Hi Jessica,

My first baby had to be delivered by cs because I wouldn't dialate - even after 19 hrs on oxytocian. I laboured 3 days and only dialted 3cm's in that time - I had things strapped to me, probes put on my babies head and my movements were extremely restricted - all because I wouldn't dialate - baby was fine, I was fine.

when I was preg with my son I was determined to go VBAC- I spoke with midwifes up at my hospital to discuss it and they advised me that I would be heavily monitored, would be bed bound for labour as because I had previously had cs there is a risk of tearing scaring area and bleeding internally which can lead to death. They gave me all my options - they said if I wanted to do it naturally that was fine, but wanted me to understand the process fully.

The thought of once again being bed bound with probes everywhere and not even being able to have a shower or bath during labour really made me stop and think...... what if once again I didn't dialate? what if once again I would end up having cs anyway... should I risk my baby and my health to satisfy what I thought everyone else thinks I should do, or should I do what I feel comfortable with.

I chose cs and I have never looked back since. The recovery time from my first cs was about 6 weeks before I could fully move around properly - with my second is was within a week. My body wasn't exhausted from labouring, and I was able to control the cs a lot better. the staff were better prepared for me, I had the right dosage of drugs, the longer needle for my epi, I had stockings for my legs and I even got to choose having staples instead of stitches - not to mention I was more relaxed because I knew when my baby was coming. I felt more confortable and in control than if I left it to chance.

I recently had a mc where I ended up haemoraging and I learnt that this little black duck is not meant to do things the natural way. I got to experience 1/10 of pain again from labour and after that realised that "you can stick your natural birth" - I am a cs girl all the way. I am aware there are risks to it, but in all honesty there a risks in all forms of birthing.

But what it comes down to Jessica is what you feel comfortable with, it's about what you want and what is best for you and your baby.

I am trying for another baby and I will be choosing cs without any hesitation - I know what to expect, and I know that me and my doctors will be prepared. I personally would rather have them fully prepared for me instead of having to do it on the fly, because that ended up being scary when they had to do me in a rush.

Hope this helps you in some way.