C-section or vaginal birth? Advice?

Whatever gets baby here safely. Vaginal recovery is generally easier. And don’t let anyone shame you out of an epidural. They’re magical.

Whatever your doctor says to have a happy, healthy baby. Vaginal here, not scary at all and I didn’t “prepare” or anything. It is intense, but so amazing.

Whatever is safest for you and the baby. Prepare for a natural birth if you don’t have a medical reason preventing it— you can handle the pain and recovery. There are a lot of advantages to a vaginal birth. But don’t feel bad or like a failure if you need a C-section. The best option is the one that leads to a healthy and happy mama and baby

Do whatever is best for you and your baby, and that’s typically what your doctor says is best. Generally speaking, vaginal deliveries are safer assuming no complications. Unless you have medical reasons for doing so, I don’t think most doctors would recommend doing a scheduled c-section. I did a vaginal birth with epidural and it honestly wasn’t that bad. I mean, I’m sure I’m blocking out a ton, but it definitely wasn’t that painful with the epidural. Also, the recovery was quite easy- I honestly was fully back to normal in like 6 hours, which was not true for my c-section friends.

I did vaginal and plan to do so with #2 (coming any day now.) Also w/o epidural. You can do it, but it’s hard and takes a lot of mental strength. If you do want to go the vaginal route, I’d do some reading to prepare. I’m a big fan of Ina May Gaskin (she is a serious home birth hippie though, so heads up.) Maybe look up hypnobirthing or another way you can prep. Committing your mind is the most important thing you can do. After that, just know you’ll do whatever it takes to have a birth that’s safe for you and babe, and if that’s a c section, so be it

I don't think an elective C-section is a good idea. That said, there's a whole range of experiences with giving birth vaginally and the recovery process, from very easy to everything tearing.

Vaginal unless there is a medical reason for c section. Vaginal doesn’t usually cause back problems that I know of. I highly recommend the epidural

I’ve had one of each. As others have already said, do what’s best for you and baby. If medically indifferent (and you’re in the position of making a choice), I would elect for a vaginal delivery over c-section as the recovery is easier.

Can’t relate to a C section personally, but it always sounds that my friends who had C sections went through a much harder/longer recovery. However, if that’s what you need to do, so be it. Don’t let anyone shame you for your choices, you and your doctor know best, fu(k all the noise. Good luck mama!

I had two vaginal births - 1st one with epidural and the 2nd one without. My 2 cents: unless it is medically necessary (safer for the baby and/or yourself), I’d advocate for vaginal, as the recovery tends to be faster/easier. Re: your doctors - I would check what the doctor’s and hospital’s stats are on C-sections, as it is often easier and more convenient for then to go C-section route, so they ‘push’ for it.

If you’re concerned about back pain, whatever happens be sure to do some core/pelvic floor recovery afterwards to help strengthen the muscles again and support your back.

I haven’t heard of back pain from vaginal delivery. Maybe slight risk from epidural, but otherwise the back pain is mostly from carrying a baby around all the time. There are different recovery processes but vaginal is usually easier than c section, and gets easier with each subsequent kid (whereas c sections get riskier). You should ask your own doctor but there has been a push by the medical community to reduce elective c sections in recent years because they blew up in popularity and they do carry risks for both mom and baby, which should be weighed against whatever benefits or medical issues are applicable in your situation.

I had to have a C-section unexpectedly and it was horrific. The pain afterwards and the very long recovery time is something I don’t need again. Keep in mind that you cannot take lots of painkillers if you breastfeed your baby! I’d strongly vote for a natural birth unless there are medical reasons for a C-section.

Do what is best for you but understand a c-section is abdominal surgery, it’s not an easy recovery. Look at doing exercise and/or yoga through your pregnancy and recovery. Much of the back issues are due to a weak core and /or Abs separation and a weak pelvic floor. From carrying around extra weight,

What if the mama has a very bad back? That’s what I’m worried about... the severe back pain that’ll come with/from vaginal birth.

Did you also ask this in the moms bowl?

I had a C-section and my goodness it was horrific. The recovery time is longer the, shock to your body is longer it is major surgery. I was so traumatized I stopped and one child

I’ve had two vaginal births with epidurals. I didn’t feel much pain. I was on my feet within a couple hours of delivering and didn’t need anything more than extra strength Tylenol. My friends who had c sections were bedridden for days and in serious pain for weeks. With my second child I was barely even sore and felt almost fully recovered physically within a week.