https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 13 May 2026 03:39:43 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-20171 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:30:22 +0000 SouthPaw 20171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I fear a c section due to the drugs and having major surgery. I do not react well to strong pain killers, to add on to the fun I am petrified of needles. I am looking into water births, hypno techniques and will take Bradley courses with my husband. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-20055 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:47:25 +0000 Beyond2 20055@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I fear a c section because I want to have 4-7 children. Obviously a c section on the first could limit my ability to have many pregnancies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-19794 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:45:50 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 19794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was terrified of having a section. I've never had any type of surgery before, and after I found out that DD was breech &amp; I had no choice but to HAVE a section, I also had no choice but to educate myself on the process &amp; learn to accept that I was having a section whether I liked it or not.</p> <p>My section was scheduled three weeks in advance, so I had plenty of time to talk to other moms who'd had them &amp; read a few books on the subject.</p> <p>Out of all the moms I talked to -- seven of them -- not one had a positive c-section experience. It only made me even more worried about the procedure, but I kept telling myself I had no choice. I had to suck it up, and make the best of the situation. Of the seven moms I spoke with, none of them had a planned section (they were all emergency sections).</p> <p>In the end, I had an AMAZINGLY positive experience. It was so simple and calm. I told my husband that I would probably schedule an RCS for our second child. </p> <p>My recovery has been a breeze, too. I never had any incision pain, and was off of prescription pain killers by day 10. I definitely had abdominal discomfort, but it wasn't anything that bracing myself (getting out of bed, sneezing, coughing, etc) couldn't fix and now I'm 4 weeks PP with barely any pain at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-19057 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:50:06 +0000 cyndistar3 19057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am 100% terrified of needles. I would not get a c-section unless my baby or my life depended on it. I am not actually against it, it just isn't for me. Also, if I ended up needing a c-sec I would probably flip the hell out because the idea of being awake while people are cutting my child out of my belly would not sit well with me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-19001 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:24:17 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 19001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Im not opposed to a c section if it is an emergency situation. But the idea of being awake while someone cuts into me freaks me out big time. I also don't like the idea of having a huge needle in my back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-18971 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:27:37 +0000 MsMamaBear 18971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't fear it. I knew several ppl who had one, so it wasn't something to be scared of. I had a c-section and I bonded just well with my daughter, thankyouverymuch. I'm glad I had the c-section, I certainly wasn't trying to be Superwoman with my daughter's heart rate in distress, trying to get a imaginary medal for not having a c-section.</p> <p>I was perfectly fine 2wks later. It was rough at first because we have stairs in our house, but I was fine after. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-11824 Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:40:04 +0000 LazyLightning 11824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rock n roll &amp; @venice4504 seriously, if our 'pikachu' is going to be all nasty and hurty, can't our BUTTS at least be OK? lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10923 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:52:20 +0000 mrs.earrings 10923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I cant say that I fear a C-section, but personally I would much rather give birth naturally. I had a bad reaction to anesthetic when I got my tonsils out at age 10 and I am also allergic to codeine and ibuprofen...so I hate to think what other pain meds/anesthesias would do to me. However, as long as the end result is a healthy baby, I am open to any birth option and I know that for many mothers a C-section is simply the best option for them and their baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10818 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:54:40 +0000 venice4504 10818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rock n Roll- I have also never heard about the hemmrroid issues due to c-sections either. I was also lucky though and didn't get any while I was pregnant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10805 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:28:16 +0000 LivsMama 10805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am very vocal about this as I represent the other side - I had an elective c-section. I know many other women who have have them as well, but are afraid to speak up because of the comments that are constantly hurdled at us. My intent is to argue my side politely while still respecting the opposition. I dont want to come off preachy =o) </p> <p>I guess I could kind of fall into the "too posh to push" category, but my doctor did deem that given my circumstances, the section was a better option for me. I should add that they in NO wya swayed me to it. Quite the opposite. They wanted to induce me and see how that worked (this was prior to determining that I neededthe section) and left the ultimate decision to me. Regardless, I had so many complications and health issues at the end of my pregnancy that the day I was admitted, they told me that it would be safer for both me and the baby to go c-sec. After they opened me up, they learned that the cord was around Livs neck 3 times-tightly-and I wouldnt have been able to deliver vaginally even if I had been induced. Matter of fact, they said it 100% would have ended in an emergency section.</p> <p>I can tell you from experience that with my planned section (She was born on her due date. I had less than .5cm dilation and not a single contraction or BH) that my recovery was cake. It didnt hurt as much as it was sore, and I really only took Motrin to manage the pain. I think I maybe took 2 percocets after I left the hospital. I had minimal bleeding, no hemorrhoids (btw @Rock n Roll- that info is contrary to what my OB told me. Women arent likely to get hemorrhods as a result of the section. They may get them from the pregnancy, but not from pressure due to the baby being removed.) and I felt 100% back to normal after 6 weeks. At 4 weeks I was at about 95%-jsut some soreness.</p> <p>I didnt have an issue with bonding. I held her almost immediately (they took her and cleaned her off, gave her to my husband, and gave her to me all within 2 minutes of her being born) and fell immediately head over heels in love. Liv is EBF, but I cant attest to having issues with that bc I decided to BF her after we left the hospital, so I had an LC come to me at home. Liv seemed to have no issues latching. Also, my milk came right on cue.</p> <p>Regarding the epidural - my hospital doesnt do epis for c-sections, they do a spinal block. So basically, they insert a needle into your back and draw out a little fluid. There is no catheter left in there. You do get a urinary cath, but its inserted after you are numb and mine was removed like 12 hours later, at which point I was up and walking around. </p> <p>I really do like @runsyellowlites run-down. Thank you for making it such a civil, mature response. You have no idea how many times others have made your same points but basically implied that Im an idiot, uneducated, putting my baby in harms way etc.</p> <p>ETA - I guess, to answer teh original question, I cant say why I feared it because I didnt =o) Just wanted to give you another vantage point. Like @themcmom, I think every mother needs to do the research, ask the questions, and make whatever decision is right for their situation. I </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10803 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:24:13 +0000 Boogs 10803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nodakademic: I had 5mg Norco (not sure if that's something you can handle) a few times, but for the most part I just took Motrin or Tylenol. I got an infection and had 2 failed epidurals, so I was over drugs and wanted as little as possible after birth even though that meant I was in a bit more pain and I survived just fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10651 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:16:46 +0000 Rock n Roll 10651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My doctor gave me a percocet prescription for my vaginal birth (though I never filled it), so you can still take pain meds for a vaginal birth. </p> <p>Also, I have to say I was pretty worried about my vaginal birth, and then when it happened it was worse than I thought it would be. I remember reading things about how much people loved their ice pack after delivery and I was thinking "Ice? On my v? Ouch!" But then of course after delivery I was like "Ice pack is the best thing EVARRRR!" because I was so swollen.</p> <p>But after everything healed up, I was golden again. So it's a few weeks of suckiness either down below or on your belly. I'm definitely hoping for a vaginal delivery for baby number two because I am not into surgery if it can be avoided.</p> <p>Also, the whole "it'll never be the same again" is kind of true, but not in a bad way. I mean, when I lost my virginity, things down there changed forever, but it wasn't the end of the world. It was just different.</p> <p>Also, I have heard that you still get hemorrhoids from c-sections as well due to pressure from your organs being moved around during the surgery, but I can't personally attest to that. And hemorrhoids were the WORST part in my opinion. They lasted for months. And if you get them either way, I just want to say, "No fair!"</p> <p>My feelings are basically a c-section would not be the end of the world, but I'd prefer a vaginal delivery if possible. Either way, pain is temporary and if I can end the pregnancy with a healthy baby being born I will be happy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10646 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:02:56 +0000 Mrsbells 10646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>C-section is major surgery, and you have a longer recory time. It also means for many hospitals that you may be forced to have a Csection for every baby afterwards since some hospitals dont allow VBAC. It can also affect your ability to breastfeed, or might take longer for the breastmilk to come in. I dont fear a Csection but I would definitely rather give birth the way my body was meant to do it naturally than have the baby surgically removed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10642 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:57:56 +0000 LazyLightning 10642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All of your responses have been really interesting and enlightening. One thing I am thinking now--that I didn't before--is that I really can't take pain meds like percocet, morphine, anything with coedine in it, etc. I just vomit everywhere... for days...even from half a pill. Probably not so good for a c-section right? :-\ </p> <p>@Mrs Bee I had never heard 'too posh to push'--funny!!!</p> <p>@Looch, I will check out this perineal massage thing when the time comes, if we decide to go that route... and thank you for the book recs too.</p> <p>But I am seriously worried about my poor ladybits!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10621 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:14:37 +0000 themcmom 10621@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was petrified of a c-section and epi, so I read a lot. I didn't talk to any of my grandmothers or mother about their births simply because I didn't care what they had. I knew what I didn't want. After reading, I figured out what was the best birth for my child and me. That's what I think every woman should do: figure out what is best for her child and herself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10565 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:10:16 +0000 sandsandmore 10565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't fear it but that's because it's all I knew. My mom had two c-sections, and once my pregnancy became high risk, I knew that a c-section would be the only option. </p> <p>I do understand the ideals behind natural births and homebirths, but they're not for me at all. One of my son's NICU nurse's wife had a homebirth that went wrong. He was there to deliver the baby, but the baby inhaled meconium and the wife started bleeding badly. They both ended up in the ER and the baby in the NICU. I know that's not a typical story, but things do happen, and I would be too terrified to not be in a hospital to begin with. </p> <p>Yes women have had babies naturally for centuries, but many women died, and many women today would die without modern medicine. Even if I had been able to try a vaginal delivery, I don't think I could have done it. Baby A was transverse and Baby B was breech. I don't want to start an argument or anything, and yes a c-section is major surgery and not always necessary, but I trusted my doctor and trusted that I would bounce back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10548 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 22:19:51 +0000 bakingAbug 10548@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I recently had a c-section aafter 20 hours on pitocin waiting for my body to do what nature intended...it failed and I never dilated further than a 3 cm. My pelvis was too small for my normal sized son to enter and be born vaginally so we had no choice but to section. I feel some guilt at not being able to "trust my body to do what nature intended" but had I continued, one or both of us could have been seriously injured.</p> <p>Yes, it is major surgery but I've had a pretty ok time recuperating. I was only on Vicodin and Motrin for a few days after I came home from the hospital and have been up and walking since 6 hours after he was born. My milk came in fine and Bug latched on immediately. I guess I am lucky that my Dr. is awesome and my body has reacted well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10531 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 21:41:46 +0000 daniellemybelle 10531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's serious surgery. There are also connections between the labor/vaginal birth process and the good hormones that help with breastfeeding, can aid in bonding and prevent PPD, etc. I also want to experience a natural birth, but that's a personal preference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10518 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:31:10 +0000 venice4504 10518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an emergency c-section after a lot of complications from trying to have a v-birth. Hands down my recovery has been a heck of a lot easier than my friend who had a v-birth. It is serious surgery but it's really not that bad as people make it out to be. To each their own but after trying one of everything to get him out the "natural" way I fully understand and agree with people who just schedule a c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10510 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:00:37 +0000 skibobrown 10510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My understanding is that a c-section is a major surgery, and comes with all of the associated risks of major surgery. That being said, most surgeries these days go just fine, but there are always risks of infections, bad reactions to anesthesia, and other complications. Vaginal birth is certainly far from a picnic, but it's a natural process, and my understanding is that the associated risks to the mother and baby are generally lower. Also, aren't there studies that the baby gets certain health benefits from passing through the birth canal? </p> <p>I'm not judging those who get c-sections -- and I would certainly get one if my doctor finds it to be medically necessary. But those are my understandings of the risks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10448 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:33:22 +0000 cyneswith 10448@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My brother was an emergency C-section (over 10 lbs), and I was scheduled. No complications with my brother. Me, on the other hand - lasting hypersensitivity to light, sound, touch, allergens, etc, which is a known risk for early babies. My immune system is also hyperactive, which means vaccines are potentially REALLY dangerous for me (handled all but one just fine, but that one almost killed me, and I'm still recovering four years later.) Babies all have different "baking" times, and forcing them to come early can cause some nasty side effects that may not be seen for decades. Also, women were built to deliver babies, and I'm not going to have many chances to utilize that bodily function - I want to know what it feels like. That's why I don't like the idea of scheduled c-sections.</p> <p>As to being afraid of c-sections... I was almost killed by a vaccine and a medication used to control the seizures that vaccine caused (two+ weeks of 104+ fever, toxic epidermal necrolysis, liver failure, cluster headaches, short term memory loss, bouts of actual amnesia, 20 point IQ drop, 6 hours of active seizing a day every day, that sort of thing.) I am now afraid of hospitals, nurses, and new medications. I also know that me being freaked out about hospitals is more likely to harm my unborn child than the hospital itself is, so I want to at least PLAN on using a birth center and natural-as-possible birth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10404 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:43:25 +0000 looch 10404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There's a few books out there that I'd recommend that you read:</p> <p>1. Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block</p> <p>2. Birth:The Surprising History of How We Are Born<br /> by Tina Cassidy</p> <p>------<br /> I became pregnant on our first month trying and had a complication free pregnancy. In my case, there was no reason to think that my body wouldn't be able to handle the birth on its own. Since I had no issues, I decided to wait it out and let nature take its course. I went into labor and decided that the contractions were manageable and that I would not try to be superwoman and would get an epidural if I felt it became too much. It didn't, and I had a med free birth. It was uncomfortable, but I was able to move around, stand, squat, lie down, whatever I needed to do because I didn't have an epi. I really think this is one of those things that you have to assess when you're in the moment. Your body can surprise you.<br /> I do want to also mention that if there were complications, yes, I would have a c-section. This is why I decided to go with a hospital birth instead of a home birth. I didn't want to take a chance with our hospital being 25 minutes away.</p> <p>eta: regarding tearing, I would recommend perineal massage starting at 34 weeks. I had a tiny tear that required 4 stitches, my midwives were astonished at the elasticity I had...I worked up from 15 seconds to three minutes daily. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10385 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:44:56 +0000 reggie 10385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a vaginal birth and was considering a scheduled c-section as well. I am really glad I didn't have a c-section because recovery was unbelievably quick and easy for me. I only took motrin while I was at the hospital and didn't need it once I got home. I also had an epidural so there wasn't much pain at all during labor and delivery. It was very tough to push though but it's not painful when you push, just really labor intensive (pushed for 45 minutes). I think c-section is really scary to me because it's a major surgery (I'm really scared of the idea that someone is going to cut open my tummy!) while vaginal birth is something your body should be able to do naturally.</p> <p>As for the unpredictability. I totally understand what you are talking about. When we were waiting for Eli's arrival, I was getting so anxious and I wish I knew exactly when he will come out! But the truth is, toward the end of it, you see your OB every week anyway... so you really do have a good idea as to when it will happen.. for me.. my water broke and didn't realize until the appointment with OB (2 days later) and was sent to the hospital right away to be induced.</p> <p>With that said.. if I needed a c-section, I would of been totally fine with it too. I'm up for whatever it takes for a safe delivery. So I think it's important to have an open mind when you are going down the natural birth route so you won't feel disappointed. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10352 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:26:46 +0000 Mrs. Bee 10352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>a c section is serious abdominal surgery that comes with risks from not only the surgery, but also the anesthesia. </p> <p>there is the term "too posh to push" for moms who schedule elective c sections because i think that's what a lot of celebs used to do. but a c section is definitely easier in some ways! that's why i originally scheduled a second c section for olive. but i'm glad that i got to have a vaginal birth as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10335 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:01:16 +0000 LazyLightning 10335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all of these inputs! Especially @RunsyellowLights--I was hoping someone would 'school' me on some of the risks to c-section. My mom was put under when I was born so I guess thats why I didnt think about epidural in that case...INTERESTING. So much to think about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10323 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 09:19:46 +0000 MegWag 10323@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Call me crazy, but some part of me is looking forward to delivery. (There is also a huge part of me that is scared!) I feel like it's an awesome amazing natural thing and I really hope I'm able to deliver vaginally without meds. I just feel like there is something powerful and life-affirming about doing it the way that other women have done it. I don't consider myself particularly crunchy or hippy-like, but when it comes to giving birth I get surprisingly granola-like.<br /> If I need additional intervention, I will of course accept it! The most important thing is for me and the baby to be healthy. I think for everything you control via having a c-section, you are interfering with nature's way so that offsets it. Plus it's all an illusion of control anyway... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10322 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 09:15:09 +0000 tessabella76 10322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't fear a c-section. I'd prefer a vaginal but my #1 goal is to have a healthy baby and a healthy mama. I fear labor/delivery in general and I'm not even pregnant. I'd love the baby to just pop out with no effort and pain! I'm not usually a wimp when it comes to pain but for some reason labor &amp; delivery scares me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10309 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:05:34 +0000 Andrea 10309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't "fear" it but I thought it was not necessary in my case. I pushed forever, like 3.5 hours, and I thought maybe my OB would tell me to quit and just go for a C-section but he was great and said I could do it so we kept going and my daughter finally came out. I felt pretty great afterwards, was alert, breastfed right away, could walk...all the things that my friends who had C-sections told me they could not do. But you never know how things will go and I would, of course, have had a C-section if I needed it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10272 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:55:02 +0000 tequiero21 10272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i think i'm with you.... i'm definitely leaning towards c-section. hopefully, this will be my only pregnancy so i won't have to worry about getting pregnant after a c-section (although my mom had 2 c-sections and she was fine). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/why-do-you-fear-a-c-section#post-10263 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 23:19:09 +0000 alongfarview 10263@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My thoughts are mainly that I would prefer to avoid surgery if at all possible. That's just the type of person that I am (though I have to have surgery in a couple of weeks - which I'm kind of freaking out over). So, I'd rather do things the way nature intended? But, I'm also well aware that c-sections have saved many, many mothers and children over the years that would have died had that not been an option. So to that end, if I have a c-section I don't think I'd be afraid of it or sad that it happened, it's just not something I would prefer. </p>