So, I'm tempted to schedule a C-section instead of trying to deliver naturally, which may inevitably result in a C-section anyway. There are pros and cons to both options, of course. Scheduling would allow me to shower, clean my house, pack my hospital bag, ensure that Peter were present, enable my mom to purchase her plane ticket in advance and even be there for the delivery... naturally, recovery time would be lengthened, I'd feel nauseous after anaesthesia, and I couldn't hold the baby very well for a while. Oh yeah, and they tell me I couldn't drive for a month. Who cares? Mom will be in town to take care of me... hmm.... Going it naturally allows for a quicker recovery time, but I may tear, go through hours of labor pains, get hemorroids, and end up having a C-section anyway. Can you tell which way I'm leaning?
If you've given birth, what are your thoughts? I welcome any and all advice, chiquitas!
9 comments:
First off Congrats!!!
Here is my advice. First baby-- labored, push for 3 hrs, emergency c-section. 2nd baby - VBAC 5 hour labor 1 1/2 hour push, some tearing. Having experienced both I vote for vaginal. With the c-section I still would have pain 6 months later. Recovery is awful and very painful! Yes, you are sore after vaginal, but at least you can walk! You can also do things so you don't tear as much, and your doctor (if they are good) will prevent as much tearing as possible. You can also start exercising sooner. So I say vaginal and don't be induced. But I am also for natural, so I have a different mind set then most people.
I continually comment on your blog, forgive me!
I've done it both ways as a matter of fact. Zeke was an emergency C-Section. He'd have been dead- a story for another day. Reid was a rather successful VBAC. Gwen was a scheduled Cesarean because she had been diagnosed with hydrocephalus.
Weirdos try to say that unless one does it naturally, one doesn't have a true birthing experience. I say that is nonsense. People flip over weddings when it's the marriage that matters and I see it the same for child birth. No matter how the baby gets here, it's raising one that counts. :)
I digress. Anyway, with cesareans, postpartum bleeding is significantly less. So that's a plus! I've never been told I couldn't drive! However, for the first couple weeks you shouldn't lift anything heavier than the baby. Not even the baby in the car seat. But there are ways to work around that. Yes recovery is slower, but you won't have a lot of energy for the first couple months anyway, so you might as well use it recovering!
I think I find myself off track again. I'd heavily support either decision you make, but since you already lean toward one, I will add by saying you WON'T regret it. :)
So I've never had a c-section, but I did have big 'ol cyst removed from my ovaries, where I was cut in the same area as a c-section (so I kind of count that.) But the recovery from that was way worse than the recovery from labor. Seriously painful. And I cannot imagine recovering and having to feed and care for a baby while doing it. Is your Mom planning on staying a month plus? As for labor, not so bad with a fabulous epidural. Post labor recovery and pain was nothing compared to getting through the surgery. And that includes tearing.
So I guess it depends on your pain preferences, right? But I would never go c-section route unless the Doctor said it was my only option.
So, so excited for you!!! It was fun seeing Peter last week. You were missed.
Sorella Mia,
Congrats my friend, I am so completely ecstatic for you!! You guys will be fabulous parents. I was just reading about whether you should go c-section or vaginal. Well all 4 were vaginal for me. I also had a surgery in the same place they would do c-section, and I would never recommend it unless the Dr. requested it. Vaginal is not so bad, especially with the epidural. Epidurals are my FRIEND. Everybody is different, so you will have to do what you feel is best for you, but my vote is vaginal. Plus by the 2nd baby it's a piece of cake. You normally don't push that long, and you may not even tear or have to have stitches. Recovery is much better. Take it from one who had a 9 pounder on her 1st baby. Tanti Auguri sorella mia!
I had two c sections and then a vaginal and the vaginal beat the c sections all to hell. Recovery is so much easier and quicker, both physically and emotionally. Sure c sections may SEEM more convenient, but there are lots of other things to consider. It is MAJOR abdominal surgery, and carries more risk than a vaginal delivery. Especially if you already have scar tissue built up. You mentioned to me before that you would like to have more. Your first c section will affect all of your other deliveries. And that introduces a whole other set of potential issues with it. Personally, I wouldn't do a c section unless you have to. Recovery from a c section has emotional recovery as well as physical. It's a long process. It's not like you have one, and then 4 days later you leave the hospital and you're done. I hemorrahged with both of my c sections and had some major recovery problems. I didn't do that with Laela and recovery was a breeze. I was shopping a couple of days later. With the c sections i was dealing with anemia, lethargy, fatigue, ppd.... NONE of that with a vaginal. Yeah, the contractions SUCK, but I would take those over surgery recovery any day. But that's just my opinion. As you can clearly see from other comments here, different experiences for different people. But it is a big decision, make it a matter of prayer.
Ladies, I appreciate all of your advice! Its becoming clear that everyone is different in their preferences and experiences. Wow, it is a huge decision and we will make it a matter of prayer. Thank you so much for sharing... by way of update, we did have another ultrasound, and the Doc says its probably a girl, but nothing is 100%, esp this early. We have the full anatomy scan on May 18 which could more decisively confirm the gender. :)
Hey Al, just thought I'd leave my 2 cents, along with everyone else. I've experienced both, and even with tearing (which really isn't a big deal) and with contractions (which suck it up, big time), vaginal is so, so, so much better. It's an easier recovery by a long shot for your whole body. Having a new baby is hard enough, with the sleepless nights and all the hormones raging through your body. There's no need to add major abdominal surgery unless it's necessary for either your health or the baby's. Good luck with whatever you decide!
Al I too have experienced both....first 3 vaginal and the twins c-section....you have to do whats best, but I would opt for vaginal anyday over c-section. Recovery STINKS....compared to recovery from vaginal. Well good luck and enjoy....can't wait to hear for sure what you are having! Good luck with your work nightmare...she sounds difficult to say the least! May I suggest a few tricks we tried in our younger days to fellow employees. (Jalapeno/pickle juice in their drink of choice. A large amount of salt poured into their drink of choice...these are just a few ideas to help get some aggression out and maybe enjoy a little laugh on her behalf) Good luck Love ya! Kris
Allison, although Ive never done it "naturally" I have to say I really dont mind the c-section thing at all! I LOVE being able to schedule the birth and have everything planned and ready to go. Also, my recovery wasn't bad at all (i'll let you know how it goes this time!). I was up walking around by day 2 and was back at school f/t within 3 weeks. I was never told I couldn't drive, though. I know Andrea has done both so you could ask her. We'll have to chat soon. Good luck!
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