Elected C-section? TMI perhaps!

[tifany]

Look - You are going to get all kinds of responses . . . some people will say they had their womanhood taken away from them because they were hoodwinked into believing they had to have a C-section. Others will say they would have had the C-section over the natural birth and even others say they would have a natural birth over a C-Section.

As for myself, I was a high risk pregnancy and knew from the beginning it would be a C-Section. I was prepared well in advance for the surgery. I took advantage of my insurance paying for 4 days in the hospital due to state laws. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

I knew the day and time I would have my child. Yes, I did go into labor twice prior to my C-Section date, but things didn't progress. If my labor would have presisted, I would have still had a C-Section. I had great doctors, nurses, and the volunteers that helped me during my recovery.

Just remember what ever decision you make, the outcome is still the same . . . a beautiful child.

 

[celestialred]

As an OB nurse I would not recommend a c-section by choice-a section needed due to medical reasons for mother or child or a previous csection (for someone with no desire to vbac) is another discussion and is not relevant to the OP questions or concerns.

As glad as I am for you acknowledging the medical necessity for c/sections, in my experience with this debate (in general with anyone, not pointing fingers here) people tend to lose the "medically necessary" perspective and get a raging case of tunnel-vision when the phrase is mentioned at all, before one has a chance to explain the circumstances behind it. Of course my circumstances were completely different than OP's but since she asked about recovery, I gave my insight. And the extra stuff too since it was already brought up anyway. It's a reflex anymore. It shouldn't be but it is. Teachable moments and all that jazz...

Ar1el, I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming little one!

 

[stephielela]

I would say it all depends on where you are in life. I had my son after an emergency c, I had been in (induced) labor for 17 hours, pushing for 3.5 and my doctor came in, took one look and said that it just was't going to happen. My son had a large head, and my hips never widened during my pregnancy. I had my c and was a bit out of it after, but mostly because they had to knock me completely out since when they started cutting, I could still feel it. Despite my intial grogginess, I was up and about, showering and entertaining guests in my room in less than 12 hours. I got released less than 48 hours after and my first morning home was walking my dog and pushing my stroller simultaneously, and off my meds completely less than a wek after. I will probably not try for a VBAC if I decide to have another child, because I truly hated the entire labor experience, and odds are, the same thing would happen again. I suppose if the baby was measuring really small, I'd consider it, but really, I'd rather not go through the trama of trying (and failing) at a "regular" birth. I was only 24 though, and since I know I will be older when/if I have another child, I'm sure the racovery will be slower, but even so, it's not a risk I want to take.

 

[LadySiren]

I had both DDs by non-elective c-section for various reasons. While I didn't enjoy the whole spinal thing (ouch!) once the docs got going, it was no problem at all. Both of my surgeries went fine - I even got neutered the second time around with no complications. After delivery, yes, I was out of it for awhile but by no means was I unable to interact with my newborns.

My eldest DD was in NICU because of a whole bunch of health issues, but after a couple of hours, I was able to go down to the nursery and hold her for a bit. My youngest DD was in our room and it was the same - after I came out of the fog, I was able to hold her no problem. I should note though, that neither DD was breastfed because of medical issues (mine, not theirs). It might've been different if I'd been trying to breastfeed them.

The recovery was longer than with conventional childbirth - it's major surgery, after all. That being said, it didn't bother me that much. It gave me an excuse to have eight weeks off, LOL. Yes, I did take advantage of poor DH - "honey, I can't cook tonight...doctor's orders."

Personally, I was okay with having the c-section. Not only did I not have to go through contractions, it was the right decision for my DDs and I, health-wise. I'd say take everything on this board with a grain of salt, and go with the decision that feels right for those that really matter: you, your DH, and your family. Your OB can help you with an explanation of risks vs. benefits, so that you can make an informed decision.

No matter what you do, good luck and hope it turns out great.

 

[chrisw127]

I had full-term twins on a Friday afternoon and was driving, off meds, and carrying them both around the house at the same time by Tuesday morning. I think my experience was easier since it was planned and I wasn't exhausted from labor.

Good luck to you.

 

[CrAzY4DL]

I breast-fed after both of my c-sections. First one was emergency and second was hospital no longer did vbacs. Pregnant with third (and last) and Dr said they wouldn't even think about considering a vbac, too much scar tissue and blah blah. I asked if there was a way to NOT have another epidural or spinal and was told nope, too much scar tissue to get baby out before knock out drugs affect baby. Sigh, really do hate the spinal/epi's. Oh well, at least with the c-section I know what to expect. Was never on any pain meds besides regular Motrin.

 

[annaaidan99]

Has anyone chosen to have a c-section after ******l births? I ask bc I am 11 weeks pregnant and I have 2 other children that were delivered ******ly. I did not know that u could opt to have a c-section if u wanted it. I am thinking about it bc my husband works an hour from our house, I had to be cut with each pregnancy with the 2nd one being more. With my second child I went into labor at 11pm and thank goodness my DH best friend was right down the street at the time and was able to come over and stay while my 1st slept. He is no longer that close. The rest of the family is out of state or over an hour away. Any thoughts? TIA

I would be induced before I elected to have a c-section. I was induced for 2 out of 3 deliveries, and will probably do it again. It is nice to "schedule" it for when I know I'll be covered family wise. Ironically, with both inductions, I went into labor on my way to the appointment.