Vaginal or Elective C-section?

I nearly went for an elective c section and the surgeon convinced me against it. I did a vaginal birth with an epidural and the midwife’s were incredible

I’d really recommend The Positive Birth Book and following Kemi Birth Joy Johnson on Instagram x

Elective C

I did vaginal and I’m so glad I did. I can’t imagine the recovery from a c-section. Plus I hear c-sections are so uncomfortable… additionally, I’ve heard that baby can miss out on some benefits by doing c-section. But do your own research! I have 0 regrets with my vaginal delivery.

I booked in for a C-section as my LG was breeched, came to the day of the operatin and she flipped round (only had an 8% chance of turning) and after an epidural and an amazing midwife had a natural birth. The recovery from a C-section is about 6 weeks and limits you from doing much from what I have heard, but a vaginal birth will mean you're up and about sooner 😊

@Lara do epidurals take away all pain tho , I’m giving brith soon hopefully I’m due in 2 days and I don’t wanna have a c section due to the pain and healing afterwards x

Complications can happen during sections just as much as during vaginal delivery. You should be monitored during labor and if baby is not doing well they might switch to an emergency section. If it were me I would take a class on childbirth to hopefully reduce some stress, and try for a vaginal birth unless your dr recommends otherwise

@Shaya epidurals don’t usually take away all pain. You’ll feel a lot of pressure… but you’ll also feel a lot of pressure with a c-section. They’re both uncomfortable, from what I hear. I’ve heard for some people that the epidural made them feel next to nothing for vaginal though (my mom was that way). My epidural didn’t work though. Everyone is different!

* I should say they don’t always take away all pain. I’m under the impression they usually do though

I have decided to go for a c section as I never felt any appeal for vaginal births. I know it's more natural but it's not for me!

I had an emergency C-section with my first and I’m having an elective this time. The recovery is very tough but I like the aspect of being able to plan things especially with childcare. There’s risks with both so I’d book an appointment with a consultant, my labour with my first was traumatic so personally I don’t wanna do that again however I know loads of people who have had amazing vaginal births with and without medication and their recoveries were super quick x

There are pros and cons to both. You never know how a birth will pan out, could go vaginal and it be really traumatic, could have an elective and it be really peaceful and recover well! Or vice Versa for both! It really is just dependant on you and your body on how well you recover! I know women who have had amazing births and recoveries with BOTH! I’ve chosen elective cesarean, no prev. birth to compare it to, but that’s what i feel more comfortable with. Xx

I would also advise to not take what we all say as gospel, because what someone goes through with one birth/recovery isn’t what might happen to you so can’t plan based on what you hear! Which probs isn’t helpful I know 😅😂

I know fear can be very real but I wouldn’t base my decision based on fear. Maybe chat to your midwife and learn more about what happens in the different forms of birth. They all have their pros and cons as most have mentioned. However, benefits for you and baby should definitely be the driving factor in decision making and not fear.

It’s worth looking up the positive birth company for their hypnobirthing course online, it’s not too expensive. I’ve always had a massive fear of birth and wanted an elective c. Since completing the course with my husband I feel so much more informed around birth and my choices and going to try for a natural birth. I’d it ends up in a c section so be it but I want to try first ❤️

As someone who had to have an emergency c section I would now do absolutely everything to avoid this again. Yes I ended up with complications which resulted in the c section but your body is made to push a baby out and if there are complications then there are but go in positive and take labour one step at a time. I honestly wish I could have had a vaginal birth. But let's be honest neither is easy haha. To me I was more scared to have a c section but I had to just get on with it. I really recommend doing a hypnobirthing course. The more educated you are then the more confident you will feel. That definitely was the case for me

Also where abouts are you that an elective c section is an option? Maybe I was unaware of this but I thought vaginal births was the go to unless medical complications or previous traumatic births. I never knew I had this option haha

@Lucy thank you!💕 I know a few people who have chosen to have a section, and also I follow a midwife on TikTok who says you can absolutely have a elective c-section if you want it! Not sure if all hospitals are the same though!x

@Lucy I’m not sure how long it’s been an ‘option’ for but it should be everywhere as it’s NHS x

I could have written this! I’m right there with you

I had natural with my first and had a morphine jab instead of epidural. Best thing I could have done

There are risks with both and generally I think people share their bad experiences more than their positive ones so it’s a bit of scare mongering. C/S is major surgery and has risks for you and baby, also more risks second/third time round if you’re thinking of having more kids. V/D also has risks but I think generally there are signs and the monitoring is throughout to keep an eye on how the baby is coping. Both are hard and it’s a very individual choice but remember, our bodies are designed to do this!!!

I’ve chosen an elective c-section, but only because I had a planned one previously and kinda know what to expect. So at least a bit of peace of mind!

I had an emergency c section with my first and it was horrific and I’d like to avoid a c section again if possible. Hoping to go into labour naturally and avoid induction at all costs (this is what led to the emergency c section first time) however if that doesn’t happen by 41 weeks I’ll probably go for an elective C as the priority is to get the baby out safely x