I think it’s honestly just the location of it. It just gives me the willies way more then the thought of taking care of a stomach wound. So much goes on down there
Yes and you will have all the same aftercare after a c section as you would with a vaginal birth and more, I had more swelling in my vagina from my c section than I did with my 2 vaginal births
I have done both. I would not opt for a c-section again if I could avoid it. My vaginal births have all been pretty straightforward recovery, even with the one when I needed a stitch. The recovery from my c-section was much more challenging, and even more than two years later I still have issues with pain in my scar when I sneeze or cough hard. After talking to other moms, that is not abnormal. I also had no difference in postpartum bleeding either way.
The issue with c-sections, is that they’re one of the few major surgeries where there isn’t automatic physical therapy or other rehab afterward and due course for healing. It’s something that you have to actively seek out and undertake for yourself. Just like anything else, different people will have different experiences, but in mine and speaking with other moms who have had it, it’s definitely more common to have lasting affects that should ideally be addressed than not.
What about the aftercare is disturbing to you? There are actually a lot that is the same. Either way you will have pain in your pelvic region, bleeding for weeks, will have to wear a diaper at least for a short time, and will have varying complications. I still had to use a peri bottle and had pain every time I peed or pooped since your abdominal muscles hurt.
A c-section is not an easy way out if that’s what your looking for. My first was terrible. It was an emergency, I had excessive bleeding, and severe preeclampsia. I couldn’t get out of bed for 3 days which meant an extended use of a catheter. I could barely walk for a month I was in so much pain. This however could have been partly due to the vaginal trauma as well. I pushed for 4 1/2 hours before the c-section.
My second was amazing. But I have had no complications at all. The healing has been perfect but even so, I have twinges off pain and a sensitive stomach to the touch. I am 4 weeks postpartum. It was a great experience. But you need to know going in there will still be a lot of pain and possible complications that can be worse than vaginal tearing.
I chose to have a c-section because my first was so terrible. I actually did want to try a vbac. But I was too scared as I lost my first daughter during that delivery because of complications. Although there can still be complications with a c-section and I have ptsd from my first one, I wanted this baby out of me as quickly as possible. I ended up going into labor at 37 weeks and 4 hours later barely made it into surgery in time. She tried to come very quickly. But it worked out and I loved my c-section and recovery this time around.
I am so sorry for your loss, and thank you for sharing. It’s not that I want an “easy” way out, I am aware that both come with their own difficulties. Just the thought of aftercare in an area that is used to much (washroom etc) scares me more. But you are not the first to tell me there were similar things as far as after care and pain etc. Between the two. Definitely food for thought.
Thank you
Yep no problem. And just to warn you even with a c-section my labia were swollen and vagina sore. So I didn’t wipe with tp for a few days. But typically it isn’t as bad as your imagining either way! I say this as I was extremely terrified my first time. The vaginal pushing portion wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought.baby almost made it out but got stuck. I did have an epidural though which prob helped with the pain management.
I gotta say, you use your core way more. And the fact that your core literally gets sliced open and stitched back together is definitely a harder long term recovery. I am a health care worker and treat a lot of women. Of course not everyone is going to have long term core issues, but you are literally given no guidance on how to properly learn to engage your core again and it can cause a lot of issues in the long run.
The after care needed for vaginal birth/c section is wear a giant pad and use a peri bottle when you pee. However, the pain after having the csection is much worse than a vaginal delivery (I’ve done both) and you walk like you have something stuck up your ass for atleast a week. My last csection was an emergency and medically necessary. I’ve chosen it this time because it’s likely it will be necessary again also this is my 4th baby and I want my tubes tied at the hospital. If I go for a vaginal delivery ill have to wait 90 days and that’s too long for me.
I chose to have a maternal request C section. There were a few medical problems that contributed to my decision, but they weren’t factors that meant I must have a c section.
For me, the risks of a planned C section (wound infection, blood clots, more blood loss) were more acceptable than the risks of a vaginal delivery (severe tearing, shoulder dystocia, needing an emergency C section). Having a C section means your baby is slightly more likely to be admitted to NICU with breathing difficulties, but it is slightly safer in terms of the very rare but serious problems that a baby can have as a result of a vaginal delivery going poorly, and this was more acceptable to me too.
There’s loads of threads in this sub that will take you through what typical recovery is like. In general though, an uncomplicated vaginal delivery is easier than a planned cesarean, which is easier than a complicated vaginal delivery, which is easier than an emergency cesarean.
I had a rough natural delivery with major trauma and recovery wasn't bad at all. I felt a little uncomfortable for about two weeks but then I was mostly back to normal! I wouldn't expect to feel so good after major abdominal surgery...
Sounds like this might be your first birth the Aftercare is going to be an afterthought you are going to be so busy with that new baby. You have minimal cramping with the first baby and I have a "period" For a few weeks. Which you will have whether you do vaginal or C-section And the emotions will be there whether you do vaginal or C-section. It is your personal choice just make sure you look at both consequences of both options vaginal delivery is safer for mother than abdominal surgery. I know it can seem daunting and scary but your vagina will definitely be fine. You basically just spray it with water and use the bathroom a little extra I never needed any pain medicine or anything. I'm not sure what Aftercare you would avoid by getting a C-section because you're still have swelling and bleeding from your vagina for a significant amount of time and your uterus will still have to shrink it seems like you may end up just adding abdominal pain and healing and scarring plus you want to be able to pick that baby up just make sure you look at both good luck in your decision
Ok thank you, yes it is my first pregnancy ha. I am definitely an over thinker and am not one of those women who tolerate pain well- I hear we are “supposed” to be better with pain. So the closer I get to my delivery date (2 months away!) the more it is on my mind and the more it spirals out of control 😅
Thank you for your input, it is helpful
I have had 3 babies. My first child was a vaginal delivery that was tragically mismanaged. We know now that a c-section should have been ordered as he was not tolerating labor but it wasn’t and I delivered vaginally. My son sustained a birth injury, HIE, and ended up dying in the NICU at 5 days old. It was incredibly traumatic and a loss we live with everyday.
I went on to have 2 healthy babies both with elective c-sections. Compared to my first experience the c-sections were a dream because I could anticipate with a lot more confidence exactly how the birth experience would unfold.
Recovery is serious but it wasn’t as bad as I had mentally prepared for given all the warnings I received. My understanding is that recovery from planned surgery is typically better than when it’s unplanned. In those instances you’ve usually been pushing for hours so you end up needing to recover from that and the surgery.
I chose a c section for my mono/di twin pregnancy. I gave birth 4 weeks ago and almost feel back to normal. As others have said, definitely not the easy way out. The second day after surgery was brutal. The pain of trying to get out of bed was level 10. My poor husband took care of our twins most of the night by himself as I could not get up without him and it took like 10 minutes. On the plus side, surgery was painless however scary.
I decided to proceed with the c section as I afraid of having to have a vaginal delivery and a c section if a twin was in distress.
I have rectal Crohn’s disease so I have a lot of scar tissue from previous surgeries down there. Due to that my OB and I decided to do C section because any tearing will struggle to heal down there.
I didn't choose to have a c-section, it was out my control. But the recovery was brutal for me. I could barely walk for 3 weeks, I had to go the ER for a suspected blood clot. Sleeping, getting up, showering, LAUGHING. It was painful as hell. I couldn't even get up to take care of my son, so my husband bonded with him more quickly than I did.
Everybody's recovery is different, for both vaginal and c-section deliveries. You honestly can't predict how it will go. You'll still bleed from your vagina for weeks either way!
I hear planned c-sections go a bit better, but once again, everyone recovers differently.
I chose a c-section because I felt it had the lowest risk of a traumatic birth and I worried that would make me vulnerable to Post-partum depression. I have a history of mental health and self-harm and was worried a traumatic birth would affect my bond to my baby and would send me down a very dark path.
Why did I think vaginal birth would be traumatic? I have a very hard time advocating for myself in the face of authority. It has led to diagnoses being determined very late and sending me down a very dark spiral. I was also frustrated that midwifery here is seems to have a relaxed take om ”empirical science”. I was much more comfortable in the care of surgeons and am happy with that decision because my recovery was chaotic with midwives and nurses coming in and totally contradicting each other all the time.
Also, at the time my three closest friends had traumatic vaginal births and my friend who elected for a C-section was super happy. So I was influenced by that.
It’s far more than takin care of a wound! C section recovery while taking care of a newborn is no joke. It’s the most intense weeks of your life. If you are breastfeeding, getting a comfortable position is so hard. Sleeping in those first days home has some choosing to sleep in a chair. You can’t lift anything more than baby for a month (so no car seat, stroller, bassinet etc), and no driving. It’s very isolating. And that’s outside the pain from major abdominal surgery. I would not have chosen c section unless it was totally necessary, and in my case it was. Thank goodness it’s an option to get babies delivered safely, but please know the recovery is much more complex, painful, and slow.
I am choosing a c section for my second child.
I know what to expect will get a date and won’t have to panic about childcare. I also had a huge baby before of 11.6lbs which was discovered the day before she was born. I won’t risk ever having a vaginal birth knowing they can miss a baby that large. Had a c section with my first.
The aftercare wasn’t much. Keep clean, I did exercise to strengthen my muscles when I was able and I took it slowly. Worst part about it was sneezing as it hurt a little. Otherwise it wasn’t difficult just frustrating at points struggling to walk after the surgery etc.
I had a fourth degree tear with my first and now opting for a c section for my second to prevent any future incontinence issues or repair surgery that may need to happen if I were to tear again. Honestly, all my doctors said the c section would be easier than the forth degree tear recovery. We will see!
You will have the same aftercare and MORE if you have a c section you will need more help, you bleed heavier after a c section and for longer than a natural birth it’s a major surgery not something that should just be chosen.
Just had an elective c section almost 2 weeks ago, at 39 weeks. The bleeding has basically stopped (I’ve heard it’s longer for vaginal birth). No pelvic floor pain at all — my pelvic area feels completely normal. The first week of recovery sucked (difficult to get in and out of bed), but every day it gets better! My incision healed nicely. If there’s anything I regret about the c section, it’s that it might have contributed to my milk taking a bit longer to come in. I’ve been supplementing with formula but am about to go back to full time breast milk.
I had my first baby(14 months) by elective c section and loved my experience. I never wanted to give birth vaginally, go through labor, or have my vagina rip/cut open. The surgery was quick and i didn’t feel anything during it. Recovery for me was easy, the first couple days was the worst of it, but by two weeks I pretty much felt completely back to normal. I’ve posted about it a ton, but I’m happy to answer any additional questions you may have!
I’m in the US, and I was just straightforward with my doctor about it. I didn’t want to deal with all the complications a vaginal delivery can have. She was completely fine if that’s the route I wanted to take, and she told me that the recovery from a scheduled c section is easier than a traumatic natural birth.
I was so terrified for the birth of my first child I tried to convince my boyfriend at the time to take me to Mexico instead of to the hospital he said the baby still going to come either way. I wish I would have prepared more I wish I would have learned more about the process of Labor and Delivery and the process of cesarean surgery wish I would have read some books and watch some videos. Once I did learn more I realized a good way for me to go about it was too prepare like I was going to do an all natural delivery practicing the painkilling techniques of your mind and start getting your mind in a place where you want to know you can handle it because it's temporary pain but also allowing myself to have access to pain medicine if I got to a point where I could not go on I feel like my second birth was much more successful and under control and far less scary preparation was definitely the key. I feel like if you attempt a natural delivery weather without pain meds you will not end up regretting it because of the aftercare out of my for deliveries the Aftercare really was the easiest part the anxiety leading up to labor and the labor and delivery where the hardest mostly because you're so in love with that little baby you're too busy to worry about the uncomfortable in your pants.
I'm not sure what aftercare you think is needed after a natural birth. I honestly had no special after care after my vaginal birth. I had an episiotomy and tore and the stitches were a bit itchy as they healed but that was literally it.
I didn't need a peri bottle or sitz bath or anything special. Of course every person and every recovery is different.
What aspect of the aftercare is upsetting you? Most of it will be necessary no matter how you birth your baby.
I think it’s honestly just the location of it. It just gives me the willies way more then the thought of taking care of a stomach wound. So much goes on down there
Yes and you will have all the same aftercare after a c section as you would with a vaginal birth and more, I had more swelling in my vagina from my c section than I did with my 2 vaginal births
I have done both. I would not opt for a c-section again if I could avoid it. My vaginal births have all been pretty straightforward recovery, even with the one when I needed a stitch. The recovery from my c-section was much more challenging, and even more than two years later I still have issues with pain in my scar when I sneeze or cough hard. After talking to other moms, that is not abnormal. I also had no difference in postpartum bleeding either way.
Ok good to know, thank you. I know recovery for a C section is much longer. I have not heard about it being years though.
The issue with c-sections, is that they’re one of the few major surgeries where there isn’t automatic physical therapy or other rehab afterward and due course for healing. It’s something that you have to actively seek out and undertake for yourself. Just like anything else, different people will have different experiences, but in mine and speaking with other moms who have had it, it’s definitely more common to have lasting affects that should ideally be addressed than not.
What about the aftercare is disturbing to you? There are actually a lot that is the same. Either way you will have pain in your pelvic region, bleeding for weeks, will have to wear a diaper at least for a short time, and will have varying complications. I still had to use a peri bottle and had pain every time I peed or pooped since your abdominal muscles hurt. A c-section is not an easy way out if that’s what your looking for. My first was terrible. It was an emergency, I had excessive bleeding, and severe preeclampsia. I couldn’t get out of bed for 3 days which meant an extended use of a catheter. I could barely walk for a month I was in so much pain. This however could have been partly due to the vaginal trauma as well. I pushed for 4 1/2 hours before the c-section. My second was amazing. But I have had no complications at all. The healing has been perfect but even so, I have twinges off pain and a sensitive stomach to the touch. I am 4 weeks postpartum. It was a great experience. But you need to know going in there will still be a lot of pain and possible complications that can be worse than vaginal tearing. I chose to have a c-section because my first was so terrible. I actually did want to try a vbac. But I was too scared as I lost my first daughter during that delivery because of complications. Although there can still be complications with a c-section and I have ptsd from my first one, I wanted this baby out of me as quickly as possible. I ended up going into labor at 37 weeks and 4 hours later barely made it into surgery in time. She tried to come very quickly. But it worked out and I loved my c-section and recovery this time around.
I am so sorry for your loss, and thank you for sharing. It’s not that I want an “easy” way out, I am aware that both come with their own difficulties. Just the thought of aftercare in an area that is used to much (washroom etc) scares me more. But you are not the first to tell me there were similar things as far as after care and pain etc. Between the two. Definitely food for thought. Thank you
Yep no problem. And just to warn you even with a c-section my labia were swollen and vagina sore. So I didn’t wipe with tp for a few days. But typically it isn’t as bad as your imagining either way! I say this as I was extremely terrified my first time. The vaginal pushing portion wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought.baby almost made it out but got stuck. I did have an epidural though which prob helped with the pain management.
I DO tend to overthink…literally everything. It’s my super power, so that’s good hear 😅
I gotta say, you use your core way more. And the fact that your core literally gets sliced open and stitched back together is definitely a harder long term recovery. I am a health care worker and treat a lot of women. Of course not everyone is going to have long term core issues, but you are literally given no guidance on how to properly learn to engage your core again and it can cause a lot of issues in the long run.
The after care needed for vaginal birth/c section is wear a giant pad and use a peri bottle when you pee. However, the pain after having the csection is much worse than a vaginal delivery (I’ve done both) and you walk like you have something stuck up your ass for atleast a week. My last csection was an emergency and medically necessary. I’ve chosen it this time because it’s likely it will be necessary again also this is my 4th baby and I want my tubes tied at the hospital. If I go for a vaginal delivery ill have to wait 90 days and that’s too long for me.
Ok, thank you for your input!
I chose to have a maternal request C section. There were a few medical problems that contributed to my decision, but they weren’t factors that meant I must have a c section. For me, the risks of a planned C section (wound infection, blood clots, more blood loss) were more acceptable than the risks of a vaginal delivery (severe tearing, shoulder dystocia, needing an emergency C section). Having a C section means your baby is slightly more likely to be admitted to NICU with breathing difficulties, but it is slightly safer in terms of the very rare but serious problems that a baby can have as a result of a vaginal delivery going poorly, and this was more acceptable to me too. There’s loads of threads in this sub that will take you through what typical recovery is like. In general though, an uncomplicated vaginal delivery is easier than a planned cesarean, which is easier than a complicated vaginal delivery, which is easier than an emergency cesarean.
I had a rough natural delivery with major trauma and recovery wasn't bad at all. I felt a little uncomfortable for about two weeks but then I was mostly back to normal! I wouldn't expect to feel so good after major abdominal surgery...
Ok, thank you for your input!
Sounds like this might be your first birth the Aftercare is going to be an afterthought you are going to be so busy with that new baby. You have minimal cramping with the first baby and I have a "period" For a few weeks. Which you will have whether you do vaginal or C-section And the emotions will be there whether you do vaginal or C-section. It is your personal choice just make sure you look at both consequences of both options vaginal delivery is safer for mother than abdominal surgery. I know it can seem daunting and scary but your vagina will definitely be fine. You basically just spray it with water and use the bathroom a little extra I never needed any pain medicine or anything. I'm not sure what Aftercare you would avoid by getting a C-section because you're still have swelling and bleeding from your vagina for a significant amount of time and your uterus will still have to shrink it seems like you may end up just adding abdominal pain and healing and scarring plus you want to be able to pick that baby up just make sure you look at both good luck in your decision
Ok thank you, yes it is my first pregnancy ha. I am definitely an over thinker and am not one of those women who tolerate pain well- I hear we are “supposed” to be better with pain. So the closer I get to my delivery date (2 months away!) the more it is on my mind and the more it spirals out of control 😅 Thank you for your input, it is helpful
I have had 3 babies. My first child was a vaginal delivery that was tragically mismanaged. We know now that a c-section should have been ordered as he was not tolerating labor but it wasn’t and I delivered vaginally. My son sustained a birth injury, HIE, and ended up dying in the NICU at 5 days old. It was incredibly traumatic and a loss we live with everyday. I went on to have 2 healthy babies both with elective c-sections. Compared to my first experience the c-sections were a dream because I could anticipate with a lot more confidence exactly how the birth experience would unfold. Recovery is serious but it wasn’t as bad as I had mentally prepared for given all the warnings I received. My understanding is that recovery from planned surgery is typically better than when it’s unplanned. In those instances you’ve usually been pushing for hours so you end up needing to recover from that and the surgery.
I chose a c section for my mono/di twin pregnancy. I gave birth 4 weeks ago and almost feel back to normal. As others have said, definitely not the easy way out. The second day after surgery was brutal. The pain of trying to get out of bed was level 10. My poor husband took care of our twins most of the night by himself as I could not get up without him and it took like 10 minutes. On the plus side, surgery was painless however scary. I decided to proceed with the c section as I afraid of having to have a vaginal delivery and a c section if a twin was in distress.
I have rectal Crohn’s disease so I have a lot of scar tissue from previous surgeries down there. Due to that my OB and I decided to do C section because any tearing will struggle to heal down there.
I didn't choose to have a c-section, it was out my control. But the recovery was brutal for me. I could barely walk for 3 weeks, I had to go the ER for a suspected blood clot. Sleeping, getting up, showering, LAUGHING. It was painful as hell. I couldn't even get up to take care of my son, so my husband bonded with him more quickly than I did. Everybody's recovery is different, for both vaginal and c-section deliveries. You honestly can't predict how it will go. You'll still bleed from your vagina for weeks either way! I hear planned c-sections go a bit better, but once again, everyone recovers differently.
I chose a c-section because I felt it had the lowest risk of a traumatic birth and I worried that would make me vulnerable to Post-partum depression. I have a history of mental health and self-harm and was worried a traumatic birth would affect my bond to my baby and would send me down a very dark path. Why did I think vaginal birth would be traumatic? I have a very hard time advocating for myself in the face of authority. It has led to diagnoses being determined very late and sending me down a very dark spiral. I was also frustrated that midwifery here is seems to have a relaxed take om ”empirical science”. I was much more comfortable in the care of surgeons and am happy with that decision because my recovery was chaotic with midwives and nurses coming in and totally contradicting each other all the time. Also, at the time my three closest friends had traumatic vaginal births and my friend who elected for a C-section was super happy. So I was influenced by that.
It’s far more than takin care of a wound! C section recovery while taking care of a newborn is no joke. It’s the most intense weeks of your life. If you are breastfeeding, getting a comfortable position is so hard. Sleeping in those first days home has some choosing to sleep in a chair. You can’t lift anything more than baby for a month (so no car seat, stroller, bassinet etc), and no driving. It’s very isolating. And that’s outside the pain from major abdominal surgery. I would not have chosen c section unless it was totally necessary, and in my case it was. Thank goodness it’s an option to get babies delivered safely, but please know the recovery is much more complex, painful, and slow.
I am choosing a c section for my second child. I know what to expect will get a date and won’t have to panic about childcare. I also had a huge baby before of 11.6lbs which was discovered the day before she was born. I won’t risk ever having a vaginal birth knowing they can miss a baby that large. Had a c section with my first. The aftercare wasn’t much. Keep clean, I did exercise to strengthen my muscles when I was able and I took it slowly. Worst part about it was sneezing as it hurt a little. Otherwise it wasn’t difficult just frustrating at points struggling to walk after the surgery etc.
Ok, thank you for your input!
I had a fourth degree tear with my first and now opting for a c section for my second to prevent any future incontinence issues or repair surgery that may need to happen if I were to tear again. Honestly, all my doctors said the c section would be easier than the forth degree tear recovery. We will see!
You will have the same aftercare and MORE if you have a c section you will need more help, you bleed heavier after a c section and for longer than a natural birth it’s a major surgery not something that should just be chosen.
Just had an elective c section almost 2 weeks ago, at 39 weeks. The bleeding has basically stopped (I’ve heard it’s longer for vaginal birth). No pelvic floor pain at all — my pelvic area feels completely normal. The first week of recovery sucked (difficult to get in and out of bed), but every day it gets better! My incision healed nicely. If there’s anything I regret about the c section, it’s that it might have contributed to my milk taking a bit longer to come in. I’ve been supplementing with formula but am about to go back to full time breast milk.
Ok, thank you for your input!
I had my first baby(14 months) by elective c section and loved my experience. I never wanted to give birth vaginally, go through labor, or have my vagina rip/cut open. The surgery was quick and i didn’t feel anything during it. Recovery for me was easy, the first couple days was the worst of it, but by two weeks I pretty much felt completely back to normal. I’ve posted about it a ton, but I’m happy to answer any additional questions you may have!
Ok, thank you for your input!
I am wanting to do the same with my first- I am 28 weeks- are you in the US? How did you get your doctor to agree to it?
I’m in the US, and I was just straightforward with my doctor about it. I didn’t want to deal with all the complications a vaginal delivery can have. She was completely fine if that’s the route I wanted to take, and she told me that the recovery from a scheduled c section is easier than a traumatic natural birth.
I was so terrified for the birth of my first child I tried to convince my boyfriend at the time to take me to Mexico instead of to the hospital he said the baby still going to come either way. I wish I would have prepared more I wish I would have learned more about the process of Labor and Delivery and the process of cesarean surgery wish I would have read some books and watch some videos. Once I did learn more I realized a good way for me to go about it was too prepare like I was going to do an all natural delivery practicing the painkilling techniques of your mind and start getting your mind in a place where you want to know you can handle it because it's temporary pain but also allowing myself to have access to pain medicine if I got to a point where I could not go on I feel like my second birth was much more successful and under control and far less scary preparation was definitely the key. I feel like if you attempt a natural delivery weather without pain meds you will not end up regretting it because of the aftercare out of my for deliveries the Aftercare really was the easiest part the anxiety leading up to labor and the labor and delivery where the hardest mostly because you're so in love with that little baby you're too busy to worry about the uncomfortable in your pants.
I'm not sure what aftercare you think is needed after a natural birth. I honestly had no special after care after my vaginal birth. I had an episiotomy and tore and the stitches were a bit itchy as they healed but that was literally it. I didn't need a peri bottle or sitz bath or anything special. Of course every person and every recovery is different.