C section or natural?

[amber_lynn98]

Is the recovery from an episiotomy worse than the recover from a c section? Baby boy is measuring big and I'm only 5feet tall so I might end up with a c section if I'm not able to deliver vaginally. I've heard an episiotomy is harder to recover from, and I'm terrified of getting cut down there, so I was wondering which was harder for you mommy's that have had both before?

[shaymich2015]

I'm 5 2. 100 pounds. Just delivered naturally with the epidural and found the experience absolutely amazing! The recovery just feels like bad period cramps. I am still on pitocin so I'm still contracting very slightly. But nothing bad. I was up and walking around using the bathroom not even two hours later! I didn't tear just a tiny road rash type thing. So it burns a tiny bit to pee. But totally worth it. I however had a 2 pound baby which makes things easier I guess..

[kj_skibum]

After a natural birth, even with some tearing, the do not need to prescribe narcotic pain meds. After a C-section, they do have to prescribe narcotic pain meds. Pain meds. cause constipation, and may cause additional mood swings to occur. If you are Breast feeding, you may be passing meds. to baby.

I am planning on natural....but ultimately, if medically req. I will have C Section....just won't be asking for one in advance

[amber_lynn98]

Oh okay thank you (:

[GeekMom1213]

I've heard many stories about doctors who don't ask, they just do it when they think it's time and women are no longer in a place where they feel they can refuse. This is technically assault. It is definitely contrary to the oath of "first do no harm" that all doctors take. This is why birth plans are so important. If you do not want to be cut it is important to say so, long before labor begins. Put it on paper and make it clear in a discussion with your doctor that you do not consent to an episiotomy. If it's on paper, you have legal recourse if the doctor disregards your personal medical decisions.

[amber_lynn98]

Will the doctor give you a choice to have an episiotomy or not? I'm just nervous because almost all the women in my family had one with their first born.

[Elee11mama]

Im 4ft 10, was induced (18hrs on pitocin) had an epiural, pushed baby out fine, had a minor tear or two, not many stitches, and was fine. It burns when u pee so I used the spray bottle the gave me in hopital while peeing to dilute it so it burns less. Im sure being cut hurts worse than natural tears, but your body could suprize you! Women are built to do this!

[mw89]

Honestly I have been told by my provider that a natural tear heals  better than an episotomy.  I would talk to your provider about tearing versus the episotomy. Different birthing positions will help you not tear as much too.

[bigmama86]

I had a episiotomy with my first and had a small tear inside. I ended up getting it because I was so numb from the epidural I didn't know when my contractions were coming and couldn't push properly. They ended up using a vacuum to get him out after 4 hours of pushing.Granted it hurts like hell to have stitches on your sensitive area but would think c-section would be just more painful to recover from.But sometimes if baby is to big to pass c-section would be best.

[GeekMom1213]

It isn't necessarily an either/or situation. I didn't have either... I'm 5'2" with a small frame and had a 9 lb baby, didn't need a single stitch. Your body can do it too, if you're supported in such a way that you can give birth with fewer interventions, fewer restrictions, and therefore lower risk.
If your doctor insists that women deliver flat on their backs with their feet in the air, you will almost certainly end up with an episiotomy unless you get a new doctor. If you get an epidural to numb the pain so you can't feel how hard you're pushing, you're much more likely to tear than a woman who goes without. If you get induced with pitocin, your body won't have the time to stretch out properly because the drugs are rushing the process more than would happen naturally - and you are much more likely to tear.
Now, I'm not saying these interventions are always a bad thing. Sometimes they're exactly what is needed. But the risks are there too, and many times people aren't informed of how the whole process is interconnected.

[mummy_times_2]

My report must be wrong then lol... sometimes they have to cut because there isn't enough room, in saying that if they don't cut your muscles they separate them ..... they still aren't intact that's for sure.

[cef1990]

I agree with @mummy_times_2. I've only had an episiotomy and I was walking around within hours of the birth, it's slightly painful to go to the toilet and it's a bit uncomfortable but there's no restriction. My friend had a c-section and she had a catheter fitted, so was unable to move from the bed for awhile after birth and had to recover in the same way ands after a big surgery. You are asked to rest at home for longer with a section too.

[DesireeSmith]

They don't cut through your muscles to do a c-section. That is a common misconception.  They just move them out of the way.

[Lynz1411]

^ agree. I had an episiotomy with my first and really didn't find it painful at all.

[mummy_times_2]

I've only had a c-section but I'm almost certain that a c-section is harder to recover from its major abdominal surgery they cut through everything muscle, fat, tissue to get to baby. I personally would rather a cut and stitches down there then having my muscles sliced in half again.

[mom_to_be_of_3]

I would like to know too