C-sections...

I had to have an emergency c-section, it turned out the cord was wrapped around his neck. I really didn't want a section but at that point I trusted my Dr. and said OK. The worse part in my opinion was the feeling of not be able to move my legs. It is the weirdest feeling. I was ok at first but when they had taken Damien out, and into the nursery and all I could think about was what was going on to my body, I started to panic. Steve had to talk me through it. Afterwards I was really tired and cold. They took me to recovery and put a warming blanket on me. I just remember Steve and my Mom and then my sister telling me about the baby in between sleep. They I was moved to a private room (which was wonderful) they give you pretty heavy duty pain killers so the pain wasn't that bad. It was nice to stay in the hospital for 4 days too, having other people take care of you is nice. They send you home with pain killers, take them when you are sore. All in all it really is the quickest pain to forget and it doesn't even seem like such a big deal now(to me ) I might even schedule another one for my next baby. My friend did that and she said it's even better with no labor pains I know other people have had negative experiences but for me it was fine and I have Damien and that is all that matters to me HTH

IMO you should have more faith in your body before scheduling an operative birth. Many, many women can birth large babies without any problem. There is no way for the doctor to predict a problem just because of size, unless there is another health risk involved.

With a c-section you need more help afterwards Melissa and I am not sure how much time your husband will have off to care for you.

Of course, I am someone who wanted to give birth and I feel very imcomplete because I didn't. I feel very cheated out of labor and holding the baby afterwards.

But if you chose to have the c-section here are some tips:
-Tell them that you do not want a cathader (sp?) until you have your spinal/edi. It is your right to request this!
-You do not have to have your arms tied/taped down. I didn't. Tell them you do not want it. If you are taped down you cannot even touch the baby!
-If you want to BF, request that a nurse help you BF in the OR. I did this so it is very possible.
-With a c-section your milk may take an extra day or two to come in so ask for BF help while in the hospital. If you are having any problems with the baby's weight speak with a lacation consultant in the hospital before just starting formula. This was something I should have insisted on myself.
-Be prepared to need a lot more help after the baby is born. I was not able to get in and out of bed easily for over 2 weeks. Your only job should be feeding and caring for your baby. If you live with a lot of stairs in your apartment you will also need to be very, very careful. You are not supposed to go up and down the stairs in the beginning.
-It took me weeks before I felt even close to starting to heal. I know you have to return to work rather quickly and a non-surgerical birth is easier for you to recover from and return to work sooner.

Again, I am not a happy c-section mom so my opinions are not unbaised. But I will say that each mother needs to make the decision that is best for them. Yahoo has a number of on-line groups re: c-sections and those women helped me to understand some of my rights. You may find it helpful to do a lot of research before making your decision. Again, don't be afraid because you have larger size baby. If you start out natural (or with an epi) and decide a c-section is better you can always do that. But you cannot go from c-section to natural birth.

I had no choice but to have a c-sec. Ryan was too big for my insides to have a regular delivery. At 39 weeks he still hadn't dropped, nor was I dilated. However, my dr. believed in me starting labor and seeing what happened. So, I was prepared either way, but like you, warned in advance about the possibility which I appreciated. I went into labor naturally on my due date but after 7 hours I was still only dilated 1 cm. and Ryan still had not dropped! My dr. gave me the option of inducing labor with the likelihood of having a c-sec in 10 or 11 hours or just going for the c-sec right then and there. I went for the c-sec. Ryan was out in 25 minutes and besides the spinal feeling weird, I had no issues. He was on my breast in a half hour and was an immediate champ at breastfeeding. My recovery was harder but definitely not horrific. I had plenty of help, and honestly felt better much quicker than I thought I would. No, I didn't have the traditional 'giving birth' experience, but I still gave birth to a gorgeous healthy baby and that is all that matters. Considering that 50 years ago, in the same position, both Ryan and I would probably be dead, I am grateful that the c-sec enabled me to have an easy delivery of a beautiful healthy boy. In fact, I am considering a scheduled c-sec for any future babies since it really went so easily for me. I have no regrets, and I certainly do not look back and feel I missed out on anything - all I have to do is look at my beautiful son and know that the surgery was worth it to have him here with me - I bear my scar proudly!! It was very upsetting to me to hear initially that it might be a c-sec, but I quickly got over it and again, think it was a fine way to give birth - it wasn't 'natural', but who's keeping score?! Good Luck to you and if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to FM me!! Just remember, not everything goes the way we want or plan - it's in God's hands!!

Edited to add - he was 8 lbs. 15 oz. when he was born!

Lee,

It was so nice to read your post
I also feel that having a c-section doesnt make it any less of 'giving birth' and doesnt take away from the experience or make it less overwhelming.
I had a c-section because it was 18hrs after my water had broke, I had a very high temp, (Which tells them theres infection), and the baby was in distress (HB was high). It was not emergency, but it was strongly suggested, so based on the circumstances mentioned, we went with it.
I got to see him right away, kiss him as soon as he came out, and daddy got to spend bonding time with him immediately as I was finishing up in the OR. My twin sister was even there to experience the miracle.
This time around, Im going to play it by ear and see how everything goes in my later weeks. Id like to try to go into labor and see how I progress, and depending on the situation, only God will know if it will be a c-section again. We will see how it goes.

I dont think it was as dramatic as it can be made out to be. I think everything really depends on the person and how you take things. I think I healed pretty quickly and it did not stop me or put off any BFing at all.
JA was born at 6:55pm, first thing the next morning, I had taken a shower and was walking around. I feel much better if I am up and about, and not bedridden for so many hours at a time. We were allowed percoset (painkillers) I beleive 3 times a day. I took them only once a day, sometimes none. I really didnt want to get attached to taking medication or too comfy with that feeling. I really needed it most at night when I was about to fall asleep, the scar hurt alot and I couldnt get into a comfortable position.

I dont think a c-section is much worse than a natural birth. My roomate at the hospital had a natural birth, and to be honest, she seemed worse off than me, but again it all depends on one's pain tolerance, optimism and each situation is different.

---

Posted by anna
I dont think a c-section is much worse than a natural birth. My roomate at the hospital had a natural birth, and to be honest, she seemed worse off than me, but again it all depends on one's pain tolerance, optimism and each situation is different.

---

This is so true. Every situation is unique. I had what is considered a 'traumatic vaginal delivery', and I was completely bedridden for 24 hours after giving birth, on mass amounts of percocet, and almost needed a blood transfusion. Anna, you with your C-section were much better off than I was!!

I just want to make it VERY clear that my opinion is just that- my own. I am not trying to make ANY women feel that their birth experience was not special.

Also- please remember that I never felt ANY labor and that I think my experience (not knowing the doctor since I only saw a midwife, problems with most pain killers etc..) is very different. I honestly think that if I had been allowed to have labor for a even an hour, my feelings would be very, very different.


And please do not take my feelings about my birth experience as any indications about my love for my daughter. I love her with my soul, my heart and everything I have. I just have a lot of issues with my own personal experience.

Michele, Im sure honest and heartfelt opinions are appreciated by all, especially being related to your personal experience and knowing that it may give insight (or scare the crap out of ) someone out there...

I am a fan of hearing the truth and nothing but the truth, even if it hurts...

But hey remember, you were the one that told me 'To lessen the horror and pain birth stories'... so as not to scare or change the positive outlook of a mom-to-be.
(No offense intended )

Oh my goodness Michele I know for myself from reading your story, that while your feelings about your birth experience were troubling for you, I would never think that your birth experience was any indication (i'm assuming you meant negative) about your love for your daughter. Of course you love her!

Oh c'mon, ladies....get over it already....we all KNOW that everyone's birth stories are different, and everyone's tolerance for pain is different...just share information and move on....

I'm not sure what there is to 'get over', but Michele, I hope you know that nowhere in my post was I implying anything about your love for your baby!! If my post insulted you in any way, I apologize. I know you had a difficult time with having the c-sec and I totally understand. For me, personally, the c-sec was not a big deal vs. a natural birth, but I certainly did not mean to take away from your experience.

Anna, I felt the same way as you - I'm curious how you will feel as you approach the 37 week mark and can decide what direction you want to take!! Hope you are feeling well!

Im not sure what there is to get over either

Thanks Lee

Lee - my comment had nothing to do with you, just FYI.

I just don't like to see two people that I care about bickering over two different viewpoints [of a similar situation] that they are both entitled to have. That is all I meant by 'get over it.' Everyone's opinion and contribution is valuable here on Parenting. We learn alot from each other's individual parenting and birthing experiences.

No harm, no foul.

right now I wouldnt care if they had to pull him out of my mouth..
Im sooooooooooooooooooooo hurting

---

Posted by Lee

No, I didn't have the traditional 'giving birth' experience, but I still gave birth to a gorgeous healthy baby and that is all that matters.

---

Lee, how beautifully said. That's all I am sure any of us wish for when it's our turn!

Thats all I wish for!!

Claud, thanks for your concern
But I didnt sense any bickering at all...

I just found it quite entertaining when months ago all I mentioned were my screams down the hall and I was 'flamed' (here's the quote to be exact)

Anna- honestly (please do not take offense) but I find it very difficult when you post things like your screams were heard miles away. many of us are in the midst of doing this for the first time and those 'horror' birth stories do not help anyone. I think when we hear stories like that it really justs scares us and makes us all nervous. Yes, maybe your labor and delivery was very much like that and I am NOT saying to lie but I, for one, would like to have a more positive outlook on what is ahead for me in the next few weeks. so maybe, for the sake of us mom's to be, you could try to lessen your 'pain' stories.

and poor Melissa, that was her post too.

Anyway. Michele wrote that NEVER having gone through labor and I am now reading hers HAVING GONE THROUGH both labor AND a c-section, and I find it a bit wrong (for lack of a better word) that here Melissa is trying to decide what her feelings are regarding a c-section, and it is being made out to sound like (for the past months, not just this post) that a c-section is some forced, tied-to-the-bed, your baby is thrown in the other-direction, brutal and cruel act.

I KNOW that all moms will react differently to every experience in their lives and that is what everyone is entitled to. We are human. and every topic under the sun has two (or more!) sides and viewpoints to it

But I couldnt help but to go back and read what was written to me when I simply said that my screams were heard down the hall.

I just dont like the pot calling the kettle black.

ITs that simple.

Melissa, sorry to rumble up your post sweetie

But melissa asked for everyone who had a C-section to tell her the Good AND bad.
It seemed she was looking for just all honest feelings.
Michele and everyone else did just that.
No horror stories, just there individual experiences, like Melissa asked for.

First of all I would like to say congrats to all the new moms and mom-to-be's. I would like to add that I have read about Michele's experience in the past, and did not respond. I would like to take this time to respond respectfully. I feel that there are 2 sides to every story, and since we have heard Michele's side as the patient, I would like to give you my side as the health care professional. I know I am going to get flamed for this, but if it makes just one woman less scared, than I will take in in stride. JMO

Many, many women can birth large babies without any problem. There is no way for the doctor to predict a problem just because of size, unless there is another health risk involved.

This is just not always true. The best way for a doctor to tell if a baby can be delivered vaginally before the actual time of labor, is the shape of the pelvis. This is why the size of the woman is irrelevant many times. A 5 foot woman can deliver a 10 lb baby if her pelvis is correct shape, and a 6 ft woman may not be able to. Once you actually go into labor, we are talking a whole different ball game here. In addition, if the size of the baby is too big for the womb, fluid starts to run out, and there is increased risk of fetal demise. Not always, but the risk is there in some women some of the time.

With a c-section you need more help afterwards Melissa and I am not sure how much time your husband will have off to care for you.

Again, this is not always true. This all depends on the woman. I have seen people who have had vaginal deliveries need as much or more help than a c-section mom. Ever met a woman who suffered a laceration? Especially one who tore because she refused an episotomy? MUCH MUCH more painful than a c-section, and a much longer healing time.

Of course, I am someone who wanted to give birth and I feel very imcomplete because I didn't. I feel very cheated out of labor and holding the baby afterwards.

I am not touching this one, this is all a matter of personal opinion, and you are entitled to your feelings.

But if you chose to have the c-section here are some tips:
-Tell them that you do not want a cathader (sp?) until you have your spinal/edi. It is your right to request this!

Not necessarily. First of all, catheterization is not a big deal at all. Most women dont even feel it going in, especially when they are in labor or crowning. A slim tube that goes all of 3 inches is not going to kill you. Secondly, it is NOT always your right to have them do it after your spinal. If your bladder is distended, it could rupture. People die from this.

-You do not have to have your arms tied/taped down. I didn't. Tell them you do not want it. If you are taped down you cannot even touch the baby!

The way you described it makes it seem like its routine. I have never heard of anyone getting thier hands tied down unless the mother is EXTREMELY irate, and is putting herself/baby/staff at risk. We deliver over 6000 babies at my hospital a year, and my friend who is a L+D nurse has said she has seen this happen as often as you see the cows fly over the blue moon. You must have read about this on yahoo.

-If you want to BF, request that a nurse help you BF in the OR. I did this so it is very possible.
-With a c-section your milk may take an extra day or two to come in so ask for BF help while in the hospital. If you are having any problems with the baby's weight speak with a lacation consultant in the hospital before just starting formula. This was something I should have insisted on myself.

Good advice here, no input needed.

-Be prepared to need a lot more help after the baby is born. I was not able to get in and out of bed easily for over 2 weeks.

This is not a normal recovery for a c-section. I would bet money that the emotional state you were in was at least partly to blame. Emotions have a huge effect on healing.

Your only job should be feeding and caring for your baby. If you live with a lot of stairs in your apartment you will also need to be very, very careful. You are not supposed to go up and down the stairs in the beginning.
-It took me weeks before I felt even close to starting to heal. I know you have to return to work rather quickly and a non-surgerical birth is easier for you to recover from and return to work sooner.

Like mentioned in an earlier statement, vaginal deliveries are not always easier. This is a false statement.

Again, I am not a happy c-section mom so my opinions are not unbaised. But I will say that each mother needs to make the decision that is best for them. Yahoo has a number of on-line groups re: c-sections and those women helped me to understand some of my rights.

Its these types of groups that put out a lot of false information and cause people undue emotional distress. 9 out of 10 things they say are NOT backed up by medical research and have no foundation at all. I challenge you to give me 10 things that 'they say' you dont need in the hospital, and Ill tell you why you do, and why you and your baby's life may depend on it. For example, these woman dont want thier pregnant bellies hooked up to a moniter. Well why the hell not? Is it hurting the baby? No, but 'in the days where we gave birth in the field, we didnt need moniters'. Well those 'unnatural machines' can tell us if your baby is getting enough oxygen, if the cord is around his/her neck, if your contractions are adequate/dangerous, so on and so forth.

You may find it helpful to do a lot of research before making your decision. Again, don't be afraid because you have larger size baby. If you start out natural (or with an epi) and decide a c-section is better you can always do that. But you cannot go from c-section to natural birth.

I agree, do a lot of research before you decide. But dont use the crazy womens group at yahoo to make your decision. Try something that has some merit to it.