Elected C-section? TMI perhaps!

[Mrs. Charming]

I had an emergency c-section (that would have been a scheduled c/s anyway.) It wasn't that bad, and I'm going to stay away from a VBAC because I'm afraid of rupture since I had uterine surgery right before we concieved. I really don't think it's all that horrible. I dont have a "pooch" either.

 

[foltzy]

My first was a natural birth after 4 days in labor. My second was a c-section, not elected and not an emergency. I was induced the night before (Big baby) and they had me on the pitocin and I wasn't dilating fast enough. Doctor came in and told us that he wanted to do a c-section but it would be like half an hour because the nurses wanted to go on lunch, I said fine, they turned off the pitocin and my contractions stopped. So after the nurses had lunch (45 minutes later) they wheeled me in and my ds was born at 9 lbs 13 oz.

Recovery took longer, I was in for 3 days, I just really wanted to be home with my son, daughter and husband. It took a few days for me to feel comfortable to be up and moving around, after dd I was in the shower that night (Dd was natural).

I much preferred the natural childbirth to the c-section but I know everyone is different on that.

 

[monorailsilver]

If I didn't end up having a c/s with my 2nd child & delivered him the vajayjay way then I would of had another v-birth.

But since he was an emergency c/s & I recovered very easily-up & walking that day, changing the sheets on my bed in the hospital when needed the following day. Anyways with my third I had another c/s because I wanted a tubal.

I went into labor 2+ weeks early & when I called they offered me the vbac but I still refused.

I am a rare one & I loved my c/s's & would do it again. Why? My first I was in labor for 72 hours. Yes that long. And it was back labor. My water didn't break until about 12 hours prior to her being born & that is when I went to the hospital & got started on Pitocin.

My 2nd I went into labor (the week before he was going to be delivered by c/s because he was breech/transverse but he flipped the day before my c/s so it was cancelled. But for him I had 30 hours of labor & when they went to check me he was shoulder down so I had a c/s. If I knew better, I would of left the hospital sooner then the 4 days I was stuck there. I was bored, yes bored & would walk around constantly.

With my 3rd I was up & walking ASAP. I had her on Thurs & I was ready to go home on Friday but they encouraged me to stay another night so I did & I left Saturday.

So yes I was an odd one that loved the c/s & if I knew then what I know now, I would of elected for one if possible. Once the IV's were out of me with the schedualed pain meds, I didn't take anything stronger then advil & it wasn't often. I walked & walked & walked as much as possible.

I drove sooner with my c/s then I did with my v-birth (first child what did I know!).

For me both recovery's were the same.

 

[jennilouwho]

I had to have 2 c-sections. Long story short, my babies refused to come out under any circumstances... It wasn't as horrible for me as some of these stories, but I would go the natural way if possible.

Do you have any friends that could watch your children if you go into labor at night?

My friend had a scheduled c-section (she had to have one) and still went into labor about 2 weeks early in the middle of the night. The c-section isn't going to guarantee a babysitter or your husband close by..

 

[ccgirl]

So, is your doctor suggesting a c-section for no other reason other than convenience? Do you have health insurance? If you do, I wouldn't be surprised if they denied it. Having worked in the industry, they are really cutting down on things like that...procedures with no medical justification. I would vote to let nature take its course and have a birth plan in place. Find a friend/family member that can come over at a moments notice to look after your little ones. As others have said, it is major surgery. As you know, there can be complications with any type of childbirth but I would never choose major surgery out of convenience. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and the birth.

 

[Hannathy]

I can't believe any insurance is going to give the go ahead for a totally elective C section in this day and age! So does that mean in order to get it ok'd they are going to have to make something up? That isn't right.

Sorry there are a lot of good and necessary reasons for C's but not finding a babysitter isn't one of them.

It is major surgery and things can go wrong. The Anesthesiologist had trouble with my epidural, ended up doing a spinal-still had trouble. Ended up paralyzing me from the chin done for hours, sent me into an arrhythmia and shock. I spent the first 24 hrs of my son's life on the cardiac floor and getting tests. It wasn't the best way to begin a childs life. saw him for 2 minutes and didn't get to hold him until the next day. And mine was medically necessary.
Find a sitter. We used friends of my older DD's. We dropped her off and if needed would have stayed the night or we could have dropped her off in the night . We don't have family here either. Surely your older kids have friends.

 

[Tinkmom]

Of all the different docs I've had and states I've delivered in, not one place has ever approved of or allowed it. I'm very surprised that places do!

Seriously, an "elective" C-section for convenience? That is ridiculous and it is scary that medical professionals would go along with it. (No insult to OP, who is clearly just asking for input.)

Just . . . wow . . .

 

[Chelley00]

With the c-section, I was sick and vomiting for at least the next 48 hours. Most of my family held my son before me which really hurt and upset me too even though there was no way I could hold him at the time. He had breathing problems upon delivery and nearly went to the NICU. Once we got home, moving around and holding him was pretty difficult for at least 2 weeks. It took a full 8 weeks before I could go back to work and even think about moving normally. Girlfriends of mine, even those with some serious splitting, were fine much quicker and had much less pain overall.

Although they are becoming more routine, you shouldn't forget that C-sections are major abdominal surgery. You are split open, and honey, that hurts

.

Let me just reinforce this. It is MAJOR surgery. I'd rather go into labor in the middle of the night than be cut open again. I was sick all through my csection from the spinal, then I was sick after and the meds they gave me made me so tired I felt like I couldn't function for days. They handed me my son, and I nearly threw up on him and had to hand him back to the nurse. My recovery was hard (probably because I had labored so long first), worse than the recovery from the first baby where I had 53 stitches from him coming out ear first intead of headfirst. I've had 3 natuarally, 2 without epidurals, and one csection (he was transverse and stuck under my rib!) , and I'd take the recovery from the natural births anyday.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Not judging you, but will judge your doc. Shocked and horrified and think that's malpractice. Different if you'd had previous sections- but unless there is a medical need it's just plain wrong for a doc to offer that! Run!!!

You can't elect for a C section and I wouldn't trust a doctor who would let you. C sections are serious abdominal surgery. With two other kids the down time might be more of a pain than anything else not to mention the risk of infection.
Plan ahead for a sitter as much as possible. Don't worry about who is going to take care of your children so much. Grandparents will step up to the plate i'm sure.

Actually, it is pretty common here for women to have elective sections and everyone I know who's had one has had it covered without an issue by their insurance company.

I had a c-section with DD (not elective) and I will tell you that I'd do it again in a second. I had a wonderful experience with mine. No pain meds after the first night (section was 4:30pm) and no issues with recovery. I was slow walking and doing stairs but I did it slow. I do have a pooch but I'm not a skinny woman...I wasn't wearing a 2 piece before I got pregnant

 

[tlcdoula]

I had a c-sec with my son after 24 hrs of labour which was not progressing like they thought it should.. I was so tired and frustrated from all the meds they had tried that I told them to go ahead and do the csec.

My recovery was long, and not something I would wish on anyone. However it is a personal decision and I do not wish to judge anyone,you have to weigh the pros and cons on.

After having my son via csec I had started looking into other options and hired a doula (she was a midwife who came with us for the entire labour and came to the hosptial with me and my dh) I was able to have a ******l birth and the recovery was so much easier, I was walking around able to hold my daughter and take care of my 2 yr old son as soon as I came home.

There is i a diff in health between my two My son has asthema and was sick alot when he was younger. My daughter hardly sick a day so far.... I contribute it to the diff in birth and nursing. I didn't have the knowledge with my son to make it very long nursing.

Good luck with your decision.

tlc

 

[RachChamb]

I had 2 planned c-sections. My daughter was breech and with my son, I did not want to take the uterine rupture chance with a VBAC.

If I could've done natural, I would have. My sections were totally different as far as recovery, but I would never want to go through it again. I gained a new appreciation for my patients who had major abdominal surgery.

 

[Haley/Hayden Mom]

My first child was an emergency c-section. She was face up and her chin caught on my my pelvis to the point during pushing she dislocated my pelivs and still wouldn't come. So when I was expecting my 2nd I knew from the beginning I wanted to go ahead and do the repeat. Nothing against VBAC but after pushing for 4 1/2 hours the first time around and experiencing the pain since my epidural didn't take on the side she was caught on I opted for the repeat ( yes I am a wimp to pain). My recovery was actually no more than that of a regular delivery with either girl. 2nd daughter even was 18 days early from the due date and 12 days early from the scheduled c-section date, I couldn't believe I went into labor when I wasn't supposed to experience any of that this last time. Come to find out she was face up just like her big sister and I was so thankful for the repeat c-section. My doctors don't normally give give you the option for a c-section unless there are complications or for a repeat. Are there really doctors out there that will let you ask for a c-section without any issues?

 

[CrAzY4DL]

I wouldn't elect to do a c-section (and don't know of any doctors in our area who would do one simply for plannings sake) but I think if you asked to be induced after 38 weeks they would be more than willing to accomodate you.

I've had 2 c-sections (one emergency, one because the hospital no longer allowed VBACs) and I loved them. After witnessing 2 v births, I firmly believe that babies are NOT meant to come out that way! <wink wink>

With both I was up and moving around the next morning, our hospital had a mandatory 3 day stay tho. Was nice to have the mini vacation! With both I was back at work at 4 weeks. I have a high tolerance of pain tho, mostly because I am almost always in pain from a bad back and knees and shoulder. And the pooch SUUUUUCKS! LOL

PS-11 weeks prego here as well, PM if you want!

 

[Ar1el]

I am not even sure my doc would do the elective c-section. I read about it on some baby site I was on. I never heard of such a thing but it did get me thinking for reasons posted earlier. I do appreciate all the replies. Some of the stories are enough to scare one....... But I thank you for sharing all ur experiences.

 

[dogluva]

My first child was an emergency c-section. She was face up and her chin caught on my my pelvis to the point during pushing she dislocated my pelivs and still wouldn't come. So when I was expecting my 2nd I knew from the beginning I wanted to go ahead and do the repeat. Nothing against VBAC but after pushing for 4 1/2 hours the first time around and experiencing the pain since my epidural didn't take on the side she was caught on I opted for the repeat ( yes I am a wimp to pain). My recovery was actually no more than that of a regular delivery with either girl. 2nd daughter even was 18 days early from the due date and 12 days early from the scheduled c-section date, I couldn't believe I went into labor when I wasn't supposed to experience any of that this last time. Come to find out she was face up just like her big sister and I was so thankful for the repeat c-section. My doctors don't normally give give you the option for a c-section unless there are complications or for a repeat. Are there really doctors out there that will let you ask for a c-section without any issues?

How would you know what the recovery of a regular deliver is if you never had one?

I ask this because I have had both and, sorry, they are not the same. You .
cannot say this if you have never experienced a regular delivery! And I don't believe you would if you had! My csection recoveries were horrible (I have had four). I had two natural deliveries that, although labor was hard, the recovery time did not even compare! I was walking right after the births, with the sections, the nurses had to drag me out of bed when I finally had to get up. It stunk.

THis is not a good idea. First, it is surgery (why would any "elect" that?), secondly, after regular deliveries, you will be horrified by how painful the recovery is (the gas pains are worse than labor). Any doctor that would do an elective csection is crazy and I would never trust him.

 

[LuLuO]

I had a V birth with my first child and a C-section with my second because he was breech. I would NEVER opt for a C-section. Never, ever, ever.

My scar still hurts but is numb at the same time if that makes any sense. Other moms that I have talked to still have discomfort after many years.

Recovery was long as compared with a V birth. With my first I had no meds and was up and going within hours of giving birth. I was out shopping and going on walks within three days.

With the C-section I was in a lot of pain for a couple of weeks and mild discomfort for a couple of months after that. I had a hard time going up and down the stairs and even picking up my baby was uncomfortable for several weeks. I wasn't supposed to pick up my toddler for six weeks but I had to after two weeks because my DH had to go back to work and I had no one to stay with me.

Dealing with a C-section was so much harder than dealing with a V birth. I had the C because it was what was best for my baby but I tried everything to get him to turn. Exercises, accupuncture, meditation, hypnosis, inversion. Nothing worked. But if I could have magically made him turn to have a V birth and avoided all the misery of the C I would have.

 

[EKW]

What would I think? I'd think you are crazy!

I had two c-sections. Let's see, first it's major abdominal surgery.

As far as inconvenience, for about two weeks you can't sit up from a laying position. You have to roll to your side and use your arm to push yourself up. Yes, this includes every time the baby wakes up for a feeding.

As for the incision, the first one was annoying, but not horrible. The second one, well, the incision just wouldn't heal right. My muscles down there are shot...can you say major pooch?

I have adhesions like crazy...as in, if I have a full bladder I can tell you the location of all the various bits that are located in that area because they are now all stuck together. I was warned that when I'm in my 70's and older I need to watch for strangulation of the intestines due to this.

Add to that the fact that, for 6 weeks after surgery, you are supposed to not drive, avoid stairs, not lift anything heavier than the baby. (Meaning the carrier/stroller/vacuum/laundry basket/etc.)

That's the reality...it doesn't even take into account the risks that come from surgery itself, including infection.

Would I ever opt for a c-section? No way!

 

[Haley/Hayden Mom]

How would you know what the recovery of a regular deliver is if you never had one?

I ask this because I have had both and, sorry, they are not the same. You .
cannot say this if you have never experienced a regular delivery! And I don't believe you would if you had! My csection recoveries were horrible (I have had four). I had two natural deliveries that, although labor was hard, the recovery time did not even compare! I was walking right after the births, with the sections, the nurses had to drag me out of bed when I finally had to get up. It stunk.

THis is not a good idea. First, it is surgery (why would any "elect" that?), secondly, after regular deliveries, you will be horrified by how painful the recovery is (the gas pains are worse than labor). Any doctor that would do an elective csection is crazy and I would never trust him.

The nurses after both my daughter were amazed at how soon I was up and I even asked to have my staples removed before leaving the hospital.(Which where I delivered is a normal come back in a week and we will remove) I was walking stairs after 2 days and had none of the problems that I had read about that c-section mothers normally have and not any of the pain. There was the gas issues for the 1st couple of days but that was it. My aunt who delivered 3 children naturally even said I bounced back quicker than she ever did after child birth.In fact alot of my friends who have delivered children the other way all made comments about how active I was after my c-sections. I was at the grocery store 3 days after i came home from the hospital while my mom watched the kids. Everyone has chocked it up to the fact I am hyperactive and I can't let my body have any down time or I will go completely crazy. My first was not elective it was emergency and the 2nd was due to the pelvis issue. I opted to the repeat b/c the doc said there was a slight chance it would dislocate with the dialation process and i did not want that again it hurt worse than trying to push the baby out. I would never opt for an elective if I have never had a child before but there are alot of people out there who will and have found doctors who will do it for them. Sorry to have ruffled any feathers but I was just stating what my c-sections were for and that I wouldn't trade them for anything. They gave me two happy healthy girls that are total disney addicts.

 

[dogluva]

The nurses after both my daughter were amazed at how soon I was up and I even asked to have my staples removed before leaving the hospital.(Which where I delivered is a normal come back in a week and we will remove) I was walking stairs after 2 days and had none of the problems that I had read about that c-section mothers normally have and not any of the pain. There was the gas issues for the 1st couple of days but that was it. My aunt who delivered 3 children naturally even said I bounced back quicker than she ever did after child birth.In fact alot of my friends who have delivered children the other way all made comments about how active I was after my c-sections. I was at the grocery store 3 days after i came home from the hospital while my mom watched the kids. Everyone has chocked it up to the fact I am hyperactive and I can't let my body have any down time or I will go completely crazy. My first was not elective it was emergency and the 2nd was due to the pelvis issue. I opted to the repeat b/c the doc said there was a slight chance it would dislocate with the dialation process and i did not want that again it hurt worse than trying to push the baby out. I would never opt for an elective if I have never had a child before but there are alot of people out there who will and have found doctors who will do it for them. Sorry to have ruffled any feathers but I was just stating what my c-sections were for and that I wouldn't trade them for anything. They gave me two happy healthy girls that are total disney addicts.

Well I wouldn't trade my four sections for anyting or my two natural deliveries either, that is really not the topic. I also realize that some are necessary (I had no choice either). We are talking about the recovery time.

You cannot compare the two unless you had a natural delivery. You just can't. Sounds like you had an easy recovery but how do you know what your recovery would have been like for a natural? I had my stitches removed before I left the hospital for all four (never heard of coming back). Also, I think I did the stairs two days after but after my natural deliveries, I was running up the stairs (or could have if they had let me) an hour after delivery.

If you had a natural delivery you could then say one is easier than the other. However, since you never had a natural you can't. I bet your recovery would have been ten times easier due to your hyperactivity.

 

[Haley/Hayden Mom]

Well I wouldn't trade my four sections for anyting or my two natural deliveries either, that is really not the topic. I also realize that some are necessary (I had no choice either). We are talking about the recovery time.

You cannot compare the two unless you had a natural delivery. You just can't. Sounds like you had an easy recovery but how do you know what your recovery would have been like for a natural? I had my stitches removed before I left the hospital for all four (never heard of coming back). Also, I think I did the stairs two days after but after my natural deliveries, I was running up the stairs (or could have if they had let me) an hour after delivery.

If you had a natural delivery you could then say one is easier than the other. However, since you never had a natural you can't. I bet your recovery would have been ten times easier due to your hyperactivity.

I might have. My mom said I came out bouncing and that i've never stopped. LOL!