Looking for advice on the best option for my second child's birth.
First labour felt quite traumatic - 40 hours long, ended up completely exhausted by the time it came to push. Don't remember the pain as they'd recommended an epidural by this point plus I'd had other drugs too so ended up being repeatedly sick everywhere. Despite me pushing as hard as I could, baby wasn't moving. Eventually they had to use foreceps, and he came out on the 3rd attempt (rule is a max of 3 attempts and then they have to give you a section). I hated the idea of foreceps and kept just asking them to give me a section instead. Foreceps felt brutal & he was really badly bruised. After the birth they said after this birth if you decided to have a section with your next child that would be supported.
Roll on 3 years and I'm pregnant again. I requested a section with my midwife so am now discussing that option with the consultant. Ultimately it's my decision (in Scotland it's the patient's choice, not sure about elsewhere) but the consultant is rightly making me aware of the risks & trying to encourage me to have a natural birth. My last birth was at a different health authority so he's not seen my notes yet - he's going to request those and hopefully have them to discuss for my next appointment this week.
I'm so torn. I swing between wanting a section and then a natural birth (keep hearing how second deliveries are often easier). I know logically all the reasons to try for a natural birth (section recovery time, scar, risk of major surgery, unable to lift my toddler etc) but psychologically I'm struggling to get past the fear of the unknown/unpredictability of a natural birth. It could go well but equally could end up feeling uncontrolled and scary like the last time. I keep coming back to wanting the predictability/control of a section.
I've had advice from friends but it's all been conflicting so was wondering if anyone has been in a similar position that could offer advice?
Thanks so much
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Childbirth
Elective section vs natural birth
17 replies
ItsThisOneThing · 06/02/2017 05:53
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