When babies are measuring big, they worry about the shoulders getting stuck during delivery, known as shoulder dystocia. It could injure the baby and would likely result in an emergency c-section to get the baby out. Our son's head and abdomen were measuring greater than the 99th percentile, so the doctor's were very weary about the risk of shoulder dystocia.
My doctors never pushed a c-section on me and made it clear that it was my choice to try to have him on my own or opt for the c-section. As with most things in life, there were pros and cons to both, and while they could advise me based on the facts, the choice was mine. I chose to have a c section, and once I saw our perfect, big baby, I was glad I did! The shoulders on that kid were something to write home about!
For some reason, there is a stigma with having a c-section. Some think it's taking the easy route, some think it's not letting your body do what it was made to do, and some go so far as to think the c-section mama isn't a real woman. I never agreed with any of these, so it never really bothered me, but I did want to share why I loved my c-section and how thankful I am that this is the route I chose.
I will preface with this: I am all for natural births. It wasn't the best option for me and my child, but had it been, that would have been the way we wanted to go. I wanted to write this out for the pregnant mama discouraged because she might have to have a c-section.
1. No tearing. Yes, a c-section is major surgery, but the lack of tearing was a huge perk.
2. No contractions, no pain during surgery. Since my water broke and I didn't make it to my scheduled c-section, I did experience a couple of hours of contractions. Those things are no joke! No contractions (or very little in my case) are a nice benefit to the c-section.
3. It's quick. My water broke at 3:30 AM, and we had our son at 12:21 PM. No long labor, no waiting to dilate to a 10, no pushing for hours. You get to meet your baby quickly. On top of that, the surgery itself takes minutes. Once I was in the OR and all numbed up, my son was out in 5 minutes.
4. A lot of knowns as opposed to unknowns. With a c-section, you know what's happening. They are going to cut you open, take the baby out, and sew you back up. Natural birth presents far more unknowns since each person's body progresses at a different rate, handles contractions differently, etc.
5. It was the safest option for us. Simply put, I loved my c-section because it got my son here safely. Regardless of your birth story, if your baby is alive and well, I hope you love the way they got here and celebrate the miracle that occurred on that day.
If you end up having a c-section like I did, even if it was not your plan, there are positives, and it doesn't make you any less of a woman or a mom for doing so. Modern medicine is amazing, and c-sections exist to get babies out safely when a vaginal delivery isn't working. I for one am glad they do!
For some reason, there is a stigma with having a c-section. Some think it's taking the easy route, some think it's not letting your body do what it was made to do, and some go so far as to think the c-section mama isn't a real woman. I never agreed with any of these, so it never really bothered me, but I did want to share why I loved my c-section and how thankful I am that this is the route I chose.
I will preface with this: I am all for natural births. It wasn't the best option for me and my child, but had it been, that would have been the way we wanted to go. I wanted to write this out for the pregnant mama discouraged because she might have to have a c-section.
5 Reasons I loved my c-section:
1. No tearing. Yes, a c-section is major surgery, but the lack of tearing was a huge perk.
2. No contractions, no pain during surgery. Since my water broke and I didn't make it to my scheduled c-section, I did experience a couple of hours of contractions. Those things are no joke! No contractions (or very little in my case) are a nice benefit to the c-section.
3. It's quick. My water broke at 3:30 AM, and we had our son at 12:21 PM. No long labor, no waiting to dilate to a 10, no pushing for hours. You get to meet your baby quickly. On top of that, the surgery itself takes minutes. Once I was in the OR and all numbed up, my son was out in 5 minutes.
4. A lot of knowns as opposed to unknowns. With a c-section, you know what's happening. They are going to cut you open, take the baby out, and sew you back up. Natural birth presents far more unknowns since each person's body progresses at a different rate, handles contractions differently, etc.
5. It was the safest option for us. Simply put, I loved my c-section because it got my son here safely. Regardless of your birth story, if your baby is alive and well, I hope you love the way they got here and celebrate the miracle that occurred on that day.
If you end up having a c-section like I did, even if it was not your plan, there are positives, and it doesn't make you any less of a woman or a mom for doing so. Modern medicine is amazing, and c-sections exist to get babies out safely when a vaginal delivery isn't working. I for one am glad they do!
8 comments :
I never had a c-section but I would def ask about having one if there was a next time. I found the recovery for me with a vaginal delivery was so hard and I am sure a c-section is hard as well and it HURT
I love this post so much, Chelsea! Mostly because you are embracing it, most people even when they have had a c-section get so negative about it. The end result is the same, a healthy beautiful baby. I am still over the moon for your sweet family!
So awesome you shared this! As someone who has never had a baby, I've always wondered why, when reading birth stories, some people seem so against c-sections. I never realized there was any stigma associated with it, but it makes a little more sense to me now.
I love hearing your positive outlook on this! No matter how baby gets there, it doesn't matter as long as they are safe!
I'm so glad you had such a great experiences! The similarities with our pregnancies are uncanny (love those big boys!) and I, too, am grateful for the fantastic c section experience I had with my son. Hope you guys are loving all the newborn snuggles--they are THE best!!!!! :)
He is here and healthy. You had a healthy delivery and are on the mend. That is the most important part! I'm glad it was a good experience and what YOU wanted to do!
I'm so glad you're both doing well and you're happy with your choice to have a c-section! <3 Whatever gets the baby out and keeps mama and baby alive and well is the best birth choice in my opinion! C-section mamas are rockstars just like mamas who have epidurals or who go all natural!!
I have never understood how people can say it makes you less of a mommy to have a c-section. That's just plain silly. You grew that baby! I am glad you were at peace with that decision. I figure whatever is going to be the safest way for us both to get through the experience is the best option. I went in with very little expectations as to not be upset if it didn't go as planned, as most experiences don't. I just wanted a healthy baby!
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