Three c-sections or more? Tough Decisions.

Theresa — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:02:00 GMT

Having a c-section is usually not a decision a mom-to-be makes lightly. Sometimes the decision is made due to risks that were revealed during routine checkups. Often first c-sections aren't planned and are the result of complications during labor (maternal fever, fetal distress or breech position, GBS, prolonged labor with failure to progress etc). Subsequent births may be VBACs (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) or planned c-sections which each carry their own risks and emotional stress for the mom.

What makes the decision so hard?
"It's easier to know when baby will arrive and skip the whole painful labor part”, “You are so lucky" are among some comments moms might hear. The reality is that it isn't easy (See "A Planned C-Section is no Walk in the Park") and it can be incredibly emotional and self-reflective time. Most women want to experience a natural birth or as close to as possible. There is a sense of pride, even victory, to be able to endure labor and experience birth the way it is intended.

For many who have had emergency c-sections the feelings of missing out on a beautiful, natural experience can be overwhelming. "Why couldn't I do it?", "What is wrong with me?", "Why can't I do what other women can?" and these feelings can make them feel like less of a woman or question their ability to be a mother. These feelings may be passing thoughts that can be quickly dismissed or they may become consuming. Talking to your friends, your doctor or a therapist will help you get through these feelings in a healthy way. It's not a failure or a reflection of your ability to be a mom or inability to endure labor.

It is major surgery with at least a 6-week recovery time and it is much harder to recover while chasing other children around. These things are considered as well when a mom is making the choice to have a c-section. Families tend to be living further away from each other and the support that might have existed a generation ago doesn't exist now.

In the end, a healthy baby and mother is the goal. In a recent conversation with an OBGYN he said he would support a woman to go ahead with a VBAC if they had one previous c-section but would not be as encouraging if the patient had 2 or more previous c-sections. The risks are higher for the mother and baby and in his words "If it goes bad, it goes really bad." Why would you take the chance if you had the option? It isn't "an easy way out" or a luxury for many moms who really want a natural birth -- it's a difficult and well thought out decision to do what is best for baby and mom.

A planned c-section is no walk in the park

Theresa — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:25:00 GMT

When I used to hear stories of women who said “I am going in on Tuesday at 9am and will have the baby by 9:15” I would think it sounded like the perfect way to have a baby. They know the date their baby will enter the world, they get to avoid 4-32 hours of labor and I bet they were ready for a new mom and baby photo shoot by 10am!

Well it’s just not that easy or glamorous. My first daughter was delivered by c-section due to complications so my OBGYN and I decided that it was best to have another c-section with my second daughter. Perfect. I am healthy, know what to expect and have a very helpful husband so this should be a breeze. We packed our bags and arrived at the hospital for our 9am “surgery”.

I put on my gown and went to the operating room. I talked with the anesthesiologist who explained the epidural procedure which it pretty straight forward but I was so nervous that my spine wasn't relaxed enough, and he had to try SEVEN times to get the epidural in the right spot. Finally it was in and I quickly lost feeling in my lower body. The surgeon entered, and after feeling only a tremendous amount of pressure, my daughter was born. Then the fun began.

I thought the worst part was over, after all a c-section is major abdominal surgery, but the morphine was making me vomit -- repeatedly. The numbness that was necessary during surgery became very nerve-wracking as it was very, very slow to work its way out of my body and 8 hours later my feet were still numb. It hurt to sit up and the shooting pain from the incision left me wondering if I didn’t just tear my insides apart. What's my point?

It's not to scare women who are having c-sections, it’s to let you know that a PLANNED C-SECTION may be harder than you expect. Recovery can be painful and please do what your doctor says -- although it is a little unrealistic to think you won't lift anything heavier than your new baby for six weeks. We all still have to buy our groceries, lift up our two-year-old and do laundry without the help of nannies. That’s just life. But please do take it easy. I think my recovery was longer because on the days I felt good, I did too much. I probably went through the six weeks "two steps forward, one step back" which is not what I recommend. Accept help, acknowledge that you had major surgery, rest and snuggle your new baby (and two-year-old) as much as possible. Good luck.

LaborKit.com Blog : planned c-section

Three c-sections or more? Tough Decisions.

A planned c-section is no walk in the park