C/S as a birth option vs need

HvnSntRN · Feb 7, 2005

We're seeing an increase in elective C/S for primips recently too. It is not endorsed by the SGOC, but we do have OBs that really encourage them - and a couple of docs who have had these elective C/S themselves. The commonality that I seem to notice among this cohort of patients is that they are accustomed to things being done their way, all the time. Waiting on a baby to pick his or her birthday seems archaic to them when they can just schedule their entire life with a palm pilot. These patients are some of the most demanding, impatient women I have ever encountered. I often wonder how they will ever cope with teething babies or earaches, or anything else that is not carefully orchestrated and recorded in their electronic diaries in quadruplicate.

BETSRN · Feb 7, 2005

I have heard many women comment that they would prefer a c-section to a lady partsl delivery anyday, and I have to say, it baffles me! I can't even imagine why anyone would want a c-section if it was not deemed a medical neccessity. I had to have one with my first because my labor was induced and I wasn't progressing. The pain was horrendous, and I couldn't care for the baby myself for weeks. This time I was really looking forward to having that birthing experience, but my OB won't go for it. I really feel like I'm missing out on one of life's great experiences. Anyway, I have a few more months to change her mind. :chuckle
I guess the grass is always greener....

Couold you look for an OB or an obstetrical practice that allows VBAC's?

mitchsmom · Feb 8, 2005

If anyone is in a position to use them, here are some good resources from Maternity Wise. "Maternity Wise is the Maternity Center Association's long-term national program to promote evidence-based maternity care":

What should I know about cesarean section?

http://www.maternitywise.org/mw/topics/cesarean/

How can I prevent pelvic floor problems when giving birth?

http://www.maternitywise.org/mw/topics/pelvic-floor/

Should I choose VBAC or repeat c-section?

http://www.maternitywise.org/mw/topics/vbac-cesarean/

They also have:

How do I choose my caregiver?

How do I choose my birth setting?

How do I get the labor support I need?

How will I cope with labor pain?

nurse_wannabe · Feb 8, 2005

I've taken care of many moms after cesareans and they are all different. Some bounce right up and out of bed - seems like these are usually not the primary cesarean but subsequent ones. Some take more time to recuperate. I was able to breastfeed without problem and my son stayed in my bed with me except for assessments when he was taken to the nursery. I did have to have help to lift him out of the bassinet if I was in bed. And I was amazed at how such a little thing as clearing your throat had something to do with your abd muscles. I initially had a MS PCA but the second day went on Darvocet. The best thing was the anti-gas meds - gas hurts! :) I went home after 3 days and the women in my church brought meals to our home for a week, which was wonderful. I did all the baby care though. I even went to my husband's 30th high school reunion - although I was still taking pain pills and walking funny.
I hope your next one will be less painful for you and you recuperate quicker.
Best wishes.
steph

Thank you so much for the well wishes, steph! It is very comforting to know that I might recuperate quicker from this 2nd c/s. Maybe my slow recovery had something to do with the fact that I wasn't even in the hospital one full day after the c/s? It was performed at 9:05 pm and I was discharged at 11 a.m. the next morning. I still haven't figured that one out.

Bets, my OB does normally offer a VBAC, but since I'm overweight she thinks that if my uterus *did* rupture during labor, an emergency c/s would be too hard on me. So I guess the only thing to do is get in better physical shape and hope for a lady partsl delivery next time. :) I'm not quite sure how likely it is that a uterus would rupture though... maybe some of you OB nurses know?

allnurses Guide · Feb 8, 2005

Thank you so much for the well wishes, steph! It is very comforting to know that I might recuperate quicker from this 2nd c/s. Maybe my slow recovery had something to do with the fact that I wasn't even in the hospital one full day after the c/s? It was performed at 9:05 pm and I was discharged at 11 a.m. the next morning. I still haven't figured that one out.
Bets, my OB does normally offer a VBAC, but since I'm overweight she thinks that if my uterus *did* rupture during labor, an emergency c/s would be too hard on me. So I guess the only thing to do is get in better physical shape and hope for a lady partsl delivery next time. :) I'm not quite sure how likely it is that a uterus would rupture though... maybe some of you OB nurses know?

Ok, that is nuts to discharge you that quickly. I completely understand your rough recovery.

Sorry that had to happen. I don't get it either.

steph

wannabemw · Feb 9, 2005

I have heard many women comment that they would prefer a c-section to a lady partsl delivery anyday, and I have to say, it baffles me! I can't even imagine why anyone would want a c-section if it was not deemed a medical neccessity. I had to have one with my first because my labor was induced and I wasn't progressing. The pain was horrendous, and I couldn't care for the baby myself for weeks. This time I was really looking forward to having that birthing experience, but my OB won't go for it. I really feel like I'm missing out on one of life's great experiences. Anyway, I have a few more months to change her mind. :chuckle
I guess the grass is always greener....

You WON'T change her mind. Find a new OB or CNM that will allow a VBAC... even if u have to pay out of pocket! Childbirth is a life-changing experience! Your gut is telling u something ain't right... listen to it! Listen to yourself and TRUST your instincts and feelings...

Remember, u r paying for her services, not her for yours!

Find a CNM or LM! Oh yeah, and have a happy birth!

~MJ

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 9, 2005

You have to find a FACILITY that will allow VBAC, not just doctor. Increasing numbers of hospitals are NOT allowing this nowadays. Just be aware of that and begin your search now. You might not find it easy to find one....ours is the only facility for miles that does, and we have had people travel 3 or 4 hours for the VBAC experience we allow. It's a risk management thing, naturally.

humiliated · Feb 9, 2005

I can't believe we have come to a time when women are so freaking shallow that they are so busy trying to please theire husbands. To maintain one's body? Having a c-section so a woman's lady parts has a smaller opening to please a man or to prevent a uterus from prolapsing later in life (sorry for the graphic image). If that's how these women feel, how about not having children. Child birth is not necessarily pretty, the purpose is to have offspring. This concept sickens me.

Jolie, BSN · Feb 9, 2005

I can't believe we have come to a time when women are so freaking shallow that they are so busy trying to please theire husbands. To maintain one's body? Having a c-section so a woman's lady parts has a smaller opening to please a man or to prevent a uterus from prolapsing later in life (sorry for the graphic image). If that's how these women feel, how about not having children. Child birth is not necessarily pretty, the purpose is to have offspring. This concept sickens me.

There is another thread on homebirths, where one poster suggested that the desire to have a homebirth is "shelfish". I couldn't disagree with her more, and believe that those who desire a scheduled UNNECESSARY C/S are truly the selfish mothers.