Second Pregnancy

[Maxsmumma2018]

We are thinking about trying for a second child but I have some reservations about the birth. My darling son did some damage on his way out into the world and I have now been advised to have a c-section for any future births. I loved the skin to skin contact that happened at his birth and that I did all that work to bring him into the world and I am nervous now that I could either do more damage or not have that instant connection. Can anyone send me any advice or stories about this?

[piercedmyfootonaspike]

I opted for a c section for my second birth for similar reasons and I'm happy with my choice. I actually ended up bonding more quickly with c section baby as first was in NICU and didn't see him for hours or hold him for days although I appreciate that's not the norm for most. I had skin to skin with c section baby while still in theatre and I was grateful that I had a "known" recovery rather than seeing what happened with a natural delivery if that makes sense. I also recovered more quickly after my c section even with a toddler in tow.

See how you feel as your pregnancy progresses, you can always change your mind. I have no regrets about my decision and don't see it as any less 'work' than someone who had a straightforward normal birth!

[Rojelio]

I had an emergency C section with my first and they handed him straight to me, I had him on my chest and then back to the ward, no problems with doing skin contact or bonding it never even occurred to me that it might be an issue and I'm going for a planned c section for my second 👍🏻

[Redhorss]

Hi. I had CS with my first. I got to hold her in recovery and breastfed almost straight a way. No bonding issues. Etc. Good luck

[Jsh125]

I had a nasty 3rd degree tear from my first and no one ever suggested I should go for a c section second time round. They asked my preference & that was the end of that! All the paperwork I had after the tear said subsequent pregnancies might suggest c section & you'd see a doctor to discuss but none of that happened for me.

Had a waterbirth second time round & it was amazing, had a 2nd degree tear but all healed well & no lasting issues from either.

Talk to someone about your options and don't be pressured into planning a delivery you're not comfortable with. Good luck