Childbirth Questions About This Page:

[PrincessJ9]

Need some advice/info from the moms on the board: Probably a TMI situation.

I had a rough delivery with Sydney - I had pushed for about 2 hrs and the dr had to use forceps (for a while) to get her out. She was so beaten up the poor thing. I also tore very badly and needed a ton of stitching. Once I healed I really thought nothing of it since I had heard much worse labor & delivery stories. Since then I have had my share of medical issues but nothing that has been linked to my delivery. My biggest issue...and this might be TMI, is a bathroom one and one specialist thought it was a fissure then chalked it up to a "gland" thing. Another specialist said it's an internal hemmorhoid since it is not constantly a problem - it comes and goes.

Now I have a new ob/gyn since we moved and she is suggesting that I suffered "pelvic floor damage" since I had to fill her in on my medical history. She is hinting around that she thinks I will need a c-section to avoid further pelvic damamge. I have done some research and although I have one or two of the symptoms of pelvic floor damage, I don't have many at all. I don't want to elect to have a c-section if it's not necessary. Part of me feels that the problem with my delivery of Sydney was partly me pushing too soon and the other part was the dr using the forceps to an extreme.

I would love to hear some feedback. I am just looking to shed some light on things here. Thanks so much!

[lkmom]

I had two scheduled c-sections and had no problems with them. Both my children were breech, and my Dr. does not deliver breech babies naturally.

I had a spinal, my husband was in the OR with me, and I had him go with the babies while I was stitched up. I was up and walking, nursing, and caring for the babies that night. For me, pain meds were a minimum. I could drive after two weeks. Liam was an August baby, so we did a lot of walking.

My c-section experiences were very positive. Fell free to contact me if you want more info.

I also have a friend with a situation very similar to yours and she had a c- section for her 2nd baby and loved it.

[Colexis Mom]

Jeanine I had a very rough delivery with Alexa as well. Her head was just too big for me, but the Dr used forceps and pretty much pulled her out of me (OUCH)!! He cut me and then I tore, I think somewhere between a 3 and a 4 (I know, TMI)! It was a very painful recovery, but I did recover without too many issues. I do get an occasional "leak" if my bladders full and I'm laughing or sneeze too hard, but really not too bad.

Lucky for me, DS came next, and he was smaller than DD by a pound (and his head not nearly as big). He slid right out, and it was a much better delivery experience than the first one (I was laughing between pushes)!

Can they tell if the baby is bigger or smaller than Sydney? I could tell Colin was smaller, so I knew that would help. You've also been "stretched" before, so it's not as bad the second time around.

Tons of pixie for you [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img]

[Jennifer2003]

I don't have any advice as I don't have kids, but I just wanted to send pixies to YOU ALL for what you've been thru!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img]

Jeannine good luck with whatever you, DH, and the Dr decide on with this baby. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img]

Jennifer

[vsonnier]

I really don't want to be a downer or anything, but I wouldn't in a million years do an elective c-section. I labored with Joshua for 12 hours and he refused to drop at all so the dr. decided to just go ahead and take him. The actual procedure wasn't bad at all, but Josh wound up in the NICU for two weeks as a result. The dr. assured me that it isn't terribly common, but sometimes babies born through c-section don't get the benefit of having the fluid squeezed out of their lungs so they are born with lungs filled with fluid. In Joshua's case, we could have probably avoided the whole NICU situation if his problem would have been diagnosed immediately but instead he spent 4 days in the regular nursery basically drowning.

I'm probably not a good person to listen to about c-sections though. I know several of my friends had elective ones and were very happy. I was dead set on having a natural delivery (I didn't have any pain meds during the labor) so I was DEVESTATED when they decided to do the c-section. I still haven't gotten over the feeling that I was robbed of something very special.

All of that being said, it is nice to know that I don't have to worry about any of the problems associated with a natural delivery. No stitches, no stretching...nothing (TMI I know). If I were you I would have a serious sit down talk with your dr. about your worries and concerns. I certainly wish I would have been in the right frame of mind to ask my dr. to give me more time to deliver Joshua naturally. Hopefully your dr. will be able to address some of your concerns and give you a support for whatever decision you make.

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img]

[poohmaine]

C-sections are not fun! They are major surgery.

My first daughter was c-section due to "failure to progress" --after 36 hours of labor and 4 hours of pushing! I had so much medication, and the wound HURT! A LOT! Mr. Morphine and Mr. Percasset were my best friends. I was not happy and I did not like being out of it for the first few weeks of my new daughter's life.

I happened to watch a c-Section operation on cable a few weeks later and I was shocked at how complicated the surgery was-- now I knew why I felt so crappy!

My second daughter (5 years later) was delivered vaginally. Wow, what a difference! I was up and feeling myself within MINUTES, not weeks. I had no medication at all.

My sister had three kids, her last was an emergency c-section. She told me afterwards that if her first had been c-section, she never would have had any more kids.

I would choose a c-section only as a last resort. Get a second opinion.

[Happymommy]

[ QUOTE ]
Jeanine I had a very rough delivery with Alexa as well. Her head was just too big for me, but the Dr used forceps and pretty much pulled her out of me (OUCH)!! He cut me and then I tore, I think somewhere between a 3 and a 4 (I know, TMI)! It was a very painful recovery, but I did recover without too many issues. I do get an occasional "leak" if my bladders full and I'm laughing or sneeze too hard, but really not too bad.

Lucky for me, DS came next, and he was smaller than DD by a pound (and his head not nearly as big). He slid right out, and it was a much better delivery experience than the first one (I was laughing between pushes)!

Can they tell if the baby is bigger or smaller than Sydney? I could tell Colin was smaller, so I knew that would help. You've also been "stretched" before, so it's not as bad the second time around.

Tons of pixie for you [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Wow, I had the same exact experience, with both deliveries. When the doctor reached for the foreceps with Aidan, I gave a real hard push--like a madwoman, and luckily he did come out right before they used them (I was really lucky), but I tore pretty badly and had a 3rd degree episiotomy with Aidan. I also recovered without much of an issue-- just a bit of pain at first, and now some scar tissue-- and a little pain now and then (the same thing happens to me when I sneeze now and then). Danny was also smaller since he was a few weeks early, and came out with one push-- so I had just a 1st degree episiotomy with him-- took absolutely nothing to recover from him-- I remember he came out so quickly that the nurses were scrambling to get everything ready for him-- they weren't ready to start pushing-- I actually felt him, and everyone had to run in so I could push him out-- They were expecting another hour or two. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!! Could you get another opinion on whether you really need the C-Section??

[SarahJ]

I won't go into too many details, but my first was an emergency c-section after 20 hours of labor and that was not a pleasant experience. Recovery was awful, I had a lot of trouble nursing because my body was healing so my milk didn't come in for 3-4 days. But I did get a wonderfully healthy baby.

My second was natural with an epidural and that was a much better labor experience. They did have to use the vacuum in the end after two hours of pushing because as it turned out DD was 10 lbs! I did tear, stage 3 I think, and that was the worst part of recovery.

An elective c-section would be a much better experience than an emergency one. You would heal faster because you wouldn't have exerted so much energy in labor. But a second natural birth should also be easier than the first since your body now knows what to do and has BTDT.

My best advice would be to get yourself a birth doula. You can talk over all your concerns with her and make a plan for the kind of birth you want to have, whether it be a c-section or natural. A doula will advocate for you in the delivery room and will be with you the entire time. Some hospitals will even allow the doula in the OR if a c-section is necessary. A doula may even have some ideas for you on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles which would help a ton if you choose to go natural.

[jensfriend]

Jeanine,
i will try not to get on a soapbox and rant [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Here's how i feel and what my research has shown me.
First thing, rest assured, no 2 labors are ever the same.My first labor was long and drawn out (21 hours with hours i can't remember of pushing). My second labor was about 18 hours of mild labor and not even 15 mins of pushing. i think every mother will tel you the same thing. that every labor is as different as every child. First labors are uasually long and draining. This is the first time your body has used these muscles and organs for this purpose.
My second point is that you know your body. This Dr. has just met you and is giving you her opinion. if you don't feel comfortable with the diagnosis, you don't have to stick with it.just tell her you are taking it into consideration and will let her know your decsion later. your not due for a while so you have time to read and research on your own.
And that is my next thing, do the research. What you are doing here, asking advice is great! go online and read. go to the book store and read read read! then make your decsion. You have the time. You also have the time to do things like exercise and strech that could halp you during labor.
personally i think c-sections should be left for last resort, emergency, and dangerous situations ( this is just my opinion.) The female body was designed specifically for the purpose of nuturing babies, birthing babies and caring for them afterwards. Unless there is a major malfunction, your body will do just that (also my opinion, but can be backed up)
Now i will get down off my box and relax. Take care of yourself and know that you are capable of nurturing this baby and going thru labor. And your experience will probably be very different this time around. i am about to do this for a third time and trust me I'm thinking about it all the time and hoping everything goes as well if not better than my last labor. here's to safe babies [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img]

[mom2my4dwarfs]

I have to say that every birth is different.

With my first born I was 2 pushes away from a c-section because she just wouldn't come out and I had already pushed for over 2 hours. With the use of forceps on the last push we got her out. She was only 7lbs 14 ozs.

My 2nd delivery with dd#2 I didn't have to hardly push at all. The nurse told me she was way up and I was so not wanting to go through the same thing I did with first dd so I pushed so hard on the next contraction that she had to run and get the doctor. I think I had her in the next 2 contractions. During the last push I had to stop because her arm was stuck behind her head. That was the hardest thing to do not push when you wanted to so bad. Now she was 9lbs 6ozs and was much easier to deliver.

Now delivery #3 was the twins. Talk about going through the wringer. The first twin just slid out with no pushing. The doctor just checked me and said we would get set up for delivery when he just started to come out. He was 5lb 14ozs. Twin #2 was born via emergency c-section, since his heart rate was dropping. He was 7lbs 7ozs.

I say the recovery from the c-section was the worst. It was so hard to get out of bed to take care of them.

[goofy4goofy]

I had a c section with Alex..and although recovery was rough for about a week (I didn't take much pain meds since I was breastfeeding), I'd definately elect for one again. I had been in labor for 12 hours and there was no way that kid was coming out of my pelvic area. I have big hips, but my pelvic bones aren't wide. weird. Anyway, I've already discussed with my ob/gyn that the next child will be delivered by c section.

Kelly

[graygables]

I delivered all 4 of mine, including 2 9.5 pounders vaginally and I can tell you all about pelvic floor problems! DD2 had a fractured clavicle, DD3 was born face up [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ouch.gif[/img], and DD4 actually stretched the pelvic bones apart while I was carrying her (intense pain). There is a LOT of stress/pressure on the pelvic floor just from the pregnancy, so don't let them tell you it's all strain from the delivery. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img]

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. I combined this exercise with the cat stretch thing (on all fours, arch your back while you do the Kegel, then relax and let your back drop back down). This combined was very helpful to reduce the pelvic bone pain in addition to the muscles.

It's certainly worth a try then when the time comes, you can decide if you want to go with the c-section. It is major surgery and not my first choice, but if necessary, my docs knew that I wouldn't argue about it.

[Momerath124]

[ QUOTE ]
All of that being said, it is nice to know that I don't have to worry about any of the problems associated with a natural delivery. No stitches, no stretching...nothing (TMI I know). If I were you I would have a serious sit down talk with your dr. about your worries and concerns. I certainly wish I would have been in the right frame of mind to ask my dr. to give me more time to deliver Joshua naturally. Hopefully your dr. will be able to address some of your concerns and give you a support for whatever decision you make.

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]
great statement!
My experiences with a c-section are not fun and all three of my girls were entirely different but all 30 wk'ers! I had an emergency c-section with DD#1 the cord was around her neck and the heart monitor went to zero twice before they decided to stick me with a needle to stop the contractions and rush me off to have the c-section...she was 4 lb. 5 oz. When I woke up from the anethesia it felt like my whole pregnancy had been a dream...like vsonnier I felt robbed of that experience. After that my Dr. said once a c-section always a c-section [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] well DD#2 came about 5 yrs later and they had scheduled a c-section for me but DD#2 came naturally (OMG...no drugs!) 6 lbs. 2 oz. 2 wks before the c-section date. (awesome Dr. -I was cut instead of tearing) then nearly 5 yrs. later DD#3 came vaginally w/spinal block at 5 lbs. 8 oz.

I'll repeat...I really think it is best that you talk with your ob/gyn about your fears, expectations and most likely they can tell you if you can realistically expect a vaginal birth - or they can prepare for c-section just in case.

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] for you and whatever you decide [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] for a healthy addition!

[Colexis Mom]

[ QUOTE ]
Danny was also smaller since he was a few weeks early, and came out with one push-- so I had just a 1st degree episiotomy with him-- took absolutely nothing to recover from him-- I remember he came out so quickly that the nurses were scrambling to get everything ready for him-- they weren't ready to start pushing-- I actually felt him, and everyone had to run in so I could push him out-- They were expecting another hour or two.

[/ QUOTE ]

Dina that is so funny, because that was the same thing that happened to me with Colin. She put her hand down there, and went "I gotta go get the Dr. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] ". No pain at all for me, just pressure (I had a epidural). And I basically recovered in a week or two, where it took me a good 4 or 5 weeks with Alexa!

Best of luck to you Jeanine [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grouphug.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/fairy2.gif[/img]

[2princessmom]

I had both of mine vaginally and both were very different. I had stage 3 at least tear with my second and have very minor leak issues usually when coughing or sneezing. I would say that you are the one in control. If you don't think there is any damage or not that severe then you need to advocate for what you want.

I will also say this that if you would do a poll you would find it about 50 50 for c-sections. Just like there are so many with terrible birth stories when they chose natural childbirth you will find the same thing with c-sections.

C- sections are major surgery and therefore have the issues associated with that. But ultimately, I think the decision has to be what you want and what is best for the baby. I would not hesitate for a moment to have a c-section if it looked like we needed it.

Good luck with your decision!