Is natural birth a possibility? Advice needed.

[belsize77]

Hello

This is my first post after years of lurking on mumsnet. Not perhaps the topic I had been hoping for after all this time...

I had my first child nearly two years ago. Despite having a doula, drinking rasberry leaf tea and reading Ina May etc... I had an awful induction at 40+15. After a very long labour and three hours of pushing I had a mid cavity forceps birth. I had a tear, big episiotomy and nerve damage. After a year of physio my pelvic floor and scars are much better but after 6 months I developed a mild bladder and moderate bowel prolapse.

I am trying for number 2 now and already feel very nervous about how the baby would be delivered. I have read some posts on here which suggest that a natural delivery is possible with a prolapse but I just can't imagine how this is possible when I can't even cough hard or "push" without putting them under real strain.

I would be very keen to know if anyone has any experience of natural birth in this circumstance. There seems to be very little written on this topic. Alternatively, do you think (if and when this is an issue) I should ask for an elective c-section? I know the risks of a section but if the alternative is potentially incontinence and prolapse surgery is it really that bad an option?

Apologies for the long post!

Hi Belsize77.My first DS was 9lbs 7oz.He was a vaginal delivery,I had pethedine at 8cms,which I found really took the edge off the pain,whilst still being able to listen to what my body wanted me to do.My second DS was 10 110z.And carrying him to term was awful.I forgot to say I was induced at 40 plus 10 with both.From 30 weeks I felt my hips were creaking under the strain,by 36 weeks some days I couldn't walk,the pressure was dreadful...my insides were outsides long before I ever went into labour.I was so tender,felt bruised and swollen and basically as if I had already given birth!I am pretty sure I already had a rectocoel prolapse before labour-I certainly had one after,LOL!Don't forget that the body does bounce back.And I have heard that there are amazing repair techniques now.It certainly woulden't put me off another vaginal delivery.Have heard just as many problems from c/section as vaginal birth.Why not find out what "went wrong" the last time? Good luck!

Thanks woopsidaisy. I am glad to hear it wouldn't put you off.