Elective C Section

I can't help you much in the way of your 'elective' part. But, something you may want to keep in mind...I know more doctors (actually their insurance) and hospitals aren't allowing VBAC (vaginal birth after section). So, if down the road if you have more babies, and decide to try naturally to give birth, you may have some issues.
I live up in Prescott, and unfortunately I didn't have a choice in my delivery. My son was having pretty bad heart decelerations, and an emergency section was necessary. So, I know for me up here (at least for the time being), the hospital won't allow VBAC.
Just make sure that you talk to your doctor and see if their insurance will allow them to participate in a VBAC if you decide that in the future, and that the hospital is good with it too.
My section experience wasn't too bad in terms of healing. I've always been pretty strong, so I bounced back pretty easily.
Congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy! My son is just about 1yr. It really does go as fast as everyone says-so take lots of pictures, and make every memory count!

Just curious...what are your reasons for wanting a c-section?

Congratulations! This is just my opinion (of course, it's your body and your baby)...but since it is your first, I would really consider attempting a vaginal birth if at all possible. I had a C-section with my first, but it was because my water broke two weeks early and all attempts to induce labor were unsuccessful. I had an unexpected allergic reaction to the medication they used to numb me, so instead of breastfeeding and bonding with my baby the first few hours, I was throwing up everywhere. Because I was so sick, I couldn't breastfeed for a few days and my baby ended up in the NICU because she couldn't keep formula down. I was really out of it for a few days, more so than my friends who were able to have their babies vaginally. Also, keep in mind that with a C-section the recovery is usually much longer.

Now, in defense of a C-section, I had a wonderful doctor, a fairly easy recovery (after I got past the vomiting) and a barely noticeable scar. And, I never really had intense labor pains (since my labor never progressed naturally). But for me, I wish I could've had my baby vaginally. I would love to have a second one vaginally if possible, mostly because it grosses me out just thinking about a doctor reopening my scar!! :)

I'm not sure what part of the Valley you live in, but I go to Focus on Women which is right next to Paradise Valley Hospital. I think the doctors are fantastic. I'm not 100% sure, but I think they schedule elective C-sections. Best of luck to you!

http://www.phxgrocerydeals.com

I experienced this too. With my first and only delivery at age 36, I was suggesting to my doctor that I would prefer a C-Section. I think I feared the forceps if needed, etc.
Instead, I received the discussion how women were made to deliver vaginal and it is less pain on the mom afterwards. Only in an emergency that placed the baby or mom in danger would a C-Section be given. After delivering, I was walking around and going to town 3 days later, so indeed, this part of it was good. After 20 hours in labor, believe me, you don't want to go through a C-Section if you don't have to. I was so exhausted and hungry. If I had to experience major surgery after feeling like this, I don't know what I would have done.
The episiotomy was probably the worst of it. So, unless you or the baby are in danger, then I bet you'll get the only alternative.

One Happy Mom in Arizona.

C-sections do cut through the uterus. Doctors use techniques to minimize weakening the uterus, but the fact is, the uterus will be more suceptable to rupture on subsequent pregnancies. Although, the incidence is low, a rupture is catastrophic for the baby.

I had a c-section for my first baby because he was a footling breech and he was in distress. I inquired about VBAC for my next baby. But, then I came across a web site written by a family who lost a baby due to a uterine rupture. The baby lived for five months. The dad was an engineer. He didn't appeal to emotion. He explained in terms that I understood. He explained that although the risk of uterine rupture was only 1-2%, he converted that percentage to a Six Sigma value. I can't recall now, what the exact value was, but it was something like a few thousand parts per million. A few thousand babies per million will die. He asked if we would accept that failure rate for products that we buy. Would it be okay for a few thousand per million camcorders that are sold, to completely fail? Companies would go out of business with such a high failure rate. Why would I risk that for my baby? For something that "I" wanted? Ultimately, I chose to deliver my baby in the safest possible way, with the least possible risk.

You may think that you will only want one baby, but the odds are that you'll change your mind.CHOOSING to increase the risk to your next baby, because you are afraid, embarrassed, or worried about pain now, may be a huge regret of yours in the future.

With an epidural and/or pain meds, a vaginal delivery is safest for you, your baby and your baby's brother or sister.

I don't have info on elective c-sections. I'd only imagine that a c-section is done based on a medical need, but then again i have no idea. I was the complete opposite - I discussed with my doctor that I wanted to try to deliver my two babies (at separate times - not twins) without a c-section. Unless of course there was a medical need during labor for baby or me. If no medical need then I wanted to definitely deliver on my own. Mostly for the reason that a vaginal delivery is less dramatic for baby (a c-section is considered surgery for both baby and mommy) the baby will be kept in the nursery during your recovery out of surgery (for a few hours - I've been told.) Also, you recover much quicker without a c-section. If there is fear of labor - I hear ya - I cannot tolerate pain. However, there are epidurals where you do not feel any pain at all. In the case that you cannot get the epidural in time (as with my 2nd child) then well believe me the pain you experience is forgotten so quickly as soon as the baby is delivered and put on your belly/arms. Don't underestimate yourself - you can endure a lot. It is the most sweetest of moments when you have baby given to you immediately after delivery. I don't know if they do that with c-section babies?? One of my friends told me with all three of her children she did not get to hold them immediately after the c-section, she had to wait until after coming out of surgery (they quickly showed her the baby but moved the baby immediately to a warming tables) with all her kids. She told me she felt that she missed out on the immediate bonding after birth (where vaginally they allow you some time to hold and look at baby.)

I am not sliding c-sections by any means - I know in many (if not all) cases they are necessary for medical reasons (i.e. breech, baby heart rate drops, etc.) I know if I had to be rushed for an emergency c-section I'd be 100% on board for that decision. However, if given the option (that is not medical) I'd say go with the vaginal delivery. However, that is only my opinion.

LisaMommy is a discussion leader in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area for arizonamoms.com. Her two boys are ages 5 months and 3 years old.

It is surprising to me that that would be your preference. C-Sections are surgery, so more dangerous than non-surgery delivery. During mine (for my twin-B) I could watch it happening on the shiny operating room ceiling and my innards were on the outside. I was drugged, but it seemed so weird to see my insides out. Apparently that was my uterus sitting on me. And recovery was a LOT more for the c-section than my 3 vag. deliveries (my first delivery I did tear almost through, no episiodimy just natural, so I had to sit down carefully for a few days, (no tearing at all for the next two babies by the way and no long term affects) but after the c-section I was moving like an old lady for a week, on pain meds for a few days and I have an itchy scar.

Personally I've never heard of anyone electing a c-section without thinking they or their baby needed it. I can't see why that would be a better option if other options are available. Good luck on your delivery whatever you decide to do.

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.

My OB is also at Focus on Women and Dr. Foltz is wonderful. I did NOT however deliver next door at PV Hospital b/c I couldn't imagine recovering for 4-5 days in the hospital with a roommate and their crying baby! Dr. Foltz also has priveleges at Shea and that meant a private room - a necessity in my opinion if you are trying to recover from a C-section.

It is a HARD recovery. No matter what anyone says. It is a HUGE deal - they slice open your skin, your abdominal muscles and your uterus.

I too had 2 sections b/c both of my babies were breech - one footling breach, so I and my daughter would have died without it. That said, I was totally disappointed to not deliver vaginally.

It was 3 weeks before I was able to drive or get up out of a chair without armrests or help from someone. Sharp pains for 6-8 weeks.

My baby didn't have to go to a nursery or anything afterwards - completely untramatic for them. My son nursed within 15 minutes of birth, when I first showed up in recovery..before I even got the shakes from the morphine post-op. But yes, I barfed eveyr 2 hrs. for 2 days from all the drugs and a very low blood pressure problem from the surgery. Had to have the catheter in for an extra day b/c I couldn't walk to the bathroom for 2 days b/c of all the barfing.
Don't dismiss how major the surgery is, just b/c "everyone" has it.

All that said, you'll choose what works for you. But the VBAC advice (above) was right on. Focus on Women told me 4 years ago they wouldn't do a VBAC for my 2nd child unless I signed about 10 pages of waivers and delivered downtown at Good Sam. I was told if your uterus ruptures in labor - which there is chance of it doing as it has been previously sliced, you have approx. 4 minutes before you bleed to death. So in order to try a VBAC, you need a full surgical team "standing by." After hearing all that, both my husband and I thought it'd be ridiculous to go through all of that and just had another C-section and got our pretty little private room at Shea. :)

Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 6 yr. old daughter and a 4 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.

try to do it as natural as possible, findings at I believe Columbia University (??) states that all the meds that pass to the baby during pregnancy and delivery ( epidurals ect.) May cause later on learning dissabilities like Aspergers, Autism, ect. The less you have the better, and the longer you wait to recieve it, hold out as long as possible.. The pain is intense, but the outcome is a beautiful little human being that deserves that chance to have a normal as possible life. And the pain does end, and you won't remember it once you have that baby in your arms.

They are even finding that women and men who plan to have a child, should be off meds 3 months prior to pregnancy. I know that sometimes (small%) it's not possible, but most can be off.

" just my Opinion"

I had three C/S, because after my first child, who required one, I was scared by the high risk statistics of a VBAC. I never had to go through intense labor and all 3 C/S were an easy recovery for me. My scar is barely noticeable even after the third. The negative consequence for me was that after the third C/S, my OB said she would not recommend ever having another because of weaking to the uterus. So if you plan on having more children, or are undecided, you may want to consider this consequence of having a C/S if it is not necessary.

Susan & Neil Hampton have three spectacular children, Alexander, Isabel and David, plus one amazing teenager, Eric. Susan does community outreach for arizonamoms.com.
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” - Margaret Atwood

Wow, I'm not sure why you would want to do that, but it's your decision. I had desperately wanted to do mine the natural way, and they had to induce me cause I was two weeks late, and the baby was already a big girl (8lbs 12oz), and I'm small!! They induced me, had me on an epidural and I got to about a seven but wouldn't go any further, and my baby wasn't turned the right way.

Sooo we had to have a C-Section after about 4 days of trying to be induced so I would have her the natural way. The recovery sucks. You have pain for days, and you have to stay in the hospital with these annoying things on your legs, and have to try and change diapers without bumping your IV (which hurts like heck by the way), and it's very hard to get around you have pain from your proceedure. You have to stay in the hospital for about 2-3 days to make sure you can walk and do other things. I got out early cause I did whatever I had to do to get the heck out of there. Hospital for 5 days!! Not cool.

Honestly I feel very sad that I couldn't do it the way that I wanted, and yes now I have to have a C-Section for now on. The doctors and nurses were great, but I will always wish that I could have done it the normal way. Give yourself the chance to do it this way the first time. They don't call it labor for nothing, but it's worth it, and it's healthier for the baby. I heard coming out vaginally actually helps your milk come in quicker (stimulates the correct hormones), and they have less chances for respiratory infections because the liquid kind of gets squeezed out of them more than a C-Section.

Just so you know my daughter has very bad respiratory issues and has since she was 6 weeks old. Maybe something to re-consider. It's cheaper for you, and if your insurance rejects certain things like mine did then you in the end have to pay for it.

Your going to do what you are going to do, but I would give the normal way a shot. It's not worth the risk.

Lisa - Mom to her spunky little Scarlette

I had a c-section with my little girl (just four months ago) because her heart rate dropped drasticly. Four months later i am still recovering. i didn't have any problems healing but a c-section is MAJOR surgery.
I have never hear of anyone who wanted a c-section.
If a c-section is what you decide just make sure that you are well prepare. You will need a lot of help getting up and even using the restroom is difficult let alone having to care for a newborn.
i would seriously talk to your dr. about why you want one.

Finding a doctor who would perform an elective c-section will be a lot easier than getting your insurance company to cover it. Just about all (if not all) insurance companies will not cover an elective c/s, making the cost entirely out of pocket for you (with a price tag of approximately $10k, give or take a couple thousand).

I have to echo what others have said: why do you want to elect to have a c/s? I had to have one with my son due to hemorrhaging behind my retina (docs were uncertain what kind of further damage could be done by going through labor/delivery). I was devastated to have to go that route, and to know that any future children I had would be born via repeat c/s. This is major surgery we're talking about with risks to both mother and baby. Some women who've had a c/s have difficulties breastfeeding. Children born via c/s are more prone to lung ailments in the future (my son, who's 3 1/2, has asthma). And I can't lie: it hurts! I generally feel I have a high tolerance for pain, but when I had to get out of bed that first time after the surgery, I almost passed out from the pain. Then you get to spend the next couple of weeks (could be more, depending on how quickly you heal) struggling to get out of bed to get up with the baby, struggling to do things around the house, heck, even sneezing is painful!

You're a grown woman, and obviously are capable of making your own decisions. I would only advise you to make sure you do your homework before electing to have a c/s. Make sure you're fully aware of all the potential risks involved and know what to expect both during and after delivery.

In an emergency situation a cesarean can be a life saving procedure for a mother or baby. An elective c-section may seem like a good idea, but the truth is, in most cases, the risks far outweigh any benefit, especially if done without a medical reason.

You should be sure you understand all the risks involved before undergoing any medical procedure. Here are a couple of articles you should definitely read:

http://www.pushedbirth.com

http://www.childbirthconnection.org

look for the article entitle "What every pregnant woman should know about cesarean section.

Also, I would recommend that you examine the reasons you are considering major surgery as a means of giving birth. Many women find that, when they acknowledge and work through their fears, then empower themselves with knowledge and the proper support, they are able to experience birth as an incredible, life affirming, natural experience.

I wish you the joy of that kind of birth.

Peace,

Jenny David
Doula, Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding Counselor
www.valleychildbirth.com

I agree with the previous comment.

The recovery time from a natural birth is really quick. I was able to run three days after the (natural) births of both of my sons, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Chris Marsh--mother, teacher, runner, coach....