Advice please... who has experienced both C-Section and V-Birth??

[radox11]

I would really like to hear real experiences/ opinions/ advice from anyone who has had BOTH a vaginal birth and a c-section (preferably elected).

My second baby is due in a few weeks and I am seriously considering requesting an elected c-section. First birth was vaginal- not exactly straightforward (induced, long, episiotomy and ventouse) but I wouldn't class it as traumatic either. My reasons for potentially wanting a c-section are less physical and more psychological... I am extremely anxious about something going really wrong for my baby. I feel that a planned c-section offers an element of control that a v- birth doesn't. I have already discussed this with midwife and consultant and I would be supported with either option.

So... if you have experienced both what would you choose again??

I had elective c section first because of a breech baby. VBAC second time round.

I would go through natural birth over c section any day. I had episiotomy and ventouse too. I was sore after for a couple of weeks but nothing like the pain following my c section. And mentally I initially felt more connected to my second child because of the way they were born.

Completely personal choice though. C section wouldn't be my choice but it wasn't too horrendous either.

If you're struggling with the mental side of it have you looked into hypnobirthing, that really helped me.

I had a vaginal birth then two sections. My vaginal experience was traumatic for various reasons. I recovered much more quickly from the sections, mentally and physically. I also liked being prepared, knowing when to arrange childcare for etc for the child staying at home. I didn’t find recovery from c section bad at all

My first two deliveries were vaginal, the first being a ventouse with episiotomy and plenty of tearing.

My third was an emergency caesarean. It was still far and away the best of the three.

Had I been planning a fourth baby (I wasn't) I would have pushed hard for an elective caesarean.

Go with what you think is right for you, and don't feel guilty.

Just wanted to say I'm really pleased you have support from the midwife etc whatever decision you make. My "elective" c-section was called that because it made the maternity unit's numbers look better, but I was told in no uncertain terms that trying vaginal delivery with a footling breech presentation would probably tear me in half and severely damage our baby. There was no choice involved at all, but the naming of the procedure as Elective led to some muttering from post-natal midwives and health visitors until I set them straight.

I wish I had a crystal ball! If someone could guarantee a vaginal birth without complications and that the baby would be fine, I would go for it regardless of physical pain. Obviously, that's an impossible ask. I said that almost word for word to my Consultant with No 4, I desperately wanted a vaginal delivery but if I was going to have a CS I didn't want it to be an emergency after my experience with No3. He was sympathetic but confirmed he couldn't foretell the future. I went for the vaginal delivery and although it was touch and go at one point a very sympathetic Registrar managed a delivery with high forceps. I could have kissed him if I hadn't been so busy with my tea and toast.