cesarean vs natural birth
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Topic: cesarean vs natural birth
Posted By: yummymummy
Subject: cesarean vs natural birth
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 10:04am
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I know it's a little early yet but I'm totally freaked of 'natural' labour - seems to be most painful and cause all sorts of problems by mucking up your insides. So I'm thinking of an elective cesarean. Has anyone had one? Can you elect to have one if you are not deemed to need one by the m/w or doctor? Should I mention to my future m/w I could opt to go this way from start or doesn't it make a diff e.g. do I need to be under a doctor to elect to have one later on? I'd love to hear from anyone that has done this... ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Replies:
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 10:18am
i had a c-section and was in pain for 2 weeks afterward and dont even metion when the midwife gets u up after the 2nd day ohch i personaly would of rather had a naurthal brith as you can heal faster and is better for bubs i no you are scared and its your choise in the end but go with the nauthal c-secxtions are,nt all way problem free ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: EthansMummy
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 10:22am
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I don't know as i haven't had either but i am planning for a natural birth. A c-section takes longer to heal afterwards so in my mind:
Natural Labour = one day of pain and then maybe some afterpains and if you tear. C-Section = Two weeks (or something like that) to recover because of the stiches. And also even if you are scared now you won't be later on. I have been ssooo scared its not funny but the other day something just clicked and now i am excited. Hopes this helps 
Edited to Add: Your body was made to give birth so you have to trust that as well. It knows what to do. ------------- ** MUM TO ** Ethan 29/08/2006 Brooke 22/09/2008 |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 10:29am
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I'm pretty sure that doctors won't do an elective c-section unless there is good medical reason to do one...ie baby is breech or some such major complication.
I've heard some people can be out of action for up to 6 weeks after a c-section! *eep!* I would sit down and have a good talk with your midwife about your concerns or fears. It's totally normal to be scared, goodness knows I've been wondering how on earth I'm going to do it. But end as has been said, our bodies have been made to give birth naturally and you will do heaps better than you imagine! Good luck!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 10:50am
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Yep - most OB's won't even consider a c-sect unless there are medical grounds, or the stress of a natural delivery poses serious psychological damage.
I had a minor freak out when I was 36 weeks with Maya and we found out how big she was and that she was posterior and talked to my m/w about a c-sect but she basically told me to stop being a sook and to give labour a go first. Glad I did coz she turned during labour and my recovery afterwards was really quick. With the twins I am really keen on having a natural delivery because of the recovery time - after a caesar you can't drive for 6 weeks, plus it makes picking up bubs, pushing the pram etc. more of a mission. I have talked to a few friends who had c-sects and they have really put me off. But push comes to shove I won't put my babies at risk so if trying for a VB isn't safe then I will have the caesar. -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 11:15am
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the pain of a c-sec took 2 weeks to wear off and itss not nice when u cant get on the floor and back up with out someone helping me i was lucky i had my sister come and stay and i had been induced so i thought i would get my nautal labour so it was a blessing that she was here but in saying all that i have herad of people who have loved there c-secs and have nevr looked back ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: toniellis
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 11:45am
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You can have an elective first time. But you can't have a midwife you have to have an obstetrician and YOU have to pay all the costs.
My mum's friend did this 13 years ago & it cost her all up around $8000. She told everyone she was too posh to push. I've had two c-sections now & I sure wouldn't recommend them. A c-section is far more likely to muck up your insides as you have to take it easy at least 2 weeks while your healing as your uterus can attch to your bladder & other internals if you don't rest, you can get infections (pretty common) & a whole host of other problems. Painwise it is alot worse too as you will need morphine afterwards & then other drugs to deal with pain. Its important to remember that a caesarean is MAJOR abdominal surgery. They cut through 7 layers & then have to stitch/staple you back together. Recovery time is much longer, you can't lift your baby very easily, you can't do simple things like hang out your washing without hurting yourself and your not supposed to drive for 6 weeks. And I HATE the scar that I was left with. If your worried about the pain of giving birth then order an epidural when you get into hospital. If you want more info I can ask my mum's friend but it is something you need to discuss with your doctor. ------------- Mum to Alex (11), Blaire (10) & Erika (8) and Damien (6) Successful HWB VBA2Cs! Soon to be surrogate |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 1:54pm
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OK, have no idea about any of the medical stuff...
but just wanted to make sure I could quell a fear I had. (Even after the birth) I was reeeeally really worried that "down there" wouldn't go back to its normal shape after giving birth vaginally. While it might be TMI... it returns to normal!!! |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 5:43pm
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Having your insides stuffed up is having a c section. A c section means major abdominal surgery something that isn't a walk in the park. A vaginal birth is so much easier to recover from a few hours after the birth you can be up and about and walk around. With a c section you have to stay on your bed for hours after hours. Then there is the recovery after you leave the hospital Like the others have said not being able to drive, not being able to get up and down off the floor easily etc. My friend in London has just had stomach surgery and is now trying to get pregnant. She said she so wishes to have a vaginal birth as the cut she has across her tummy is one like a c section cut and has taken so long to heal. She also said the good thing for her was that it was done in the holidays and not during the school term or she would of had to take heaps of time off work. But having a baby is different as you will be taking time off work. There are a few on here who have just had babies b c section thou often it is not by choice. Speak with your MW about the fear and she will be able to help you with it. I have the oppisite to you, I am sh*t scared of a c section. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: baalamb
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 5:58pm
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I had a c-section (not elective, but because the induction failed, I did try to labour!) and have found that I've healed really really nicely. It depends on the surgeon you get, and it does vary from person to person and I'm one of those lucky ones that didn't get an infection, and recovered quickly etc.
I didn't stay in my bed for hours after hours, I was up and walking the next day, and I didn't need morphine either. By the time I was due out of hospital (day 5, but I could have quite easily gone home on day 4 but played it safe), I was only on the occasional panadol. Like I said though, it does vary from person to person. I'm not sure how elective works for your first child, but having a c-section for your first, does increase the chances of needing to have c-sections for any consecutive child. Recovery is generally 6 weeks and yeah you're not supposed to drive, but if you get clearance from your midwife (as I did) then no worries. I started driving again at 4 weeks. I'm still watching the heavy lifting. Epidurals are great if you're worried about the pain
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Posted By: Anna
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 7:52pm
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As said before a c-section is major surgery. I think you would have a hard time trying to find a midwife if you want an elective but I would say if you were sure thatis what you wanted you would be able to find a specialist to take you on, this would cost $$ tho.
Giving birth is scary, I know I was terrified of doing it. I think it is super important to know that your body IS capable of doing it and you need to trust yourself. There will be masses of support for you (either way you decide) and those people caring for you have your and your babys best interests at heart. They will help you make the right decision. ------------- Anna http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 12 August 2006 at 7:54pm
| I had a c-section after 18 hours of labour that didn't progress. I pushed for an hour and a half without drugs and wish that he'd been able to come out naturally, but having the c-section was the best option for me in the end. It took me at least 3 weeks afterwards for the pain to go away. I also did not get to hold my baby for an hour and a half afterwards as I was shaking too much (side effect from the drugs given to me to progress labour and the spinal block for the ceasar), we did not get skin to skin cuddles, I couldn't walk for a day, had to have a catheter for 48 hours.... and so many other things that make me really wish I'd not have to have the c-section. Try the natural way - and if it gets too much you can have lots of nice epidural top ups to make the pain go away!! |
Posted By: EthansMummy
Date Posted: 13 August 2006 at 8:36am
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Oh gosh, I am really glad i am not having a c-section (hopefully i won't have to). They sound to scary and painfull.
------------- ** MUM TO ** Ethan 29/08/2006 Brooke 22/09/2008 |
Posted By: nuttymama
Date Posted: 13 August 2006 at 8:50am
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I agree with clare,I have had two natural births and one C-section due to a breech baby. I felt it took longer to bond with Abby as I did'nt get the skin to skin contact and I can't remember half of the first 24 hours after her birth. And it takes so much longer to recover from. I remember my first labour and being terrified at the beginning but I also remember being more terrified at the thought of a C-section.Just remember labour is a natural thing your body is designed to do it, and it tends to take over once your in labour and takes care of itself. I think everyone is a little scared for there first as its the unknown but you may just surprise yourself and cope extememly well. recovery is long after C-sections and makes mother hood in those early days just that little harder. ------------- Abigail 06/01/2005 Jayden 21/11/2001 Micheal 03/04/1997 |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 13 August 2006 at 9:23am
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I didnt even want to consider a c-section, i went natural and didnt look back, i think im wierd coz even without drugs i wasnt scared lol
Another downside to a c-section is possible adhesions, i didnt want one coz i had enough problems with them through my pregnancy and being cut open again would most likely create more. At the end of the day it is ur decision but do think about it wisely and realise there are really good drugs available to you if u want them. |
Posted By: jack_&_charli
Date Posted: 13 August 2006 at 5:07pm
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i had a elective c-section with jack as he was breech and like baalamb i healed really quickly and without much pain....as long as i stayed topped up with panadol. i've had several stomach surgeries before so not sure if that helped. c-sections can muck up your insides more so than a natural birth. i may end up having another c-section this time around as baby needs to pass my scar tissue to get out and that may cause complications.
BUT...in saying that, emotionally i felt cheated out of the whole 'birthing' process. this time, bubs is head down and i'm so excited at the prospect of having a natural birth! i'm also scared sh*tless, don't get me wrong, it's the unknown that is the scary part of it, but i'm sure i will cope just fine. i had a really good talk with my midwife about all my fears and she helped me feel better about everything and reassured me that feeling scared is completely natural. ------------- http://www.alternatickers.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 13 August 2006 at 7:15pm
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Vanessa - my aunty had a VBAC with her second baby and didn't have too many probs wth scar tissue, so hopefully you will be the same! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 13 August 2006 at 9:03pm
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I would say plan for a natural vaginal birth - I always thought a c section was an easy way out and now that I may have the choice of a natural birth taken from me due to my condition, i wish i would be able to experience a natural birth.
having said that if you plan to go c section - specialist will cost you about $3000 if in larger city, and recovery is longer. also you need to ensure that your house is set up different - bathing bubs, cradle / cot higher with lower sides so you dont strain etc... I would love to be back in your position and able to choose..... 
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Posted By: linda
Date Posted: 13 August 2006 at 9:08pm
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When I was pregnant with my first child I decided that we were going to go privately so could have an elective C-section. I explained my fears to my OB and she was very pro womans choice. This was in 2003 so it cost us $1500 for the OB and then if we had a C-section it was an additional $500.00. This really set my mind at ease and as my pregnancy progressed and I read more up on birth I decided I could give birth naturally....well naturally plus an epidural. I was induced (my choice) and had an epidural right up till when Harry was born. This worked for me and I was happy with the birth and the outcome. I felt in control through the whole process and I think that was the key for me. It was a fantastic experience and I'm so pleased that I didn't have the c-section.
But hey, its your choice |
Posted By: mrs frantic
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 9:59am
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~hmmm you sound like me when I first got pg - I was all fussed about giving birth naturally and wanted to know how I could get a C-section. I was really pro it - but as my pregnancy has progressed and I have learnt more about my body and about the whole process I am quite confortable with a natural labour now. I think it is normal and natural to panic at first and to think that a C-section is the easier (and I use that term VERY LOOSELY) way out so to speak, but at the end of the day I dont think that is the case...but it depends on teh individual
I would say dont worry about it yet, your opinions may well change over the next 7 months. The most important thing is that you find an LMC that your trust and feel comfortbale with. Once you have done that, and your pregnancy progresses, you can start to think about how you will handle the birth. If you have a good LMC they will guide you to do what is best for you and baby, and in the end it's your health and baby's health that counts for the most! ------------- Mrs Frantic Baby Maddisyn born 28 Sept 2006 http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 10:09am
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Jess, so have to agree with you about the adhesions. I have had surgery twice now for endo. 2 different amounts taken out and I have some very large amounts of adhesions on my uterus. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 1:39pm
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I ended up with a c section after a long labour and hours of pushing. I must say, I was up and around with in 2 days. I got up of bed the next day and tho it felt funny I adjusted fast. Yes they say dont do any thing for 6 weeks...I drove after 3 (Needed to)....and stayed at home most of 6 weeks bonding with Bub. However every one is different.
I would avoid C Section at all cost with my next...not that I am scared but because I want a natural birth! Here is hoping!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 1:43pm
Gotta get pregnant first, Roksana... or is there something you haven't told us?  ------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 1:50pm
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Oh no missy.......no no no!!!
I dont plan another one till Zaara is two (yah I have changed my mind from 18 months to 2 years)....she has become sooooo spoilt and naughty that I dont know if I will keep up with another so soon..... Dont worry you will be the first to know...and by the way you need to make time to do the deed to get pregnant.... ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 1:54pm
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Only takes once! ------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 2:20pm
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lol Roksana!!
Yummymummy I hope we havent scared you away... I think you need to speak to a midwife or get the names of some specialists from your GP and find out what the options are. Everyone is scared witless at some stage about labour, even when we've already been through it! But at the end of the day you have to do what is going to make you feel most at ease and in control, and if that is opting for an elective CS then go for it.  ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 2:52pm
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Oh I am sure it does Becca...LOL
but I am not planning one right at this moment.....tho hubby is keen!! Having said that, I must admit I miss being pregnant and if I do fall preggas then would love that bubba just as much!
 ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: my2angels
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 3:16pm
| I always wanted a c section. The whole idea of having a baby both the pain and undignified part of it really put me off to the point where I was not going to have children. When I did decide to risk it I always planned a c section but Kobe had other ideas. I remember being in labour with him and screaming to my midwife that I was not suppose to be having a c section and to get me to the theatre but she wouldnt and then the drugs came and I was happy. In the end I was so glad I had a v birth but in saying that, this time round I would have been happy with a c section if I needed one. |
Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 3:39pm
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I had a emergency c-section with baby number 1 and a sucessful natural delivery with baby number 2. I would reccomend natural birth over c-section to anyone (unless necessary) after experiencing both. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 14 August 2006 at 3:45pm
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However if I did need a c-section again it would be a dream to have a tummy tuck at the same time lol After all isnt that what the celebs have done ------------- http://lilypie.com">
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
Posted By: Syd
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 4:49pm
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hey yummymummy. I was a bit like that to before I fell pregnant, in fact I was so worried about giving birth that I couldn't imagine falling pregnant! I've gotta say that for me a c-section is far more frightening than a natural birth, just because I've never had an op and the thought of anyone coming near with a scapel freaks me right out! Everyone is differant, and I'm sure you find out what is best for you. Good luck! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: mrs frantic
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 5:02pm
he he Kels yeah! They get the c-sections and the tummy tuck and the lipo all at the same time - must hurt like hell but hey - 4 weeks later they are back to being a size 2!!! And then us poor normal people all get down on ourselves when we have a bit of extra hanging around our tummys a few months after the fact... personally I am going to try not to buy into that thin frenzy... best thing to do is stay away from the tabloids and womens magazines...!
------------- Mrs Frantic Baby Maddisyn born 28 Sept 2006 http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: yummymummy
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 7:50pm
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"They get the c-sections and the tummy tuck and the lipo all at the same time..."
Hehehe - love the idea but maybe not... Thanks for the replies everyone - I had always thought of a c-section as the 'easy way out' so to speak but I guess that's not really the case - it does sound like a real surgery (I sound a bit naive, don't I...). Anyways, looks like the natural way topped up with some heavy duty drugs will be the way to go. I'll talk to my m/w (once I have one) as I don't know what puts me off more - the pain or the undignified part. Does anyone know how many ppl are present during a delivery normally? And does one have to be naked?    ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 7:57pm
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no you dont have to nackie i had a t-shrit on and everything was croved when not in use and all i had looking donw there was my midwife and the 3rd year midwife try not to worry everybrith is diff and my not being albe to give brith nautarly is hereditiy so try not to worry i,m sure with the right surport and drugslol you will be fine ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 7:59pm
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I wanted to have all my clothes off as I got really hot, but ended up with a hospital nightie on. I had DH, my MW, resident ob and the on call specialist in with me. After I had Andrew another MW came in to do the checks on Andrew. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 8:07pm
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When Maya was born I had a t-shirt on (lost the PJ bottoms somewhere along the line...) and the only people in the room were my midwife and my support person.
Also, you are actually only 'exposed' for a short time while actually pushing, during most of labour you can keep your bits covered (except when the m/w does the internal checks which are pretty quick. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 8:10pm
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The only really necessary person is your midwife (or an OB if there are any medical probs.) It's up to you whether you want a support person or not. And whether you wear clothes or not! I was in a charming hospital gown with "hospital property" written all over it.
I think I'd be a little worried about having DP/DH see "down there" during the birth (if I had one anyway) but have worked out that if they stay at your head (with their hand available as stress relief) then they aren't exposed to the gory bits.
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 8:27pm
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If it makes you feel any better...I was present when my god-daughter was born and somehow ended up down the "business" end so to speak instead of safely up the head end where I meant to stay (there were three of us as well as the normal midwives etc.....)...I thought it would be awful to see but I never once noticed that that my friend had her legs spread and was totally on show. All I saw was this amazing sight of my god-daughter being born. It truely was amazing.
What I'm trying to say in a long winded way is that although you may feel uncomfortable with all exposed (I'm sure I'm going to! ) no one else will see it that way.
Nothing that happens will phase the staff and apparently we all forget the undignified part. I hope it is true!!! I'm planning on scarpering with one of hubby's old t-shirts that's been sent to the recycle pile...and I have 2 piece maternity togs assuming I get to go in the pool. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: mum2paris
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 9:29pm
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you leave your draws (pants) and your dignity at the door -
as pretty much all of us can say - we were all scared as heck of being exposed, going through pain and having to possibly be naked or have others see "down there" after all - it's private to us and not something we flash about on a daily basis (well i would hope not anyway )
The thing is, first - yes you do go through pain but at least you know what it is for, it has a reason and it will stop! not to mention the cute little buba at the end and the huge sense of relief almost instantly once they are out. The fear of the un-known can be scary but that's what we are here for.. we tell you the bad stuff as well as the good because it's better to go into it thinking "well, this might happen but lets hope not" other than go into it totally scared witless and naive - best to be prepared... I hate to think how the women/girls back centuries ago must have felt, not being told anything at all - now that, to me, is far more scary than all the info available so you can somewhat prepare and read up on stages of labour etc and know what to expect in some way. Who has to be in there - it depends on your pregnancy really.. if you have a breezy straightforward one then just the midwife and who-ever you choose. most first timers usually get the midwife and their back-up midwife to get double the support which i found great! especially since Mike sat in the corner looking white, lol, but her was fine once Paris was out and sooo happy and cuddled her for like, ages.. i basically had to fight to get her back lol.. so don't worry hubbys recover from whatever they do see.. and maybe it makes them be a bit nicer to you for a while - until they forget what you went through. 2nd time - was only we, midwife and mike, and he helped deliver Ayja - so again.. obviously he recovered.. or was just so traumatised that it has been pushed back into the far reaches of his subconsciousness, cos he is fine. Nakedness - is totally up to you, by the time you get to the business end you may be totally just ready for this baby to come out (ok forget may be.. you WILL) and however you are dressed at that time is how it will be... depending on what you are doing, where the pain is etc and your pain management..Midwives are very good at keeping everything well covered unless it is needed, lol, and alot of the time are the ones trying to cover you back up when you are trying to rip things off coss like Becks said you are hot, or it is annoying you, or it is just darn well in the way!!! argh!! lolol I packed togs for my first birth because i wanted a spa up at the hospital, i am not a flashy person at all - very shy in fact, yet once labour began i stayed at home and in the bath - by the time my midwife got there, I couldn't care less - her and hubby had to drag me starkers from the bath, and help dress me - i was concentrating on contractions and breeeeeething.. which was more important... once up at the hospital gown on, sheet over me, all good. lol second time i managed to get out of the bath and dressed and to the hospital where midwife was waiting for me and got into a lovely hospital property gown and everything was well covered.. so no public exposure for me that time. we are all here - some have been through it more than others, some are yet to go through it, but we all keep going back for more - or at least contemplate it. It's one day - where your body isn't really yours - but after that - you do get it back - is some weird way.. even when the boobs belong to your baby and you have a toddler clinging from your leg.
ok novel over - its' been a while since i did a decent one. lol ------------- Janine and her 2 cool chicks, Paris & Ayja 
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Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 9:48pm
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My opinion? You so won't care about the loss of dignity at the time!!!! ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: mum2paris
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 10:09pm
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lol now why couldn't i put it in one sentence like that Annie? That must a true art ------------- Janine and her 2 cool chicks, Paris & Ayja
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 15 August 2006 at 10:17pm
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Gosh so much stuff on this topic!
First, I had an emergency c-section followed by a VBAC. I would definitely recommend the VBAC but if you do need a c/s for whatever reason, you do recover after a while and you don't do much in the first month anyway. The hardest part for me was not being able to stand or carry baby much (sore abdo muscles), or hang washing (not allowed to stretch!). I've heard that the reason you're not supposed to drive for the first 6 weeks is because if you slam on the brakes, that action can cause immense pain so that you let go - so therefore you are not so safe a driver! It is so tempting though, I certainly felt "back to normal" within 4 weeks. Also, one side effect of c/s is that your scar tissue can rupture in a subsequent labour, but that's not a high probability and you will be referred to an obstetrician for all those stats at 6 months anyway. As for nakedness, I'm quite a private person too and even after going half-way through labour with the first baby, I was kinda freaking out about it for the second labour. But my midwives were very discreet and by the time you're up to pushing it really is no issue to you at all. Don't worry, they're there to watch the baby, and of course to see that you don't tear. As for pain relief, I would suggest to anyone going into labour that they keep open-minded on it. Work out what you want to do for light (e.g. gas) or heavy (e.g. epidural) pain relief and just go with what you are feeling. I had an epidural with the second one, but I won't be having that again because I felt it was more distracting than helpful. Fingers crossed for not too much pain this time around.... ------------- |
Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 16 August 2006 at 8:27am
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I wore my PJs to the hospital, then when I hopped in the bath and I was naked but soooo didn't care! DAniel and m/w helped me out and into a stunning gown, so while I was pushing I was covered up top. And I had two midwives, my GP (who was my LMC) and Daniel. ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: mrs frantic
Date Posted: 16 August 2006 at 9:31am
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I am also worried about the naked and humiliation part - but from what others have said to me it doesnt have to be that way... its not like you spend hours and hours spread out on display like a spatch cooked chicken (sorry for the comaprison its all I could think of) - I think from what everyone is sayign and from what I have heard from others is that you are dressed for a large % of the time and then at the end, when you push, certain bits have to be avaiable for the midwife to see... but if you have a gown on and hubby is up at your end then no one else but your midwife need see anything... knowing that makes ME feel a while lot better.. and I think teh further into pregnancy you get the more you will get used to the idea until eventually you will just want it out, no matter how it comes out, just as long as it is out... anyway good luck, I am the same as you, a bit worried, but I think it will be fine... ------------- Mrs Frantic Baby Maddisyn born 28 Sept 2006 http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 16 August 2006 at 1:16pm
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Aimee - glad I'm not the only one who went to the hospital in my PJ's! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 16 August 2006 at 2:57pm
Well I am a private person too...I had a long labour and in the room (while waiting to Dialate (sp???)) was My Hubby, mum, auntie and later my MIL (Tho I did not want her there)  .....and my MW and a trainee. I was covered up (hospital gown) and occationally MW looked down there but was really careful to expose me.
Later when I started to push only people in the room was Hubby, mum and MW and then Doc.... I ended up with a c section and then a whole lot of poeple saw my Private parts....to be quite honest I didnt care...I wanted to see my bubbba come out happy and healthy. So I agree you leave all you worries at the door....or even at home...he he ha ha ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 16 August 2006 at 3:34pm
| I was naked for about 4 hours! I spent so much time in the shower (for those who are giving birth at Auckland City Hospital, their showers totally Rock! Two shower heads that you can move around, and fantastic pressure) and then did a few laps of the birthing room I was in! I think I may have had a gown put on me at some stage, but when they hooked me up to the syntocinin and did the epidural I was in a gown so I could feel a bit more comfy with all the people coming in and out. And then when I went into theatre I was on display for all the world to see but like you Roksana I soooooo didn't care, I just wanted Joshie out! It's the one time in my life that I was didn't care who saw me in the nickynoonar!! |
Posted By: Roksana
Date Posted: 16 August 2006 at 3:42pm
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The showers in Middlemore suck!! When I took a shower just before they were going to put me in a drip the damn thing flooded both the room (one shower in between two rooms). The rooms were not bad tho.... ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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