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RE: Why have a C section?

AmieL — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:08:12 GMT

I laboured without an epi. and without pitocin (was supposed to get pitocin, but they were waiting for me to get my epi. first, and that never happened, and then things happened naturally so pitocin was unnecessary, but anyway, I didn't have ANY pain when my uterus was contracting.

That said, I know others who have had pain, and apparently the pain gets worse with each baby...

RE: Why have a C section?

igottajlo — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:15:45 GMT

I had 5 whole contractions before having my section ... and I can tell you that I could feel my uterus contracting in the hospital post-op ... but really it wasn't bad. I think that article is all dependant on your pain threshold. To me, it just felt like mild mentral cramps ... AND they also gave me Oxytocin through my IV for the first 24 hours to help my uterus contract. AND Rachael was BFing within an hour and a half of delivery which also helped.

RE: Why have a C section?

Zim — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:55:21 GMT

[quote][b]jbuckle (7/10/2008)[/b][hr]That would be true if you elected to have a c-section. It's not at all the case if you have an emergency section.[/quote]

Good to know! Thank you.

RE: Why have a C section?

jbuckle — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:49:31 GMT

[quote][b]Zim (7/9/2008)[/b][hr]I read something today that I thought was interesting:

[quote]In the case of a C-Section, you usually have the operation before your body goes into labor. So you skip the contractions, especially the really strong ones that push the baby out. But the real pain comes in days two through four. That's because the uterus still needs to contract to it's original size. Hitomi was given a Pitosin IV to stimulate contractions. In addition, she was nursing, which naturally stimulates contractions. Finally, she had twins, so her uterus was the size of a basketball (or so). The point is that it was very painful. The worst pain was when she was nursing AND on Pitosin, which provoked the strongest contractions. That's the pain the nurses were warning her about, and it's the reason why many new mothers give up and send their babies to the nursery. Hitomi thought this pain was worse than when she delivered our first child naturally.[/quote]

From a personal story here:
[url]http://www.globalcompassion.com/japan-birth.htm[/url][/quote]

That would be true if you elected to have a c-section. It's not at all the case if you have an emergency section. I went through 15 hours of labour and 4 hours of pushing. 2 hours of pushing without the epi.

Yes, nursing and the contractions to reduce to the uterus were painful (for me) as well.

RE: Why have a C section?

Zim — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:14:35 GMT

I read something today that I thought was interesting:

[quote]In the case of a C-Section, you usually have the operation before your body goes into labor. So you skip the contractions, especially the really strong ones that push the baby out. But the real pain comes in days two through four. That's because the uterus still needs to contract to it's original size. Hitomi was given a Pitosin IV to stimulate contractions. In addition, she was nursing, which naturally stimulates contractions. Finally, she had twins, so her uterus was the size of a basketball (or so). The point is that it was very painful. The worst pain was when she was nursing AND on Pitosin, which provoked the strongest contractions. That's the pain the nurses were warning her about, and it's the reason why many new mothers give up and send their babies to the nursery. Hitomi thought this pain was worse than when she delivered our first child naturally.[/quote]

From a personal story here:
[url]http://www.globalcompassion.com/japan-birth.htm[/url]

RE: Why have a C section?

jbuckle — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:47:03 GMT

[quote][b]Joule5 (7/6/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]jbuckle (7/5/2008)[/b][hr]I had a c-section. I agree with some points... I sometimes wonder that if I didn't get the epidural ( which I was very on the fence about) if things would've been different.

The epi didn't work anyways. I wouldn't dialate ... etc etc etc...

All I know is that I'm VERY happy that my lo and I are both safe and healthy. That's all that really matters right?[/quote]

Exactly! What matters is that everyone is safe and healthy. What is done is done and it won't change anything to feel guilty about some choices you have made. Chances are it wouldn't have changed anything. We'll never know...

I think that we should all be proud of our birthing experience, whether it's an all natural birth, home or hospital, epi or not, meds or not, emergency or planned c-section, etc. Each pregnancy and birth is different and what's good for someone isn't for someone else. We are all proud and loving mommies and ready to do what's best for our little ones.[/quote]

Cheers to us eh????!!!!!:D

RE: Why have a C section?

Joule5 — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:07:38 GMT

[quote][b]jbuckle (7/5/2008)[/b][hr]I had a c-section. I agree with some points... I sometimes wonder that if I didn't get the epidural ( which I was very on the fence about) if things would've been different.

The epi didn't work anyways. I wouldn't dialate ... etc etc etc...

All I know is that I'm VERY happy that my lo and I are both safe and healthy. That's all that really matters right?[/quote]

RE: Why have a C section?

jbuckle — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:14:55 GMT

I had a c-section. I agree with some points... I sometimes wonder that if I didn't get the epidural ( which I was very on the fence about) if things would've been different.

The epi didn't work anyways. I wouldn't dialate ... etc etc etc...

All I know is that I'm VERY happy that my lo and I are both safe and healthy. That's all that really matters right?

RE: Why have a C section?

jenoneill — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:47:19 GMT

.I haven't read all the replies. I just wanted to write my experience and what I choose. I'm 5 foot and weighed I think 103 when I had my son and I am sooooooo glad that I had him vaginally. Which is quite the change of heart when I initially found out I was pregnant. First thing I asked my doc was if I could arrange a section and she about laughed in my face. She asked if I was too posh to push. Then she advised me that if the circumstances lead to a natural delivery then that's what I'm getting. I was HORRIFIED! And was praying for the baby to be transveresed or SOMETHING. Man was I wrong. I was up and at 'em hours after the delivery and was not in the pain I saw my sis and SIL when after they had their sections. My mom saw lots of different recoveries for both deliveries as an L&D nurse and both have their pros and cons. My sil didn't have a choice with her first section but because she already had the scare tissue and is a big wuss and can't take pain, she had the option to do it again for her 2nd. My sis also had a section with her first and actually wanted to try a vaginal with her 2nd but it just wasnt in the cards for her. Because of her health she had to have a section.

I lucked out and had an effortless delivery, but who knows - it may not be the case the next time around. I'd rather experience and participate in the delivery - as painful and unplanned as it may be - get the pain over with one time and done.

RE: Why have a C section?

igottajlo — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:43:59 GMT

I had a section because Rachael was breech. Otherwise I would have delivered vaginally.

RE: Why have a C section?

SCM57 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:07:34 GMT

I had to have an emergency c-section in the very early stage of labour (I had been induced 5 times and we think it was just all too much for Connor; his heart was dropping dangerously low once things started going). I had heard horrible things about them, but I had a really easy time with it. Connor was born at 1:06AM. I was out of bed on my own that same day, the catheter was removed the next morning, I showered on my own that day and I was given the OK to go home that day as well, so we were home at dinner time the day after he was born. I only had to have ibuprofen for pain, nothing else.

I will be having a scheduled c-section with the next one and, frankly, I'm glad! I don't know if contractions are worse when you've been induced or what, but I sure didn't like what I was feeling when I was having them and I hadn't even reached hard labour yet!

RE: Why have a C section?

angel0906 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:38:03 GMT

In my exsperence I had no choice but to have a c-section I was on labor fo r12 hours and I had a epidural and I am damn proud of that It was very painful back labor if you are in pain and you cant even keep your eyes open how are you going to push but besides that My daughter flipped in my belly mid labor and her cord was coming out and if that was to happen she would have died so it is was a emergency. My process of getting better was worse than my labor I would have went through labor 10 times over if i had a choice I was very infected from the inside I was almost put back into the hospital for that and I was up and walking 10 hours after her birth so I was damned determined to not just lay there the pain I felt with my recovery was like someone taking a lighter from the inside of my body and burning me I could not even walk if I had a choice I would want a regular vaginal birth. just my opinon I wish it was easier for me than that.

RE: Why have a C section?

BellzBride — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:38:05 GMT

I've never been preggo, so I don't know from personal experience but my mum had me by c-section because her pelvic bones are very narrow, and I was too f**kin fat to fit through :laugh: hahaha

Seriously though, my poor mum was in labour with me for 36 hours, and I didn't budge. Couldn't fit. So she had a c-section, and out came me, 9lbs 13.5oz!!! :w00t:

Due to all the trouble she had when she was in labour with me, the doctor automatically scheduled a c-section when she was pregnant with my sister. It was a good thing too- my sister was 10.5lbs!!!!!!!

So yeah, fat babies and narrow pelvic bones don't mix. lol

RE: Why have a C section?

MrsZator — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 21:52:41 GMT

[quote][b]fascha (7/4/2008)[/b][hr]Well I think I may have answered this question differently many months ago, but I would totally (shamefully) have an elective c-section RIGHT NOW because I constantly worry about what can go wrong in utero before this baby is born that it is driving me batty!!!

I'd pluck him out right now if I could! LOL[/quote]

THere is just as much that can go wrong with a c-section.

I was so scared of the section when I was prego and the Dr. gave me all the pros and cons. He said it was about 50-50 for both "things that could go wrong" and for healing period. It all depends on the person.

RE: Why have a C section?

beccak — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:36:12 GMT

I really, really, really do not want to have a c-section. The idea of it terrifies me...and I have had major surgery before.

I really want to have a vaginal birth because I want to feel the contractions and pain that comes with labour and delivery. That being said, if the pain becomes unbearable I will have an epidural. If my life or the baby's life is in danger, I would also have a c-section no question about it, but I really, really, really don't want to have one!!

My sister went through 46 hours of labour and she is a whoose! lol, if she can do it, so can I!!! :)

RE: Why have a C section?

Brendicat — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:33:15 GMT

You can choose to have a C-section, but you have to find a Dr. who will do it without medical reasons. Some women choose to have them b/c they want to be able to schedule their baby's birth others just don't want the painof labour and delivery so they choose a C-section. I have heard of these people being called "to posh to push"

RE: Why have a C section?

fascha — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:23:54 GMT

Well I think I may have answered this question differently many months ago, but I would totally (shamefully) have an elective c-section RIGHT NOW because I constantly worry about what can go wrong in utero before this baby is born that it is driving me batty!!!

I'd pluck him out right now if I could! LOL

RE: Why have a C section?

MrsSofaQueen — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:15:11 GMT

[quote][b]2007bride (7/4/2008)[/b][hr]Personally, I would never elect to have a major sugery just because I was scared of the pain. The risks are so much more for both mother and child, that it just doesn't seem worth it, unless medically necessary!

Onto size...I am 5'7", 105 lbs and a size 00 or 0 in pants when not pregnant (very tiny). I managed to give birth (naturally) to 9lbs 7oz, and 7lb 14 oz boys! Size isn't always a determining factor (whether you are big, small, tall, short, big hipped, small hipped). One doesn't know until they allow nature to take it's course and try![/quote]

You are a tiny little lady!

RE: Why have a C section?

2007bride — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:03:55 GMT

Personally, I would never elect to have a major sugery just because I was scared of the pain. The risks are so much more for both mother and child, that it just doesn't seem worth it, unless medically necessary!

Onto size...I am 5'7", 105 lbs and a size 00 or 0 in pants when not pregnant (very tiny). I managed to give birth (naturally) to 9lbs 7oz, and 7lb 14 oz boys! Size isn't always a determining factor (whether you are big, small, tall, short, big hipped, small hipped). One doesn't know until they allow nature to take it's course and try!

RE: Why have a C section?

ChantalC — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:04:40 GMT

I didn't say I was an expert. I'm just saying that some women should not worry about the size of the pelvis before giving birth. One doesn't know if it will or will not work out until they have a baby, the position of the baby, and all the other factors that go into having a natural delivery.[/quote]

I totally agree with this. Why worry about something that you have no control over? You won't know until you're in that situation. I agree 100%! :)

RE: Why have a C section?

chrismont — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:55:12 GMT

[quote][b]SofaQueen (7/4/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]chrismont (7/4/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]ChantalC (7/4/2008)[/b][hr]Sofa - that's absolutely true. But sometimes a big baby simply won't pass through a small woman's pelvis as well. It entirely depends on the baby and the woman. What works for one woman won't necessarily work for another woman.[/quote]

True. I'm 5'9", 140 pounds, and have wide hips. Who would have thought that I had a small pelvic opening?[/quote]

I didn't say I was an expert. I'm just saying that some women should not worry about the size of the pelvis before giving birth. One doesn't know if it will or will not work out until they have a baby, the position of the baby, and all the other factors that go into having a natural delivery.[/quote]

Sorry, I was just saying 'true', as in everyone is different and you just don't know.

RE: Why have a C section?

MrsSofaQueen — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:41:58 GMT

[quote][b]chrismont (7/4/2008)[/b][hr][quote][b]ChantalC (7/4/2008)[/b][hr]Sofa - that's absolutely true. But sometimes a big baby simply won't pass through a small woman's pelvis as well. It entirely depends on the baby and the woman. What works for one woman won't necessarily work for another woman.[/quote]

True. I'm 5'9", 140 pounds, and have wide hips. Who would have thought that I had a small pelvic opening?[/quote]

RE: Why have a C section?

chrismont — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:34:31 GMT

[quote][b]ChantalC (7/4/2008)[/b][hr]Sofa - that's absolutely true. But sometimes a big baby simply won't pass through a small woman's pelvis as well. It entirely depends on the baby and the woman. What works for one woman won't necessarily work for another woman.[/quote]

True. I'm 5'9", 140 pounds, and have wide hips. Who would have thought that I had a small pelvic opening?

RE: Why have a C section?

lstashko — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:28:27 GMT

I ended up having to have a c-section after 15 hours of labor and 2 and a half hours of pushing. Anthony was posterior and his head was flexed and would not come through. The dr said had he been facing the right way I could have delivered no problem. I am not sure if I would have preferred a vaginal delivery, but I do know at the time when they told me I needed a cesarean I was petrified.

I recovered fairly quickly and was up out of bed in about 12 hours although it was very painful as I was scared to take anything for the pain because I thought they might make me disoriented and I didnt want to be high trying to care for my baby......I had never been on pain killers or in the hospital for anything, so didnt know what to expect from them. There were a couple of nights I sent Anthony to the nursery so I could take T3's and get some sleep, but that was it.

Now, when all is said and done, I am glad I had a section as all I have is a very thin scar that you wouldnt even notice if you didnt know it was there. It was tough not being able to lift anything heavier than baby for 6 weeks though and I still cannot go to the gym for another 3 weeks.

RE: Why have a C section?

AmieL — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:04:14 GMT

I gave birth vaginally, and I hope to do it again with this one that's currently in my belly, although, because I have so much pelvic pain this time around, my doctor warned me that a c section might be necessary...he wasn't pushing me into it, just letting me know that it might happen...he is well aware that I don't want that at all.

Giving birth to my son, while one of the most painful experiences of my life was also one of the most memorable, amazing experiences of my life. I wouldn't trade that experience for the world...your body just sort of takes over, and the entire experience of labour was such a...I don't know how to explain...a bonding experience for my husband and I...if that makes sense. I feel like giving birth was probably the best thing I ever did in my life...even though, technically, I didn't have a choice - my body took over, you know? I didn't have an epidural - the dude got called away just as he was about to stick me with the needle, and he never came back, except after my guy was born, to tell me he was sorry for not coming back - anyway...I did have an episiotomy, and yet, I healed fast...I was up and around the very next day...that night even...to be honest, i got sick of everyone telling me to lay down! So, yes, labour is painful, and yes, I was scared of the labour beforehand, but when it comes, it comes, and you...you just do it, because you don't have a choice really!

Honestly, I do not want a c section with this baby...no way, no how.

But, at the same time, I do think c sections are necessary when either the mother or baby's life could be in jeopardy...I don't so much believe in them just so that someone can plan their baby's birthday or not have to go through labour.

RE: Why have a C section?

ChantalC — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:00:20 GMT

Sofa - that's absolutely true. But sometimes a big baby simply won't pass through a small woman's pelvis as well. It entirely depends on the baby and the woman. What works for one woman won't necessarily work for another woman.

RE: Why have a C section?

MrsSofaQueen — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:40:14 GMT

I've never given birth, so I can't say one way or the other is better. However, my mom told me that the body does the work and it a natural process. She had the epidural for the first birth b/c of complications, but with me she didn't have any drugs.

As for the women who say they are too small, my mom is 5' 2" and she was about 110 lbs and has a small frame, but she got her babies out naturally. Just b/c you are small that doesn't mean you can't naturally deliver a baby. There are some small women out there with some good hips on them.

RE: Why have a C section?

RaysBride — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:51:15 GMT

P.S-- My incision looks like a paper cut, literally... a paper cut!

RE: Why have a C section?

balloongrl — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:41:52 GMT

personally I would never "elect" to have a c section if I could deliver naturally. Although the idea of delivering naturally terrifies me too :P

I do know a lot of people in alberta that have spouses that work out on the rigs etc. and are away from home for long periods of time and they choose to have a c section so that they know their husbands will be there for the birth...

RE: Why have a C section?

Joule5 — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:41:22 GMT

[quote][b]RaysBride (7/4/2008)[/b][hr]I had a c-section with my daughter and I have to say it's not nearly as bad as what it is being made out to be-- at least not for me. A girl I met in the hospital had a vaginal birth, stitched in and out, tore end to end, she was FAR worse off then I was with recovery! I did have a scheduled section as my daughter was breech, however, my water did break before that date so I had it moved up. I enjoyed the thought of knowing the date of arrival, I had all my massage, mani &pedi, hair cut appointments for the days before my scheduled c-section (even though I never did make it to them). In the end I enjoyed the element of surprise too! I enjoyed the fact that I barely blead after. I think because the Dr. is in there so they do a good cleaning out. I blead for just 3-4 days then just spotted for the rest of the week or so. I truly did not find recovery hard either. I was walking later that night and I had her at 4:30pm. Showering myself the next day- alone! I was home and doing stairs on the 5th day with not much pain at all. In the hospital I was taking 2 Ibprofen and 1 Tylenol with codine. I also came home with these drugs but never did take much more then the IB for a few days. I dunno.. guess what I'm trying to say is I would and will do C-SECTION again. I think there are good experiences and bad experiences with either delivery.[/quote]

I also didn't have a choice of having a planned c-section because my baby was breech and made it until the set date. Like RaysBride, the recovery wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days anf took painkillers (no morphine) but only took Advil and Tylenol at home. I didn't need anything more.

I heard about nightmare c-sections as well as nightmare vaginal births and inversely about dream c-sections and dream vaginal births. I think that eveyr situation is different and that you have to do what's best for the baby.

Sure, breech babies used to get delivered vaginally and it's not impossible to do. But my dr told me she doesn't do a vaginal birth for a breech baby because there's a risk the cord can come out first and the air supply to the baby is cut and the baby can die or end up with brain damage. I didn't think twice before singing the consent forms. I didn't care if it wasn't the birth I wanted and imagined, I wanted the best for my baby.

RE: Why have a C section?

chrismont — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:57:19 GMT

[quote][b]ChantalC (7/4/2008)[/b][hr] I haven't seen Business of Being Born, but from what I've read on this forum and others it is extremely baised towards doctors being evil (correct me if I'm wrong please!). [/quote]

I did see a screening of this movie with a panel discussion afterwards with one of the producers, a midwife, doula, ob/gyn and a nurse. Just to say that I didn't get that impression at all. The movie actually shows many great doctors.

I did have a c-section and I never thought I would. I took yoga beforehand, hired a doula, took a breathing workshop, was all prepared mentally and physically for a vaginal birth.
Went through all the labour and pushing drug free, and through over 5 hours of pushing the doctors and nurses did everything they could to get that baby out. Lying on my side, on my back, on all fours....But there was no way he could come out. His head was just too big for my pelvis and his skin was being scraped off by my pelvic bones. But we tried! I was not upset or angry that I went through all of that and then had to have a c-section. I gave birth to my child, he just came out a different opening! The doctor did the section as the last resort and tried to follow my wishes the whole way through the labour. They were genuinely all disappointed for me because we all tried so hard and had gone so long.

The c-section recovery did suck for me. So swollen from all the pushing and then all the pain from the section. But a friend of mine gave birth vaginally the same day and was in just as rough shape.

A great book for EVERYONE who will be giving birth (especially if you are nervous) is Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.
[u]IT WILL EMPOWER YOU. [/u]

RE: Why have a C section?

RaysBride — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:32:07 GMT

I had a c-section with my daughter and I have to say it's not nearly as bad as what it is being made out to be-- at least not for me. A girl I met in the hospital had a vaginal birth, stitched in and out, tore end to end, she was FAR worse off then I was with recovery! I did have a scheduled section as my daughter was breech, however, my water did break before that date so I had it moved up. I enjoyed the thought of knowing the date of arrival, I had all my massage, mani &pedi, hair cut appointments for the days before my scheduled c-section (even though I never did make it to them). In the end I enjoyed the element of surprise too! I enjoyed the fact that I barely blead after. I think because the Dr. is in there so they do a good cleaning out. I blead for just 3-4 days then just spotted for the rest of the week or so. I truly did not find recovery hard either. I was walking later that night and I had her at 4:30pm. Showering myself the next day- alone! I was home and doing stairs on the 5th day with not much pain at all. In the hospital I was taking 2 Ibprofen and 1 Tylenol with codine. I also came home with these drugs but never did take much more then the IB for a few days. I dunno.. guess what I'm trying to say is I would and will do C-SECTION again. I think there are good experiences and bad experiences with either delivery.

RE: Why have a C section?

ChantalC — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:03:53 GMT

I think the rise in c-sections recently is due to how much new science is being discovered. I totally agree that our bodies were made to give birth, and don't like the idea of medical interventions unless necessary, but let's not forget that only 100 years ago women were still dying during childbirth. It was the number one killer of women! So much can and does go wrong, but since we have the medical science now none of those things are a big deal anymore.

I think sections are more popular now also because of breech births. My brother was born breech and there was no talk of my mom having a section, but if she gave birth now they would have given her an emergency c-section for sure. So that has changed.

I get a bit bothered when people immediately assume that doctors and other medical staff are going to automatically try to push you into a c-section, give you unnecessary medicine, or otherwise give you bad advice during your labor. I don't understand why so few women have faith in their medical professionals... I know my body well, but I didn't study medicine and don't presume to know when something is a problem or not. I do question my doctor when he does something I'm not familiar with or feel something is unnecessary, so it's not like I'm a naive little follower, but I put my faith in him. It's not in his best interest to screw me over. I haven't seen Business of Being Born, but from what I've read on this forum and others it is extremely baised towards doctors being evil (correct me if I'm wrong please!). I really don't get this mindset at all... I'd welcome anyone - BeeBear, DogMelissa, anyone - to join in this discussion because I must be missing something and would love to be enlightened. Is there a particular reason why these ladies are so against the medical profession?

(Not trying to upset or offend anyone, just wanted to spark a healthy discussion because I don't understand where you're coming from.)

RE: Why have a C section?

WesteeMama — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:41:19 GMT

I have one friend who had a very difficult vaginal delivery (after being induced)but went on to have another child (and another vag delivery). I have another friend who had an emergency c-section with her first because she had placenta abruptia...her other 2 children were planned c-sections because of the risk of her bleeding again. Yet another friend had a c-section with her first because the baby was breech but she went on to have a vag delivery with her second, in the hospital but with a midwife. So, all sorts of options are there. C-sections do save the lives of babies and mothers in some circumstances, however, there is a risk to having one as well.

FYI: you will likely have a urine catheter when you have a c-section.

To BeeBear: I agree with your thoughts for the most part, just wanted to point out that the OB/GYN is the one doing the c-section, not a general surgeon.

RE: Why have a C section?

chulie — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:59:59 GMT

although i do agree our bodies are naturally made to give birth....maybe things are changing i dont know...i know my sister had no choice...she had to have a c section because the baby was upside down..completely....i dont know much about medicine and i dont have any fancy articles to attach but..im gonna think there is no physical way possible to deliver a baby whose head is where its feet should be. Also, I know a girl whose wanted to have a natural birth, she had a mid wife come to her house and everything..so she must have strongly wanted to naturally give birth and believed her body to could do it, however, she ended up being rushed to the hospital to have an emergency c-section......so..maybe it has to do with the increase in number of people having children that has increased statistics, or maybe its better ability to record these things too..i dont know..there are so many reasons statistics are what they are but...to say its us not knowing our bodies...well...i am going to disagree with that...just my oppinion

RE: Why have a C section?

MrsZator — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:41:39 GMT

I know allot of peole who requested a c-section.

Some because they already had one and knew what was to come and others just because they were to scared of labour and delivery, just wanted to get it over with quick.

Some Dr.s will not do them unless absolutly nessarry but others you just have to ask.

I am the opposite, I was terrified of the C and almost had to have one, thank God he came without any problems and I didnt have to go through it!... Not that its bad, Ive just never had a stitch never mind surgery!! lol I soooo didnt want one!

RE: Why have a C section?

smurf993 — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:40:09 GMT

so, i would be happy with either, but I have to say as a nurse... i would perfer a c section. I have seen a ton of babies being born and all are amazing. I totally admire the women who do it vaginally... however, i am 5'3" and 106 lbs. Pushing a baby out of there... scares me to death!! I have a low pain tolerance... i stub my toe and fall to the floor in pain!! ll i have seen people do it... i know it is possible.... but i am still scared. so, if given the choice i would go section... if not then i am having an epidural as soon as i hit 3cm (thats the standard here). Also, bring on the IV ASAP... here once we start labour only ice chips... YUCK!

and as for the increase in use of it... i think for celebs it all comes down to the "Mummy Tuck" (a tummy tuck done at the same times a the section.. must be nice eh??). They loose the weight and look great almost right off the start... and again set a expectation that most women cannot meet. Sad, really... i am more proud of the celebs that took a long time to lose the baby weight... they are more the people that i can respect and relate to.

RE: Why have a C section?

robandhil — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:55:20 GMT

My daughter was only 8 pounds 1 ounce.. but my hips just didnt want to puch her out.. I was induced because I was over due.. and was in labour for 15 hours unmedicated and it just sucked the contractions were on top of each other and I was just not going anywhere..

I was more then happy to have my section when the dr said that was going to happen... with my second I am going to have a planned section... my dr now realized that no matter how tiny the baby its just not going to come out of me in a natural way...

I also healed very well.. but I had the mind set that this wasnt going to hold me down... I was out with in 3 days and was walking with in the first 12 hours after my section..

RE: Why have a C section?

eeklrb — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:47:05 GMT

[quote][b]BeeBear (7/3/2008)[/b][hr]I actually started a post last week about c-sections and the rise in births via. I spent about a half hour writing my thread and providing links and quotes only to hit "post" and have the entire thing disappear. I vented on the FB CB group, man I was furious. So, this may be more vague than I initially planned.

The reason I started to write that thread is because for three consecutive days, Google ran articles about the increase in c-sections being performed. 1 in 4 Canadian births!! Pretty high statistics for something that's only done when "required" if oyu ask me.

The articles I read also reminded me very much of the documentary that Fasha posted about, Ricki Lake's "The Business of Being Born". I know, some of you argue that it was an American documentary and therefore doesn't apply in the least to us Canadians. I disagree, we're not all that different than our neighbours to the South (okay, we're nicer ;) ).

Below are some of the articles I encountered. Some saying that the rise is due to women waiting later in life to have children, the rise rise in obesity/overweight women, and some ARE elective, there are indeed women out there "too posh to push". Also, alot of Dr's are terrified of being sued should complications arrive from having a vaginal birth. Alot of people cannot grasp that birth is a natural process and there are risks involved beyond a medical practitioner's control. On top of that, Dr's have families that they wish to get home to, and what a great way to speed up the process vs. waiting for nature to take it's course. I also read an article where a Canadian woman was forced against her will into a c-section because the Dr had had enough, he wanted it over. Even agianst her objections, it was done. I had included the link to that article in my initial post that was lost and now of course I can't locate it to include in this one.

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=616113

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=614347

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/06/25/csection-report.html

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=ca55f69e-ab04-4da2-bd0d-bd6a8190f2b1

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=a3ca0ea3-9e3a-43e9-af3a-0cd3d79d1e31

The reason I immediately thought of the documentary , The Business of Being Born, is because I watched it and agreed with most of the content. Yes, it's one sided, but, show me a documentary that doesn't have an angle. That being said, even before I watched the documentary, I already shared alot of the views/opinions expressed. It was nice to see that I wasn't the only one who thought that way. I can completely see the domino effect that is caused by the initial intervention in a natural process, many of which lead up to the baby being in distress and the c-section being done. Ie: pitocin.

My DH asked me if I'm scared to give birth to our baby. Honestly, no I'm not. I am however absolutely terrified about all the interventions the Dr's initiate the moment you are admitted to the hospital. I truly feel that years have been spent making women believe that we just don't know how to give birth. We do, it's a natural process. Our bodies form a life, yet, we can't birth?! I truly believe that if women had more faith in thier bodies ability to give birth, then women and Dr's wouldn't be resorting to a 1 in 4 c-section rate. Induction, etc, etc, etc.

Unfortunately for me, because I live in a remote area, a midwife is not an option for me. This was my #1 choice to give birth for as long as I can remember. If I did have access to one then I would currently be planning a home birth. I am a believer that hospitals are for sick people and I'm not sick, I'm pregnant. The only reason I could see why I MUST use a hospital is if I were a high risk pregnancy.

Anyway, I feel very strongly about this topic. I am very much terrified that I wil be thrown into a system where I'm being told I have a choice, but, upon arrival, being forced into a situation that I don't feel comfortable with. This includes being immediately set up with an IV that isn't medically necessary.

Okay, flame away........:ermm:

Conclusion after my big rant - I think C-Sections are used far too often when not required. This is a major operation in which I think the surgeons should be utilized for required, life saving surgeries only.[/quote]

Inductions are sometimes medically needed. My SIL had cholestasis which could have potentially have been harmful or even fatal to her baby and her. He was also extremely large and if he'd gone to term, she would have needed a C-section because her body wouldn't have been able to accomodate pushing him out.

As far as I know, at our hospital anyway, you can opt out of having an IV. You'll be given one if you are positive for strep B, have an epidural, pitocin or if you are in need of a c-section.

I agree that C-sections are used far to often, and some doctors tend to push for one. However, I believe that we have a choice on who we pick to be our doctor. I've discussed this matter a lot with my OB and he isn't a fan of C-sections therefore wouldn't force me into one, UNLESS it was a life or death kind of situation. But then again, there are other situations where a C-section needs to be done, ie: breech baby. At our hospital, you are not allowed to have a breech baby vaginally, the risks are too high. I think that is fair. You could potentially be risking the lift of your unborn child if you tried to have ti vaginally...that is an unnecessary risk in my opinion.

I want to let my body do what it knows how to do- it grew this baby, it should be able to get her out. IF it can't...then I'm not aganist medical intervention if it means that it would keep me and my baby out of harms way. I'm planning a natural vaginal birth in a hospital (mw's aren't covered by insurance here) and I am positive that I will be able to succeed.

:)

RE: Why have a C section?

babybelle — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:40:51 GMT

I had no choice really for my c-section either... baby wouldn't fit and was in the wrong position.

You would have to be nuts to choose that kind of pain. My recovery sucked. I did have a lovely morphine pump though...too bad it couldn't come home with me. T3s just didn't cut it.