I had an emergency c-section when I was 9cm dilated with ds1 after he became distressed. Made a good recovery and have only positive memories of my experience even though it wasn?t the water birth using gas and air I had planned. When it came to deciding how to deliver ds2 due in 5 weeks I have agonised over the pros and cons and had come down to deciding to have an elective section. Mainly when it boiled down to it this was what my gut reaction said and I think this is as good a reason as any. My main concern was that I wouldstruggle to look after ds1 but we had found ways round that by ensuring that either dh or my mum would be with me for the first 6-8 weeks and that they would be able to lift him onto my lap etc so he didn?t have to miss out on mummy time.
Well yesterday I went to a physio appointment as I have been having back pain and sciatica type symptoms and to cut a long story short I shouldn?t be lifting ds1 at the moment anyway ? should be trying to find ways round this. This made perfect sense but I was surprised at how much the thought of this upset me. I know regardless of how I give birth ds1 will have to get used to doing more himself once I have 2 to look after but it got me thinking that if being able to look after ds2 myself is so important to me maybe I have been silly to decide on an elective section.
So really what I would appreciate is to hear from people who had to make the same decision as me ? vbac or elective section ? how they came to the decision they did and do they regret / feel pleased with their final decision. With the greatest respect I don?t need opinions as to what I should or shouldn?t do from all the very well informed people on here. This is about trying to get a feel for other people?s experiences in order to make up my own mind.
Thanks very much for reading through my long post and I look forward to hearing your experiences?