Time Magazine published an article in April called Too Posh to Push which discusses the rising trend of cesarean sections versus vaginal deliveries, especially in the world of the wealthy and glamorous (i.e., Hollywood actresses wanting to save their bodies). I think a lot about having a baby. That doesn't mean that I am having one soon, it just means that I think about it a lot. Perhaps I even over think it (I have always been terrified of being pregnant, delivering, and being entirely responsible for a tiny human being- since before I can remember, I think). I tend to be an over-planner as well (case in point: I've kept a list of baby names since shortly after Mike & I were married). My sister in law Kera recently had a baby, and my other sister in law is due this summer. They've both delivered vaginally (and survived), but quite frankly, this SCARES me. Everyone has a different experience, but not all are pleasant. I think I want a C-Section. Yup. I definitely want one. They are simple & easy.... So why not? I need the experts to weigh in here.
11 comments:
The only thing with c-sections Kathryn, that I know of, they can be pretty hard recovery. Not that vaginal isn't tough either, but I've known a few that got a c-section and couldn't use their stomach muscles for a good while, even bending over and down was nearly impossibly. At the same time, I think it is different for everyone.
Obviously I love reading your blog and could never stop. I check it daily {ok, sometimes twice}.
I have never had either, but I do have family members that have experienced both. I also hear that c-section recovery is a little more intense. And that surprises me celebs do it to save their bodies, because I have also heard it often causes permanent damage to stomach muscles.
However, the thought of having stitches "down there" does not appeal to me either (I would rather think about stiches in my abdomen). I just try not to think about it, and whatever needs to happen medically whenever I do give birth, I will let happen.
Ooohh. This could get sticky. Controversy.
To be honest, I always WANTED a c-section. I wanted to know when my baby was scheduled to be delivered and I wanted the doctors to be in control of it all. And honestly, to each her own. And I know that some people don't have the option. But after giving birth vaginally {and having the "not pleasant" experience} looking back on it- I really loved being the one in control. It was SO mind over matter and I learned about strength I never knew possible. And that has changed me.
-The recovery for c-sections are harder and longer. That would drive me nuts. I couldn't wait to exercise after I gave birth!!
-I don't like the idea of staying in a hospital even longer. I was going crazy to be in my home with my newborn. (You typically stay 2 days longer with c-sections)
-I really don't see how people think it's easier on the body to do c-section versus vaginal. Really, the biggest change with the body happens with pregnancy in general. Not the birth, I dont' think.
I think it's healthy and normal to think about these things now. Why not? It's like the people who love eachother but won't say it because it "hasn't been long enough." You will be all that more prepared.
As a seven time veteran, I must admit to being biased. I approached pregancy quite differently, having never worried about it one bit. I had no mentor or friend to help me figure things out, but it seemed natural and beautiful - every whit...so I let it be just that. I stayed in really good shape with my first, and I think that helped. Far from being a total proponent of natural childbirth, I prepared for that, and did my best to facilitate things, but was never beyond getting help as it was needed. Find a great doctor who you love and trust, and go from there.
We're all different..do it your way..but eliminate fear from your vocabulary. Mom
Okay- I definitely mis-spoke when I said "simple and easy". They are definitely not. I guess I'm just scared of the tearing issue... Really scared. And having a leaky bladder. Etc. Etc.
Oh- and, celebrities I think like to do the "c-section plus tummy tuck"... But I've heard that you can only do that once?
Clearly I need to do some more research.
Thanks for everyone's 2 cents. I'm glad I have experienced friends (or friends with additional insights, if they haven't already had a baby...)
I am waiting oh so anxiously for this moment (by saying moment, it seems I am implying labor is going to be easy...I wish!) to happen any hour...literally. I have never even considered a c-section. Going under the knife seems way more scary to me. Plus, I have heard that recovery is awful, plus you have a scar. I don't like scars. However, to each her own is definitely the end-all-be-all in this case. Regardless of how you end up doing it, I am sure you will do great. (That's the advice I have been trying to give myself the last few days; fear of the unknown is a powerful thing...)
Lauren, I keep checking your blog to see if Cayson has come, yet. I can't wait. :) Your nursery looks incredible, by the way (I should be posting this on YOUR blog)!
I'm sure you will do absolutely fine. I've heard of such a wide array of experiences, some being absolutely FINE and EASY. Others have been difficult, but well worth it in the end I'm sure.
I have a huge scar underneath my neck, actually- about 6 inches long. I should post a picture of it sometime. It's not very pretty, but right in the "wrinkle" of my neck (so not easily visible). I dont' like scars either, but I guess I'm over them since I've had this one since I was 6 or so (thanks Mom & Dad!). (I had surgery on my neck several times when I was younger... no fun)
Kathryn, do you mind if I link to you on Tangled? I don't have your email now that you aren't at GS.
Of course not.
My email address(es): khwhiting@yahoo.com or kwhiting@silverpointcapital.com
i don't know you but i feel really strong about this. some people are fine with c-sections--I AM NOT. i can't believe someone would choose to have their stomache cut open. my first was c-section and my 2nd was vbac (vaginal birth after cesarean). you know how many times you have to get up in the night with a newborn? it is so hard when you can't sit up. plus, the pain pills make you constipated. even sex was more painful after the c-section due to hormones. 4 years later and the scar is still numb (not a good place for that if you know what i mean). sometimes the only way to get rid of the lump (scar tissue) is surgery. vaginal delivery was so much easier. every person is different and every delivery is different. you should be more scared of a c-section. ouch.
you don't know me--but I have to weigh in too! I have close friends who are super anti-medical interventions in any form and then a father who does maternal fetal medicine (high risk ob) so I feel like I've heard it all, from both sides. Plus I'm in med school and a woman so I perk up my ears every time we talk about birth. After many long (and sometimes angry debates) about this issue with people in both camps here's how I've come to feel. If you look at populations as a whole, c-sections can be more dangerous (increased risk of post partum bleeding, other complications) so most good ob's will encourage moms to try vaginal delivery first. If there is a risk of serious complications (again you're looking at the risk associated wtih a certain condition when you look at the population as a whole) then c-sections are a guaranteed way to get a live baby, at the risk of a less-than perfect experience for mom because of the aforementioned complications. I think the experience with c-section probably depends to some extent on the dr who performs it--the scars are getting smaller and smaller as they improve the technique. So I plan on trying vaginal but not fearing the c-section if it's necessary! I defiitely think women should support each other in their decisions--whether it's c-section or vaginal. Everyone's circumstances are so different!
Post a Comment