Second birth a year later - options

[Twelve8Ts]

Hi all,

Bit of a long one...

I’m wondering if any of you have any advice as I’m 50/50 on whether to try for a natural birth or elective c section.

I had my first baby in June last year. Quick labour but so painful as I dilated so quickly. Needed ventouse, had second degree tear. No pain relief as all happened so quickly. Retained placenta (which was AWFUL and removed with forceps a few days later). I was pretty traumatised after it all.

Next baby is due in June of this year so the babies will be a year apart. I have been set on a c section, had my consultation etc.

But now I’m starting to wonder about a natural birth. Is it likely I’ll need intervention again? Will my labour be just as quick?

The thought of looking after a 1 year old after major surgery puts me off. Plus, and this may sound silly, I’ve spent a year inside with my daughter due to covid and I would hate to spend another summer being limited on what I can do with my children due to recovery.

What would you do?

Congratulations.

We had a traumatic birth last June, ended in forceps and episiotomy then infection and stitches opening 😬 some would have thought I had two assholes.

Due in sept now: at booking I asked this sort of stuff to midwife and she said it’s really really unlikely to be like last time (days awake in labour) because your body knows what to do, it’ll likely be much much quicker.

I don’t know f that’s what you want to hear, but it’s unlikely you’ll need intervention again. Everyone is different though so if it would make you feel more relaxed and comfortable to have a CS then arrange it, I’m assuming you can always cancel it if you decide not?

@FTEngineerM Thank you and congratulations to you too!

Oh god, you poor thing.
I think that’s what I’ll do, talk it all through with my midwife. I would ideally like to avoid major surgery, especially in the summer when I’ll be hot bothered and uncomfortable as it is. I had my daughter when it was bloody baking hot last year.

Wish I could just see into the future and make the right decision 😂

Good luck!