Feeling unsure about birth choices

[Flopsy145]

It's my second pregnancy and I'm just over half way through, my last baby was 10 days late, a long labour ending in an emergency c section where they also then were very close to then giving me a hysterectomy because my uterus had just lost all muscle tone and wouldn't go back in or something along those lines. So after that it was sort of expected that I would do an elective c section which I do agree with (this would be my last baby if that makes a difference) considering how the last one went.
My DH is very pro this as he was quite traumatised by the last birth and I said I was worried about recovery with a 3 year old and a newborn but he said he'd rather just take longer off to help me out until I was more healed.

However, I'm starting to feel a bit sad that I won't be going into labour (unless baby comes early and fast haha) and get to try a natural birth again. Am I just being hormonal and silly or is this understandable?

As a caveat I wouldn't let labour go on for as long and if it wasn't progressing request a c section as soon as possible. But it could also happen very quickly which would be great.

I have to wait until 30 weeks to decide either way because my placentas considered just a mm too low and they have to check if it's attached to my scar, if it is then c section it is!

Understandable but you need to prioritise the safest option for you and baby. It doesn’t really matter how baby gets out, it’s a shame natural birth is seen as better

@Rosesanddaisies1 I agree, and will definitely do what is best and go with whatever the consultant thinks is safest.
It's not so much better but the c section was major surgery and the thought of not having that and the pain/issues from a second one is definitely tempting.

Understandable to feel like you do but the most important thing is a healthy mum and a baby leaving hospital. Everyone I know who have had a planned c section have said it was so much better than emergency c section and because they can take their time with the incision recovery time has been quicker too. No guarantees that vaginal delivery will be less traumatic and that you'll recover quickly, if you have a lot of stitches etc you'll be sore for a while

I'm in a similar position, but am considering a c section due to a bad tear in my previous birth. I've been told by many people that a c section can be easier recovery than a bad tear, and reduces the risk of long term issues. Doctors have said it's probably the best option for me too.

I really didn't want a c section initially and am gutted I'm not having another shot at my dream birth, but unfortunately a vaginal birth doesn't guarantee an easier route either.

If it helps, I'm now focusing on the certainty a c section gives, and the things I do have a choice in, such as skin to skin, cord clamping, and anything else I can potentially have a say in.

It's definitely not silly to feel like this, I feel it's completely justified! Hope you find a way to feel confident with the decision you take 💕

I know you're worried about recovery with a three year old, which is completely understandable, but just to offer a positive there, you'd have the advantage of being able to plan childcare around a planned section and not having people on standby for spontaneous labour. Just a thought, if it helps to reframe a bit?