Natural Birth and C-section Experience

Following, I’ve only had a c section

Vaginal birth was way easier for me, though I acknowledge that I had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. C section recovery was rough and I hated every minute of it. I would personally never elect for a c section but respect anyone’s decision.

I’ve had both, my first was a traumatic vaginal birth, my second I elected for a c-section. For me my c-section was way better, but it is very personal and I think either birth had the potential to be awful or wonderful, straightforward or complicated

So I technically haven’t had both but I went through full labor, getting all the way to 10cm dilated, and pushing before my emergency c-section. From that experience the labor part was absolute hell but the c-section and recovery were super easy. I’m going for an elective c-section this time hands down. Also from personal experience everyone I know who has had a planned c-section had a wonderful experience, whereas out of all the women I know who attempted vaginal, it’s about 50/50 good vs bad.

Had both- c section best by a mile.

My first was a breeze with natural however my second complete opposite with emergency c-section. I hope to never go through it again, the pain for me afterwards was just something else. I would always choose natural if able, however everyone’s experiences are so different x

My C section was pure paradise- seriously. Absolutely loved every second and felt no pain during or in recovery. Would recommend to anyone considering! X

My c section was a breeze in comparison to my forceps

I had a very long and traumatic natural birth first time which resulted in a 3rd degree tear, so opted for a c-section this time. Whilst the procedure itself was faster and more controlled, the recovery has been awful for someone like me who wants to get up and do things and hates help from people 🤣

Recovery from my natural birth even with a third degree tear was easier and faster…Part of me wishes I had chosen a natural birth again this time xx

Had both and I definitely would not recommend a C-section. It was not an emergency one either. The recovery is no joke. The epidural was easier than a spinal (did not like that feeling whatsoever and you could tell it went deeper). The catheter sucked for both but with less trauma down there going pee didn't feel weird as long after C-section. Honestly that was the worst part and is take that over c section any time.
Also being able to have that golden hour, holding baby, birth experience in general was so amazing and felt "right" that looking back on my recent c section being kinda out of it, clinical environment, etc felt incomplete or something especially not being able to actually hold my baby for real after.... Hard to explain it just didn't feel natural.
However I had to deliver my twins that way due to the risk and at the end of the day that's what we had to do to safely bring them into the world.

I had an easy peasy ELCS with twins, followed by an awfully long labour and VBAC (back to back baby and forceps), and then another VBAC that was relatively easy and definitely a positive experience. I’d say that a short labour followed by a straightforward vaginal birth was the best for me!

I’ve only had a planned C-section for my breech baby and I feel like from my research it totally depends on why you have the C-section. If you’re comparing an uncomplicated vaginal birth to an emergency C-section, the vaginal birth is a way easier recovery. If you are comparing a traumatic complicated vaginal birth (which is a big reason why folks opt for elective C-section) then the C-section is better. As far as I can tell the ranking for most folks from easiest to hardest would be 1. Uncomplicated vaginal 2.planned C-section. 3. Complicated vaginal 4. Emergency C-section. You might look for stories of people who’ve had successful vbacs after having a planned C-section for breech presentation because that is probably going to be the absolute fairest comparison of the two.

I didnt have both, but i had an emergancy c section after pushing for 2 hours, i passed out and woke up and felt everything they were doing to me, i obvi screamed and they injected me with something to put me to sleep when i came too there was a baby in the room, i felt like she wasnt mine and 3 of my organs got infected, i missed that golden hour mum and baby are supposed to have. It was hell.

I had a natural birth with my first and am now pregnant with my second. This time I have to have a c section due to the damage and problems that were caused by my first natural birth. My natural birth was not paradise. I suffered a large and deep tear which required immediate surgery and I suffered a post partum hemorrhage. My recovery was long and required a year of physiotherapy and urology appointments. I am now feeling hopeful and positive for a more straightforward c section this time around.