C Section or Natural Birth? Advice please

[AH16]

Hello All

My daughters natural birth was quite traumatic for me, labour long then she got stuck and needed help. There is a possibility this may happen again, according to the consultant and due to other health issues also, there is an option for a c section or natural birth. I'm really unsure what to do, as I know both come with difficulties. Has anyone had a c section and recovered well?

Many thanks

I had my second c section three weeks ago and I feel totally fine now. After my first section I knew I would 100% have one again next time.

I had a c-section due to baby staying breech. I was terrified of it, and the recovery but have to say it was nowhere near as bad as I thought. The morning after my section I was hysterical when the midwife made me get up and shower and I could barely move, cried my eyes out that I couldn't move let alone take care of my child. A few hours later, I was a lot better. The next day even more so. The next week I was amazed by how mobile I was. Now 6 months later and my scars healing amazingly. If I'm lucky enough to have enough baby, I will opt for a c-section. Do what's right for you! Trust your gut. I did and refused to have a breech birth like the hospital wanted, and if I had baby probably wouldn't of made it as cord was around his neck four times! Maternal instincts are real imo.

I've had two caesareans and was up within a couple of hours both times. Was in hospital 12hrs after the first and around 36 after the second so not long. Recovery was straightforward.

I tried for a vbac with my second and spent hours internally debating. I wanted a healthy and straightforward natural delivery ideally but nobody ever gets that choice! If I'd had a third, I'd have happily had a Cs.

Pros and cons to both- I had 3 natural, last Dd was an EMCS but I had grade 4 placenta previa, 2 hour surgery, she was a surprise breech, blood transfusion (self salvage), emergency 'flush', blood pressure dropped after a quick 2 litre blood loss basically everything went wrong- also the fluid stayed in dd's tummy/lungs that would have been pushed out through natural birth so intensive care for 3 days as she couldn't feed- now 12months I've abdominal adhesions, nerve damage (they didnt know she was breech so had to lengthen my incision....

But shes just turned 1, and shes amazing and even though prem now totally caught up...plus if they hadn't have caught the previa on a scan we both wouldn't be here, I couldn't have given birth to her naturally.

Choice? I'd go natural, but obviously I couldn't- theres risks either way- I hope you have a wonderful birth experience whatever your choice!

(I'm so sorry if you just wanted to hear the positives!!! Just re-read the last line of your post!!)

@Nobhobs

Thank you for your reply. So glad to hear all went well for you.

@Pizzaaddict

Thank you. Glad you are doing well and hope you and baby are doing ok

@ShowOfHands

Thank you for your reply. Glad you are doing well after.

@Taddda

Thank you. I need to know the pros and cons not just the recovery time for the c section. So your advice has been helpful. Thank you for your kind wishes and glad your baby is doing well after such a difficult birth and hope you are well also