When I was pregnant with my daughter, I read all the books and websites (after all, that's what all first time mommies are supposed to do, right?) and I learned that you had to have a birth plan. A written, documented plan of what you wanted your labor and delivery to look like.
*family in the room or not
*music/ lights
*IV or not
*ability to walk around
*birthing stool/ birthing chair/ birthing bar/ birthing tub
*pain relief (epidural, accupressure, massage, breathing techniques)
*nurse baby
*cut umbilical cord
The list goes on and on.
I thought this was what I needed. So, when I approached my doctor about my birth plan, she said, "Nope, let's just talk." I didn't want to talk. I was nervous, scared. I'd never had a baby before. What if she laughs at my decisions? Will she think I'm dumb? I would've rather just handed her the paper and said, "Make it happen."
And some women do make birth plans and I think that's great. And some women who wish for a vaginal birth end up with a C-section. Because sometimes our birth plan doesn't go as planned.
So, when I saw a story on Good Morning America about how American's today are having more C's than ever, I was stuneed. We are now at a staggering 1 out of 3 births are delivered by c-section. And while some are not planned, many are elective. Especially if the mom had a c-section on her first child, subsequent c-sections are almost inevitable because many doctors refuse to do a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section).
But now, some doctors are trying to change that, trying to promote more VBAC's, especially if they can do a better job of identify those rare cases where a VBAC is impossible.
I think many people associate c-sections with lower risk births. But there is more risk for infection, longer hospital stays and respiratory issues for the baby. One huge concern is the mother developing potentially fatal blood clots. One mother featured on this story died 11 days after giving birth from an unknown blood clot.
And what's funny is that they think that doctors are in favor scheduling c-sections because they can be done in 1.5 hours. If a woman is in labor naturally, that OB might be there for 8, 12, 24 hours! So, now they are cancelling appointments and losing money elsewhere! And c-sections apparently pay out twice as much!
Yikes. Scary that we are risking a baby's health just for money reasons. There was much more in this article if you're interested in reading it. But I would love to hear your thoughts.
I would love to hear your thoughts. I was fortunate enough (because that's what I wanted) to have both of my children delivered vaginally. So, I'm a little out of the loop as far as c-sections go.
22 comments:
Hope you're ready...
I had a vaginal birth with an epidural, a vaginal birth no drugs (AT ALL), an emergency c-section (she was a transverse breach, meaning I was dialated to ten and she never descended into the birth canal because she was sideways!!!), and a planned c-section with tubal ligation.
Ask me anything you want!! :)
I had two very natural deliveries, vaginally with no drugs, so no experience with the c-sections. However, I know that there are a lot of women that want to have a c-section to avoid labor pains, fear of tearing or having to be cut, etc. Call me crazy, but the aftermath of a c-section has got to be horrible. I think it is wrong that a dr would encourage a c-section to make more money. They got into the profession of delivering babies... it takes a time... it's a precious gift of nature that takes time.
I delivered my first vaginally with an epidural. Tore like crazy, was sore for weeks on end and didn't go "the bathroom" for 7 days, bc I was so scared!! Of course it was an amazing process and I was looking forward to #2 (baby that is, although, I will admit I was looking forward to #2 that first week as well!!!) But Baby boy #2 decided he wanted to be a gymnast and would flip between head down and traverse breech. My Dr advised an immediate C for the next day. I was 39 weeks and 1 day. Which had been a threat all along bc he kept flipping. Dr said it was too dangerous to go into labor. I went in 2 days later to have my C and he was head down. Different Dr asked what we wanted to do. We went with the C. Felt like we were there for a reason, and were too scared he would flip...again. Recovery was much easier & faster for me. However, I don't feel like my body bounced back as quickly or that my milk has come in as much. But those could be the effect of baby #2 (at least the body part!) Would love to have a VBAC if given the chance to deliver again, but would have to talk seriously with my Drs.
I recently wrote about my feelings on this subject...as I am facing my 3rd (unwanted) c-section in September.
I hate that I am adding to the c-section rates...hate it! I have very little hope of finding a provider to support a vba2c though, but will still discuss the option when we move to North Carolina in May.
I have my opinions on the whole birth debate...but it's way too much to put into a comment. In the end, I just have to lift up those who got the birth they wanted, comfort the ones who didn't and deal with the feelings of my own births.
I gave birth at Nativiti Birth Center in the Woodlands, TX, naturally, no drugs, in a tub. It was the most amazing experience! I highly recommend birthing at a birth center if you have one near. They made me feel so comfortable, and treat everything as a natural occurrence, which it is! We even had access to their kitchen and my dad made lasagna while I labored and we feasted after I gave birth! I was seeing a doctor at a hospital, and they told me at every appointment I had that the baby is still breech. That worried me so much and it seemed to be all that they were worried about too! I had even asked the hospital doctor about birthing in different positions and she flat out said no, on your back is all we do. So I decided that a hospital birth wasn't for me.
I had to have an emergency c-section, and they nearly killed me. I pushed for four hours until they finally decided that I was going to have to have a c-section. Bree couldn't get her big head past my tailbone that had been moved from a bad wreck I had four years ago. Anyway, I don't plan on having any more kids...but I would have definitely had Bree vaginally if I could have. Recovery from a c-section is not fun.
Ok....had to come back to comment on the doctors that do C-sections because it's easier.
It totally happens. I researched for more than 3 years and in those years, I came across a woman in Texas who called a women's clinic. This office ONLY took women who were wanting c-sections. They would not do a vaginal birth at all. How sad is that?
Anyway, just wanted to say that they are definitely out there...and a lot more than what people think.
Oh, and for anyone who wants to avoid a c-section, wants a vbac, or wants information on a vbac or better c-section experience (when a c-section is done) I HIGHLY recommend ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network). Go to www.ican-online.org
Great post, Julia!!
I think, also...one of the reasons our c-section rate is so high, is not only scheduled c-sections...but elective inductions!
Soooooo many inductions are being scheduled at 38-39 weeks...and many times, the woman's body is just not ready. Usually, that babe ends up wedged in there so funky, that mama doesn't dilate and then ends up with a c-section!
We do some VBAC's where I work...but most docs are very reluctant to use pitocin, so if the mom doesn't go into labor on her own, often times, she never gets that "trial of labor". Some docs will do "low dose pit" to see if they can nudge labor into starting!
I think VBACs can be safe, done the right way (in the hospital, closely monitored)...but I also help moms "walk through" their decision to VBAC...why was the c-section done, how badly do you want a vaginal delivery...things like that.
If a mom went into labor on her own, got to complete and pushed for 4 hours, only to deliver a baby that was clearly NOT going to fit (and you can tell, just by looking at the baby after it's out!)...I'd probably recommend that she not VBAC...chances are she has a small pelvis, and the next labor would end the same way!
Enjoyed your post!!
I had one tot and he was a scheduled c-section. He was what they call "frank breach" (head and feet up, butt down). I did everything I could to get him to move: accupuncture, chiropractor, I even propped my but in the air on a slanted ironing board. In the end, it was a hard decision and I had to weigh the risks of a c-section vs. trying to force him to move. I do agree that there are too many c-sections performed in this country. If I were to have another (and I'm not) then I would try for a VBAC. Great post!
I have had 3 c-sections. My first was because the baby was breach and I had issues throughout my pregnancy that made it unsafe to delivery any other way. My second was going to be a VBAC, the doctor really didn't want too, but we were planning that until the day before he was born and they did an ultrasound and he was almost 9 lbs at 39 weeks and I was showing no signs of going natural. We had to make the decision to do a c-section again for safety reasons. My 3rd had to be a c-section they said there was no other choice. I think that it is sad that doctors aren't helping educate women and doing what is the healthiest and safest for all involved. And to make more money just makes me sick! Thanks for a wonderful post and enlightening thoughts!
I had an unplanned c-section. I labored for 17 hours, got to 7cm... then went down to 4 in 1.5 hours! M's head was giant (and is still off the charts) and as he descended into the birth canal he pinched my cervix against my pubic bone and so it started swelling. Once that happened - there was no going back.
As for what the future holds - I'll probably end up with a scheduled c-section next time. I'd love to do a VBAC, but because the next baby will have the same genes the doctors said chances are the same thing would happen and I'd end up with another unplanned c-section. I'd HATE to do that again. The stress and anxiety I put myself through having the c-section sprung on me last minute was horrible I hated it and was terrified. In all my planning I had never even entertained the thought of a c-section because nobody in my family or circle of friends has had one! I just assumed I would deliver vaginally when the time came.
I'm still up in the air about what I'll do next time - I figure now's not the time to think about it... I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Until then, I'll just enjoy my little man :)
I gave birth to both my babies vaginally also. With my first one, I wanted to go all natural, no drugs. I even took a lamaze class that was run by a doula. But that didn't work well with having a regular OB doctor delivering because even after my water broke, he used pitocin to speed up the birth. With my second baby I used a midwife to deliver and was spared the pitocin. I almost had to have an emergency c-section with him though because he went into distress from umbilical cord strangulation. I know that lots of women try to control when they have their babies with scheduled inductions and c-sections. I never knew how widespread it was. Thanks for the information.
My birth journey is such a combo!
#1 was c/s because she was breech...tried to get her to turn, but she was too wedged in.
#2 was VBAC attempt...went into labor on my own, no pitocin, pushed for 2+hrs and then the dr said time for a c/s, which I agreed with. As I was being moved to the OR my uterus ruptured (one of the rare complications of VBAC) and thankfully they got my daughter out quickly and she was ok... Even though it was a close call and very scary, I was still so glad I tried a VBAC and got to experience the labor and pushing I so desparately wanted.
#3 was a scheduled c/s due to the prior rupture...but I went into labor early...and had an earlier c/s than planned.
Obviously I am a testament to three occasions when a c/s is necessary and best, but I am also a huge support of VBAC. I actually changed doctors at 30wks to get my VBAC.
I was one of the lucky ones I reckon! I had 2 vaginally delivered births and relatively easy also.2 daughters, Ist one was 8lb 15 & 2nd one 8lb 4oz. I did read every book I could get my hands on and did what I could to hopefully deliver as painlessly as possible haha.
Firstly, I learnt that Yes !! it was gunna hurt! and then I used lots of massage oils around THE area and done lots of breathstroke actions in the neighbours swimming pool any chance i could. This had to have helped I 'm sure of it!!!!
When I went into labour,I had no drugs.
I had great young nurses who told me to put my feet up onto their shoulders and push so when they said push I did and out the 1st one popped after only a couple of hours of labour. 2nd one decided to lay the wrong way around and she took a bit longer with only one small stitch only.
My heart goes out to all you mums that have so much trouble, its not fair is it?
I thought i was made to have babies really but it wasn't meant to be.
Now I am 45 & waiting for my grandkids to come along hehe hint hint girls.
I did see about 9 C sections when I worked as a nurse in theatre a few years back and all I can say is I would NOT CHOOSE a C section unless it is recommended for health reasons.
Hey there!
Thanks for stopping by my blog... returning the favor for a SITSta!
I had 6 vaginal births. Well- I was only born vaginally once, but I gave birth to 6 kids- all vaginally.
I nearly had to have an emergency c-section with the last one, but he was already too far to try to pull out from the top... which was a good thing since he strangled on his umbilical cord and was born dead, but revived and is a healthy, and sometimes, happy TweenBoy.
Major abdominal surgery, breastfeeding and taking care of a 9+pound kid... so not something I would vote for... EVER!
I had an emergency c-section. I was a week overdue but y dr was confident that I would be bale to deliver vaginally.
Let's just say that by the time I got to the hospital I was almost 9 cm dilated. My baby's heart rate dropped and would not go back up. C-section it was.
I have to say that I had a great recovery. I loved staying a few extra days at the hospital, it was great to have a lactation consultant at hand during those first few days.
It did take a few weeks before I was up able to do things completely on my own.
I would love to have more babies and I haven't decided on what my choice would be. At this point, both options pose risks and I don't know which one I would be willing to take.
The Wannabe WAHM
I had an emergency c-section six weeks early with my daughter- I had pre-eclampsia, they tried to induce and it didn't work. I attempted a VBAC with my son. I had all the cards in my favor- I had a doctor, midwife and a doula all to help make sure I succeeded. I went into the hospital already 10 cm. dialated, and 8 hours in he still didn't come out. So another c-section it was. I'm not sure I could find a doctor to try another VBAC, but at least I feel confident that both my c-sections were necessary.
I think you know I had c-sections with all three of mine. M (#1) kept having her hb drop very low and although I dialated and pushed she dind't come. So I had a c. With K (#2) I tried to have a vbac. From my understanding, it is not the dr that always has the c recommendation but the insurance companies will not take the risk. You have to search for a dr who will do it, and has the insurance that will do it. So I found one that would allow me to try. With him i stopped dialating. She said I could wait a while longer or go with the c and we decided to do the c. With E (#3) we just went ahead and scheduled one. I think something if up with my body and it just doesn't work right.
I was very opinionated before I had my son. I was all NATURAL BIRTH this and NO DRUGS that. I still think that natural is best, but I had to have a c-section due to running a fever after 31 hours of labor.
That being said, I plan on having a c-section with my next. I would like to go into labor before I have the c-section, just because I know it is better for the baby, but I don't want to risk uterine rupture with a VBAC. It's all a very personal choice (I know I will have made some mommies mad!), but I think it's the right one for me.
btw, I dunno where I found you, but LOVE love love the blog. I will be back often!!
I think the biggest problems are fear of lawsuits and the fact that drs like to play up the risks of vbac and play down the risks of c-sections. They also don't take into account the recovery time because obviously that doesn't affect them.
I have a wonderful doctor who is stubborn enough to push for vbac when she feels like it's a feasible option and better for her patients. My first was a vaginal delivery, no complications, no problems. 2nd was an emergency c-section due to a partial placental abruption, but my dr did try to let me deliver him vaginally too, it was just too big a risk with his heart rate dropping. 3rd was a vbac and my dr was all for it from the beginning- very supportive. She said I was a perfect candidate because I had delivered vaginally before and the reason for my c-section had nothing to do with my body and its ability to deliver vaginally. Anyway, I'm pregnant with #4 and my dr had to write on my chart to call her for delivery because if another dr is on call they won't even consider letting me try, they will take me back for a completely unnecessary c-section immediately. Ridiculous. They don't care that I have to come home and take care of 3 other kids along with this new baby and having a huge gash in my stomach might interfere with that a little bit! Anyway, I'm grateful for my dr and keeping my fingers crossed for another successful vbac to help turn the tide a little bit!
With my first child I was induced, at 37 weeks. she didn't have enough amniotic fluid, and I was having signs of pre-e so they induced with cervadil, for 24 hours!!! It didn't work. By the time I went in for a c-section I was only dilated to a roomy one. She couldn't position herself in my birth canal b/c of the low amount of amniotic fluid. With my son, he had too much amniotic fluid. And b/c my daughter was only 15 months at the time, vbac was not an option. I delivered at 38 weeks with him via c-section. I'm pregnant again and will deliver c-section again. I have no desire to vbac and my husband supports me and my decision. We feel it is best for our family. I've had 2 children and I've never dilated past a roomy one. Honestly the recovery was not bad with either and when I had my son I was also taking care of a 15 month old without any help. I survived, and I can say I'm confident I'll survive this one too. :shrug: to each their own I guess.
It has been interesting reading everyone's comments.
I had a c/s with my first as he was breach. We tried to turn him but to no avail.
My second was a successful VBAC. I had prayed my entire pregnancy for this. It was so much easier then the c/s as far as recovery.
My third was totally different. I boarded an airplane and flew to Ethiopia to meet him and bring him home. :)
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