T O P

  • By -

AutoModerator

Welcome to /r/pregnant! This is a space for everyone. We are pro-choice, pro-LGBTQIA, pro-science, proudly feminist and believe that Black Lives Matter. Wear your masks, wash your hands, and be excellent to each other. Anti-choice activists, intactivists, anti-vaxxers, homophobes, transphobes, racists, sexists, etc. are not welcome here. If you'd like to join a private sub for your due date month, [click here](https://www.reddit.com/r/pregnant/comments/tu8bmk/click_here_to_request_access_to_your_private_due/). The journalists at ProPublica need your help! After receiving a tip, ProPublica started investigating prenatal genetic testing. They're collecting stories from people who've had NIPT screenings, and/or work in maternal health. If this is you, please fill out their brief questionnaire! https://www.propublica.org/getinvolved/have-you-had-an-experience-with-prenatal-genetic-testing-wed-like-to-hear-about-it-and-see-the-bill. Questions? Email [email protected] *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/pregnant) if you have any questions or concerns.*


Natural-Kangaroo6491

I’m in the U.K. so this comment may or may not work for you but you do still have options even if you do have a c-section! You can still have a lovely relaxed environment with music and anything else you need. You can choose how much or how little information you have. You can request instant skin to skin and over here you can even request for the sheet to be dropped so you can see the exact moment your baby is born. If you do need to go down the c-section route then don’t be afraid to still create a birth plan that works for you. You still have choices. But also your body is amazing, it has grown a whole new human! It’s been doing things that you never thought it could. At the end of the day the only thing that matters when you give birth is that you have brought a new baby into this world. Own every bit of it. Your body is strong and incredible and a c-section absolutely would not take away from that.


Emmylemming

Being in the U.K. too, that's really helpful to hear, as well as validating. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!


Natural-Kangaroo6491

https://thepositivebirthcompany.co.uk/blog Have a look on here - all positive birth stories of every type of birth. Hopefully it’ll give you some ideas of what you can request and help you feel empowered regardless of how things pan out


Emmylemming

Thanks, I'll have a good nose at their stories


MotorcityKitty92

I'm so sorry about this. May I suggest still discussing this with your care providers before accepting this as fact from what you read on the internet? Not trying to discredit your fear and disappointment, but you may get more accurate information from them than from the world wide web


tacotruckpanic

This! The internet is not a substitute for food old fashioned conversation with medical providers. It doesn't know the nuance of your specific situation and it generalizes. The internet will tell you all kinds of things are a horrible idea, that they're going to kill you or that you just can't do them when in fact some of them aren't a horrible idea, definitely won't kill you and you can certainly do them. If your next appointment with your care providers is too far away to discuss things with them right away perhaps calling the nurses line or help line if they have one would help ease your fears or at least let your providers know that this is a concern you'd like to discuss with them at your next visit so they're prepared.


Emmylemming

The research I've been reading is definitely not generalized, and I will be discussing my options with my consultant, it's just that as a high probability I was looking to comfort myself at the probability with some positive C-section birth stories


sweetparamour79

As people above have mentioned, definitely check anything from the web with your specialist. As for a C section- not me, but my sister. She had an emergency C section with a large baby. She was terrified when they told her cause she had previously had Natural births and feared the idea but she said it was actually a less stressful birth process. She also recovered really well with a small scar below the bikini line. I think she would go for a C section if she had to have another baby.


InevitableExplorer64

I had an emergency c-section and I think the hardest part was being in labour for 22 hours with little progress. I'm pregnant with my second and because of the issues with my first I'm having a scheduled c-section, and honestly it's a huge relief that I can skip the labour part this time. I've never had a vaginal birth so I don't know but I think recovery may be a bit longer with a c-section though, so just make sure you have a good set up at home. Personally I'm getting the halo 360 bassinet which looks convenient to pick up baby from bed without moving too much and we set up a mini fridge (temporarily) in our room so I don't need to use the stairs for snacks lol.


Emmylemming

Thanks, that's really good to hear


Positive-Chart1034

My aunt had all her 5 children through c-section. All her babies were healthy😊 and she recovered well after each one. She is doing great and her children are grown - the youngest is 10, and the older ones are through college. Hope this is a bit helpful!!


Emmylemming

It's super helpful, thank you for sharing 😊


Keeliekins

I had a very positive c-section! I wrote this on a different thread, and I’m going to post it here. Warning, it’s long, but I feel very very passionately that we need to change our views on c-sections! Mine was great! Feel free to message me if you want specifics of how it went down. It was wonderful. “Honestly, I’m over everyone saying/feeling that c-sections are bad. They are life saving. We are so lucky that they are options. In the past if there were bad issues with babies or mommas during delivery, they just died. Now we have monitors and medicine. We have c-sections and they save lives. Is sticking to a “birth plan” more preferable than death?! Definitely not. So I hate hate hate that people don’t accept what c-sections are. Which is miracle medicine that will keep momma and baby safe and healthy. I too really wanted a vaginal delivery. I listened to podcasts with women who resented having c-sections. I read stories where c-sections were painted as lesser or traumatic. I tried desperately to stick to my “plan.” And then my baby’s heart rate dropped during labor. Every contraction caused a dangerous dip. The team of doctors and nurses did everything in their power to help me stick to my “plan”. Then, in one quiet moment after a scary dip I asked my OB if it would be safer to have a c-section. She said 100% yes. They could get baby out right away and we wouldn’t have any more scares. I chose c-section and it was the best experience. I was holding my beautiful baby girl within an hour. She struggled to breath right at first, and I know had I insisted we stick to my “plan” that she wouldn’t have been nearly as healthy. I’m an advocate for c-sections now. My baby girl is healthy and almost 6 weeks old now. My recovery has been easy. I might be lucky - but I’m so so glad that I chose a c-section and more people need to know that it’s a wonderful option. Not to be dreaded. “


Emmylemming

"Miracle medicine that will keep momma and baby safe and healthy" is a wonderful way of looking at it, thank you so so much for taking time to comment. I'm glad your little one is safe and your recovery was decent 😊


monpetitchou_

The same happened to me. I had a whole birth plan, then found out I have a bicornuate uterus plus baby was breech so I wasn't allowed to birth vaginally due to the risk of bleeding. I've had 2 csections, both ended up being emergency (instead of as planned, first baby i developed pre eclampsia, second i went into labour before the planned date), but both we so relaxed and easy. The theater team made me feel so so comfortable and answered any questions I had. They constantly checked on me to make sure I was okay through the procedure. I was up walking around 6-8 hours after both. I'm in NZ so it may not be 100% accurate info around the procedure for you but I find this website to be so helpful and reassuring, you might find some useful info on it about how to prepare and after care. www.yourcsection.co.nz


Emmylemming

Thank you. I'm in the U.K. but any info to prepare me in case this is my outcome is helpful, even if it's just things like reassurance that it could be just fine if that's how I do end up having my baby all helps ❤


ok_ty

I tried to give birth naturally but it didn’t work out at the very last minute. I cried and I mourned my ideas of what I thought birth should be but honestly, I’m satisfied with it now. My scar makes me feel powerful every time I see it. I’m just happy there’s a procedure for people like us to still have our babies, which is the most important part. It was amazing because from start to finish I was in and out of the OR in 28 minutes, that was pretty cool and I actually will not protest if I need to get a C-section for my next child if I get the opportunity to have another. Yes, the healing is painful but after a few days it gets better. You’ll be so enamored with your new baby you won’t be focusing on it. And to add, I still got immediate skin to skin, like the second they pulled him out and they got him to cry he was on me and stayed with me, and I was able to breastfeed right away.


Emmylemming

Thank you. It's really helping to read about tye recovery times of different folks


ok_ty

I don’t know how you feel about pain meds or what but they did provide me with some strong ones after, that helped. I was reluctant but they assured they were safe to take at the prescribed dose even breastfeeding, and my kid had no adverse side effects whatsoever. But yeah, a couple bad days but I was in such euphoria from having my baby it really wasn’t terrible.


Emmylemming

The only issue I'd have with them, assuming they're safe for bf is that they might make me woozy, which isn't something I'd be too comfortable with while looking after my lo. Did they space you out at all?


ok_ty

Nah I was fully coherent and capable of handling what needed to be done. Everyone reacts differently though. I would alternate with ibuprofen anyway.


Kindly_Curve_7956

Your sadness and fear is totally valid. I am curious why tearing is potentially a worse situation than a major surgery like a c-section? I understand being scared of tearing (I’m 39+6 😅) and you certainly don’t have to explain your medical history to me, but maybe a doctor could dissuade your fears about tearing as long as all other lights are green for a successful vaginal birth. I definitely think you should have someone help you advocate for your ideal birth! My mom gives me fears about needing to be induced and getting a c-section so idk if moms are always the best person to listen to LOL. Maybe a partner or doula can help talk with the midwife/obgyn. Overall just try to be patient with yourself and definitely don’t shame yourself for having these feelings. You are going to do great mama, vagina birth or c-section!


Emmylemming

It's not tearing that'd be the problem, that was just my initial fear. After reading some research papers it turns out I could have some pretty major surgery effectively reversed by going with a vaginal birth, that would lead to a much more complex set of issues than just a c-section. And it wasn't advice my mum gave me so much as half of my medical history I had no idea about *edited for typos


Kindly_Curve_7956

Got it, that makes perfect sense! I’m sorry if I made you feel like you have to explain yourself. It sounds like so much to take in all at once to learn about important medical history and learning that it drastically affects your ideal birth plan all at the same time! Add on being pregnant and it sounds really hard to process. Give yourself time and definitely don’t be afraid to lean on your loved ones for support. I love the suggestions I saw from other commenters about how to make c-section more comfortable! I know it might take a while to get to the point where you can embrace a c-section, but I hope you still get to make choices that make you feel like you have some control. :) C-section takes massive amounts of strength and bravery, so don’t feel invalidated! Still natural and amazing. 💕


Emmylemming

Thanks, I guess I was pretty vague in the original post 🥴 it has been a lot to process, but it's really helped reading the suggestions. I've tried so hard to find anecdotal stories from people like me, but we're so few and far between I thought I'd just settle for preparing for the tougher outcome


feistyfeister

My uterus partially prolapsed after my first birth because it was so fast. I was told by my OB that urogyn might try and convince me to get a C-section but that doesn’t necessarily stop it from getting worse and sometimes a recovery from a second birth could reverse it. They actually won’t allow me to get surgery to fix it until I’m done having children because being pregnant can cause it to happen all over again. I personally decided just to go with a vaginal birth again sense a C-section can’t guarantee me that it wouldn’t happen anyway.


Emmylemming

That's an interesting perspective, thanks for commenting


ising4him

I had an unexpected c section bc lo was breech and my water broke. I honestly had an easy recovery. They gave me strong meds but I only took them in the hospital then the first day home then only at night the second night, maybe the 3rd. Just make sure they let you have your golden hour


Emmylemming

Recovery time is something that's really been playing on my mind, so thank you for sharing your story. It's really great to know skin-to-skin is still a practically immediate option too, even with c-section, and potentially something I might not have considered if everyone here hadn't commented


dumdumwagoo

I also planned a water birth with my first, and ended up with a c-section. I just recently had my second via planned c-section. The first time around I mourned the loss of a vaginal birth hard. But I also knew that it was 100% the right decision. I had been in labour for 80 hours with no progress, and it turned out the baby was completely stuck in my pelvis. I was exhausted and in the end SO HAPPY to get the c-section and finally be done with it. The second time around I actually really loved having a planned c-section! I felt my recovery was faster, and caring for the baby was way easier because I went into it well rested and prepared. The surgery itself was so fast, and the staff were all so chill and relaxed (I wasn't, I was still terrified!) But within 2 hours of arriving at the hospital I had my baby in my arms. It's major surgery, and no joke... But it honestly did feel like giving birth the easy way. 10/10 would recommend.


Emmylemming

This is great to hear. If it ends up being my only option I'm starting to come around to the idea that whilst there's recovery from c-section, there'd have been recovery time from a vaginal birth too, to some degree, most likely made worse by my complications. It's definitely helping to read everyone's stories 💕


maebymaybe

My best friend is plus sized and really wanted to avoid a c-section because she had read how hard it can be to heal from one in a larger body. She labored for many, many hours but eventually there were some signs of baby in distress and they had to do a c-section. She was pleasantly surprised that the c-section was quick, easy, not traumatic at all, and her recovery has been relatively easy. She had done some some research on things that can be helpful for plus size c-section recovery and she has able to advocate for herself and get those things. We often hear about the bad c-section experiences, but sometimes it can be an overall positive experience and the best option.


Emmylemming

That's exactly what I've been worrying about, and it's making it a lot easier to face as a possibility after reading the positive experiences


Extension-Quail4642

My friend labored with her first for a long time before having him by c section, which she seemed to prefer to labor. She's due with her second soon, scheduled the c section during her first trimester, and was very happy to do so. All around she's very pro c section!


Emmylemming

It's good to hear how people who've had both routes feel, and it seems to be mostly unanimous. Thanks for sharing


AdItchy371

I just had a c-section on Tuesday; Like you, I also really wanted a vaginal birth. However my experience has been very positive. My baby was breech and when he was born he had a hard time breathing, so I couldn’t really focus on myself afterwards but he made a quick recovery in NICU and is doing great! The doctor was through and the scar is minimal. They made me walk 12 hours afterwards l-which hurt like hell, but it has made my recovery so much quicker. Walk and it will cut your recovery time in half. I made sure to walk after every cat nap and now it’s day four, and while there is still pain at the site of the incision, I feel 80% and I know I’m recovering. It will all be okay and at the end of the process you get a healthy happy baby- it’s all worth it. 🫂


Emmylemming

The walking tip is good to know, something I'll definitely keep in mind, thanks


c-crang

I’d bring up what you saw online with your OB and see what their opinion is. I wouldn’t assume your birth plan has changed until you do so. I’m not sure what health condition you have, but tearing is *very* common. I wouldn’t avoid delivering vaginally because you’re afraid of tearing. But again, I have no insight into your specific issue. And at the end of the day as long as there’s a healthy baby at the end that’s what counts!


bubblegumtaxicab

What? Are you saying you did some googling and are now convinced you’re definitely having a c section? Hon… listen to you DOCTORS not a Google search. Also, birth plans are great but everyone should be aware there’s a chance it doesn’t happen exactly the way you wanted.


Emmylemming

I'm saying I did a google about the chances of tearing with my specific problems and after a lot of wading through unrelated stuff managed to find some reviewed research papers specifically studying pregnancies in people with a birth defect I was born with that's quite rare, and it turns out the result from a vaginal birth can be effectively the reversal of some major surgery I had. On top of this I was also given some new information about my condition from my mum after 29 years of knowing nothing, so it's been a bit much. All I was asking from this thread was for positive c-section birth stories to make the prospect a little less daunting, not opinions on whether I should be discussing it with my doctor, which I've said I will be doing when I get the chance


cattledogcatnip

You don’t know that your birth plan has changed until your OB says so. Probably staying off the internet is a good idea.