C-section/natural birth

I had an emergency C-section myself last year at 31 weeks. My recovery was also very fast. I'm pregnant again now, 28 weeks, but I wasn't given the choice of whether I want another C-section or a normal delivery. I actually assumed I'd just have a normal delivery at first, though I obviously have to give birth in a hospital—I have no choice there. I think you shouldn't underestimate the risks of a C-section for your body either; it's still a surgery.

Hi Mechje,

Last year I had an emergency C-section after a 16-hour labor and being pushed for another hour and a half. It turned out my little one was a star-gazer (occiput posterior). So he wasn't in the right position, which meant I couldn't push him out. Recovery was really rough for me; I was bruised all over, both down there and on my belly. After two weeks, my wound started bleeding again, and after a few months, I had heavy bleeding again.

With a second baby, I'd definitely go for a natural birth again, of course with the necessary support. I'm really not going to push for nothing again!

Phoe, I hear you on your dilemma... I might have it the other way around. Last year I gave birth naturally (recovery was super fast). Now my little one is in a breech position. I'm 34 weeks so anything can still happen, but I'm starting to read up on C-sections.

What I don't like about it is the recovery after a C-section... they say it takes longer on average, and I'd have a toddler just turning one years old running around. She still wants to be held by mama all the time. Plus, you stay longer in the hospital with a C-section. I don't like that either, because then I'm separated from my family and my other baby/toddler.

But whatever happens, happens And no, I'm definitely not looking forward to a natural birth... brrr... they should just abolish childbirth altogether!

If I had a choice, I’d still go for natural birth.

A C-section is really a major procedure/surgery. It’s awesome that you recovered so quickly; but unfortunately, that’s no guarantee for the future. I think the chance that you’ll have issues with it this time is actually higher. You’ll be giving birth in the hospital anyway, so help for tears or whatever is super close by!

An emergency C-section often means a tougher and longer recovery. Even if it happens before you’re even in labor.

I can’t help with personal experience of a C-section. But I want to share that I’ve had 2 natural births and the recovery was super fast for me too! I practically did everything the same day again. With my 2nd birth, the bleeding was very little after 8 days and gone after 2 weeks. If you’re dreading the pain down there: I didn’t have any issues with that either. No difference compared to now and before my kids.

But from all the stories you’ll hear, you’ll always hear both a positive and a negative side. Because everyone experiences it in their own way. And no 1 time is the same. No one can see the future or know how it’ll be for you. But honestly, I don’t think it’s a good choice to opt for a 2nd C-section (major surgery) beforehand without a necessary medical indication. Natural birth is almost always a better choice for mom and baby.

Discuss it with your doctor/midwife. I think they can tell you well about the risks. And from experience, I can say they won’t let you have a natural birth if the risks are higher than with a C-section. Good luck, girl!