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?

@User478

they are an option though aren’t they, so how can they say that?

I had a no pain relief VB, broke my coccyx and took months to recover. After my c-section, I was given paracetamol and recovered a lot more quickly.

I had a VB first time around because it’s the natural, easiest way to give birth - in most cases. Second time around I ended up with an EMCS. If we were to go again I think I’d still opt for a VB because I’d rather give it a go and it end in another EMCS than go straight to a ELCS. That said, my recovery from my EMCS was far better than people make out, I was out walking on day 3, same as with my VB. It’s taken longer to build my strength up though and not driving was a pain.

First CS was a nightmare. Baby taken away for resus. They struggled to put me back together and ended up giving me a general which I reacted badly to and didn't wake up until the following day. Also they left swabs inside me which became infected and caused me months of trouble (which was blamed on "postnatal depression" until I paid for a private scan which flagged up the swabs and accompanying infection). Struggled to breastfeed and bond as I didn't see DS for the first 24 hours. This was an "elective" CS triggered by an error made by a sonographer.

I was left in such a mess that the next pregnancy ended with another "elective" CS and concurrent emergency hysterectomy. Both children have physical issues as a result.

Childbirth is a risk, but please don't be fooled that the medical profession know what they are doing.

@SantaSusan I just did not trust my body to do what it was built to do. I can't overstate what the experience of multiple miscarriages can do to a person's confidence and outlook.

This really struck a chord with me. I’m so sorry you went through that - but glad to hear it’s all worked out for you now.

I had two vaginal births but would totally agree that something being “natural” does not automatically make it better. We may have evolved to give birth vaginally, but it’s not something that, as a species, we’re particularly good at. I was lucky enough to deliver a lamb once and was struck by how fast, straightforward and totally uneventful it was - the mother seemed to barely notice anything was happening. Contrast that with the number of births that need some kind of intervention, the number of women/babies who died in or shortly after labour and delivery before modern medicine, and so on - childbirth is a real downside of being human!

I hate the idea of being cut open and the baby removed from me that way.

My body is designed to give birth. I have animal instincts that vaginally is the way to do it. I felt powerful hormones when in labour and after birth.

I believe that health wise for mother and child is best for the baby to come out that way (unless medical complications intervene).

You recover faster than from a c-section (in most cases).

I believe women should have a choice but mine would always be vaginally.

I had a fully elective c/s. Here in Australia you can choose if you are a private patient. Not sure about public but I doubt it.
I wanted it for lord of reasons but the biggest ones were for control for me, the idea of childbirth potentially going for hours and tearing me etc just horrified me. I also didn’t want midwives having control over me and holding back drugs etc so I just went straight for the elective. My OB had 3 children all electives herself too so I trusted her. It was beautiful, so peaceful and quick, I was up the next day and home on the 3rd day, just a sore tummy like I’d done too many sit ups. Would 100% recommend it for anyone who wants it. I take my hat off to women who gave birth vaginally - you’re way braver women than I.

I've only read the first couple of posts so far but as first glance you seem to be asking people to state their reasons for vaginal birth but saying you won't state yours for your birth choice. 🤔

I had a hideous time with DD - 56 hour labour, she was OT, induction, failed ventouse and ultimately Keilland's forceps followed by a massive PPH, complete collapse and a week in hospital with 8 lots of transfusions.

I was very, very lucky to survive and was exhausted, anaemic, in a lot of pain and utterly miserable - oh and my milk didn't come in for nearly 2 weeks so add starving baby to list (lost over 20% of birth weight by the time the hospital noticed - yes I got an official apology for the care we didn't get.)

We decided no more kids, DH still traumatised 15 years later, but hospital were very clear that any future births would be planned CS if I didn't want to end up dead.

If I could go back in time I would have definitely gone for a CS with DD - but hindsight is a wonderful thing. I have had a lot of spinal surgery and the neurosurgeon was very keen I didn't have a CS to avoid problems with core stability and abdominal muscles.

My mother and sisters all had massive babies with no issues at all - and were up and bouncing around hours after giving birth. None of them had anything more than a bit of gas and air, so I was rather expecting to follow that path.

There are lots of pros for the baby with a vaginal birth, and I'm not keen to sign up for surgery if I don't have to.

@EarthSight I was surprised when I found out how high the percentage is for faecal incontinence. I suspect a lot don't know what a uterine or vaginal prolapse even is, or how bad tears can get.

Prolapse and faecal incontinence can be caused by simply being pregnant due to weakening of the pelvic floor. There are risks to both vaginal deliveries and caesareans, but I'd say caesareans have more risks due to it being major surgery. No matter which option you choose, childbirth is not pretty.

I didn't really choose a vaginal birth, it's just how things worked out! I went into labour at 34 weeks, before I'd made a birth plan or discussed my options with my midwife. I didn't get to hospital until I was 9cm dilated (after being told twice by the maternity telephone triage that it didn't sound like I was in labour). My baby was breech and the first doctor who examined me recommended a C-section, which I was happy to go along with, but when he discussed it with the consultant she thought that a vaginal birth would be the better option given how progressed I was, so that's what we went with.

I didn't really do much thinking at the time, I just remember saying "whatever you think is best for the baby" a lot - I think I was in too much shock and pain to think straight - I wasn't expecting the baby for another 6 weeks! I ended up with an episiotomy but no other intervention needed, and the recovery was very straightforward so it did all work out well for me.

Most babies get their first big dose of microbes at birth, while traveling through the birth canal, then pick up more while breastfeeding. Early microbes helped shape your immune system, your digestive system, even your brain. Also possible links to learning outcomes. Their lungs also get cleared out along canal. I just didn't want interventions of any sort, despite them trying to induce me early unnecessarily. 😒

I'm a midwife and wanted a vaginal birth because being at sections made me squeamish, especially where they these the muscle layers 😬😬 I was worried I'd spend the whole time imagining what was going on and feeling uncomfortable or overthinking. I also don't like the idea of an epidural or spinal but mostly because again I feel a bit squeamish 🤣 it's so stupid, I can cope when it's someone else but when I needed a cannula during pregnancy I went to pieces 🫣

Babies born vaginally pick up some sort of microbes from the birth canal that help the gut flora. Helps fully develop the gut microbiome. That’s what someone told me anyway.

I did not have a "giant wound impeding me from caring for my newborn."
Stop scaremongering.

I had two elective c sections. No giant wound just a discrete ‘line’ very low down so not normally visible. I looked after my newborn and I also had a two year old to look after (once I got home).

I would always highly recommend a c section. I’ve known too many women who had difficult labours then ended up having an emergency c section anyway. I just literally breezed in on the day had my baby(s) and have never experienced a labour pain. I honestly have never understood why women want to put them selves through a natural birth if they don’t have to.

I know that’s just from my personal viewpoint and lots of women put great importance on a natural birth, I just never have.

I honestly don't know why I did to be honest, I just did! 🤣 It wasn't really mentioned, a friend was advised to have one due to gestational diabetes and like you had a great experience.

I do wish the stigma of sections was removed though, if it's something that a woman wants to enhance her birth experience then they shouldn't feel ashamed asking for one or be made to beg for one.

I really wanted a vaginal birth for my baby and as little interventions as possible however wanted the best for my baby and if that plan changed I would go for safest and best option. I really believed my body was built to give birth to the baby I had grown, done a hypnobirthing course and all the mental prep I could. In the end we ended up with an emergency c section as the baby was getting distressed and things weren’t progressing. The recovery wasn’t the easiest however in a heartbeat I’d make the decision that I did for the reasons that I did. If I have a second baby I would want to try for a vaginal birth again. The rational side of me knows I’m being silly but part of me does feel my body ‘failed’ me, we had feeding issues too and I had to bread and bottle feed and then at 3 months fully bottle feed. I know it’s me putting this pressure on myself and no one else and my baby is happy, healthy and thriving which is what matters.

@Sandals12

its not all about the baby though is it

Having thought about it I’m not at all convinced we did “evolve” to give birth vaginally: we evolved to have big brains and walk upright, and neither of those make a vaginal birth particularly safe or easy.

I ended up with a c section after a failed induction- baby was 2 weeks overdue and I'd been on the hormone drip for almost 10 hours and was only 1cm dilated. The section itself was fine - very calm and the staff were amazing. I wasn't able to have skin to skin after though - my mum held baby next to me for a bit but then there was an issue with my womb not contracting so mum had to take him while they worked on me. My baby was a very big baby 10lb 10oz so I'm not sure if that's why he didn't come naturally? The recovery was a bit grizzly - I wasn't able to pick my baby up and my milk never really came in properly- coupled with a tongue tie I really struggled to breastfeed and ended up combi feeding after 3 weeks when he'd lost too much weight and by week 5 was formula feeding exclusively. He did have a lot of congestion too - dr told me being squeezed down the birth canal really helps babies so congestion is common in c section babies. However I am just so grateful he got here safely. He is now a very healthy 7 year old. I healed very well and the scar is not even visible now which I'm actually a bit sad about as it's almost like he was never there! Also had no issues with prolapse or birth injuries. Every case is different and birth can be very unpredictable i just feel grateful we both survived and think every mother is a warrior however she gives birth!

I had an emergency section with my first and it was the most horrendous experience. I was in hospital for a week afterwards and recovery was slow and painful. I'd had a very long labour before the section and had been advised to have an epidural very early on by my midwife which looking back I'm pretty sure contributed to slowing things down. During anti natal classes we were basically told that epidurals were the best pain relief you could get but none of the negatives or side effects. Second time round I had a lovely early labour at home, went in at 5cm dilated and delivered 2 hours later and was home the next day, no epidural or pain relief. Don't get me wrong, it bloody hurt and I was tender for a few days after but nothing compared to the section, even with an episiotomy and stitches. My births couldn't have been more different, and if I were ever to consider having more children I would 100% opt for vaginal delivery. There would have to be some strong medical reasons for me to opt for an elective, purely for the recovery time, particularly with 2 older children.

The woman weighing up the risks doesn’t mean the overall risk is equal.

I'm sure it's been mentioned, but medically a c section is less risky than vaginal birth for babies. Funny how an unmedicated vaginal delivery is seen as the holy grail in the majority of parenting circles.

I can’t tell if this response is sarcastic or not. Someone has just given reasons why a VB might be considered better and all you can say is it’s not all about the baby 😂