Why vaginal birth?

[SantaSusan]

Inspired by another thread. I'm really interested to understand the reasons for most women opting for a vaginal birth.

Disclaimer: I really, really want this thread to be a nice discussion to share views. I'd hate for this to descend into a judgy or unkind thread! Obviously, however anyone chooses to give birth is their choice alone. And as long as your precious little bundle arrives safely at the end, then who cares how they got there!?

I ended up with an elective. I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd have anything but a vaginal birth. However, for reasons I won't go into, it was decided during my pregnancy that a c section would probably be the best option for me. Everyone I spoke to absolutely loved their c section experience, and 99% of the comments online were so positive, so I wasn't worried about it at all once it was decided upon.

I had absolutely no pain during my c section or during recovery. I breastfed right away. I was up and about pretty much immediately. This seems to be the experience of most women who've had elcs. I would have an elective section again and again. If I'm lucky enough to have another baby, it'll be another section.

As such, I often wonder why more women don't choose to have their babies this way. It's so common in other countries. I think there's a lot of misinformation around c sections. The risks are also lumped in with those of emergency c sections, so electives are often painted to be riskler than they actually are.

You often hear people saying it's major abdominal surgery' in quite a judgemental way, which of course it is. But as far as surgical procedures go, it's generally very straightforward and in most cases, is easy to recover from.

I also repeatedly hear that vaginal is best as it's the most natural. But just because something is the 'natural' way to do something, doesn't necessarily mean it's the best. There's lots of things we do now with technology and with medicine that isn't the 'natural' way, and nobody bats an eyelid.

I can't quite put my finger on why I was so opposed to c sections previously. It's like it was subconsciously ingrained in me for no reason other than popular rhetoric. Which is why I'd be interested to hear why others decided a vaginal birth was best for them? Or why others knew they wanted an elcs? Has your subsequent birthing experience changed your minds at all?

I just didn’t consider a c-section because in my understanding you have a section for a medical reason, not as a choice. Maybe it was a choice, I never asked. Of course I have no judgement on c sections, there’s many babies that wouldn’t have survived birth without them so they’re amazing things. If I was told I needed a c section I would have had one of course, but I went into labour and my babies came out my vagina… and that was that, text book I guess!

I had DC1 via vaginal delivery (forceps delivery after he got stuck) and DC2 via planned c-section due to the traumatic birth of DC1. I had to undergo therapy sessions and a one to one with a medical professional at the hospital to discuss previous birth before they would let me have the planned c- section (this was more than ten years ago)
Fundamentally it is far more expensive to have a c-section than a natural delivery and therefore it is not possible under the NHS, for everyone who wants a c-section to be able to have one. If I had my time again I would choose a c-section- it was relaxing, I was discharged 24 hours after giving birth and able to go for a walk and go out and about 24 hours after that.

I've had two vaginal, one hospital and one home birth. I believed natural was better and done no pain relief etc... however the recovery both times were tough with piles that I couldn't even sit down.

I am debating a third but I do think if I have another it will be elective purely for childcare arrangements and more organisation. And I also know what I'm expecting with a vaginally birth...

Because it's the way our bodies are made in order to give birth. I had mine in a country where there is no NHS. C-Sections, despite making more money for the hospitals/medical teams, aren't pushed unless medically required. IF people want elective surgery then surely they should pay for it. I don't agree with being given a choice with no medical reason for a C-section.

Wish I’d had an ELCS. Would have been far less likely to prolapse if I had.

I had two elective c secs and did it purely because the risks of vaginal birth outweighed the risks of a c sec - for me. If I could have guaranteed a successful vaginal birth with no intervention I would have done it. The stats for permanent damage to genitals during a vaginal birth vs the 1% risk of something going seriously wrong in a c sec influenced my decision. As did my mums experience of childbirth. As did the utterly terrible post natal care in this country if something went wrong with vaginal birth. Literally as soon as the babies are out you’re on your own, although I get my experience is specific to the area I live. Ultimately I want everyone to have a choice and women to be treated with dignity and respect.

I’ve often said that if men gave birth elective c section would be the norm.

For me, first birth vaginal, 2nd elective c section. Second was significantly more straight forward, controlled and quicker/easier recovery.

I’ve told my daughter that when the time comes she should have an elective c-section wherever possible.

Granted it was many years ago that I gave birth but there was no choice, I was never offered an elective section and it never crossed my mind to ask for one.
Apart from the argument it being the most natural im guessing cost okays a huge factor.
You can deliver your child with one midwife present, where as the amount of staff required for a section is far greater

Benefits of a vaginal birth for you and your baby are many and detailed but in brief:
Your baby will receive beneficial bacteria. As your baby passes through your birth canal, it ingests bacteria that contributes to its gut health and boosts its immune system. Although a baby’s microbiome – or collection of microbes – begins to form in the womb, vaginal delivery is an essential part of the process. Some studies have found that babies born by C-section who miss out on these crucial bacteria are more susceptible to health problems such as food allergies, asthma, hay fever and obesity later in life.
You’ll squeeze fluid out of your baby’s lungs.
Your hospital stay will be potentially be shorter and potentially your recovery time will be faster.
You’ll avoid the risks of major surgery.
You’ll be more likely to engage in early breastfeeding.
You’ll be less likely to have complications in future pregnancies.
You’ll be less likely to suffer from subsequent fertility problems.

I had a vaginal birth for my second after an emergency c section with my first. Wasn’t really an emergency emergency. I just mean it wasn’t a planned c section. Got to hospital in labour to find baby was undiagnosed breach and coz of his positio n they advised a c section. Because I had laboured to fully dilated with nothing but paracetamol (not wanting a medal- id have taken anything they offered but they didn’t because I progressed faster than expected and they didn’t really have time) I accepted the offer of a section to get a spinal in me and make it end! Recovery was a breeze for me personally but I’ve been careful about admitting that because a lot of people don’t feel the same.

however, I then had terrible pnd. there is some evidence that a natural birth reduces risk of pnd even only a small amount. I was desperate to do anything to minimise the risk.

as it was, my mental health was ok second time round but my God the recovery from a natural birth was horrific. Stitches breaking, infections, painful to sit or pee, the absolute fear of pooing, the 15 months until I dared try to insert a tampon and not to mention the aesthetics of my vulva now being like a car crash and not symmetrical.

for me if I had any more (which I won’t be) I’d take a c section over a natural 1000000000%

My first baby was ventouse and horrendous really but the recovery was really quick despite stitches.

My second was a planned c section. Much longer recovery, really bad pain for a good few days, painful to get up, couldn't drive for weeks and a massive scar to boot.

If I had to it again I wouldn't have a c section by choice.

C section is surgery so I would not choose to have any surgery unless absolutely necessary
I have never had surgery or most forms of medication ( haven't even had stitches) so would be nervous if first time was when a baby involved.
Thankfully I had a very positive experience birthing my children, no pain relief needed, no stitches or infections.
I would presume most pregnant women expect that birth will be straight forward with minimal medical intervention so in that regard would not want c section.
It also then helps ensure resources are available for those who need the c section which I am sure are many.
I know plenty people who were advised to go with section even when not their initial choice.

But with respect, it IS a giant wound? I'm not sure how it can be described as misinformation to be honest, it may look a neat line on the outside but it is a giant wound that takes a few weeks to properly heal.

I was planning a natural birth but had to have an emergency c section after baby's heart rate dropped, but I feel like I had a really quick recover, walking around after two days, no pain and no problems moving around after that, but the aftermath of the procedure and the proceeding day or two was tough as I'm allergic to morphine and unbeknownst to me diamorphine is what they put in your back, so I spend the first 12 hours being violently sick, then the worst part was not being able to get up while you can't feel your legs and you've got a catheter in, makes you 100% reliant on hospital staff or someone being with you (it was covid so no one else allowed).

I think the emergency c section is normally described as more problematic than an elective, but I'm not sure I'd choose it as an easier option personally, even though my recovery after those first two days was great. My sister also had an emergency section and she had a horrific infection in her wound afterwards that made recovery really long and painful.

I had absolutely no pain during my c section or during recovery. I breastfed right away. I was up and about pretty much immediately. This seems to be the experience of most women who've had elcs

What data are you looking at?

I’d be more inclined to ask ‘why have a c-section unless you need one?’ 🥴

I have friends that had caesareans, not by choice for any of them.

Vaginal births are natural, and usually safer for both mother and baby.

My vaginal births were the most empowering and fantastic experiences of my life and I feel
lucky I was able to have them.

Curiosity in my case to put it crudely. I have had 2 medicalised vaginal deliveries and regret not having 2 elective c sections.

I had 3 vaginal births because:

•There was no reason not to
•I hate staying in hospital so wanted to be out as soon as possible
•You can't have a c section at home (last 2 births were HBs)
•I would be annoyed if I couldn't drive for 6 weeks (unless I'd had a c section because it would have been safer for myself or my baby)

I'm glad women have choices. I wouldn't expect someone to have a vaginal birth if they didn't want one (for whatever reason, it's none of my business) nor that they should explain that choice to me. So I don't really understand why you're asking people to justify why they chose not to have a c section.

Just do what is right for you and don't worry about what other people decide to do.

American here - I don’t think our elective CS rates are significantly lower, even though many Americans pay part of hospital costs.

I’ll be having one if I ever get pregnant because I have a health condition that can be worsened by vaginal delivery. I’d rather pay more of my deductible than end up needing spine/brain surgery.

I was never offered a c section for either of my births because I was fortune not to need that kind of intervention and like most of us birthing under the NHS we aren’t given any choice unless there are complications.

I had two good births and had my first child not had low blood sugar levels I would have been out that day. When I had my second dc she was born 8.30am and by 6pm that day I was mooching around Tesco buying goodies to take home and stuff my face with. Doubt I’d have been doing that if I had a c section.

Had 3 vaginal. It was just assumed and I wasn’t scared and was young so I did it. That said, it’s brutal and risky. I also dislike that we use instrumental delivery rather than just c section. I think forceps should be banned in modern obstetric practice and do so much damage. If you are going vaginally, the nct advice to be upright or squatting and active does maximise your chance of the best vaginal birth. The minute you’ve had an epidural or hard pain relief, it’s probably better to have a c section. I luckily didn’t need instrumental delivery and finished birthing a good 10 years before oestrogen declined so had time to retrain my pelvic floor. Closer to menopause, I’d advise c section.

Pretty comfortable birth for all of mine. Water births. No medical need for cesarean. Doing yoga in the run up.

No tearing or stitches, tummy popped back in.

No scars on my tummy.

Home in the evening to my other DC
🤣✨

impeding me from looking after my new born YES!

Im 8 days postpartum since my c section and only been able to help my husband out over the last few days. I did my first night feed last night. I got really upset because for the first few days I get useless and like I couldn’t be a proper mother to my baby.

You seem very fixated on all c sections being just like yours…

I wanted a section for my first due to a traumatic and complicated pregnancy but my midwife convinced me to try a natural delivery. After 4 exhausting days of failed induction/no sleep, I was finally granted a section.

My second was an elective. Both births were very straightforward and I was up and about within 12 hours. Recovery was also straightforward. Compared to some of my friends who suffered injuries giving birth vaginally and have had to undergo operations to repair the damage and who struggle not to wee every time they laugh or exercise, I’m very happy I had c-sections.

My niece, who had a C-section first time and delivered vaginally the second, once said, ‘Well, I’ve done it both ways, and they’re both crap.’

I wouldn't say I opted for a vaginal birth. It's the default. In the UK, on the NHS, you can have an elective c section by maternal choice, but in reality they'll try to counsel you out of it. It's a big operation with risks to both mother and fetus that has a longer recovery time than most vaginal births.