Anyone have a scheduled c-section after a terrible vaginal birth?

[Anonymous]

Horrible forceps birth here with my first that left me anally incontinent for 6 months and with all my organs prolapsing (I have cystocele, severe rectocele, and uterine prolapse), and a lot of internal vaginal scar tissue from tearing. It hurt to walk and sit for years, and left me with all sorts of other issues, like obstructed defecation, stress incontinence, a messed up tailbone, inability to wear tampons, etc. I was extremely on the fence about a second but figured that since my first birth basically ruined my body and much of my quality of life I did not want to also lose the family I dreamed of for myself, too. I had a scheduled C-section for my second and while it was not a walk in the park (ended up with a horrible spinal headache), it was such a better birth experience. I mean, to start I was not left emotionally and physically traumatized and with my sexual function and continence completely damaged, to start. Just that alone made such a difference in my ability to draw enjoyment and joy from the birth and meeting my child, when my first birth was so traumatizing and I was in so much pain and immediately experiencing PTSD that my memories of that time with my first child were really unpleasant. I far preferred the C section to a vaginal delivery and am so glad I had my second child. My pelvic floor is still a disaster but at least I was able to get the family I wanted. I would not say it was a healing experience and I still have a lot of medical trauma but it was cathartic, and having the C section felt empowering to me rather than having to experience the powerlessness of labor again. There was pain, but not nearly as horrific as a long unmedicated labor, forceps (still get nightmares about them) and injuries that followed. Good luck to you.

[Anonymous]

Hi 22:34 thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry about what you went through with your first birth. Knowing that I am not alone is therapeutic though. I felt alone in my struggles with #1. Like another poster said, it’s easier to say that you had a c section and need help than to have pain walking the block but not want to explain pelvic floor trauma.

Your explanation that you didn’t let the pain of the first birth take away your opportunity to have the family that you hoped for is inspiring. I am going to take on this positive mindset. I am so glad that you were able to enjoy your second baby and I hope for the same! Thanks again for taking the time to share!

[Anonymous]

Recovery was so much easier! Way less painful and everyone was so much more helpful knowing I had a c-section.

Music to my ears! Thanks to all of the other posters who responded on the thread. I might not check back, as I feel like I got a lot out of this thread and am in a hopeful place.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't even consider this elective C. You can't afford to rip like that again

I had problems with my Cs but my kids are healthy and I would do it again

[Anonymous]

Yes.

My subsequent 3 c-sections were a breeze compared with my first vaginal delivery.

Baby was stuck too far down for an emergency c-section. Forceps and vacuum. Tearing and cutting followed by MRSA which burst my stitches. Never again.

C-section was easy.

Pro tip: demand a belly binder in the hospital post-surgery.

[Anonymous]

I had a traumatic first birth where the baby came out not breathing well and ended up in the NICU. I went back and forth for weeks on elective c section versus vaginal. doctors still recommended a vaginal delivery so I was leaning vaginal and I did EMDR with my therapist to prepare. Fast forward and baby number 2 was measuring at 99% at 36w, so the doctors changed to recommending a c section given large size. I had a scheduled c section in March and it was much easier than I thought it would be. I would recommend a c section for you and feel lucky the baby’s size made me change plans.

Pros:
Having it scheduled was easier with arranging care and prepping my first.

Have been pretty mobile since the second day

Felt more rested - no pushing all night - got a full night sleep before going in at 7:30

Procedure was fast - baby was out within about ten minutes of starting and then 40 minutes of getting stitched back up

Pain was condensed to first couple days, but I was only on Motrin after the second day. With my first vaginal delivery - I had bad hemroids, second degree tear - couldn’t sit comfortably for at least three weeks

NICU team is required to be in the room for delivery which made me feel a lot better after first delivery

Cons:
Restrictions on lifting, driving and going up stairs etc requires having a helpful partner and ideally additional support for first 1-2 weeks

I was not mentally prepared as silly as this sounds at how surgical it feels. I had to get prepped in an OR with bright lights, I saw my blood in the reflection of the lights even though a big sheet was up, you’re conscious knowing you’re stomach is open, there’s a lot of people and procedures going on, etc. I think I should have mentally realized/ prepared for that.

You can’t eat until you pass gas. I tried to eat jello later the same day and threw up a couple times. Gas pain was bad the second day - I had searing pain in my shoulder that felt like a heart attack and made me cry. It got better with walking so after that first feeling I started walking circles around the hospital room every couple hours. I would try moving earlier and more often. Also move, drink prune juice, take gas X .. just be very pro active the first few days

[Anonymous]

I know that bad things can happen during c sections but honestly all my friends who had them had good recoveries and were happy with their choices (made for a multitude of reasons). Given your history, I would absolutely go for scheduled c section, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That sounds super hard. I’m having a c section after a vaginal so I’ll keep you posted on how that goes but overall people say c sections aren’t too bad.

Hi Op I’m back post c section to report on my experience. I’d say that the actual c section experience wasn’t my favorite - I didn’t like feeling all the tugging and pulling. It also felt more sterile less natural. Just a strange sensation. It was harder to hold baby. Pain at incision site mostly but no vaginal pain (I guess this makes sense) which is nice. Overall, doable. Just make sure you have a partner to help you with your baby since moving around immediately afterwards is hard. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I didn't have a terrible vaginal birth, but I did have an unplanned c-section after laboring/pushing. I elected for a c-section my second kid. And I had a friend who did have a terrible vaginal birth, including some reconstruction. She was basically told to consider a c-section the second time, and did so.

In the rock/paper/scissors of deliveries, a good vaginal birth beats out a c-section. But a c-section beats out a bad vaginal birth. Be kind to yourself, whatever you choose.

[Anonymous]

I’ve read that the only option that’s easier (recovery wise) to a planned c section is an uncomplicated vaginal birth. However, no guarantees at all that you’re going to get uncomplicated (particularly with your history) and so a planned c section gives you a more straightforward outcome. Of course there are risks to any surgery, but they are extremely low.