What do they not tell you about c-section?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an awesome thread, thank you so much PPs! NP here. Knowing what you know and reading this thread, if you had a choice between an elective C section (for context, DH was born without GD at 12.5 lbs and 24 inches and) would you just...elect for this from the get go? Seems like the ideal is:
1) Vaginal Birth- no issues, no tearing
2) Planned C section
3) Vaginal birth, vaginal trauma
4) Emergency C with hours and hours of pushing and trauma

Is a scheduled c for a first birth nuts? It sounds a heck of a lot better than some of these horrible pelvic floor tearing options.

Most women only get minor tearing and they usually heal just fine. There are risk factors for severe tearing but large baby isn't the biggest. Having a prolonged labor, an induction, a first birth to an AMA mom, an episiotomy, or an operative birth (vacuum, forceps) are much bigger risk factors for severe tears.

I don't think the categories you listed are that clean in reality. The majority of women have tearing with no trauma. I had a tear and I have a pelvic pain disorder so I thought it would be debilitating, but it healed quickly and I never had any issues. More women have severe hemorrhages and emergency hysterectomies from planned c-sections than they do from vaginal birth. Plus, labor and vaginal birth carry benefits for the baby and typically reduce your recovery time. However, c-sections are somewhat more protective of your pelvic floor - prolapse and incontinence issues (although studies show as women age the rates of incontinence are about equal between the two modes of delivery).

There are things you can do to reduce your risks of tearing. Waiting to go into labor on your own, laboring at home until active labor, moving around throughout labor, delaying pushing for up to an hour after transition, and pushing in an upright position are all things that raise your chances of giving birth without trauma.

+1

Unmedicated vaginal birth is by far the most optimal for recovery. These c-section recovery stories are horrible. I understand that sometimes they are medical necessary, but if you are opting for a c-section, please do more research and reconsider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an awesome thread, thank you so much PPs! NP here. Knowing what you know and reading this thread, if you had a choice between an elective C section (for context, DH was born without GD at 12.5 lbs and 24 inches and) would you just...elect for this from the get go? Seems like the ideal is:
1) Vaginal Birth- no issues, no tearing
2) Planned C section
3) Vaginal birth, vaginal trauma
4) Emergency C with hours and hours of pushing and trauma

Is a scheduled c for a first birth nuts? It sounds a heck of a lot better than some of these horrible pelvic floor tearing options.

As someone with major pelvic floor injuries after a low risk pregnancy and planned vaginal delivery, I will 100 percent recommend to my daughter that she have scheduled c sections for her births. The incidence of prolapse, incontinence, pain, etc. after vaginal birth is quite high - let alone anatomical changes to nerve function and vaginal shape/size that really can damage sexual function - is extremely high. Wanting and needing to be able to poop, pee, have sex, exercise, wear tampons/manage periods easily, and orgasm normally for the rest of your life after childbirth really matters and right now no one takes that into account when considering Risks of vaginal delivery.
Birth.

Did you have an induction? Did you have a epidural? What position did you give birth?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an awesome thread, thank you so much PPs! NP here. Knowing what you know and reading this thread, if you had a choice between an elective C section (for context, DH was born without GD at 12.5 lbs and 24 inches and) would you just...elect for this from the get go? Seems like the ideal is:
1) Vaginal Birth- no issues, no tearing
2) Planned C section
3) Vaginal birth, vaginal trauma
4) Emergency C with hours and hours of pushing and trauma

Is a scheduled c for a first birth nuts? It sounds a heck of a lot better than some of these horrible pelvic floor tearing options.

As someone with major pelvic floor injuries after a low risk pregnancy and planned vaginal delivery, I will 100 percent recommend to my daughter that she have scheduled c sections for her births. The incidence of prolapse, incontinence, pain, etc. after vaginal birth is quite high - let alone anatomical changes to nerve function and vaginal shape/size that really can damage sexual function - is extremely high. Wanting and needing to be able to poop, pee, have sex, exercise, wear tampons/manage periods easily, and orgasm normally for the rest of your life after childbirth really matters and right now no one takes that into account when considering Risks of vaginal delivery.
Birth.

Did you have an induction? Did you have a epidural? What position did you give birth?

I find hers facts immaterial to the conversation. What are you trying to suggest, anyway?

[Anonymous]

I had my 3 kids at home (in the birthing tub; I was 32, 36, and 40 when I gave birth) so I am fascinated by all your stories. Thank you for sharing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is such an awesome thread, thank you so much PPs! NP here. Knowing what you know and reading this thread, if you had a choice between an elective C section (for context, DH was born without GD at 12.5 lbs and 24 inches and) would you just...elect for this from the get go? Seems like the ideal is:
1) Vaginal Birth- no issues, no tearing
2) Planned C section
3) Vaginal birth, vaginal trauma
4) Emergency C with hours and hours of pushing and trauma

Is a scheduled c for a first birth nuts? It sounds a heck of a lot better than some of these horrible pelvic floor tearing options.

As someone with major pelvic floor injuries after a low risk pregnancy and planned vaginal delivery, I will 100 percent recommend to my daughter that she have scheduled c sections for her births. The incidence of prolapse, incontinence, pain, etc. after vaginal birth is quite high - let alone anatomical changes to nerve function and vaginal shape/size that really can damage sexual function - is extremely high. Wanting and needing to be able to poop, pee, have sex, exercise, wear tampons/manage periods easily, and orgasm normally for the rest of your life after childbirth really matters and right now no one takes that into account when considering Risks of vaginal delivery.
Birth.

Did you have an induction? Did you have a epidural? What position did you give birth?

I find hers facts immaterial to the conversation. What are you trying to suggest, anyway?

She is promoting possibly unnecessary c-sections because of an antecdotal bad vaginal birth experience so trying to understand the circumstances of the birth.

[Anonymous]

The word unnecessary indicates that something, in hindsight, was unwarranted or inappropriate. It’s impossible to ever know the outcomes for any other form of birth than the one that delivered the child so let’s not go down that rabbit hole. There are C-sections that are wanted and those that are not. I’m suggesting that women be equally informed of the risks of
Both modes of birth and be allowed to make their own choice. Rather than vaginal birth being the default when it comes
with plenty of life-altering downsides for many women. It is pretty much the default now that you don’t find out about these risks until after you give birth and then have to life with the life-long repercussions if you are one of the unlucky ones.

My own vaginal birth was the worst experience of my entire life. It was not anecdotal. It was the day I became injured so badly that I am no longer able to run or jump without discomfort, sneeze without leaking, wear tampons, have enjoyable and pleasurable sex, wear tampons or cups, and empty my rectum normally. And far too many women like me after vaginal birth have similar injuries. - levator ani injury, nerve injury, fascial tears, vaginal/vulvar injuries, anal and or urinary incontinence, painful sex, prolapse, etc.

If you look at surgical rates among older women for prolapse and incontinence, you will see there is a vast ocean of women who bear the brunt of these injuries silently and suffer. I’m not promoting C-sections, I’m promoting informed consent for women so they can make the right choice for themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. I just got emailed instructions from the hospital.

On the topics of medicine it says: "You will receive Tylenol (acetaminophen) every 6 hours throughout your hospital stay. For the first 24 hours you will receive Toradol (ketorolac) through your IV every 6 hours. This is similar to ibuprofen. After the first 24 hours you will receive Motrin (ibuprofen) by mouth every 6 hours. If you continue to have pain, you can ask your nurse for a stronger pain medication (oxycodone)."

I understand the constipation issue and also that medical professionals are trying to keep ppl off addictive pain meds. Does what they describe seem like the right balance? Seems like the only options are mild over the counter or oxycodone. There is nothing in the middle?

Toradol is money. That’s some good stuff. I had no problems getting oxycodone when I asked. Be confident in your own voice. Some doctors and hospitals will make you feel like an addict. You are not. You are a woman who just has her stomach cut open and don’t let them convince you you don’t know your own pain.

Thank you. I like this phrasing.

[Anonymous]

What a timely post. Had a c-section after pushing for 4 hours. Catheter was removed after maybe 16 hrs after delivery and could not pee on my own. Tried blowing bubbles in water, turning water on, squirting water on vagina. Then had to get recathed because bladder was getting so full. The recath was painful because so swollen after pushing they kind of had to find it blindly on second recath attempt! Let just say it was pretty painful compared to day 1 when I had an epidural and they did the catheter twice and I barely noticed. Not trying to freak you out but it can happen and my doc said worst case scenario which is really rare you take catheter home and by two weeks the bladder adjusts back but mostly it does his hospital and if not just a couple days after you’re home.

Definitely use pillows for pressure at c section site to get in and out of bed, or if you cough or laugh.

Ask for as much help from nurses as possible, even things you think you know because you read about, just ask. Like I had no idea ice pack wouldn’t really help swollen vagina after a couple days so here I was walking around all uncomfortable with a heavy ice bag in my new giant pad. It helps to help you feel better but doesn’t reduce swelling. Also, if you’re sleeping and due for meds just let them know you don’t wanna be woken up if it happens. So hard to nap when your baby cluster feeds and with all the pediatricians, lactation consultant visits, monitor checks going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, buy stool softener in advance for your recovery

I heard that I could be constipated after my planned C-section ( my baby was in breech position), but I didn't realize how BAD CONSTIPATION would be. I forgot prune juice from home and hospital ran out of it. Stool softeners like Colace that they gave me when I was still in the hospital didn't do anything for me. I have sent my spouse to the nearest drug store outside of the hospital to get me magnesium citrate which finally helped.
Another thing was- that nobody told me, that basically after C-section- I won't be able to move/bend- literally. First trip to the bathroom was a hell.
Surgery itself ( C-section) was not very tolerable and uneventful, I was quite comfortable.

[Anonymous]

My husband recommends not looking over the curtain. He was surprised to see some of my insides outside.

[Anonymous]

I had an unplanned C-section after laboring for 9+ hours with my first, as well as a VBAC and I can confirm that there is NO GOOD WAY to give birth. Risks and problems with the entire lot and frankly if I’d known then what I know now about pushing for 6 hours with a 9lb baby, I’d save my vag, and have gotten the 2nd as a scheduled c-section. Now I just have the shitty leftovers from both forms of birth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The word unnecessary indicates that something, in hindsight, was unwarranted or inappropriate. It’s impossible to ever know the outcomes for any other form of birth than the one that delivered the child so let’s not go down that rabbit hole. There are C-sections that are wanted and those that are not. I’m suggesting that women be equally informed of the risks of
Both modes of birth and be allowed to make their own choice. Rather than vaginal birth being the default when it comes
with plenty of life-altering downsides for many women. It is pretty much the default now that you don’t find out about these risks until after you give birth and then have to life with the life-long repercussions if you are one of the unlucky ones.

My own vaginal birth was the worst experience of my entire life. It was not anecdotal. It was the day I became injured so badly that I am no longer able to run or jump without discomfort, sneeze without leaking, wear tampons, have enjoyable and pleasurable sex, wear tampons or cups, and empty my rectum normally. And far too many women like me after vaginal birth have similar injuries. - levator ani injury, nerve injury, fascial tears, vaginal/vulvar injuries, anal and or urinary incontinence, painful sex, prolapse, etc.

If you look at surgical rates among older women for prolapse and incontinence, you will see there is a vast ocean of women who bear the brunt of these injuries silently and suffer. I’m not promoting C-sections, I’m promoting informed consent for women so they can make the right choice for themselves.

I do hope you have seen a pelvic PT with all of those issues.

To be frank, we, as a society, know very little about the mechanics of the pelvic floor and there is a lot of new research into the pelvic floor, its relation to the diaphragm and how to best support women of all ages, pre and post birth. Its actually really fascinating because my main pelvic issues are due to a deep hip/glute muscle imbalance. Ive had it forever, like sometimes I will cramp when having an orgasm and have since I was a teenager. Being pregnant and going through labor (38 hours with 4 hours of pushing and eventual Csection) did an additional number on my pelvic floor. Ive had PT but have to continually work on my breathing and hip muscles. They are all connected. Ive also been participating in a postpartum research study and look forward to seeing what they discover.
In 10-20 years, we will have a lot more information on pregnancy, breastfeeding, the pelvic floor.: how they interact, what type of support is needed, etc. There can be great strides made to better the care that women receive after delivery whether it be csection or vaginal. So while I would like to think that being "better informed" about delivery choices will help women- it really doesn't. Both vaginal and csection deliveries can have disastrous complications and I would really encourage you to put your efforts into making sure that your daughter and her daughters receive better postpartum care. Thats what is going to make a real difference in the lives of women who have been through childbirth.

[Anonymous]

I don’t agree with this, sorry. A planned C section is not the same as an emergency one. Trying to make all forms of birth equal and argue we need better postpartum care doesn’t pass mustard. A planned C section should be a perfectly legitimate choice that is supported and it can be protective of the pelvic floor. Certainly, it comes with other risks so everyone has to choose for themselves. But to act like the pelvic floor is a big mystery means you don’t understand urogynecology. They understand it pretty damn well - and that vaginal and instrumental births are highly associated with PFDs - they just do not have good surgical treatment options right now that don’t fail or cause other problems and good options likely many years away. And yes, pelvic PT is great, but there are plenty of women who aren’t “cured” by it and have to learn to live with really crappy conditions.

My daughter will know that she has a family history of pelvic floor disorders. She will understand the difficulties her grandmother, great grandmother, and mother faced and she will get to choose for herself her mode of delivery and associated risks with full information.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t agree with this, sorry. A planned C section is not the same as an emergency one. Trying to make all forms of birth equal and argue we need better postpartum care doesn’t pass mustard. A planned C section should be a perfectly legitimate choice that is supported and it can be protective of the pelvic floor. Certainly, it comes with other risks so everyone has to choose for themselves. But to act like the pelvic floor is a big mystery means you don’t understand urogynecology. They understand it pretty damn well - and that vaginal and instrumental births are highly associated with PFDs - they just do not have good surgical treatment options right now that don’t fail or cause other problems and good options likely many years away. And yes, pelvic PT is great, but there are plenty of women who aren’t “cured” by it and have to learn to live with really crappy conditions.

My daughter will know that she has a family history of pelvic floor disorders. She will understand the difficulties her grandmother, great grandmother, and mother faced and she will get to choose for herself her mode of delivery and associated risks with full information.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180717-the-pelvic-floor-is-still-a-mystery-in-anatomy - written in 2018 and has direct quotes from urogynecologists at highly regarding teaching hospitals.

If its something anatomically dysfunctional with your specific family then that is different. You cant take your family history and extrapolate out to all planned csections. Also pregnancy itself damages the pelvic floor so maybe just no pregnancy? Csections are supported by and large by being a choice for all women, vaginal births arent getting enough support nor is there enough understanding about how EACH women is different and should be evaluated prior to pregnancy and childbirth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t agree with this, sorry. A planned C section is not the same as an emergency one. Trying to make all forms of birth equal and argue we need better postpartum care doesn’t pass mustard. A planned C section should be a perfectly legitimate choice that is supported and it can be protective of the pelvic floor. Certainly, it comes with other risks so everyone has to choose for themselves. But to act like the pelvic floor is a big mystery means you don’t understand urogynecology. They understand it pretty damn well - and that vaginal and instrumental births are highly associated with PFDs - they just do not have good surgical treatment options right now that don’t fail or cause other problems and good options likely many years away. And yes, pelvic PT is great, but there are plenty of women who aren’t “cured” by it and have to learn to live with really crappy conditions.

My daughter will know that she has a family history of pelvic floor disorders. She will understand the difficulties her grandmother, great grandmother, and mother faced and she will get to choose for herself her mode of delivery and associated risks with full information.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180717-the-pelvic-floor-is-still-a-mystery-in-anatomy - written in 2018 and has direct quotes from urogynecologists at highly regarding teaching hospitals.

If its something anatomically dysfunctional with your specific family then that is different. You cant take your family history and extrapolate out to all planned csections. Also pregnancy itself damages the pelvic floor so maybe just no pregnancy? Csections are supported by and large by being a choice for all women, vaginal births arent getting enough support nor is there enough understanding about how EACH women is different and should be evaluated prior to pregnancy and childbirth.

I'm a DP but this is where you natural birth advocates expose yourselves as propaganda pushers. C sections have been straight up demonized in recent years. The rise of (unregulated) midwifery in this country, hospitals publishing (and being harshly judged by) their c section records, baby friendly hospitals, etc etc etc. Vaginal birth and breastfeeding are being promoted to such an extreme extent that IMO the health and wishes of mothers are often put in the backseat in comparison to focusing on those two things.

My first baby was an emergency c section and despite having HELLP and a baby that was IUGR and fading they tried to induce me for a few hours until her heart decels triggered a c. I was ready for a c section the week before (pre e/growth issues had been clear and baby had been in trouble for 3 weeks). Maybe anecdotally this is happening here and there but by and large there has been a MASSIVE movement away from c sections, particularly elective c sections, and despite all that we still have the worst maternal mortality rate in the developed world. So I, frankly, remain unconvinced that anything to do with birthing a baby in this country in this era has to do with real concern for mothers, no one cares about the mothers.