Childbirth Questions About This Page:

[mac]

I was induced, and I was fortunate to have a relatively easy labor and delivery. I did have an episiotomy, but no problems. If you are uncomfortable with the thought of having a c-section, you should definitely talk with your doctor. You might even want to get a second opinion. From the sounds of it, subsequent labor and deliveries are "easier" than the first. Good luck, and keep us posted!
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[travismom]

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The best part is...there is a very simple exercise that you can do, even while pregnant to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and reduce problems. It's called a Kegel and it's very simple to do. You just contract and release the pelvic floor muscles (basically it's the same ones you use to stop the flow of urine). Tighten them as hard as you can and hold for 5 seconds. Release, then do it again. Keep working up the number of reps.

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My Dr. actually mentioned this to me. I remember doing this several times during my pregnancy. Travis was delivered naturally, but he did tear me quite a bit. (TMI!!) But this excerise helped with the muscle control during the delivery. Travis had a bowel movement right before he was delivered and they had to get him out quickly. Doc started to use a "plunger" type instrument. (Travis's head was already half-way out). But he said just push real hard one more time and I did. He barely had time to get the "plunger" thing on his head. The nurses did some major suction on Travis, but after a few minutes his lungs opened up and he gave a huge cry. The best sound I've ever heard!!!!
You can get advice from all Mom's here, but as several have stated every birth is different. Talk with your Doctor and if you have more questions, keep asking. Having a C-section is something that only you, your doctor and your husband can make.

Good luck and best wishes for a safe delivery. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grouphug.gif[/img]

[Tink and co.]

My two girls were born "the regular way" with no complications and after the horrifying pregnancies I'd had, I was pleased that at least I was "good" at the birth part. So, I figured the third birth would be no problem at all. Jack turned out to be so large that the doctor was sure he'd have to break his collarbone, so I agreed to the c-section. They were estimating his weight at 12 lbs [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] Thankfully, they did the surgury early and the calculations were off (but not by much!). But it is major surgury, and I'd only do it if medically necessary. I was fine after I had the girls, even stopped to shop at Costco on the way home from the hospital after the second one. It was just such a different type of recovery. I was unable to lift Jack in his carseat myself (partly because of his size), and not allowed to drive for 6 weeks. I was up walking right away, but it was very difficult not driving for that long with two other kids at home. And it was really hard with that sore spot on my belly and little ones (not so gentle as the baby) that wanted to cuddle. At least the other way you're sitting on that sore spot! If I'd had the c-section birth experience first, I'd never have had any more kids. Of my friends the one's who've only had c-sections don't seem to mind it, but those who've tried both prefer natural. Also, my son's ENT said that c-section babies have a tendency for more ear infections, which in our case it true. Jack's on the 3rd set of tubes at age 7, but my girls never even had a single infection. Something about squeezin' that head!
Certainly, voice your concerns to your doctor and if you don't feel like you've been heard, get a second opinion, or hire a doula.
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] for a healthy delivery, baby, and mom!

[Jillybean]

My first DD was delivered via emergency c-section after being induced,laboring for a day and only getting to 6 cent. My doctors had already warned me that I might have to have a c-section due to a narrow pelvis. It did upset me at the time that I wasn't able to deliver her naturally and I was determined to have a VBAC with the next pregnancy. When it took me almost a year to get pregnant the second time, I honestly did not care how I had the baby. I was just so thankful to be pregnant. A scheduled c-section was so much better because I was awake for the surgery and actually found it to be exciting.

Since I've never recovered from a natural birth, I can't compare the recovery period. A c-section is major surgery and it did take me a few weeks to feel completely better.

Just be honest with your doctor and get all of the facts.

Good luck!

Jill

[Pamajama]

I was very lucky to have an easy vaginal delivery with DD#1. I had pre-term labor and was told by the Dr. that I would definately go early. I was walking around for four weeks at 6 cm. I ended up going into labor 3 days late. My labor was 3hrs from start to finish I pushed for about 20 min. When DD was born the Dr. said "OH My! She's a big one" My DD was 10lbs. 5 oz. It was easy easy easy!!! I was so happy up and running down the hall to the nursery 20 min. later. They had to take her and run some test because she was so big. Nothing was wrong, she was just a big girl!

I was told that I was made to have babies. You would think!!!!

However, DD#2 was a different story. I was unprepared/ spoiled from my first delivery. I was on hospitalized bedrest for a week home bedrest for a week when my water broke in the middle of the night she was breech and 5 1/2 weeks early 5 lbs 10 oz. DD was born by emergency c-section. All I can say is Ouch ouch Ouch!!! Recovery IS so much longer than a vaginal birth.

The thing to remember, It doesn't matter how they enter the world as long as they are healthy. I did feel sad that I wasn't able to experience another vaginal delivery, however, I am just thankful that she is healthy!! I was told if I go for #3 I would have to have a stitch to keep me from dialating early. It would have to be another c-section because I have large babies (if I make it to term) and it is to risky.

If there is a risk, I say go for the section. I would talk to you Dr. and share all your concerns. He/she may be able to make you feel better about your concerns. I would hate for you to stress over it for your entire pregnancy. Good Luck!!!

I love that we women love to talk/share our labor stories.
[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] to all moms!!!

[Marv]

I don't have any advice for you but just to tell you of my experience. My first birth was a lot like your first one. My second son (4 years later) came so fast they didn't even have a Dr. in the room. The nurse was trying to get someone in. A resident literally came running in and about caught the baby (sounds like a sitcom episode). So, each birth can be so different.

[fairestofthemall]

My first dd was born via c-section. It was great, except not holding her after delivery. Of course, there was pain and it was hard to walk the first day. I had morphine which caused me to have a bad reaction. I felt like I had ants running up and down my body. Yuck! I recovered quickly and with no complications.

My second dd was born via c-section as well. First I went into labor the Friday before the scheduled c-section. Wow, that hurt. (my first time dealing with labor pains) I later went home. Though my contraction were less than 5 mins apart they were erratic. I had dd the next Wednesday. Right after the dr left the or, I began to hemorrage. They had to massage my uterus on the or table. Then I was in recovery for 5 hours because I was still hemorraging. I later went to the room still bleeding heavily, more so than normal. After, I was home a few days I dropped a blood clot the size of a softball. Needless, to say, I was in the hospital later that day for IV antibiotics as I had raging bacteria in my uterus. I also, had to have a ct scan and some major league antibiotics.

After about a month I was no longer sick. I am worried about any future births. My dh said he was afraid I was going to die, right after delivery.
Every experience is different but you really need to weigh your options, as I know you will do.

Good luck with your decision and we all will help you any way we can.

Danielle

[PrincessJ9]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I knew I could count on everyone for some input. I am still weighing the pros and cons of each scenario and luckily I do have some time on my side to do so. I will seek another opinion if it comes down to it but my current dr is pretty easy to chat with so I am going to talk to her in some more detail about things. I will keep you all posted - thanks again. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]