Planning a caesarean? What are the benefits?

[Uwila]

Hello,
I have already decided that I want a casarean this time round (just have to convince the consultant which shouldn't be too difficult since I had an emergency c last time).

I see lots of stuff in the media about how caesareans are bad for mother and baby and what a bad thing it is that we perform so many in this country. But, I personally think they are a good thing. And I think recovery is much easier than is usually described in places like the all natural NCT classes.

Anyway, I just wondered if anyone else who is pregnant now is wanting a caesarean and why? I assume I'm not alone in thinking there are actually benefits to a caesarean (like I won't break my pelvis!).

i think a lot of them go for 39 these days in case the dates are a little out (my sister's dd was just a shade under 6lbs born at 38 wks, but was probably actually more like 36 - my dds were 8lbs odd!)

Uwila - I was at Queen C so if you've made up your mind they will give you the spiel but will give in rather quickly :)

just hope you don't get the male nurse that set the needle for my drip...ouch! mind you.. he was quick and it did't hurt for long. Also they asked me what kind of music I'd like to listen to!

When I was in it was very busy at QC (9 months after xmas & new year's iykwim ) so there was a bit of waiting here and there.

Thanks MrsBigD. When were you there? What week do the do the caesarean? Anything else I might like to know about QC? Good/bad comments about any of the consultants? I'm booked with Miss Dhanjal (haven't met her though). In fact, I haven't met anyone yet. But, I have my ooking appt on Wed., so I should at least meet the midwives soon. And I just know they are going to love me when I tell them I want to go under the knife!

I hate staying in hospitals, so was very happy to get out at 30 hours. I don't think they would have kicked me out, but they did agree to let me go. I had the section at about 6am, so got catheter sorted the next morning.

I wouldn't say the walk to the car was a pleasant one, but going home and seeing DS1 was very much worth it.

Maybe if the hospital had been any help with feeding and changing, I would have been more tempted to stay, but as it was, I just wanted out.

Uwila - here's the download about QC

generally the schedule an elective c-section in week 39. If you say you want one they'll give you the ... it's a major operation and natural is soooo much better for you and baby. there's pro and cons to everything so as long as you listen to them and then say 'well I understand all that but I'd still would like a c-section because of trauma last time etc. ' they'll be fine about it. Just be prepared to do the spiel at every appointment

As for the consultants... QC is a training hospital so you usually get seen by 'trainees'... sounds worse than it is, the ones I've met were very nice and very thorough. Had one darling chappy from somewhere in Africa. He kept asking me whether I mind if he double check's with the Chief Consultant of the Shift as he couldn't feel ds's head (had decided to hide under ribcage). I didn't mind at all! I'd rather have somebody double check than just wing it and get it wrong. That way I got looked after by 2 people

I found the midwifes in the recovery unit extremely helpful. I had to stay over night, as the section was done at 1500 and I had lost quite a bit of blood (not docs fault, I do tend to bleed like a pig - sorry about being graphic). They were very helpful for trying to latch ds on and when he was crying usually one of them came straight away to either help feed him or just to take him away and give him a cuddle so I could get some rest.

On the maternity ward they weren't that helpful, but then again they were swamped - not a single free bed and using beds on labour ward! there is one dark midwife/nurse who's a bit grumpy, but she knows her stuff and she was probably overworked. One occasion they actually forgot to give me my painkillers, but I just wobbled out there and asked them for some more, which was no problem

The coffee shop and the newsagent in QC is not really good, but I think there's one in the hospital next door (Hammersmith?). Anyways I got DH to supply me with anything I needed.

Hmmmm can't think of anything else at the moment. Let me know any specific questions you have and that might jog my memory

Hi,

I ended up having a caesarean section with my ds 2 years ago. It was semi-planned. I was two weeks overdue, failed induction and a huge baby whose head was not engaged. Although I was nervous it was fine - the staff did everything possible to make it special for me and my hubby. James was 9lb 6oz (was I glad I didn't push him out )
All midwives who came round afterwards said "Oh - 9lb 6oz - we thought he was going to be bigger)!!!!!
I was able to (very gingerly) get in the bath the next day and was home three days later. My wpund was numb and this numbness didn't go for weeks, hence - no huge amount of pain thank God.
It was fine and I'd do it again - if I ever get lucky enough to have another baby that is.

Mandy

sorry to hijack - but Amanda3266 I thought it might be helpful if you looked at this thread:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=1375&threadid=48076

on chat - called wow - told husband we'd divorce tomorrow

as thought from your professional perspective you might be able to give some reassurance to a mum

tia

i had an emergency c-section after 17 hrs labour!, although baba was 10 days overdue i had a feeling that i poss could go in for a c-section as big baba too - 9lb 1oz, she was in the wrong position (back to back, facing the wrong way and too high up - me and the midwife thought she was in the right position). i was home by the 6th day as i could've of went home on the 5th day but blood pressure was too high. then got home and had a wound infection so now im better and ill do it all over again as it hadnt put me off.

So far, this is what I've got for factual benefits of a caesarean:
1- You won't break your pelvis (or other miscellaneaous structures of the lover back)
2- You can plan to spend that first day with your baby, rather than exhausted (sometimes)
3- You won't tear anything down below.
4- You won't likely poo on the table during the procedure.
5- You won't likely suffer incontinence later in life.
6- You can plan the delivery day, and hence make the most of maternity leave (sometimes)
7- Sitting on the sofa won't be painful for days/weeks following the birth.

Did I miss anything?

Remember, this thread is about the positives of caesarean, not the negatives.

Sorry sorry sorry I CAAAAANT keep quiet - break your pelvis or lower back - that really is NOT the norm during vaginal birth is it????

Uh, actually, to post or not to post is a choice that you and you alone make. You CAN keep quiet if you choose to. However, I see that your point is relevant to this discussion. And, I think it's a fair point. It's not the norm. But, it does happen. And, if you are a small boned person and that little head exerts enough force, something has to give, and it may be your pelvis.

Now back to the positives, please...

Well I'd say thats a pretty big positive

Hi
Can anyone help?? I am 5 months pregnant with my second baby. I had an C-Section with my first due the placenta preavia. I now have the choice of what kind of birth I would I like for my second - I had a blood transfusion after the first and did not feel well for at least 3 months even though the pain if the cut seemed to dies down after two weeks.

I honestly don't know what to do - whilst I like the idea of knowing when my baby will come and not risking being an emergency case due to rupture of scar etc I feel quite inclined to try and deliver vaginally.

I can't stop thinking about it all - Anyone got any experiences of this sort of thing I would love to talk to you????

8 . Baby not all bruised and pointy headed!

My section was much easier than I thought it was going to be, was up and about and walking into town by day 5. Worst bit was not being able to drive.

Spilla, I'm really really hoping to keep this thread positive and specifically about caesareans, but my story is much like yours, apart from the placenta previa. I'll start a new thread under childbirth. Come find me there.

Re: condition of baby, yes, good point. I was just listing the benefits to mother. But, certainly if there are benefits to baby those should be on here to. I never really have bought the idea that being squeezed though a tunnel was actually beneficial to baby. I would not like my head to be squeezed so tightly that the bones overlap... youch!

Keep the good points coming...

Enid, no, a broken pelvis isn't usual by any means, but I do know someone (quite famous actually!) who it happened to (or for ks: to whom it happened!). They had depression and post-traumatic shock for several years afterwards and still get recurrent depression. Actually I think pst is not that uncommon after natural birth. Quite a few mumsnetters had it. Very rare after an elective - in fact, according to birth crisis, almost unheard of.
Other advantages, no risk of third or fourth degree tear (or any tear!) with the risk of long term double incontinence. No prolonged agony of labour. No risk of baby dying during a labour (as happened a close friend of mine). No risk of shoulder dystocia and other birth-related damage. A baby who doesn't suffer the pain of childbirth so has a reduced stress response.
However, if you really want a vaginal birth after c-section, I would say go ahead. It's not my thing, but if you want it, then try to make it happen by all means. It's not very unusual and some people enjoy it - apparently!

BTW I drove as soon as I felt organised enough to get out of the house. No problems there. And was fine physically after about a week.

I've had 2 electives (cos of medical reasons)

I would say that you do go into hospital for 9am but you can be waiting for a long time .. for my 2nd section I didn't go into theatre till 4.20 because you are dependent on crash sections going first and available staff

It is quite difficult having a toddler and recovering from a section

2 sections protect your pelvic floor but if you go on to have a 3rd then you are at the same stage as a woman who has had 2 natural births ... however it all depends on your kegels anyway

However on the plus side

.. you know what you are in for in terms of recovery, all being well .. and can adapt

other people have to do the hoovering and lifting for 6 weeks (cos you have an additional excuse over and above newborn)

it is a calm process as long as you stay calm during the wait .. during the op its so surreal that its quite lovely .. I was having a chat and a joke with anaesthetist

the baby has a beautiful round head from birth

I do believe its less stressful for the baby .. both of mine slept loads the first few days and have been remarkably calm babies with no signs of colic (but might just be lucky there)

you have a definite date for when to arrange childcare

I would ensure I wrote a birth plan for my next section though because the midwife took my DH and DD out of the theatre within 5 minutes and stayed out till I was finished (30 - 40 minutes) and went to join them in recovery room .. there was nothing wrong with DD, we think it was the end of her shift and she wanted to finish her paperwork .. oh and I've never seen my placenta which I'm quite curious to see

OK, this is really personal and i will probably get shouted down, but from a completely inexperienced viewpoint I think Caesars might help establish breastfeeding simply because you've got a real excuse to be still and be with the baby for days/weeks afterwards.

I don't in any way think Caesars are the easy option and clearly some women find feeding a struggle afterwards, but after my quick'n'easy (yeah right) vaginal birth I really found it hard to be still and focus on the baby the way i needed to - i was so bored most of the time i just wanted to be up and about despite stitches etc. if i'd had a wound i might have had no choice.

maybe this doesn't work with a toddler around tho!

hope i haven't offended anybody. sorry if so.

I remember in my antenatal class that they said the pregnancy itself stretches the pelvic floor (obviously not as much as giving birth) so you should do all those gripping exercises even with a c/s. I had an elective one cos of gestational diabetes and a huge baby (10lb 9oz) and he had to be got out with forceps!

Hi everyone! Just found out I'm pregnant last Friday!
Does anyone know if the catchment area for QC extends to Surbiton?

If not, how much does private at QC cost?

during a vaginal birth a baby picks up bacteria from the vagina. I'm not sure if this is actually positive or negative - guess it could go either way. But if you carry strep b you presumably avoid the need for intravenous antibiotics? I've always found it interesting that gynaecologists(who see the incontinence later in life) often opt for caesarians for themselves.

had two c-sections - one emergency and the next planned. Wanted a vbac second time round but baby did not oblige. Both times were brilliant... had great theatre staff so was totally relaxed and okay about it both times despite first being a - she has to be born now kind of thing. Most recently Nov this year. As someone said - second time round knowing when I was going into hospital etc made it so much easier to organise care for dd1 and for dh to sort out time off ( due to start new job day of section.)

recovery wise - stayed in 5 days as dd2 had some jaundice. No problems with scar or pain. In fact was able to drive 3 weeks after second section and am now fine lifting 2yo etc from that 3 week or so period. Dd1 is not walking yet so had to lift her at times. Unlike first time left the hospital on very mild painkillers and did not take them after a couple of days. Now almost 7 weeks after section no2 - no problems.. scar and surrounding areas fine and doing all I need to do without pain etc. I was up and about the next day after op - late afternoon. Probably the worst thing was waiting ( for elective) - as aloha said I had to fast from night before and was due in theatre approx 10.30 am ended up going to theatre about 3pm - so was starving.

I wanted a vbac simply in terms of recovery - the consultant was very supportive but also pointed out that this babe was quite big and the possible damage to the perineal area could result in a longer slower recovery than from a c-section.

Neither dd has suffered from being born by caesar. In fact for dd1 it saved her life... and dd2 has been fine... can see no repercussions from her being born by c-section. Nor do I feel like a failure or a wimp or anything like that for having had the 2 sections.

BUT this is just my experience and I guess as with everything you decide what is best for you in your situation.

Hi there

This is a bit of an old thread so I don't know if any of you are still reading it! I had to respond to this as an NCT antenatal teacher

Firsty - have you been to NCT classes? About 30 years ago we were the 'Natural Childbirth Trust' but not since. We now (and I speak from experience as a teacher) focus on each woman and their individual choices and giving of information. We support women and families no matter what birth/feeding/parenting experience they have (you can ask any of my Caesarean parents and I know they would agree - I am still very good friends with many). So please can we dispel this myth!

Secondly, from reading threads like this inexperienced and uninformed women would get totally the wrong idea. Women who have a caesarean need much more support and to advise that Caesareans are easier than vaginal births just denies them this.

The number of women who have broken their pelvis during childbirth is absolutely negligable - especially in comparison to the number of women who have had a Caesarean and then go on to have a ruptured uterus in subsequent pregnancies (200% more risk than vaginal birth). The placental scarring from the wound leads to a much higher incidence of emergency hysterectomy in subsequent births (google search placenta acretia) which is unheard of in women who have only had a vaginal birth. Maternal morbidity after a Caesarean is significantly higher - it is a major operation! There is NO DIFFERENCE in birth outcomes for babies, whatever mode of birth - though Breastfeeding rates are higher for babies born vaginally.

Also, the incidence of MRSA/hospital caught infections is much higher for Caesarean mothers.

I am not putting this information down to put anyone off - but to make people think very carefully before deciding to opt for what is a major operation. Yes, Caesareans are very safe now but there are significantly increased risks over vaginal births which women need to know about in order to make an informed decision. Thinking they are the 'easy' option is totally misinformed.

BTW you are correct - it is the hormones and weight of the pregnancy which damage the pelvic floor - which is why there is no difference in continence figures between women who have had Caesarean Birth compared to women who have had a vaginal birth.

I think that you need to be honest with any women who are considering whether to have a Caesarean or they may be underprepared for the realities of coping with a new baby after this operation - not all women have supportive networks of people able to help while she rests.

This was my first posting and I hope it doesn't come across negatively or anything - I just wanted to inject a bit of evidence-based reality into this conversation.

Many thanks
Rebecca