she was born. It is a really big process to get your head around, I totally get that. Maybe a great person to PM is toniellis (I think that is her name). She had a VBA2C. It can be scary to think about but it doesn't have to be.. I proved that for myself. If this isn't an answer you were looking for I hope someone else is able to provide you with some 
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Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 8:56am
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hiya i get you on the freaking out part...
in chch at least..and i assume the rest of NZ you dont get an elective unless you have had a c section before or there is a medical reason. I got to 9.5cm and he got stuck so had c section and i was induced and so i get the scary parts of the VB but mine was as medicated as it gets and normal VB's are not like mine!:) i am not a 'birth is natural and VB is the only way either but it is certainly way way better for your body than a csection.. forgot to say i am going elective this time though ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: SpecialK
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 9:02am
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Well, I didn't have a c-section but I certainly didn't think my VB was beautiful! It was more painful than I imagined, it was long and tiring and I needed stitches.
Having said that, I was out and about quickly, the pain afterwards was very well managed by paikillers, the stitches healed incredibly well, and yes the ladybits are pretty much as they were pre baby .
I guess you just need to consider (and I am sure you have already) that a c-section is major surgery, the risk of complications to you and baby is higher, and there could be problems with your subsequent pregnancies. Another consideration is who is your LMC? For me, I had an OB so I knew that if I needed a c-section this one person would be doing it whom I knew and trusted rather than a random surgeon whom I didn't know (or worse, someone I knew and didn't like/trust). So I guess my advice would be talk it over with your LMC, do you research, and if you decide that an elective section is the way to go, make sure that the surgeon doing is someone you trust. |
Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 9:18am
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Thanks for posting this busybee, I had a c section with my first and would like a vaginal birth this time, but am terrified of the pain, possible interventions, tearing especially!
------------- http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
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Posted By: SquishysMum
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 9:20am
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I've only had the one birth too, but I'll share with you what I've experienced. I did a lot of research on natural births, having grown up with a midwife mother I knew almost all the options and complications! I think that helped a lot with my attitude towards labour. I also spent HOURS watching birth videos on YouTube, and watched babies being born in almost every way possible.
Yes, it's a big deal, yes, it hurts, and yes, I tore during delivery of a 9lb2 baby. But like Mamma2N, I was up and walking within 1/2 an hour of delivery (after pushing out the placenta after the cord evolsed and then being stitched up), was in the shower by an hour and walked to my room from the delivery suite. Lady-bits, well, yeah, they stretch, it's kinda hard not to! BUT, they are designed to contract again. Doing regular PC exercises (kegels) helps immensely! TMI - they look a little different, but due to the exercises don't feel too different (IYKWIM). Special cuddles were back on the menu within 2.5 weeks! It's totally normal to freak out, it's all so unknown! Do you have a relationship with your MW that you can talk to her about this? |
Posted By: chiqa
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 9:33am
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I will be having an elective C Section this time around. I think it really is up to you and what you feel and want. Things can go wrong either way and you need to be aware of the risks of both. I had a horrible birth with my first and ended up with a 3rd degree tear and 39 internal and external stitches. My "ladybits" have never been the same.
I suffered infertility for 7 years and have had many surgical procedures done and am more confident in having a c- section and healing from one than putting myself through the risk of another worse tear this birth. You may have to go private and pay for it if there aren't medical reasons. Like I say it's a personal choice and sadly some people may judge you on it but at the end of the day it's your birth and your choice. |
Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 9:48am
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I have had 2 VB's, 1 full of intervention due to an awkward baby, and 1 pretty much as natural as they come.
I had stitches first time around and the recovery was longer (about 6 weeks), 2nd time no tearing whatsoever and was back on the wagon (IYKWIM) a week later 
My 'bits' are fine - they contract again, no probs there. There will always be possible complications with both scenarios so don't let the 'maybes' put you off a VB. I dont' find labour beautiful at all, but it is a means to an end, and if there's no medical reason, I don't think anyone should be allowed a c/s (my personal opinion). I don't get why you would want major surgery if you didn't have to, and you won't know until you try. (BTW this post is not a dig at anyone, I think c/s definitely have their place and are very much needed a lot of the time (and should be a definite option for subsequent pg's after a c/s) but having a c/s because you're too scared to push out a baby seems really odd to me. |
Posted By: MrsH
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 9:50am
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Hiya,
I've just had the one Vag Birth and there were no major issues really (I had a tear) but I was walking around within a few hours, showering myself etc. It would have been sooner but I was too busy having skin to skin time with my son and buzzing out about having a baby!! My ladybits felt a bit funny afterward but at least not numb like a CS scar can feel. My friend had an elective CS and it was aaaages before the drugs wore off. She wasn't able to do much. She had to call the nurse to pick up her baby and pass it to here while she was in hospital because she couldn't sit up well. She couldn't lift anything heavier than her baby, wasn't allowed to drive for six weeks and family had to come and stay to help her out (as her husband had to be at work). Just remember that it is major surgery and you won't be able to do a heck of alot for quite a while afterwards which will be hard when all you want to concentrate on is your new baby. Definitely listen to what others have to say and talk to your MW so you can make a well informed decision. And personally, worrying about what my ladybits look and feel like afterward is not a good enough reason to deny myself the experience of childbirth. I found the whole experience so so interesting. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 10:00am
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i've had both and much rather prefered the VB. it was way less scary than having major surgery - which i thought i was going to die from.
Natural births dont have to result in stitches, cutting, forceps or the rest of those less than pleasant things. My first birth ended in a ventouse, i tore cause i refused to be cut , had stitches. I also tore with my 2nd but didnt have stitches and that was easier to heal from. I was happy with my first birth and it wasnt till my second that i realised how much better it could have been. my last was a c section which results in lots of stitches of course and some issues from being cut open that i'm sure will be with me forever. a longer hospital stay and of course issues with having to drive, pick up baby.. some women have issues feeding after a c section, some complain of pain or numbness in the epi site years after the fact... Sure a VB may not be the beautiful experience some talk about it but you can make have more control over it. Half the battle of giving birth is in your mind. you need to be positive about the experience and know what you want from it. It doesnt always follow your plan but being informed and prepared for most possibilities will definitely help. If you are scared and lose control of your fear then it may not be the best experience for you at all. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 10:09am
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Must say I was so bloody sick after my c section that this is the reason why Im really wanting to try a vaginal birth.And yes feeding was a huge issue, besides the stress of having a sick baby I bled so much that my platelets were 43 instead of within the range of 150 to 450, which also made healing a long painful process. I have no issues with my scar now, but then its 20 months since I had my baby ------------- http://lilypie.com]
http://lilypie.com]
http://lilypie.com]
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Posted By: chiqa
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 11:27am
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For me I absolutely believe worrying about my ladybits is a justified reason to have a c-section. I already have a huge numb scar all the way up the inside of mine and for me the high risk of tearing again at 3rd or even 4th degree and having bowel movement issues for the rest of my life is definatly not worth it.
I think every woman has some fear and anxiety about giving birth especially the first time. There is huge pressure put on women to have natural births and c-sections are seen by many as a failure or a negative. Natural births do not have to result in stitches, cutting, forceps or the rest of those less than pleasant things, but many do and you have to be aware of all the possible outcomes of both options and weigh up for yourself what risks are or are not acceptable for you. It's important to be well informed of the facts rather than opinons before you make any decisions. I'd suggest talking to your MW and specialist as you will get facts from them as opposed to everyones opinions here ( mine included lol) |
Posted By: MamaT
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 11:44am
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I've just had the one birth, a VB with a lot of intervention, ended up with a ventouse delivery in theatre after being prepped for a c-section. I had to have multiple stiches in layers after being cut. The birth was not at all what I had planned (as much as you can plan) but yet I am still incredibly happy with it and would do it all again in a heart beat. As someone else mentioned, it is all in your mindset. My ladybits still look a little different (it is only 3 weeks since giving birth) but they feel fine, in fact we are just waiting for the all clear from my MW next week before we "try them out again".
To me, and it is just my opinion, I would do anything, go through anything to avoid a c-section. I cried when I was told I had to have one, then cried again (happy tears) when I was told we could try for a ventouse. -------------  
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Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 11:54am
To quote Bizzy as you have chiqa ''Natural births don't have to result in stitches, forceps or the rest of those less than pleasant things'' is a fact! I'm proof of that. Oh and I'd be disputing that MANY women have labours ending in forceps, ventouse, stitches etc - MANY friends/family of mine haven't experienced these things at all. Perhaps that is because I grew up in an environment where labour is natural and normal? C-sections are major surgery - an elective is not a decision to be taken lightly. None of our experiences are opinion - they are fact. I am sorry about all the problems that you have had to get to where you are today, but I dare say you are in the minority. But I agree with MrsH - worrying about your lady-bits in regards to MOST women is IMO not a valid reason for wanting an elective cs. I don't believe for one second that there 'is a huge pressure to birth naturally' - the only pressure is the pressure you place upon yourself. If you are happy with your decision to have a CS then great- all power to you.
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chiqa wrote:Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 12:10pm
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Hmm out of the 8 women in my antenatal class that gave birth naturally not one needed vontouse or forceps and only a couple of them needed stitches so not that common.
I personally would also do anything to avoid a c-section and I think it would be more common to have long term side effects from scar tissue from a c-section than from a VB.. thats not to say it cant happen. Oh and my boy was a c-section... You can have an elective for physcological reasons, may need to talk to your LMC. GL -------------   
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Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 12:29pm
Completely OT but Congrats melnel! Yay for you 
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Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 12:33pm
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Chiqa - you're reasons would be medical because of the previous scarring and chance of bowel problems etc. I think the 'lady bits' thing is more to do with if it'll be the same for sex etc again.
I guess it doesn't really matter as long as you and baby are OK, BUT I would be really peeved if our taxpayers dollars went on elective c/s that had no medical need. We need to start trusting our bodies more and not giving into the modern notion of not pushing a baby out - they get in that way, they come out that way (of course, I'm not lumping medical c/s in this group - there is often a need for them and I am very grateful that there is an option for these mothers and babies - I was prepped for one but fought tooth and nail not to have one until all other options were exhausted). |
Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 1:24pm
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Im in the total natural VB camp too. I wasnt anxious or worried about giving birth, but what I was worried about was having to have a c/s or having to have an epis. It freaked me out the thought of being cut 'down there' or having to go through major surgery. I did tear, but it was a natural tear and only 1 cm so no stitches were necessary.
I agree with Emz and Mamma2N as well. Trust your body. Our bodies are designed to birth children naturally. ------------- Our Angel July 08  Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived 
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Posted By: busybee
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 1:24pm
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I'm not taking all of this lightly, I am just looking for as much info as possible..and your comments are all really helpful. I have read on the net that tears can take up to 6 weeks to heel...which is sort of on par with c section, but sounds much more torturous....
o and I have a private OB and I am paying for all of it myself so no taxpayer money needed. |
Posted By: crafty1
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 2:00pm
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Chiqa - i agree that with your history of scarring and risk of continence issues then cs is really more medical. Fair enough.
I've only had one labour, and it was VB but what i want to say is that not all VB's are awful it;'s just that people seem to talk about the bad ones iykwim. When i was preg with my first i banned anyone from telling me horror stories. they'd start up and i'd just say 'No thanks i don't need to hear this' and they'd usually shut up. One lady at a party i had to walk away from as she was determined to share her pain. Thanks but no thanks! So no i'm not sure i'd say it was a beautiful experience, it did hurt but not as much as i thought - in a different way perhaps. It has a purpose so i guess that gets you through it and you do feel proud of yourself for achieving it afterwards. Not putting down those who don't but yes i am proud of my accomplishment - that i pushed and strained and delivered my baby the way nature intended. I did tear but healed up really well and ladybits got back to normal pretty well with the exercises. Good on you for putting it out there. Just remember that not all VB's are horror stories. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: X
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 2:10pm
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I had an emergency c section with my son. It was a total shock to me-it had never occured to me that I might end up needing a c section. I didn't even read that section of the book. I was terrified when they wheeled me into theatre, but he was in trouble & had to come out.
I found the recovery from the c section great. I was up that evening & showering. I had very little pain, & the hospital staff were great. In fact I got more help with my baby because of the c section. They helped me change nappies etc & came immediately when I called. Also, I stayed in the hospital for 5 nights (they throw you out after 3 with a VB), so at least I was in the hospital when my milk came in so I got proper bf advice. I had pretty much no problems with the wound afterwards. There was a bit of numbness around the site for almost a year, but it wasn't a big deal at all. My scar is tiny & almost invisible. I am not trying to say that C sections are "better" than VBs. What I am saying though is that they are not all doom & gloom either. I had a very positive birth experience, even though it wasn't the all natural experience it was planned to be. In fact this time I think I'll just go for the elective because I don't want the stress of an emergency c section again, & TBH at least I know what recovery is from a csection & it wasn't that bad. I think it's wonderful that women can deliver babies & yes it's beautiful & natural etc, but I get a little tired of people acting like C sections are the worst thing that can happen, because they're not. Yes, some people have bad c section experiences, but some people also have bad VB experiences. There are no guarantees either way. No, I don't think electives for no medical reason should be covered by the public system, but if people are willing to pay for their electives then I see no reason why they should be forced into natural births. People choose to have plastic surgery & pay for it themselves, so why not C sections? Busybee I think you should do lots of investigation & research & do what's best for you. And don't feel guilty if you don't want a VB. It's your money & you can choose. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: katie1
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 7:48pm
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I have had both and I honestly can say that I don't know what I would do a third time around.
My first was VB - long labour but I had an epidural and was happy with it. The second time around my baby was a week over due and showing on scans as being ten pounds. I got conflicting opinions from my midwife and the obs at the clinic she sent me to. Some people said I should have a C section and others didn't. I ended up feeling really anxious about the size and the fact that he was posterior and not even coming down (and a week over due). I decided that for me the right thing to do was to have a c section. I felt I didn't want to risk a terrible labour, tearing etc. I will never know what would have happened but I wasn't feeling at all positive about VB and didn't feel good about my communication with my midwife at that point. I didn't find the healing from the CS bad at all to be honest. Yes, there were two days in hospital where I couldn't move much but after that I healed quickly. The pain was in my tummy - rather than down below like with a VB. I found it all a lot better than I expected. I guess I think if the VB is going to go well then yes that is a much better option. A CS is scary also. I do understand where you are coming from on the freaking out thing. The ideas from other people like Kellz might be really good to look into. Like other people said there are so many VBs that go well (I was really happy with my first birth) and there is a good chance you will be one of those people. Good luck with everything. |
Posted By: BuzzyB
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 9:32pm
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I'm with Odette. I've only had one, and it was an emergency c-section, but the recovery was nowhere near as bad as I'd expected. Like Odette, I was up and around quickly, took full advantage of the 5 days in hospital having all my meals cooked so I could bond with baby, was out and about with friends after a week, moved to Europe and 7 weeks and back at the gym at 9 weeks. I think I had an amazing c-section experience and am very grateful it was an option otherwise either bubba or me or both of us wouldn't be here now.
The person taking my antenatal class had completely freaked us all out about c-sections so I was terrified when I found out I needed one. Afterwards, I wanted to go back to tell the next class that if it happened to them it wasn't going to be the end of the world, but I wasn't allowed... I don't think they like positive caesar stories 
My big dilemma now though is what to do with #2. The risks with a vb are now higher, but recovery from a caesar would be tough on my toddler who wouldn't understand why mummy can't pick him up or change his nappy or anything for 6 weeks. Not because it will hurt, but because it can cause permanent damage. I think if you want more than one child, then that's a really goof reason to at least try a vb because it makes life easier with subsequent pregnancies. I would suggest you talk to your OB. I think he/she will try to talk you out of an elective caesar, but might agree to go to c-section rather than forceps or ventouse if they were required (they often aren't). Also, some labour is good for baby because it pushes surfactant into their lungs and helps them breathe (less need for suction) and it helps you because it stimulates your milk production. I think if I were you, I'd give labour a go. Also you won't accidently end up with a premmie if your dates are wrong... GL ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 28 January 2010 at 11:12pm
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I had 2 VBs and neither was pleasant, but once it was over, it was over , recovery didn't take long and my bits were back to relatively normal after a couple of weeks . Its normal and natural to be scared, you are doing something you have never done before , decide what you would ideally like in a birth , eg not fond of pain ? have a look at pain relief options ,whether they be natural or medical , and get whatever knowledge you need , mostly , go with the flow tho . Good luck ------------- 
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 29 January 2010 at 7:35am
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Isnt it funny how we are sh*t scared of a VB and tearing but consider a CS as an option . I have had both. VD for my first which ended up a ventouse and with an internal tear...I didnt feel it as I had my beloved epidural....man I recommend those. I did have a prolapsed uterus afterwards and that was damn uncomfy....but came right on its own thank god.
Second time was emergency CS and I was absolutely sh*tting myself. I shook the whole way through and have never been so scared in my life. It is MAJOR abdominal surgery and shouldnt be taken lightly. Its your choice but I would pick the VB any day. As for worrying about your girly bits being the same afterwards....NOTHING IS....you get stretchmarks, droopy boobs, fat where you didnt have fat before etc....down there is the last thing on my mind...did you know it changes colour?????? I'd say, yes its different....but still working fine and actually a bit better IYKWIM...must be well placed scar tissue
As for CS...scar will ALWAYS be there. |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 29 January 2010 at 11:06am
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I didn't read the other replies, too lazy.
I have done both, elective c/s for a breech with my first and a VB for my second. I would never choose to have a c/s, it is major major surgery, the recovery is hard and the surgery itself isn't that nice. Not that it's really bad but I think it's worth you reading up on what is actually involved in having it done. Catheters being put in, suppositories, potential future problems from the spinal block, bladder issues, bowel issues, ugly arse scar. It has more risks for the baby (unless a VB is more dangerous because of a medical reason, i.e breech). Not to mention the cocktail of drugs they give you as part of the surgery and the recovery. Walking bent over double for two days cos you can't and are too scared to stand upright. I had a 2nd degree tear and a cut with my VB and the recovery was still better, yes it hurt and it took a while for things to heal but it was still better. I was up and walking and could shower myself right away, I could get my own baby in and out of the bassinet straight away. I could drive without having to wait weeks. I could get in and out of bed from day 1. As for the girly bits, I had problems with sex after a c/s, apparently the surgery makes things tighter down there for a while and breastfeeding makes things drier (sorry to be gross but it does). After the VB sex was again painful for a while but not for long and I had a lot of damage to recover from. I have no issues with my pelvic floor at all. Oh and when you have a c/s you can end up with your belly hanging over the scar, that's attractive  ------------- 
 
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Posted By: Imogen
Date Posted: 29 January 2010 at 11:53am
I so know what you mean!!! I hate it! ------------- Proud mummy to two beautiful little girls and a precious little boy <3 |
Posted By: X
Date Posted: 29 January 2010 at 12:30pm
Yeah but not ALWAYS. I have absolutely no overhang & my tummy is nice & flat (well it was before I got pregnant again-now look like I'm smuggling a beach ball LOL. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Bexee
Date Posted: 29 January 2010 at 12:32pm
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Just my two cents worth...
I too was terrified of birth. If I had of had the option I would have gone for an elective c-section, at least at the start of my pregnancy. I thought all the stuff about birth being natural and beautiful and trusting your body was a load of rubbish. I also planned to use drugs if I needed them. Because an elective c-section wasn't an option I went down teh birth part and it wasn't nearly as terrible or awful as I had thought. DS was posterior in the beginning but from going up to hospital at 2am and being 3cm I gave birth to him three hours later with just three minutes of pushing. Yes, my birth was prolly on the "easy" side of things but it just goes to show that they don't have to be terrible as first time mums. I was up walking around a couple of hours later, bits are fine! Find a midwife you trust, talk through all the options, and make sure you are comfortable with your decision. |
Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 29 January 2010 at 12:40pm
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Hi busybee - just thought I'd answer your question about the stretching of the ladybits
Yep, your ladybits have to stretch for bubs to come out but luckily they contract back to normal size within a matter of days. If you are worried about being "loose" (sorry that's kind of an ick term to use) afterwards - don't be. For me, sex is exactly the same. I think you are being sensible in exploring your options BUT I do think you should make sure you do as much research as you can on the matter before making a decision.
If you are after opinions - I would personally go for the VB. But if I were you, I would steer clear of opinions and go with the facts.
Good luck! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Febgirl
Date Posted: 29 January 2010 at 12:44pm
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I've had both a VB (first birth) and emergency c-section (second birth) and I found both were positive experiences. I managed with only gas for the VB, no tears or stitches and was out of hospital at home 4 hours after giving birth (my choice). The emergency c-section recovery was easy compared to what I had heard, I was walking the next day, my scar is minimal 7 weeks later and I've started back at the gym - was about the same time I started back after my VB so recovery wise it's on a par for me.
It really does depend on the individual though, for every awful VB someone else would have had a wonderful birth experience, for every bad c-section someone else like me would have had a great recovery. There is just no way of knowing prior what camp you are going to fall into! ------------- Two little girls under 2! 
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