Should I have a c-section?

[Arimeh]

To answer your questions:-

I have had a c/section for no medical reason and basically because I felt I couldn't do it physically and that I was too scared to even try to do it. Recovery from this c-section was fantastic - I was up and walking good distances within a few days post op and on panadol for most of recovery (due to a mix up with drugs).

I also had a second c/section - (not by choice though -I was striving for a VBAC) recovery was even better 2nd time around, but I developed an infection which laid me up for about a month. Also had pelvic problems (my pelvis was separated and my hip had rotated - very painful) so couldn't walk properly for about a month afer it.

I knew that I was too terrified of a natural birth that even if I attempted it, I would have ended up with a c-section anyway because I had no faith in myself to do it. But thats ME - not you.

Good luck with what you decide to do.

[paradise lost]

Personally i wouldn't. Mainly because for 80million years the female body has been getting more and more perfect for giving birth vaginally (natural selection - those who weren't built for it have been dying out all that time) and there is NOTHING about any human anatomy which makes cutting open the main supportive muscles of the core and bringing major organs with major blood supplies out to cut a baby out a good idea. One is something you're designed by the grace of nature to be able to do, the other you're allowed by the grace of god to survive. But those are my feelings not yours.

I know several people who felt a good bit better a few weeks after their c-sections. I myself felt completely amazing 90minutes after birth when i hopped into my own shower. I only waited that long because DD was having a good long breastfeed. I suppose i could count my "recovery" as the time it took for my graze (unstitched and unfelt at the time) to heal - about 5 days i suppose...? It only stopped me having sex though, and i wasn't really up for that for several more weeks anyway.

You say you're not a person who deals with pain, but given your back condition, have you considered that in fact you deal with substantially more pain than most people on a daily basis? Many people have to take panadol for a cut finger, and you go through back pain most people never encounter. I'd imagine that it's quite the contrary; that you're TOUGHER than the average bear!

Bx

[LG]

You say you're not a person who deals with pain, but given your back condition, have you considered that in fact you deal with substantially more pain than most people on a daily basis? Many people have to take panadol for a cut finger, and you go through back pain most people never encounter. I'd imagine that it's quite the contrary; that you're TOUGHER than the average bear!

Bx

very good point

[~breeze~]

Personally I wouldn't.

I have slight scoliocis (sp?), had SPD so was in incredible pain through my pelvis, legs & back throughout my pregnancy (from 4 months!)

I had 2 Vag deliveries. 1st one I had an epidural & was walking around an hour after birth feeling fantastic. 2nd no epidural & walking around as soon as I decided to get out of the bed for a shower... prob 10-15 mins & again feeling fantastic!

Can I say.... the epidural took away ALL pain. I think this would be a good option for you. Seriously no pain at all, the midwife would tell me when I was having a contraction from watching the chart thingy. Then if you change your mind near the end & decide you'd like to "feel" the childbirth experience you can ask them to turn off the epidural & it slowly stops working so you can feel all of it or part of it (depending on when they turn it off or down & how long it takes you to give birth). I did this with my 1st, they turned it off & I was able to feel my daughter being born... although I have since realised I didnt feel the WHOLE lot after giving birth to my son with no epidural I realised its is a little harder than my 1st.

1st born I only had to push 4 times. 2nd I probably pushed about 5 times & had a couple of contractions in between that I breathed through.... to save tearing.

I totally understand how scary it is to think about having to go through all that pain when you "dont have to" (c-section available) & the youtube vidoes you watched obviously haven't helped BUT how about all the LOVELY birth experiences? I know I loved giving birth vaginally, feeling my children come into the world & knowing I was doing what I was made to do gave me a real empowering feeling. Its hard to explain but its an awesome feeling.Then when its all over you can simply get up & have a shower (if you want) & go & enjoy your new baby

Would you consider "trying" vaginal delivery & if it didnt work you could then change to emergency c-section? The Dr's/midwives would be able to organise that if it looked like you weren't coping I'm sure (I could be very wrong though?)

I know you're scared of the pain involved in Vaginal delivery but what about the pain afterwards from having surgery? The doctors were trying to push me into an elective with my sons birth & I was scared of the recovery from a c-section. I obviously decided against the doctors & went with my vaginal delivery.... very glad I did! But thats ME.

I just want to make sure you know there are beautiful birth experiences out there (you'll find HEAPS here on BB) It truely is an amazing experience (& honour!)

Also try to keep in mind that c-sections are MAJOR SURGERY & with major surgery come risks.

Whatever your decision, no-one here on BB is going to judge you, we will all support you, we only want you to know your options. Please do as much research as possible into c-sections before you make your decision in a few days so you're as prepared as possible either way

Good luck.... it is a HUGE decision & one only YOU can make.

[puppies]

I am going for a CS for our first baby due in 3 weeks and although this was always on the cards we only decided 2 weeks ago that this was what was best for us and our baby. I do not have back pain as you do and I can only imagine how you must be feeling. All I can say is that we were looking at possible complications due to the size of my baby and the size of my pelvis. I know people say to me, 'oh but teh female body is amazing and is built to give birth, your pelvis will give". And you know what I am sure it would have but the chances were too high for me to be comfortable with that I would end up in distress, so would my baby and so would my DH and we had a very real chance of ending up in theatre anyway. AND IF that had happened I can guarantee you then I would feel ripped of or disapointed in myself and see myself as a failure. I know in my heart that a CS is best for us and as soon as I made my decision I felt calm and peace about it and am now looking forward to our sons birth.
I agree you can only make this decision and you really need to do the research as I did so you can make an informed choice. Ultimately if you feel peace that a CS is best for you no matter what reason than trust your instinct and go with it. You wont be disappointed if you have made your choice with peace in your heart, but you will be disappointed if you make your choice because others have made you feel like you SHOULD do it another way that really deep inside you just doesn't feel right for you.

You have carried this baby full term and you are already a mother. If being a good mother is generally following your instincts than you must listen to them now and trust them, trust yourself and always go with what you feel is right for you in your heart.

[Snacks]

Hiya. There have already been some awesome posts on here, so I won't bang on too much.
As others have said, you are the one who has to deal with your pain, so the choice is entirely yours and should be made knowing everything you can find out about each option.
My thoughts: If I were in your position, I would try for the VB but with an epidural. If you are unable to move with your back pain, that would make labour difficult because labour pain can be eased by moving around and it sounds like that wouldn't be a viable option for you.
As bx has said, you are no doubt a whole lot tougher than you give yourself credit for. The fear you are feeling is natural but unwarranted. You can do it, but you need to believe that for yourself.
The last thing I'll say is that there is no way I would choose surgery without at least giving VB a try. (Just tossed that in because you asked what we'd do. But as I said, the choice belongs to you, and no one around here will judge you for it.)

[No.5]

I'm not going to tell you what you should do I'm just going to suggest going into the birth stories and read some of them and I'm sure you'll get a lot of different perspectives and pain relief options available.

Good luck with your decision.

[Tanya]

I think you need to put vag birth and surgical birth into perspective...
Fear of birth is totally normal... I was totally petrified and would cry at night constantly just thinking about the birth when I was pregnant with my first, c/s was not an option, was never even discussed! I was only 15 years old and by myself... I gave birth to a 4.2kg (9lb 2oz) baby naturally without drugs (I wanted them... lol) in only a few hrs. It is amazing what your body can do and even more amazing is the feeling you will have afterwards

I wish you all the best with your up coming birth no matter the choice you make, but just know that most women experience a lot of fear about birth and go onto have great birth experiences.

xx

[LG]

Personally, no i wouldn't have a c/s unless my baby's life was REALLY in danger (ie not just because Dr wants to go home - ok just a little cynical sorry!).

Have a little read of some of the articles about labour and birth on this site and arm yourself with all of the information about the risks associated with c/s. Unfortunately you can't rely on being told all of this by health care professionals. Be aware that having a c/s MAY inhibit things such as bonding and breastfeeding. Also do not forget that what goes in to you also goes in to your baby so when you are talking about pain relief, consider the effects on baby too. In the end, if you make an INFORMED decision then you will make the choice that is right for you and your family.

Your body will get that baby out - and the more you trust in your body and your personal strength and ability the easier it is likely to be. Having had 2 natural drug-free births I couldn't understand WHY all the fear about birth. Yes it is uncomfortable, but what people don't tell you is the over-whelming rush of hormones that makes you feel as high as a kite and TOTALLY besotted with your baby the minute he/she is in your arms. Drugs and surgery WILL inhibit this. It's true, there is no medals for bravery after a natural birth, but the reward is an alert, healthy newborn who has every opportunity to self attach to the breast and bond with mum STRAIGHT away and who is surrounded by love and people that care about him/her (ie not a whole lot of gowned-up doctors and nurses and bright lights and dad who is watching not participating).

You have the strength to do this - i know because you are a mum and that's our super-power but at the end of the day if you know all the risks and still decide that a c/s is right for you then i'm sure you can help to lessen the associated risks.