For Those Who Had Both Vaginal Birth and C-section, Which One Was Better?

I have had both and would pick vaginal every time. It's so much less invasive and so much less recovery time...not to mention the risks. I was truly bummed that my second child was in a breach position so I had to do a C section.

My first child was a c-section and my last three were vaginal. Recovery time for me was sooooo much better with the vaginal deliveries than the c-section. It took me months to feel like myself again after my c-section. With my vaginal births it took just a month for me to be up and going again. I hope this helps.

I had the c first, and then VBAC. I had no problems with recovery either time though the VBAC was much easier, only a little sore afterwards. A walk to the store felt like I got a workout. I did not have any problems moving around or going to the bathroom. The c was sore for a few days which can be expected but I think after the 4th day I was totally fine just careful.

I had two of both and I am in the minority in that I much prefer the C-section. You are in pain either way but with a planned C-section you do not have the added discomfort/exhaustion of having labored for hours only to tear. You know what is coming and it is in a controlled environment.
And do not let the "bonding argument" sway your decision. Nowadays babies are whisked away for post-delivery procedures and tests anyway.

I had an emergency c-section with my first(I was completely knocked out for it- his cord became prolapsed), a v-bac with my second and then 3 more(mandatory)c-sections. I preferred the vaginal birth to the c-sections and would have done the others the same but my doctor wasn't willing to do a v-bac with the 3rd baby(a different dr than the first two) so I had to have c-sections for the other ones.
I just had one in January and I forgot how long it takes to fully recover. I am walking 4miles 3 days a week but the other day I was at the park and had to kind of jump up to get in a swing(it was a really high swing!) and I hurt my stomach where my scar is. And for me also, healing each time has been a little longer.
I would try the vaginal if you can. For the most part, it's a lot easier on your body and recovery is a lot quicker. For me it takes about a year before I am back to where I was pre pregnancy.
God bless!
~C.

one thing to consider the acog declared war on v-bac. so if you c this time and find you hate it, it will be very hard to vbac next time. you can always switch to c.

i really can't believe your doc is suggesting a c-section with no medical reason

I had a c-section the first time around, and it sucked. bad. i was helpless and strapped down, freezing and shaking, not even a part of my child's entry into the world. i didn't meet him for 45 minutes. our bonding was affected. all of his first gazes went to his dad, and i felt completely removed from him and unable to function. the recovery was awful. i couldn't walk, and i have an ugly scar that will mark my body forever. not a good experience.

my second was a natural hospital birth that i fought for, and it was hard and long and absolutely the most empowering experience of my life. i was on a high for 6 weeks. i was fully engaged and powerful for my baby.

my third was a natural home birth, and it was short and sweet (we used hypnosis) and i loved it. it was just easier, and I found out just how strong i am. it sounds silly but I'm not afraid to die anymore. bringing a baby into the world should be a powerful rite of passage. it affects the connection you have with your child. women who choose c-sections are missing out on a powerful cocktail of hormones designed to give moms and babies the best start, and it's far more dangerous for the mom. it's a major surgery, with all the risks of complications that go along with a major surgery. docs who do it without medical reason are taking a big risk with their patient. i know it's convenient, but really, you're just trading a day of labor for weeks of discomfort and inconvenience in recovery. i'd take the day, and find your power and be amazed at what your body can do. it made a baby! let it get the baby out! you need to be strong and able to care for your child. i'm sure you COULD do it, but that doesn't mean you SHOULD...

best of luck to you, whatever you decide.

I have done both. I would never opt for a c-section. It is major abdominal surgery, it's dangerous and can lead to problems later. Your body was created to give birth.

I've had both, a C-section and then 2 V-bac home births. I wish every birthing woman could have a vaginal birth! I can think of no compelling evidence to opt for a C-section unless it is absolutely medically necessary, no matter what the other moms responding to your question have said. That is the reason I was finally able to convince my husband that I needed to birth at home with midwives. I did not think that after my C-section the hospital environment would give me a good chance at a V-bac. It is something to take into consideration if you think you might have more children (as it would be even harder on your family to have another C-section.)

Cesarean- the cons (skip ahead for "pro's" of vaginal births):
from reading
* a baby not squeezed through birth canal, fluid not squeezed out of lungs can have problems breathing
* a baby not squeezed through birth canal can have developmental problems with sensory integration issues

from my experience
* can't see baby born
* felt like I wasn't even part of the birth
* couldn't hold baby while being stitched up
* thought I would drop baby in recovery because I couldn't feel my arms
* someone else held him to me to nurse for a moment in recovery
* didn't see baby for quite some time while he was cleaned up in the nursery
* wasn't allowed to eat anything but jello (& broth?)
* hurt to laugh, cough, nurse, sit up, stand, walk (Realized how much my stomach muscles were needed for everything I did.) Needed to hold my stomach or hold a pillow on my stomach for days
* I never thought I'd put my baby in the hospital nursery, but I couldn't care for him myself after the section
* had to figure out how to put everything I wanted within arms reach because it hurt to move much
* After 3 days in the hospital, I still felt every bump in the car on the drive home, just like I had while driving to the hospital in labor.
* I needed help to stand up from the couch and I walked pretty slowly for many days. I missed the hospital bed because it was difficult for weeks laying down & sitting myself back up in bed. (I only took the pain meds for a day, I didn't want that in my baby, he was already really sleepy & had a lot of trouble nursing.)
* Wasn't allowed to carry more weight than baby & carrier, wasn't allowed to drive for weeks
* I felt like such a burden, having to ask people to do everything for me

Vaginal birth - "the pro's" :
* (Another topic, but wanted you to know: I swore I would not have another c-section. I thought the only way would be to birth at home with midwives. We switched care about 4 weeks before birth, paying out of pocket.

Home birth meant being able to eat in labor, be comfortable in my own home, no jarring car ride, felt like someone really cared about me & was going to be there the whole time/didn't have to share my caregivers with all the other birthing moms, siblings could see the birth or at least be comfortable not having to be away from mom, water birth was the best thing in the world! I didn't have to take the baby away from home for a few weeks because the midwives came to see me for follow-ups. We were part of the "o.b." visits, not like they were happening to us & had to be finished in 10 minutes like at Kaiser. The midwives supported my husband by sharing information on caring for mom & baby.)
* My first vaginal birth was a long time in transition & pushing because baby was posterior (same reason for the c-sec but the back labor was so much easier at home than in the hospital.) I birthed in bed & felt like some else had delivered my baby but at least I was a part of it. I had a couple stitches, but could immediately nurse holding baby close and could move around to get comfortable. I could eat immediately to get back some strength, lay down nursing and didn't need someone to help me up & down. Honestly, after the birth & the next day I walked very slowly because my girl parts were on fire. At first I wondered how that was any better than the c-section...it was just a different area that hurt. But I could laugh & sneeze & cough without pain. By day 3, it was like a world of difference...yes, you should still be resting in bed, and getting others to help with the chores, but hands down have a vaginal birth!
* (FYI, for baby 3 I was in midwives care from the beginning, felt so cared for, the siblings were included with every "o.b." visit, midwives helped position the baby so there was the correct position for birth: 2 hour labor, 2 pushes & I delivered my own 9 lb. baby in the water, no stitches, the biggest "birthing high," I walked easily. The worst pain was the cramping. Very quick physical recovery. Much less difficult on my family!! This is what birthing can be! Amazing!)
Best wishes for a happy birth!

I will also answer in spite of only having had a vaginal birth.
I had an unmedicated vaginal birth in 2007. My water broke at 11 PM, labor started at 2 AM and my daughter was born at 6:00 AM, She nursed within seconds of being born, before her umbilical cord was even cut. I had a tiny labial tear with a few stitches, that healed within maybe two days (no more pain or irritation). I went home from the hospital at 8 PM the day she was born (stayed for less than 24 hours). It was awesome, I had a great experience and it really changed my perspective on how I see myself and what I can accomplish.
Good luck making your decision.

Well I have had 2 c-sections and I have to say that personally the only pro's to that are you can pick your due date and have the baby a week early. Now here are all the con's.
1st the c-section it self isn't all that bad but it sucks cause you get to see your baby for a second and then they take him/her away while you are in recovery. You have to stay there until you gain feeling in your legs. It's really hard cause all you want to do is see your baby and you can't.

2nd, Once you are in your room the you are stuck in bed for a least a day or two. Like you can't get up for anything and that is hard. I hear from vaginal births that woman are up walking around hours after having the baby, but nope not with the c-section. And you are stuck in the hospital for 3 to 4 days.

3rd, you are on tons of pain meds which makes you very sleepy on top of trying to care for a new born. Sense you have had a surgery similar to this I won't go into all the pain but think of how you felt and then add to that a brand new baby.....it's hard.

4th, I have been told that the chance of the baby swallowing fluid while being pulled out is very high. If this happens that have to go to the NicU and are monitored there. I haven't have this happen to me...yet but I have a few friends that had this happen to their babies.

5th I BF both my babies but it is tricky to have them pressed up against you all the time while you have this big wound healing.
So yeah c-sections are hard. I always advise anyone with the choice to do a vaginal. But I have to have c-sections and of course I will do it in order to have babies but if I had the choice I wouldn't do it.

I would go vaginal if at all possible. There is less recovery time and you get to hold your baby right away. C-Sections should be reserved for emergencies and not an option for convenience. Why did your doctor believe it might be necessary, or did you bring it up as something you wanted??

I do not know why anyone would choose to have a c section over vaginal unless it was medically unsafe to have a baby naturally. If you have a c section you will most likely have to have a c section with the rest of your kids and everytime you have a c section the procedure becomes more high risk. I have had 3 vaginals and 1 c section. my last one was a vbac. the recovery with the c section was the worst experience ever. I couldn't even sit up by myself let alone get my son when he was crying. It was horrible, then when I got home I couldn't laugh, I couldn't get my baby, I couldn't walk very well, why would you want to choose that over just having the baby the way God intended it to be done. With a vaginal delivery you are up and walking around in a few hours, and you feel great.
Let your body do what it is suppose to and have the baby naturally.

I have had both -- two vaginal births and my third was a c-section. Given a choice, I would choose a vaginal birth. My recovery was much harder after the c-section.
Even though you have had the laparotomy and are aware of the pain and recovery, you might keep in mind that you will be caring for a baby after the c-section, and will have lack of sleep, be getting up and down a lot, possibly breastfeeding, etc.
I'm surprised that your doctor is offering a scheduled c-section for your first baby, unless you have complications that would make it necessary. A c-section is more convenient for the doctor, as it is scheduled, takes little time, and costs more for the patient/insurance company. Vaginal birth is unscheduled, and can take a lot of the doctor's time for less profit. Just something to consider.
Good luck, and congratulations on your little one!

I know you got a lot of responses but here is another. My first DS was born vaginally. Barely 12 hours of labor when it came time to actually deliver him it was about 4 pushes and he was out. It was so smooth and I held him right then and there.
My second DS was an unplanned semi emergency c-section. My oldest DS had wanted to be there when his brother was born but couldn't which we hated. Then of course I couldn't hold him like I had with my first DS. I got to see him all of 2 seconds and then the nurse took him out of the room with my husband following. I still needed to stitched up and was alone during the whole time. I eventually dosed off and woke up in a recovery room to be told it would be a while longer before I was in a regular room which meant it would be longer before I got to hold my DS. The hospital stay is longer with a c-section which for someone who hates hospitals in the first place is not a pleasant thing to go through.
With the vaginal birth my recovery was short and sweet. With the c-section I didn't feel right and hated the restrictions. I still have numb spots along the c-section scar even though you can barely see the scar itself.
If I get lucky to have another child I will be trying for another vaginal birth.

Rent The Business of Being Born and/or read Your Best Birth, both by Ricki Lake. A c-section is far more dangerous for so many reasons. I don't know a woman who's had a c-section who says that's the way to go. But then again, I'm part of a big home birth community. My most recent friend who birthed had to have a c-section last time due to a footling breach. She was elated to have her next one naturally. The recovery is so much easier.

At 33 weeks with my first I had an emergency cesarean. Totally un-prepared and scared. I think that affects recovery. I was in pain for 6 months.

With my second, I opted for a v-bac. I wanted to avoid the long recovery, be able to care for my first shortly after the birth, and of course the cost. I was in severe pain the first 4 months of the pregnancy because I had abdominal adhesions from the cesarean that were stretching out with my uterus. I ended up with a level 2 episiotomy. A typical 3-4 hour induced labor with epidural.

But I say vaginal all the way! Recovery was only painful because of the episiotomy - and all pain was gone after 2 weeks. Still a little sore for another week, but no more pain. Plus, I was mobile. I could pick up and care for my little one. Husband did not have to take as much time off work to care for me. MIL was gone after a week and I was back to my routine.

Cons of cesarean - possibility of developing blodd clots, abdominal scarring, reaction to anesthesia

Pros of vaginal - fewer drugs pumped into you, it's better for the baby's lungs and sinus's, cost, recovery, you can pick things up and drive a car after your birth, not weeks later.

Hi Yvette,
I gave birth at Northwest Women's Center in Tucson via semi-emergency c-section after having prepared for a natural birthing with hypnobirthing. Baby was just in a bad position and going into distress. At Northwest a family member could be with me in the operating room, could cut the umbilical cord and could go with the baby to the nursery until they got me back to the delivery room. I don't know how much time passed after the birth, but not much could have. Once they brought the baby in, she nursed right away and stayed with me the whole time we were there, which was 3 days. To be honest, I felt grateful for being able to stay at the hospital that long. As a first-time M., I would have not known what the heck to do if I left after 24 hours. At the hospital they showed me how to swaddle her, the lactation consultant came by every day, and the nurses were just generally super helpful. I felt pampered! ( I think every new M. should have a chance to stay for at least 3 days.) Yes, I had a catheter for 24hrs, and had to take pain meds for about a week. But after a couple of days - if I had taken my pain meds - I could get up off the floor where I was sleeping by the baby's crib in the nursery. So not really a debilitating thing. I think I took the pain meds for 1 week, but the recovery was really not bad at all. I am sure that the experience of giving birth vaginally cannot really compare to a c-section, but in terms of recovery, it's not that long.

I had a planned c-section due to pre-eclampsia and I hated it! It hurt a lot (I have fibromyalgia so I feel pain more intense). If my husband didn't take his vacation at the same time, I don't know what I would have done. After the c-section, I saw my baby for 2 seconds then the nurses, my baby and husband were gone! Leaving me all alone in the room to be stitched up. Funny how when I was pregnant the nurses helped me get on the bed to go to the surgery room. After the surgery they told me I had to switch back to my bed by myself. It was horrible. I couldn't see my son until the epidural wore off and I had to get up and walk hours after the surgery. They wouldn't bring my son to me! While in the hospital, anytime I wanted to see my son I had to walk down stairs to see him. I never really produced milk and even though I wanted to breast feed, it was no longer an option. They didn't even bring me a pump until the follow evening. To this day, I wish I would have had a vaginal birth and I still have pain at the incision. Some days the pain is pretty bad and it has been 2 1/2 years since the c-section. OB says this is normal though since nerves were cut.

First of all, vaginal delivery is the way we were meant to work. Unless there is some medical reason to have a non-vaginal delivery, I dont' know why anyone would choose a non-vaginal delivery. I have only had one child and it was a vaginal birth so I can not speak on c-sections but I do have some insight into a vaginal delivery. My water broke at home so I knew delivery was imminent. After my water broke I was in labor for about 3 1/2 hours total. There were a few issues during the birth such as I needed oxygen and the babys umbilical cord was around her neck but the doctors quickly slipped the cord off her neck and everything was fine. I had no tearing, or any trauma so the healing process was quick. The recovery afterward was about a month before I felt back to normal. I would go with vaginal delivery if I had to do it again.

Hi. Congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your first baby! I know you said you only wanted opinions of those who've had both types of birth, and I haven't, but couldn't resist weighing in. I have 3 children, all born by c-section. The first was born by c-section on a semi-emergency type basis after we attempted a vaginal birth but couldn't make it happen, and my twins were born by scheduled c-section 3 years after that. No lectures from me, but I have to say I'm shocked that you have an OB that is simply giving you the option to choose a surgical procedure that may not be necessary. I'm sure you've been advised of the risks involved. While I didn't find the recovery from the c-sections all that difficult, I would not have chosen the surgery were it not necessary. I also feel that I missed some valuable bonding time with all 3 of my girls in the minutes and hours immediately following their birth.
After a vaginal birth, the baby is put immediately into your arms. After a c-section, they give you a quick peek as you lay on the operating table, then whisk them away. My husband and baby left the operating room a good while before I arrived on the scene, freezing cold and shaking like a chihuahua after the surgery. I did not feel well enough to hold my child for hours after the first surgery, and was vomiting so badly from the pain medication after the second surgery that I didn't spend any time with my babies the entire first night after they were born. Again, no lectures. I'm just saying if it were possible, I would have preferred to have had my kids vaginally. Whichever you choose, good luck and God Bless. What a very special time is about to begin in your life.

I had a c with my first and a VBAC at home with my second. The second child was a 44 hour labor, 18 in transition, no pain meds. I'd take that again in a heartbeat over a c-section.

But at the end of the day, both of my babies are healthy and thriving. Best of luck to you.

Hi Yvette,
Congratulations!!! On the most rewarding and beautiful thing a woman can have and experience- Giving Birth to her child and being a Mom!!

I too, must apologize although I have not had both experiences I also felt compelled to share because of what you could potentially miss out on and regret later.

My experience was this in a nut shell. I was infertile for 10 yrs. and had 2 miscarriages. So I had many years of desiring of being a Mom and having a child (which at times was agony!). When the miracle finally came and I was pregnant I fully embraced Every aspect of it. I have never regretted having both of my children vaginally. I chose the Bradley Method and highly recommend it because it fully prepares you Physically, Nutritionally, and Emotionally. It truly helps expel all fears especially for my husband who so needed it!! The Bradley classes really show the men how to truly be a "support" to you in more ways then one. The classes empower both you and your husband (knowledge is power) to know as much to some degree as the doctors. You don't just take their word on everything or if they want to push something or hopefully "suggest" regarding the birth you know exactly "what" they are talking about.

I am not surprised that your OB suggested or just assumed that would be the route you would expect to go. 10 yrs. ago when I had my first child and I went to the hospital orientation (which by the time that was scheduled I had had quite a few Bradley Classes and was fully informed and new what to expect) I was grieved when they asked the couples "who has elected to have their child by C-Section"? I could not believe how many raised their hands and also ones who raised their hands to find out how they could or how soon could they start having drugs!!

It truly is what society has gone to these days "instant everything" but sad that women are not even taking the opportunity to be Blessed with what God instituted. Now if you or your child are in jeopardy there is no question that is "why" any woman including myself would and should have a C-Section. These are the reasons why God gave us doctors not to perform a surgery "just because you can"!!

Don't rob yourself of what other women (infertile and woman who for whatever reason can not) would beg, and steal for to be able to experience that undescribeable "Joy" of having their own child.

I was just talking to two awesome women (dear friend, and sister in law) one just adopted and the other is planning to. The one described how she so wanted to "experience" everything and felt she would be robbed if she adopted. But God so Blessed her with being able to be at the hospital when her baby was born and spend the day getting all the instructions, bathing the baby,diaper bag, and even got to be wheeled out as if she had had the baby herself!!

All that to say don't freely give up a Real Blessing! Educate yourself and an embrace the opportunity. If your interested in a Bradley Instructor and inquiring about the classes I know of one that just came recommended her in AZ. Just e-mail me back and I will be happy to give it to you.

Sincerely,
A.

I think your comment/question is sad. Birthing has become a type of medical science, a handicap and inconvenient because we never know when it's going to happen. We need instant gratification, we're pregnant, great, I want my baby now.
I'm not saying that you don't love your baby, yet why would you take him/her when she/he is not ready to be born. Why would you put yourself into a situation where recovery time is about 8 weeks rather then 2 days-one week. Wouldn't you like to be able to take care of your baby rather then be bed ridden?
My first child was vaginal and my second was a c-section because of medical reasons. Looking back, I wish I had a doctor and family that was supportive of second opinions because I think there were other options rather then heading straight into a c-section.
Go natural!!!!

Wow, you've gotten a lot of responses! :) My first baby, 4.5 years ago was an unplanned c-section. The trauma of the experience for me was that (a) I hadn't even considered that it would be a possibility for me, since both my mother and mother-in-law had four children vaginally. But I was induced for high blood pressure and I don't think my little man was quite ready to come out, he was turned funny. Also the midwife broke my water and then I was on a "timer" for how long I could stay in labor after she'd done that. Then the midwife and doctor kept giving me different signals on how far I'd dilated and then, on whether I should do c-section or try for vaginal for a few more hours, of course scaring me about the implications for my child, so I chose c-section. They didn't know (and didn't ask) that I planned to have a large family and though they handed me a scary piece of paper detailing all the "complications" that could result, I was in too much of a state to really choose anything else. In any case, with my second pregnancy I found out that the c-section raised my risk for a uterine rupture during delivery, one of the reasons that docs hesitate to do vbacs and I read lots of literature that said I shouldn't or couldn't have too many c-sections without some serious and increasing risks to me and the baby... anecdotally, I've met lots of women who've had multiple c-sections with no problems, though. In any case, I opted for vbac the second time around because I do want a big family and I wanted to choose the healthiest option for me and my babies.

Emotionally, too, the c-section felt sort of like there was no big "moment" of his arrival, it was so dreamlike, just here he is!... with the vbac, I felt more "settled" about it, there was the pushing and the moment of her birth and it was different and amazing. I don't really know how to explain it but emotionally, the vaginal birth was so much more fulfilling personally.

As for recovery, etc... well, obviously the c-section was a less tiring experience during delivery, but the vaginal birth was a faster recovery. With the c-section, I couldn't get up stairs for a couple of weeks and couldn't pick my baby up and walk by myself for a couple weeks, too. Nursing was much more difficult with the incision. But sex came easier! I did have some "ghost pain" around the incision, really for a couple of years, but not so much anymore. My scar isn't too bad, below my bikini line, so that doesn't bother me either. Getting back to exercise was difficult, especially tummy exercises and I had a little "shelf" for quite some time afterward.

With the vaginal delivery, lots of bleeding. I tore, so there were also the stitches to deal with. I was able to do a lot more right when I came home -- holding and carrying my baby. And nursing was easier. Sex was uncomfortable for me for a little while... I kept picturing my "tear" opening again and I was pretty dry for a little while (probably also me being slightly dehydrated, not drinking enough water while nursing).

Neither is "easy," you know. :) But I'd definitely choose vaginal over c-section, from my personal experiences, and in fact hope to have a vaginal birth here for my third baby in the next week or so! Keep me in your prayers! ;) Best wishes as you make a decision!

I would say definately go with the vaginal birth if you have the choice. My c-section was scheduled ahead of time due to a breech baby. I had a v-bac with my second. Not only is a c-section a major surgey but you also have a newborn to take care of -- not easy, especially being a first time mom! The vaginal birth recovery is soooo much faster, no pain pills to worry about especially if you are nursing. Having had both, I would not have another c-section given the choice because of the recovery with having a newborn. If you plan on having more children, think of how the c-section scarring will be a concern as far as rupturing. Also, I felt that it was much harder to lose the weight after the c-section than a vaginal birth. Why would your Dr. even give you a choice??

Both of my sons were born vaginally, and while it is painful, it's so easily forgotten. I got to hole my sons right after they were out, whereas with a c-section I dont think that is the case. Plus, itf you are planning on nursing, I've heard that it's much more difficult after a c-section. Good luck and congrats!

I have had the c-section and would recommend that you make this decision based on the size of the baby. I was fortunate to not have vaginal birth taking into account the size of my baby (9"4 and 56cm long), so c-section was my only option as he was not properly engaged. The most important thing to remember is that there is a lot of pressure to have a traditional birth by vaginal (so I encountered), but the result is whatever you need to have should be the focus of delivering a happy healthy baby! After all, you worked so hard to get to the final run! The recovery time for c-section is approximately 3 months, but I have been informed that c-section operations have changed since 2003.

All the best!

I have had both an emergency and a planned c-section and whats funny is I perfered my emergency! I had a epidural and had been in labor for awhile, but was able to recover faster bc of the doctors and what they wanted me to do! I missed so much with her though bc she was running a fever and I couldn't see her for an hour, but thats all! With my planned I had moved and got a closer doc... he was nice but the restrictions sucked... I had a spinal tap and for some reason broke out with every med they tried to give me, wouldn't let me walk for 2 days (I was moving the same night with the emergency) couldn't eat anything for 2 days (Ate the next morning after my emergency) and what hurt the worse was I was not able to see my baby for 8 or so hours! Bc she was delived c-section she still had fliud on her lungs. If I do have another me and my husband are considering a vba2c... Hope all is well!

I have had 2 vaginal births and 1 c-section.
My first live birth was controlled as issues prevented doing the birth any other way. I still loved having my beautiful daughter.
The second one was more like it should have been with a few events but still loved having my younger daughter.
I can tell you that if I could have had my son by vaginal birth I would have. I do not have much negative to say about the c-section. The issues I had is I went into labor with a 104 temp, son was having issues and then after c-section. I had unusual discharges and they thought I had an infection and had to have staples removed. They found no infection but I had to go through daily gauze changes. They refused to reseal my c-section area for fear of infection.

The c-section area is still real tender and cannot wear bikini underwear or bikini bathing suits. I will admit that sex after is not as enjoyable as before... partially because it feels like hubby is trying to come out where the incision was. I am still going through these issues and this year will be year 11.

I say if you can go through a vaginal birth then do it... use the c-section option only if you have to. I pray that God will help you make the decision that is right for you.

I have not had a c- section but I cant imagine why people choose to have surgery instead of giving birth the way our bodies were made to. The difference in your last surgery and this one is that you will have a new baby to take care of this time, you cant just lay around and get better at your leisure. I had all 3 of mine natural and feel really good within just a few days after delivery.

I would agree to try the vaginal birth, mainly for emotional reasons. I wanted to point out that although recovery is usually easier with a vaginal birth, it can be pretty bad...I had a 3rd degree episiotomy and a tear and I was in quite a bit of pain for 4 solid weeks after the birth, plus intense pain when using the bathroom (not to mention sex!). I was not prepared for this! Everyone told me if I didn't have a c-section, I'd be fine and up and walking around quickly. Just something to keep in mind. Even with all of this, I will definitely try again for a vaginal birth with my next baby. Also remember that doctors love c-sections and most will encourage them...scheduled, they can plan around them, etc.

I was planning on a birthing center birth, but because my son wouldn't come down, and after 3 days of heavy contractions I ended up having an "emergency" c-section. I say emergency because thats what its called when its not planned.
They took him out, I was completely awake and there for all of it, my husband cut his cord and told me he was a boy (we wanted the surprise), and then the nurses weighed and measured him two feet away from me, wrapped him up and gave him to my husband to hold.
My husband brought him over to me while they were stitching me up so I could see him and talk to him, and once they were done sewing me up, they put me on my bed, gave me my son (still in the operating room) and wheeled us both to our room.
I ended up taking about 8 ibuprofen after the surgery- no other pain medication because the pain wasn't bad enough for that and I was breastfeeding and didn't want my son to get anything from more. That said, it wasn't pain free either. I got up later the same day and walked around and that was pretty tough because you have absolutely NO strength in your stomach.
To this day (1.5 yrs later), I still have numb areas around the cut, but other than that I was able to get my muscle tone back and strength back, although my back has suffered and I attribute that to my c-section because my stomach was so weak for so long.
Hope that helps. I would advise go for vaginal. Its supposed to be a lot easier on your body, and thats what we were designed for. I still wish I was able to have had him that way, but in the end a healthy baby is a perfect baby. :)
Good luck, and congrats :)

I loved my c-section and would do it again.

I had a 2nd c-birth. And please mommies...Please stop referring to the other option as "natural delivery". Calling it a vaginal delivery helps remove the stigma for mommies for whom a c-birth was a reasonable and perhaps required decision.

I had a great experience w/the 1st c-birth (after two separate attempts at induction and 15 hours of labor finally at 11-days post due date). But the 2nd was just purely wonderful! Traumatic surgery my heinie! = ) I was up and in the shower within a couple hours. Never took anything except for ibuprofen in the 1st 24 hours. And was back home chasing after two kids without a twinge of regret (physical or emotional) 3 days later.

I've had 2 c-sections because my oldest (son) was in distress at 32 weeks and because the way they did the first c-section I did not have a choice for anything but a repeat section.

While my first experience wasn't horrible it would have been nice to have a speedy recovery and not walk funny for 6 weeks. And I wasn't allowed to drive for 6 weeks which made it very difficult to visit my son in the NICU. I also missed out on those magic first moments that you get when you are able to deliver vaginally. I had to wait for them to bring my daughter over to me, had to wait to even hold her till I got out of recovery, had to wait to breastfeed her because she was so sleepy at our first meeting. Those are things that I would strongly consider before opting for a c-section.

I had a vaginal birth with an epidural when I had my twins and then again for the 3rd child. I assumed I would have a c-section since it was twins. When my doctor said I should not need one, I freaked at the thought of pushing these babies out. When we went home from the hospital two days after the delivery, we had a four door car. The twins were in their carseats on either side of the backseat and then I decided to sit between them. I climbed between the two front seats and settled into the back seat with no pain or discomfort. I should note that I had a lot of stitches inside but did not have an episiodomy or tearing so I felt very fortunate. Not very fact based but that is my experience. Good luck with whatever choice you make.

I had a vaginal birth with my first child in 1989 and in 2003 I had a emergency c-section with my twin daughters. After having a c-section, my recommendation would be vaginal birth. My reasons, after my vaginal, even though I had stitches and a hemoroid, and bled a lot, I was better after a week or so. However, after my c-section...I could not walk for week, I experienced so much pain from the incision, and its 2010 and the girls will be 7 in July and I still numb from hip to hip and below my navel. It's awful.

I had a c-section not by chose but my son was almost 10lbs and after 17 hours of labor I was only dilated to 8cm. So they did the c-section. If I could do it over again I would have picked a vaginal birth.

Things I didn't know about c-section, cathader for almost 24 hours after birth, could not drive for 2 weeks, sleeped in recliner for over two weeks because the muscles in my stomach were so sore I could not get out of bed, and #1 reason why vaginal over c-section is you are in the recovery room for 2+ hours with out your baby. I saw my sone for maybe 2 sec, when deleiveried and I didn't see him again until almost 4 hours later. Which really sucked.

I hope to have a vbac if I have another baby.

Good luck!

My first son was born vaginally, and I had a ton of serious complications. It was an awful experience, except that I got my beautiful baby boy out of the deal! :-) My second son was born by planned c-section. This time there were a few complications, but all in all it went much smoother. Because of the difficulties with my first pregnancy and vaginal delivery, I actually healed at about the same rate after the c-section, and I had my tubes tied during the c-section. If I were to have another baby I would hope for a planned c-section. Good luck with whichever you decide!

Hi there Yvette: My first child was born naturally, however the 2nd,3rd we both C Sections. To be quite honest with you, I myself preferred the C Section. For one you get to pick the date within a 10day period. Second you have the epidural, don't be put out (stay awake) and I found this way it was almost the same as giving birth except the pushing, stitches etc. When I had my c section, I was up and moving around on the second day. They do get you up for a short period the same day. I just found getting up and moving around made my muscles that much stronger and when I went home, I was good as new. You don't have to go for a large cut anymore. Mine is fairly long, but with all the new apparatus' out there now it can be made so small.
Now the only fall back was the epidural. Make sure you have an anesthisias
give you the whole shot not a little at a time or they will end up putting you out in most cases. Mine were both whole shot, my husband was able to be in the room but no peeking. When my last son was born it was just like normal birthing. I remember feeling the cut (like a feather) and the feeling of my son being lifted out. It was fantastic. So now its your decision, you have the basics' so now you can make your own choice and I'm sure either way you will be wonderfully happy!! Congratulations and Good Luck!!

I have had a completely natural, unmedicated birth with my daughter. I had a fabulous OBGYN who didn't tie my down with monitors and let me dictate what I wanted in labor (I lived in the tub!).

My second birth, I caught the one OB I didn't want and it all went to hell in a handbasket! I ended up with an emergency c-section.

The c-section wasn't bad, but having a drugged-out baby and not moving well for days was difficult, whereas my natural birth my daughter was active, easy to nurse and I was up and around immediately afterward. It was far easier to care for her. Hands down for me, I liked a natural, unmedicated birth.

Remember too that a c-section is MAJOR surgery. Just because you are awake doesn't lessen how serious it is. Allowing a child to pass through the birth canal also squeezes the amniotic fluid from their lungs.

All that said, the most important outcome is a healthy mom and baby, no matter how you get there.

good luck:)

Hi Yvette. I have read all of the responses you received and wanted to add what I think has been left out. I had an elective scheduled c/s @ OB suggestion for my first child and a spontaneous, natural vbac for my 2nd child.

I think one of the things that made me mad about my c/s was that no one warned me how violent it was going to be. I was brought into OR and spinal put in w/o my dh present. Then the OB made test cuts to see if I could feel, which I could. Anesthesiologist at my head said I could not be feeling anything, so they made the incisions, which I did feel. THEN they brought my dh in from a door by my feet, so he saw my blood and guts splayed open with spreaders holding open the gaping wound. He was traumatized for a long time.

They also had me strapped down to the table with the blood sucking tube laid across my arm, so I could watch my own blood drain out of me. My dh had them move that away and held me the best he could. Then came time to actually get the baby out which was the most violent of all. I am a small woman and they nearly threw me off the table trying to wiggle and wrench out my dd who was deep in my pelvis already awaiting her natural exit.

Recovery was awful for me . It surprises me when women say sex was easy after a c/s, I felt like my dh would rip my incision/ uterus back open when we tried sex at 6 weeks!

Later when my dd went to her first chiropractic adjustment 4 years after her birth, the chiro knew she was c/s born the moment they touched her spine. As hard as it was on me, she was the one getting pulled out and her spine torqued.

I learned a lot about the way nature works in the next 2 yrs after and did some fighting with OBs about a vbac, but did have a quick 2 hr labor with a vbac for my son. One small tear that required no stitches. Basically no recovery time, just the typical lochia/bleeding for 2 weeks, then I was trying to have sex with dh already :)

If you do have a c/s, i highly recommend one of those little travel pillows to hold over your incision when you cough, laugh, hold the baby or attempt to move at first.

I am not sure why anyone would opt for SURGERY over natural childbirth. My first was an emergency c, people rushing all around, panicked and nervous, then he was taken from me and I ordered my husband to follow and not leave his side. However, this meant I was left basically naked and "alone" with surgical staff for over 2 hours as they stiched me up and then I spent what felt like forever in recovery. Oh yes, and the drugs they give you for the c-- I have never felt sicker in my life as they wore off.

Then, my VBAC-- comfortable, on my terms-- much better and such a relief in comparison to the TRAUMA of a c-section.

Do not dupe yourself or be duped into believing that somehow a c-section is "safe." It's still major surgery. There are significant risks to both you and the baby.

With my first I had no choice but for a c-section, he was breech, it was ok with no labor except after, they kept forgetting to give me pain meds. I did not have very long to recover and was back to work in 14 days (that was 21 years ago laws were really different.) With the second, I had vaginal birth, the area hospitals thought I was such a high risk due to my previous c-section they sent me to other hospitals. Almost 24 hours of labor, no pain meds and it was very, very, painful- I was screaming!!! With the third, I had another vaginal and kept getting yelled at by the dr. because I was taking too long to deliver and he had other patients to see. These were all Detroit Hospitals.

I have only had a C section, but from my stand point they both have some sort of recovery period whether it's stitches in you abdomen or your vagina.... Mine wasn't planned since they didn't realize she was breech until 10 hours of induction and no contractions.... But I have to say that was 1 plus to a C section, as well as I could use the bathroom without any pain and I was able to have sex a couple weeks after... but there are things that I feel I missed out on, like not getting to hold her right away being the biggest of them. I had a new nurse who took forever to do her post op stuff so I was unable to see her for well over an hour. I plan on taking my IUD out in a couple months and will opt for a second C section because for me the pros out weigh the cons and I just plan on making sure my doctor knows that I would like to be away from my baby for as little time as possible in advance.

Our first was breech so I had a c-section. It was the worst experience for many reasons. Then with our 2nd and 3rd child I did VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) and it was sooooo much better. In fact, it was easy and really not that painful. It was fun not knowing when the baby was going to arrive and it was such an awesome experience to hold the baby right away and not be all drugged up and stuck in bed. I would at least try for a vaginal birth if I were you.

This really depends on the person and their ability to deliver a child. I have three children. All three of my children were full term and I have never gone into labor. I also delivered big babies (8.6, 9.13 and 8.12). My first was a v-bac. I was induced and after 32 hours of labor he arrived. We were both pretty beat up. It took me months to recover. It was a very difficult delivery and painful recovery. I didn't even look like myself after the delivery. I am surprised that I had more children.

I was induced with my second child thinking that I would try to deliver him vaginally despite his size. I am not sure what I was thinking...only two years later I had forgotten the trauma of the first not to mention that this one was almost 10 pounds. After it was apparent that he was not coming out, despite my pushing and being completely dialated I had a c-section. Because I tried to deliver him vaginally and then had the c-section, I was a little out of it after the procedure, but I was with my baby the entire time. Within a couple of weeks I felt great. I could not lift anything over ten punds for 6 weeks but after that it was smooth sailing.

I scheduled my c-section for my third the moment I found out I was pregnant. By then, I knew my body and I was not going to put myself or my baby through a difficutl delivery. I am just not one of those people that barely makes it to the hospital in time....even with number three.
Tomorrow will be 6 weeks after my delivery and I feel great. I was fully awake after the procedure and with my baby the entire time. My husband commented on how good I looked after the delivery. Yes, it is major surgery with risks and there is pain associated with the recovery, but for ME the pain and recovery of a c-section was far less than a vaginal delivery. I would do it again, no questions asked.

Most of my friends have had c-sections, and all opine it is the way to go. I didn't have a c-section the first time (although I should have) because I thought I was going to cheat myself out of having my baby naturally. In hindsight, I should have pushed for a c-section considering what my baby and I were going through...My obgyn also encouraged me to go vaginally, so she was my influence.

The choice is very personal.

Best of luck with your decision.

I think it's hard to compare really. (I also think you'll find different answers from folks who've had a planned c-section v. an emergency c-section. From what I've heard, emergency c-sections are a lot harder to recover from.)

I had a vaginal birth with my first son, and it didn't all go as planned. I did tear, and it took some time to heal. I was very sore!! But, I could move pretty well, and it was really comfortable to nurse.

With my second son, I had a c-section. (He was breach. Actually both were, but I had the first flipped, and the second wouldn't which ended up being fortunate because of a placental issue we didn't know about.) The c-section incision BURNS the first week or so. After a week or two, I was really starting to walk well. Other than that, it wasn't bad. It did shock me by how large the scar was. It has shrunk down some but I'm not a very big person so it goes right across! It was probably 10 or so inches at least when they did the surgery. Those babies have to fit through!! Anyway, I don't like pain meds, and I walked as often and as soon after surgery as I could. I was out of the hospital in 48hrs (which is not common, from what I understand). But, it was difficult because it made nursing a little harder. It was also hard because I couldn't pick up my older son (who was only 17mths), and that was very stressful (but wouldn't be an issue for you!).

I do wish that I had either both vaginal births or both c-sections. But, either way, it wouldn't matter. I learned a lot at the vaginal birth that I would do differently the second time around. In fact, because I already had the vaginal birth, if I do have a 3rd, I'll be looking into a vbac but will be tempted to do the c-section.

***
Just wanted to add:
I just read Andrea's response, and i completely agree. Not being able to see your baby for those hours is HORRIBLE. You are also not allowed to be alone with your baby if you are on any medications. My first son was with me the entire time I was in the hospital. I could walk around, carry him easily. The vaginal was not bad at all, and the tear was more a nuisance (I did not notice the tearing AT ALL during the birth.) C-section is major surgery, and it does take longer to recover.

Dear Yvette,

I can't answer your question about the vaginal birth, because I have only experienced Csections with my 2 boys., however, I would like to mention the postpartum surgery aspect. If you need any help with recovery, I can help ;-)
Wishing you all the best :-)

~L. G.

I personally would never choose to have a c-section. I understand there are good medical reason that people HAVE to have them, but truly, and no disrespect, I really don't understand why you would choose a c-section over the natural way to bear a child? I had a vaginal birth and did not tear, was not cut, did not require stitches... the healing time was really fast (few days maybe?)...AND my baby was almost 9 pounds, so I didn't have a small baby by any means! My doctor was awesome... she really spent the time to work the baby out in a way that didn't tear me. Doctors do have a lot to do with this by the way. They LOVE to schedule c-sections, because they get to be home for dinner! :-) I am pregnant again and hopefully will have a similar experience. I would never want a c-section if I didn't have to have one! It was such a whirl wind of craziness when we came home with our first baby... I was actually very fortunate not to have to recover from the c-section on top of dealing with a newborn. Good luck in whatever decision you decide though. Obviously, you are the one that has to feel good about your decision... that really is all that matters :-)

I had two c sections (both TECHNICALLY emergency, though I know both were going to be done for health reasons, just not as soon as I and my Dr had planned for them). I recovered VERY easily from both. I don't think I have an exceptionally high pain tolerance and I managed the pain of both just fine. I was prescribed pain meds for at home both times and didn't need to fill either prescription. Recovery time wasn't anywhere near 8 weeks either. I would say maybe one week of help at home after was all that I'd needed. You DO need to be careful with weight (lifting) restrictions, but otherwise, I carried on quite normally after I was home. Your time in the hospital may be a bit longer than a vag birth by a few extra days, but who couldn't use the additional rest LOL.

After the c section there IS a LOT of tenderness on the site of the incision, but nothing you likely wouldn't be able to handle. I would suggest for feeding having a "Boppy" type thing handy, as this took the pressure of the baby off the incision site. You will also have a numb feeling (think pins and needles foot-fell-asleep tingling feeling) at the incision site for QUITE a long time. I've heard anywhere from 6 months to a year (some say even longer) due to the nerves that are severed during the c section. However, you become so accustomed to it that you will eventually not even notice it all that much.

Best of luck and health to both you and your baby.

I had an emergency-c with the first and will have my second c-section on Monday! To me, a VBAC was not even an option. I was lucky because it was determined immediately that I needed to c-section, so no labor. I went to the hospital, checked in by 7pm and had a baby at 8:41pm. It does hurt afterwards, but take your pain meds and move and you will be fine.

No matter what choice you make, be happy that you will have a healthy baby and its the outcome that matters, not how you get there:)

Go with your gut and what you feel is best for YOU!! You can't compare yourself to anyone on here and everyone's got their own opinions yes, but ultimately it's all about what you feel most comfortable doing. BEFORE reading your post I would have said to stick with vaginal BUT if you have experienced a lap surgery and your OB said it's a similar surgery then go with the C. My first two deliveries, one a vaginal, the other a C were both very hard. The pain of the C recovery was very difficult for me but when I had a repeat C with my 3rd delivery it was so much better.

I didn't feel exhausted like I did after a vaginal delivery. I was alert and in no pain what so ever so I had a great peaceful time bonding with my son and even kept him with me over night the first night, against the nurses wishes of course. But I felt no need to have him taken away as good as I was feeling.

So either way it can be very hard. With my vaginal, I had a baby that was face up and literally stuck so they had to use forceps and pain of recovery lasted almost as long as the C so either way you go can be hard. However, I do know that the vaginal delivery was so much more exhausting and I couldn't even keep my eyes open long enough to enjoy my new first born child. If I could take it back, I would have opted for a C if given the choice. I didn't have a decision to have a C with my second, I was made to for health reasons but I'm glad that I did even though the pain was hard, I was still fully awake and liked that because it helpsed with getting to know my new one and with the bonding experience.
Delivering a baby isn't easy, either way you go so just go with what you feel in your heart is best for you and baby. Good luck to you!