C-section vs. vaginal delivery...

[Mrs_yensen]

Yesterday I found out I have a low blood platelette count which could mean I won't be able to have an epidural during labor, which is what I was planning on doing.

I still have some time to decide what I want to do if I can't have the epidural, but I'm not really liking my options.

Either I give birth naturally or I have a c-section. I had a really hard time giving birth to my son and he was small, plus I had the epidural. He ended up having to be suctioned out of me because I had such a hard time...so I'm terrified of the vaginal, natural birth.

I'm leaning towards a c-section but I'm unsure. Ive hears things about c-sections and I was hoping you ladies could give me some insight.

1. Is it true that you can't hold the baby until you can move your feet and wiggle your toes?

2. Can my husband be with me when the procedure is being done?

3. Would they knock me out to do the procedure?

4. How fast is the recovery time?

5. Genuine thoughts? Who has had both? Which did you ladies prefer?

[Sasha2014]

Wanted to add...have dr. Or midwife spill some oil right before baby ready to slip out.  Really helps! They know this but don't all do. Baby slides out easier.  Also, my sister had several kids. Had both procedures.  She'd never want c-section.  After effects are horrible.  Infection got in somehow.  They had to redo it...still sensitive in that area.  So, I'd say the more natural the better.  God made our bodies unique.   Of course if there's a medical concern use good judgment. But if all goes well its even better for baby and breastfeeding afterwards.

[Sasha2014]

Out of personal experience.  I had 5 natural/vaginal births with no epidural at all. First one they did induce, did episiotomy.  The following all nothing at all. No episiotomy and no induction.   As soon as water was broken body naturally kicks into labor. I delivered first two laying.  Worst position for me. Last 3 on my knees.  Best ever.  My husband gives me his hands to hold onto over the bed.  He's opposite side.  Body does wonders when you let it.  Of course I have lot of pain. I pray the whole time.  My uterus tipped back.  Feels like baby coming into my rectom, but midwife helps.  And last baby 9 lbs.  Stuck at first head...than shoulders.   But all good.  Came out.  Pregnant now and planning on same.

[T1DmomOf3]

Forgot to add, my husband was in the room during my csection and I was awake the whole time. I was given a spinal bloc and felt nothing. I got to hold my baby as soon as he was discharged from the NICU so I had to wait a few hours. You might need to ask for a refill of pain meds a couple weeks after you go home because often they don't give you enough. I had no problem getting more, you just have to ask. Whatever you choose, good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly.

[Tinuha]

ftm mom so no personal experience but something to consider is with a natural vaginal birth without an epidural your less likely to tear or at least tear badly. i know you had a rough go the first time. but without an epidural yes you'll feel everything but that makes you more affective while pushing so you are less likely to need assistance delivering which probably why you tore badly last time because the baby is pulled out fast not giving your body time to stretch like it should. without an epidural you also can move so you dont have to deliver on your back(which is the worst position) you can move into positions that help open your pelvis more like lying on your side. and on the positive side your labour should be faster then your first so you wont be in pain for as long. And as for your questions about the c-section i think since you cant have an epidural your most likely to be under general anaesthetic for the delivery (but ask your Dr) so it probably wont be until yourbout of recovery that you'll be able to hold your baby. Good luck what you choose mama!

[3rdNdone]

I've only had c-sections. You are allowed to have one person in the room with you. They only put you under in the case of an emergency c-section. Recovery is different for everyone and it depends on your body. With my daughter she was able to be placed on my chest with the support of my husband because I was awake during the procedure, but I was not able to hold her on my own until the effects of the anesthesia wore off. With my son I was under general anesthesia, because I planned a vaginal  birth but ended up going with the c-section. So I wasn't able to hold him until I was cleared. Each experience was different but I wouldn't  change it I bonded with both my children and neither had a problem latching. I was able to video their births as well. I was up and moving around with no problems and no help. I didn't take any pain meds after I left the hospital. It is added pressure to your stitches and can hurt to laugh, sneeze, or cough. I didn't have any problems feeding or bonding.
We are all different do what works for you.

[T1DmomOf3]

I've had both and preferred the csection. My first was vaginal with an epi and it took me about a year to heal completely because there was deep painful tearing. The csection only took my a few weeks to recover from and was less painful. I'm currently pregnant with my 3rd and will def choose a cs again.

[soontohavethree]

I have had both. I had a c-section with my first because he was breech and an unmedicated VBAC with my second.I am now having my third and hands down no contest would I choose unmedicated VBAC again.

After my c-section I was in pain for weeks. It was hard to pee, it was hard to poop, laugh, cough, breastfeed and bond with my son. They dont send you home with enough pain meds. It was an overall horrible experience for me.

My unmedicated birth was amazing.  Yeah it hurt. I was in labor for 24 hours with 3 min apart contractions that were ineffective. I was so scared I would enjoy up with another c-section but I didn't give up. After another 12 hours in labor I finally had my baby. Afterwards I was up walking around and in the shower as soon as I was sewed up. I was out of the hospital in 24 hours. It was an overall empowering experience that I am actually excited to have again.

Everyone labor is different. Don't be scared to choose either way. Education is key. Find out what you want and aim for it. Dont let the drs take your birth out of your hands.  Birth is beautiful and empowering. If it doesn't end up the way you want aim for being an active participant in the decision making so you can birth without fear and in the end be okay with what happens to your body and baby.

[irina2711]

How low is your platelets count? Mine was 90 when I went into the labor and i  had epidural

[twinssecondtimearound]

Hi hun I have had both I ad a c-section wiv my first twins they where born at 28 weeks and I wanted to be awake didn't like the thought of been put asleep I was all alone no hubby couldn't make it but u r allowed one person wiv u and I had a bad experience wiv the c-section as I felt them cut me and it opened up after and I miscarriaged due to it then I had my daughter naturally and god it hurt even though she was only 5lb 2oz they was checkin my c-section wouldnt open up afterwards now I am in same position as u I am have my second set of twins and have option of c-section or natural but I am scared if both wt if I try natural but then need csection and wt if I go csection and wish I ad natural lol I know I wouldn't of helped but I would like to see wt other ladys think of my situation also :)