Would you judge someone for choosing to have a c section?

[ProudOtter]

I’m just curious as to why you would judge someone for choosing to have an elective c section?

For background I’ve decided I’d like to ask for a c section for baby number 2. Some people have made comments about me being insane, or that I’m missing out of giving birth “properly”

I am curious as to why some people have this view.

My first born was semi elective c section, was rushed into an induction due to minor fetal distress and escalated a bit so had to choice to attempt vaginal birth or go for a C-section and I chose the c section. Positive experience and no regrets.

Yes I do. I don’t think it’s a good choice without medical necessity

ive had two emergency c sections. Why anyone would choose this is madness. I wanted a normal vaginal birth both times.

Why? It's absolutely none of your business.

Yep. Jealous. 😆 And bitter and angry that other women have the audacity to not go for a vaginal birth. Salty that you never had a c-section are ya?

Also - you are spouting a HUGE amount of nonsense 'love!' I was driving at 2 weeks (and some other posters on here were too.)

Check your facts before posting in future, because you're embarrassing yourself!

I have borderline had a falling out with my SIL because she's had 4 vaginal deliveries and been "absolutely fine" even in one case where her doctor recommended a CS ... so therefore she thinks they're the best. She was aghast that my induction ended in a CS (footling presentation) and even more aghast that I am opting for an elective this time around instead of trying for a VBAC. I've had to tell her very bluntly to stop talking about it. She's very opinionated and loud about it, but I think she's more vocal than others.

In a way it's helped me develop a thicker skin and shut these conversations down when they come around because of course everyone has an opinion on how you do pregnancy, birth and infant care. You simply cannot please everyone at the same time so you need to be strong in your convictions with the choices you make.

I am choosing an ELCS with my second baby because that's what I have decided is best. I have discussed the risks and benefits with my midwife and consultant and I am happy with my choice. And no I will not be getting into the details of my personal medical situation!

Everyone else can bugger off

No judgement from me. I'd think "good for them" and that would be that.

I had two vaginal deliveries (DD1 and DD2) and one emergency c-section (DD3). If I could have my time again I would have them all by c-section and if that makes me a wuss then so be it. My c-section was far and away the best of my three deliveries, and the one I recovered most easily from. The vaginal ones were traumatic.

Some really nasty people on this thread!

I just recovered from my ELCS and I can say it can be very painful afterwards and even though it was nice and calm I was pretty anxious going in. There aren't any shortcuts in birth. I know lots of friends who had vaginal births who've said they'd be scared if they were told they had to have a section.

If I'd gone for a VBAC I'd have risked a long failed induction again, being away from toddler for maybe ages and maybe having another distressed baby in SCBU and another bout of post natal anxiety triggered by the whole thing. So even though there wasn't a strict medical need I had loads of reasons for chosing a section and I'm proud that I made a sensible and informed choice for my family!

Assume you went totally “natural” with no pain relief at all?

No. I would not judge any decision any woman makes when it comes to child birth. Because I’m not a woman hating asshat.

I loved my section and I’d do it again if I ever have another one.

Some people are terrified of the thought of giving birth naturally and some terrified of the thought of a section. I was terrified of both actually, massive massive wuss here, but ended up with c section and it was great to be honest.

If a woman is advised by her care provider that a C-section is the safest option in her circumstances, then I don’t think that really counts as a c-section by choice, even though it is labeled as elective surgery at the hospital.

if a woman chooses a C-section simply by preference and without medical need, I do judge her choices. The reality is that vaginal birth is on average better for babies. They are less likely to have a host of complications.

we live in a world where people are free to make their own decisions. I absolutely support a woman’s right to make her own choices. If you ask me though, and OP did ask, I am going to express my opinion. IRL unless a woman asked me to comment on her birth plans, she would not know my thoughts because I am not part of her care team.

I would judge people for judging you

Not at all.

Good for you. And yes, there ARE some nasty people on this thread! How DARE they judge other women for their birthing choices? Who the F do they think they are FFS!?

But not your 🐱

Of course not. It's your choice and no one else's business.

I don't give a flying fuck how other women choose to give birth.

You should do whatever you want to do. You're the one who's got to go through it. It's got bugger all to do with anyone else.

55 hour labour / 2.5 hours pushing / 2500ml haemorrhage / ruptured piles / 2 x 2nd degree tears & episiotmy & 14 stitches / 4 day stay in hospital / 6 month recovery with tramadol & morphine = "natural" birth with DC1

In theatre at 8 am / baby born at 9am / nice neat scar / 4 week recovery with paracetamol / home by 3pm next day = elective section with DC2.

What a wuss I must be.

Don't ever let anyone judge you for how you choose to give birth.

I must have done, then, as that's where my scar stretches to. And I still get pain from it decades later.

I wouldn't judge anybody - I might think that hopefully they'll have an easier recovery time and the epidural actually takes by the time they make the first incision (as it hadn't for me), compared to my VBAC where I was up and about and not in any pain shortly afterwards - but if a section's what they want, it's up to them.

Unfortunately there’s a vociferous minority who impose their notion of good birth and espouse only VB and no analgesia is a good or natural birth
I have never given birth vaginally all my births were CS. Was asked if I was disappointed? As if CS would be undesirable outcome.

I’d hope that they understand that it’s major surgery and not an easier option.

But judge - no.

I was terrified of having a C section, irrationally as I thought I wouldn't wake up. I didn't end up having one but the fear was there. My DIL has had two and been to hell and back, damaged bladder requiring catheterisation and various infections.

It is no picnic whichever way you give birth. Why anyone would think it has anything to do with them and that their opinion is needed is beyond me. Do what suits you and your circumstances and have a healthy baby and a birth that suits you. Good luck.

You've asked for honest opinions so here's mine. I wouldn't judge any one, but personally unless it was medically recommended I wouldn't have wanted a C-section at all. I've had two quick straightforward vaginal deliveries, no birth injuries, no epidural and I got to go home very quickly. So for me that was perfect. I wouldn't have put myself through major surgery unless there was a need for it, and in my opinion my body was made for it!

What about epidurals for women who are afraid of the pain of giving birth vaginally? Is that something you judge too?

I can't say I would assume someone going for a CS is taking the 'easy route'. Especially for a second child. You will have all the pain, big scar, driving ban etc, plus you would have an older child that you need to care for, scrabble around on the floor, carry, pick up etc.

Not your vadge, not your business.

this