As my Friday doctor appointments approach, I realize that I only have about 4 more weeks from now before my doc is insistent that I’ve made my final decision…to C-section or not to C-section.
I intended to attend an informational meeting of the local chapter of ICAN (a group supportive of regular birth after C-section) this past Monday, but with so many other things being juggled right now, or course I didn’t remember about the meeting until Tuesday morning. Ooops.
D.Jones hasn’t provided any feedback either way, stating that it’s ultimately my decision and either way, the intent is that we have a healthy baby and a healthy me. True. But also true to form is my inability to make a solid decision at all, and I am so torn. I’ve begged my doctor to make the decision for me, but of course, she just laughs at me.
Basically what runs through my head is that I do not want the stressful situation of Cooper’s birth to occur again. Long story short, a day and a half of not intense labor until they kicked the pitocin into high gear, which sent me begging for an epidural, and culminating in Cooper’s heart rate dropping so dramatically that alarms went off and nurses ran in to my room from seemingly all directions. Terrifying.
My dream for this time around is that I get to “enjoy” the experience. Okay, maybe enjoy is a bit strong when discussing childbirth options, but I wish to not be scared out of my mind, exhausted and then going into surgery.
I recently had a friend who gave birth and described it as exhilerating, telling me that even in the immediate moments following delivery she was thinking to herself “Man, this wasn’t bad! I could do this again…”. She swayed me a bit. Then Doug’s niece had a baby a couple of weeks later, and also had a great experience. More push toward attempting a delivery this time.
Then, as always, I spent way too much time online the other night, reading about the benefits of having a planned C-section (many docs think a planned C-section is even safer than a “regular” delivery), and once again, here I am back at square one.
Anyone care to make the decision for me? Okay, if not, I’m at least open to feedback~
Boy, oh boy! I do not envy you. That is a tough decision. I did not have a C Section for either of my babies, so I can only tell you about my experience. I had Pitocin for both, it was intense labor, but once the baby was born, I thought, “well, that was not as bad as what a lot of woman say.” I say that now, after 10 and 12 years. If you asked me the day of Collin’s birth, I may have said something different!! Do what feels right for you. You’ll make the right choice. Either way, having a healthy baby and Mommy is really all that matters.
well, you asked, so i will respond
doctors in general will push for c-sections because it’s easier for THEM. it’s scheduled, doesn’t happen in the middle of the night, and takes only a few minutes of their time, whereas vaginal birth can take quite a while.
personally i would suggest you trying to go VB. if it doesn’t work, you don’t have to suffer for a day or even 10 hours. they will know whether you are progressing. if you are not, go immediate to C and do not pass GO.
Although I went sans epidural, the pain for me was only intense the last 30 minutes of labor (not counting Arden’s which was induced, so I was stupid as shit not to get an epidural). Feeling Lily move and knowing she was crowning and about to be born was truly one of the best moments of my life. I was present, I could watch, and holding her immediately after, letting her nurse, not being sleepy or anesthetized was truly awesome.
Vaginal birth is a fabulous experience if you can manage it. I have a friend who can’t and must do C-sections, and she is very sad about that. I would just talk frankly with your Dr. about being honest that when you say, enough is enough, he takes you for your c-section. No one should suffer that much, especially the second time around.
Regardless of what you choose, I can’t wait to meet the newest Jones! And the not so new Jones, whom I would love to meet too! And Doug! And of course, hugging you is awesome . . .
Thanks for the responses, ladies.
Homes, my doc is actually pushing for the VBAC, which I know is not usual for most physicians, but she is. Problem is, I explained that I don’t want to labor for too long, and she said, unfortunately, she will treat it like a first time labor, and that means, I’m on my own until either A. I don’t make any progress after a l-o-n-g time, or B. the babe doesn’t tolerate the labor. SO…that’s where I stand.
I am very tempted to give it a shot for the multiple reasons that you cite. I’d like to experience it. I think.
I had a great vaginal birth as well. However, I was induced and only pushed for an hour, so I’m not the best person to give advice. I can’t imagine laboring for hours and hours again only to have a c section. I’m sure you’ll figure it out soon.
It is pretty awesome to have that baby put immediately on your chest. You totally forget that you just gave birth. It is magical.
I had two c-sections. My first was emergency and the second I opted with a scheduled c-section, my doctor absolutely did not push me to make that decision. I thought about it long and hard, at the end of the day, Aiden’s near death due to a very hard labor was enough for me to decide on a c-section. I already knew how to recover from a c-section.
I’m in no way telling you to have the second c-section, I will tell you that in my personal experience, the second c-section was WAY easier than the first. I recovered faster, I was up and walking around within two hours of surgery.