Vaginal Birth or Elective Section?

[VictorianSqualor]

What would you reccommend a first time mother and why??

Are you considering a section? I always though you were more of a legs wide open girl?

For a first timer I would recommend a VB (mainly because I don't know anyone in RL that has had one, other than my mother, and would like another member of the VB club in my circle)

But seriously I live in a state where the C-seciton rate is about 40%. So I think that it is not being done so much out of medical need, but out of fear of being sued. Which is a whole other issue.

I'd prefer a VB with epidural, eleusis.

I've had two VBs, and after an anaesthetist came through and saw that I was not receiving adequate pain relief, I felt so much better, even though I did need forceps - the baby's position made labour and delivery more painful and difficult, NOT the epidural.

The other one I had no pain relief and though afterwards I felt good, I did not relish the actual experience.

I'd like to be able to GET an epidural when I decide I want it, not when the midwife feels it's appropriate for me, when they can track down an anaesthetist, etc.

I also want to be taken seriously when I say I need more pain relief.

Well, let's be honest, that's probably not going to happen in an NHS setting.

Expat, you could always show up at a London hospital in full labour if you want to avoid your trust.

Queen Charlotte is lovely. I think you could get that there. But, it's awfully far for you.

NO THANKS, eleusis!

I'd actually like the baby and I to survive the entire process.

And FWIW, why shouldn't preserving sexual function be considered important?

Well, you know me. I like to have 'em flat on my back while they exit the sun roof. And thet preserves sexual function very well.

Hey, I'm off to the states next month. do you need anything?

Ooooo .

I'd kill for some Gatorade powder!

And a Cover Girl lipstick, but I need to check the shade I want.

check your mail preggie one.

sorry everyone for the the shameful hijack.

Lulumama -
I suppose what I'm saying is that next time (assuming I don't need an elective CS due to the bad scar) I want to make it perfectly clear that I will not have another instrumental delivery. If things are not looking good, then I don't want to wait until DB is too far down the canal, or to "try it and see", I want a CS and I want it right there and then, no questions. Would a doula be able to articulate that to the staff? I was so certain about it last time and said it over and over to the MW and consultant, but I was laughed at and left exhausted and in pain with the consultant droning on and on about a CS being a "large episiotomy" (as though there was nothing special about my vagina) so that the only way that I could cope was to agree to the instrumental to make it all stop.

Should probably add that I don't think that there is anything wonderfully special about my vagina in particular, just vaginas in general.

yes, i should think so, as long as it is in your written birth plan/ preferences, as the doula cannot be seen to making decisions for you...you might have a totally different experience this time. as you know !
but you can specify c.s rather than instrumental delivery. am sure your vagina is very special, in its own way

I have already decided that it will be printed in capitals on fluorescent paper and stapled on top of my hand-held notes. So it would be difficult to misinterpret.

tattoo it onto your fanjo?

maybe not !!

Don't tempt me!
I am seriously considering having it printed on my birth T-shirt.

Message withdrawn

oh thank you pruners, for articulating it so well.

i cannot think of another area of health care where the patients are so often treated like passive chattels.... where they are told what they can and cannot do, where women are routinely denied the care they deserve.

Message withdrawn

definitely ! whomovedmychocolate just sent me an interesting looking one..

Message withdrawn

stand and deliver and other brilliant ways to give birth....emma mahony

Message withdrawn