The rise of C-Sections and its risks. (Information on C-Sections)

I absolutely understand Alyssa. We've talked about this one before

Honestly, you're probably the most likely to make it without an epidural of anyone I know- you're a tough cookie! And I think that's the best attitude to have about things- know which way you want to go, and have an open mind. You'll have the best experience that way...

I couldn't agree with you more- natural, c/s, either way- it's your own personal decision, and only you can decide your level of comfort with either scenario. I just hate it when misinformed people bash another point of view.

Getting off track just slightly (sorry) but if you have a midwife does that automatically mean they do things "naturally"? I've been looking into a birthing center that is next to a local hospital and I believe most of the babies are actually born at the hospital. The website says they respect the decision to have an epidural (I am, no question!) but is everything else done naturally? (no monitoring, IV, etc)?

 

I'm going to give them a call but I don't want to seem like a big dummy going in there without evening knowing exactly what a midwife is for. In my mind, I always pictured them at home births. Oh, and do you pay for their services separate from your OB/GYN?

Angela why would you want no monitoring? Birth is really stressful to the baby, you should at least do 20 minutes on 40 minutes off the fetal heat monitors to make sure the baby isn't under stress

No! I completely want monitoring.. I wanted to make sure that's something a birthing center would do. I should probably just call them directly and go for a visit. I wouldn't choose a natural birth for myself.. I want just enough drugs to make myself comfortable but still be able to feel productive with my pushes.

oh well as far as I know birth centers are for natural births, at least the one in Alexandria is (where they let my friend go for 30 hours of labor)

If you are interested I would go for a tour, also make sure your insurance would cover it, I bet not many do and its probably expensive.

Sounds very similar to my 2nd pregnancy......

I didn't get a chance to read this thread earlier but wanted to put my 2 cents in. With my first child I was in labor for 10 hours, had her with some meds - I say SOME because I still felt pain, but all in all I dialated from 5 to 10 in a matter of minutes and 3 pushes and she was out.

My second child - a WHOLE other story! I was a week overdue and was in labor for 32 hours. I don't wish that pain on anyone! Imagine not being able to eat anything but ice chips for 32 hours. The air was so dry, my nose got so dry and stuffy I could hardly breathe. After 3 - yes 3 failed attempts at an epidural the doctor finally determined that the baby was in distress and they had to do a C-section. The contractions were one on top of the other - I couldn't catch my breath from one when the next one came. For some reason, my body just would not dialate. Keep in mind I was deadset against a C Section. So after being taken into the OR to do the C Section - I was given a shot to numb me from the waist down - It didn't work either...I could still feel the doctor pinching my skin! I had to be put under for them to deliver my son. Thankfully he was a healthy 9lbs 10 oz baby boy!

In my circumstances, it was absolutely necessary. I was told after that my placenta just quit doing its job. (sorry TMI) Sometimes you have to do what you have to do and until that time comes, you can't truly say what you will do.

My stupid sister for instance, kept having kids even when her doctor told her that he could not continue to deliver via c section because of the scar tissue. She has three kids and with the last one, had it scheduled ...hold on...this is the epitamy of stupidness....to have her husband, son and the new babys birthdates all two days apart!

She is a freaking idiot! She had her scheduled c-section and ended up with a child whose esophagus was not fully formed and had some SERIOUS digestive issues! Her daughter was on 7 different meds for acid reflux and she wasn't even 6 months old. Her child who is now almost 10 years old has speech and learning disabilities. Our oldest kids are 6 months apart and people think they are an easy 2 years apart by the way each one talks, reasons and looks. (her daughter on the young end of the stick) - hope that makes sense!

All I can say is to each his own!

Oops...I meant to say that her youngest daughter (the scheduled c-section) and my daughter are actually 4 months apart - not 6.

Oh, good conversation. I miss so much when I sign on late in the day.

 

I'm so glad this is a respectful discussion. I remember once having this discussion on another board (a parenting forum) and there were personal attacks and much name calling. So pointless!

I totally agree Jessica. It really is a subject people are very passionate about, for obvious reasons. That's one of the reasons why I love this forum so much. I think we're pretty good at agreeing to disagree around here...

And as someone who can't contribute much, I really appreciate all viewpoints. I haven't even started to think about this portion of my life, so it's nice to see both sides. If this discussion weren't as productive and more geared towards name calling, so many people wouldn't have the benefits of the discussion and all points would be lost. I love this forum too!