What About Having a C-section Scares You the Most?
If you’re going to be having a c-section chances are you’re a little nervous or maybe even down right scared, especially if it will be your first c-section.
Most women having a c-section worry a lot about recovery and things like how long it will take, how painful it will be, their cesarean scar and so on, but is there anything about the c-section procedure itself that freaks you out or that you are particularly worried about? Let’s discuss it.
You moms that have already had c-sections, what were your fears and were they as bad as you thought?
I was so young (19) when I had my son so the thought of even a normal vaginal birth made me so nervous. When I found out I had to have a c-section I was down right terrified! My mother had 5 daughters, naturally without any pain medication at all, so in my mind I attributed the fact that I had to have a c-section to me deciding to get an epidural, thinking that because I had done so that I had in someway messed up the natural process and this is why I have to have an emergency c-section. Of course the nurses all reassured me that it was not in any way my fault and sometimes these things just happen. Now that I’m pregnant with my second child I decided I would much rather have a c-section than a vaginal birth. It just seems easier to me. I know that sounds like a lazy approach but I figure that if you have the opportunity to make things a little easier for yourself you should take it! After all the last thing you or your baby needs is to be in a stressful situation.
Sarah, Thanks so much for sharing that. Having a c-section doesn’t necessarily make things easier though. Having an epidural doesn’t necessarily mean that’s why you had to have a c-section. Did your doctor tell you why you needed a c-section? It’s not likely because you had an epidural.
With regard to having a c-section, the birth itself may be easier but the recovery can be long, painful and difficult. Some women breeze through their recovery, I didn’t happen to be one of them, my biggest motivation for writing the worry free c-section guide. But most women find the recovery difficult.
If having a c-section for you is easier then by all means go with what is right for you but never feel bad about your decision, that’s not productive energy. Instead direct your energies toward loving, caring and nurturing your baby, that’s what really counts. Many blessings.
Do whatever you feel is right for you.
Hi, the only thing that scares me the most is the fact that I’m having another c-section so soon after my first (I had a baby in March 2009 and having my second in May 2010). I am praying everything works out fine. I am also concern about the amount of pain and how long it will take me to recover after the surgery. I was very painful after the first surgery and had alot of discomfort.
Hey Jallinka, thanks for that. Did you get my free c-section ‘feel better’ guide. There are some tips there that should help with your recovery, specifically helping you get through the day with less pain and discomfort. All my best for a safe delivery.
The thing that scares me the most is that doctors totally downplay the risks. With my first, I don’t remember ANY discussion of the risks, just ‘your baby is breech, let’s schedule you for next week.’ If I had known then what I know now, I would have been wary of how my doctor conveniently left out those very important details.
With my second child, whom I delivered by VBAC, suddenly it was all about the risks of VBAC, which are the SAME as with a c-section. Why is one set of risks supposed to be more acceptable than the other?
Sometimes a section cannot be avoided, but often times, they CAN. I would love to see a section on here about how to avoid one in the first place, because once you have one, it can totally change the way you give birth in the future. With a c-section rate at around 30% in this country, that is definitely not ‘worry-free.’ Just because it went well for some people does NOT mean it’s the best thing for everyone, and I really wish women would be a better advocate for themselves and their babies by knowing the reasons why they occur so much and how to prevent those reasons from happening in the first place.
You are right, doctor’s don’t mention risks and it’s often up to women to educate themselves, that’s what I try to do, but my ultimate goal is to try to help women who have a c-section make it as much of a rewarding experience as I can, but the fact of the matter is, a c-section does come with risks.
Discussing the risks for doctors can be tough. IIf a baby is breech for example, a c-section is needed. Discussing the risks doesn’t change the outcome, you still need the surgery. I’m not saying that’s right, I just believe that’s how doctors think. I often times feel I’m scaring women with discussing these risks but I do think it’s important to know them.
The truth is c-sections are one of the safest surgeries, it’s the resulting issues like, adhesions, future births, affects on baby and recovery that can have an impact.
Thank you so much for your input. I’ll also be giving some thought to creating a section on how to avoid a c-section.
My biggest fear is being seperated from my husband. We lost our first baby, then had a horrible delivery with our son (who, thankfully, was OK). My Dr. said we could arrange for him to be with me the entire time, there are apparently some hospital staff willing to work with”anxious” patients. Still, I fear it may not work out that way or I may go into labor before my scheduled C-section and not have my own Dr. If my Dr. is willing to keep my husband with me, is it unreasonable to expect that from the hospital staff (assuming, of course, there is no emergency)?
I would say don’t worry about that. As long at the hospital is, as you say, I would say it shouldn’t be a problem. Just make sure that if you have a doctor other than your own you mention your wishes right away. Usually they’ll comply. Today it’s unusual that a hospital wouldn’t allow your husband to be with you so try not to worry, just tell them what you want and they should comply. Best of luck to you