Today I have my first appointment at the hospital with the consultant (or, less reassuringly, A Member of her Team). I think I recognise her name as being the same consultant that delivered Ben so I will endeavour not to think about how I pooped when she told me to push (I mean how inconsiderate is that, she’s just trying to do her job and save my son’s life and I reward her with THAT) and I will instead try to focus on the inevitable discussion about whether they will allow me to have a VBAC or instead will be pushing for me to have a c-section after the trouble all three of my children gave me when they eventually decided to come out.
I was desperate to have a VBAC last time because it is less risky than major surgery and because I knew I wanted more children and a c-section can make conceiving again more tricky. But when I consider the fact that the best birth experience (least painful, least frightening) I have had was the emergency c-section, the fact that I deliver large babies and there is always a danger of them getting stuck (despite my huge childbearing hips), the fact that my previous scar could rupture (even if unlikely) and the fact that there is NO WAY I’M HAVING ANY MORE CHILDREN, NOT EVER, I am more than likely to willingly submit to the idea of a c-section if the consultant suggests that it would be a better option for me and this baby.
In fact when I think about the enforced five days of recovery in hospital in a private room (wards are the norm after a normal delivery in this country) with someone bringing me food and cups of tea and someone else at home looking after the three that are such hard work every day, I’m almost hoping she insists on it.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I had an elective section so I can understand exactly where you’re coming from. Either way, I hope you get some rest and recovery after the baby is born!
My recovery with Sofia went very well, even though I wasn’t happy with having had the section. I was glad I was able to do a VBAC with Isobel, but then I wasn’t a very high risk patient. Based on what you’ve been through with the other three, I think they would be very likely to insist on the section.
I really enjoyed my time in the post-labor room after the girls were born. I stayed for as long as they would let me, which wasn’t nearly long enough!
It sounds like you should be opting for an elective c-section! Forget the guilt some other people put on this – if it’s what you feel you want and NEED then go for it!
My friend recently had an elective c-section after her first difficult birth, and it went so smoothly and she couldn’t have been happier!
And yes, I know I’m the homebirthing type myself, but I always think that you should go with whatever type of birth suits you best… it’s fantastic that we have a choice!
I think the most important thing is that you sound open to whatever the medics think best for you both.
I think the hardest thing about a section is the lack of mobility afterwards, not being able to drive or lift things and having to rely on someone else to do those things. Although if there are friends and family willing to step up, someone else doing some of the work could be a blessing!
Mom of 3 C babies here and I don’t regret any of them either. I’d love to do it again but alas, at 43, I don’t see it in my future.
Living vicariously through you lucky pregnant ladies here in the sphere.
Good luck with whatever you choose or whatever fate chooses for you. It’s a miracle either way.
I had 2 elective sections so hardly qualified to comment except to say they were the most rselaxed fantastic birthing experience I could personally imagine. My Best Friend had an enforced elective section with her 2nd (breech) and was so grateful for the 5 days in hospital afterwards as it helped her bond well with the baby before taking her home to the (v v jealous) older sibling.
PS I stayed in hospital just 48 hours with Ned though so 5 days may be overly optimistic!!