Well done! You did it! You had a vaginal birth

[faithfulbird20]

I heard that a lot in hospital recently and it I was wondering why. Just had my second vaginal birth but I was going to be taken for a c section and honest to God. I was terrified, I wouldn't be able to do it. I think people should also say well done for dealing with a c section because it's scary. You should be congratulated for both.


Ps the congratulating was done to other woman (not me...although I know I will get it when midwife comes to see me)...

[tonytiy]

I think it's as inappropriate as the dr commenting on my lack of stretch marks/exceedingly elastic vagina (forceps went in easily with no cut or tear) and just as outwith anyone's control.

Jfc!!! Why would someone say that about your vag!! 🤣

[WindyPudding]

A section doesn't mean have you haven't already done most of the hard work of giving birth already.

My experience also - although I still think any CS counts as giving birth.

I still don't consider myself to have given birth

That's awful Dinosaur - you have given birth, as have I. Congratulations and well done on your labours and giving birth, and I mean that sincerely 🏅🎊 🍰

[HillbillyHol]

I’ve had both types of birth, a c-section and a straight forward ‘natural’ birth. Both times I’ve been complimented on the delivery... ie ‘well done you on your c-section, major surgery is a big thing’, or ‘congrats on your vbac, isn’t it great to give birth naturally’.

You’ve probably had one of the most traumatic/exciting/life changing days of your life (however they’ve come out) so the nurses just want to boost you up and be nice. I wouldn’t read into it!!!

[Ploughingthrough]

I always find these threads a bit odd. Perhaps I am lucky but no stranger has ever commented on the way my babies arrived, no one has ever asked about whether I had pain relief or not, or passed any judgement on how I chose to feed my babies. I have discussed with friends but never felt judged, and have certainly never judged anyone else. I had VBs and I am grateful because I know the recovery period from a C section can be hard. But I dont think any more deeply than that.

[FuckyouBrennan]

@HillbillyHol midwifes are supposed to refer to a vaginal delivery as such, not a “natural”
Which somehow seems to suggest that a c section is unnatural and can have a negative impact on expectant or new mothers. If your midwife actually said natural birth they need pulling up on it.

[HiScore]

Ah I probably misquoted... but they did make congratulatory comments on the vbac. My main point being though is that they were very nice both times for both delivery types.

[Allington]

Well, I adopted, so no birth of any variety. Still incredibly proud of my DDs and being a mum.

[BertieBotts]

It's fucking hard and scary and exhausting however it happens.

Would defo say well done for getting through the birth! Would never say well done for giving birth vaginally. It's not something that's generally under your control.

It's not like you can just stop in the middle and go "nah, this is pretty shit actually, I'd like a c-section now" and they will do it! They'd just laugh at you. If you have a section it's usually done on medical need.

[majesticallyawkward]

That's really sad @Dinosauratemydaffodils you absolutely have given birth. 75 hours is incredible, you are amazing!

I've done both now, one vaginal (off my face on gas and air and pethedine!) and one EMCS, I was gutted when I was told the EMCS was needed but it was genuinely needed. I had a reaction to the anaesthesia so was shaking and vomiting horrifically, close call with sepsis, baby in scbu, awful recovery. Didn't get any weird congratulations for either and have never had anyone comment on how the babies were born.

It's a pointless argument/competition, a birth is a birth where the baby comes out of. Every mother has her own experience and no one has the right to belittle that.