The Second Coming
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I spent the last eight posts going through the story of the birth of our daughter for a reason. I wanted everyone who reads this blog to know exactly where we (my wife and I) were coming from with our anticipation (arguably trepidation) of our second.
Since that experience, my wife has seen her obstetrician several times, and discussed subsequent births. Although there was a possibility that she could have a successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), our concern was that it wasn’t necessarily the R.O.P. that was the cause of all our problems last time. We believe that there is a good chance that my wife’s pelvis may have been the issue that necessitated the c-section.
So, after much internal discussion (and admittedly some tears), we have decided? to have a scheduled c-section for baby number two. It wasn’t an easy decision, but we think it will be the best thing for us.
This decision means we will have a very different experience than last time. There will (likely) be no discussion of whether she’s feeling constipated or contractions. There will be no water breaking in the middle of the night. We will be able to prepare ourselves as well as our daughter for the baby’s arrival, and I think that will work out well for all of us in the end.
What are your feelings about VBAC, or just scheduled c-sections in general? How do you feel about the (supposed) recent rise in scheduled c-sections?
You can read more SciFi Dad at Tales From The Dad Side.
Jessica says...
Scheduling a c-section for my second worked out well for me. I had second thoughts for a brief moment on my way into the O.R. and then I completely relaxed and came to peace with it when I realized that I was making the safest decision for myself and my family.
Best wishes!
Dawn says...
I have been quite vocal on these pages (and others) about being against *unnecessary* c-sections and skeptical of reasons for the rise in c-section rates.
But, SciFi dad, after reading about your wife’s experiences and this latest post, I believe you and your wife are making the best choice for yourselves–an *educated* choice. Not that it’s for me to say one way or another… When I get down to the core, those are my beliefs: Your birth, your way.
Or er, um, in this case, your wife’s birth…her way… with the partner and coach playing a meaningful role in the decision making process.
Do I feel that scheduled c-sections are often done out of fear rather than an educated choice? Yes. Do I believe that doctors, for whatever reason, are rushing women into giving birth, resulting in unnecessary c-sections? Absolutely. One day, I will put together the research I’ve been gleaning piece by piece for a fully researched article.
But… every birth is different, every case is different. And every woman deserves the right to make an educated choice.
Excellent series, SciFiDad!
Dawns last blog post..90 Minutes in the Morning
Melissa H says...
I had a C-section with my first and the docs office told me that I will be hard pressed to find a doc in the area that will do VBAC for a second. I don’t have any problems with having another c-section as long as I have a healthy baby in my arms as the outcome. There were a few family members who felt that I had ” missed out” because I wasn’t able to have a “completely natural” childbirth. But I figure that the goal is to have a healthy baby no matter how you get there. I certainly don’t feel as if I missed anything when I hold my daughter. So good luck with baby number two, however she comes.
selena says...
I had 3 csections (not by choice). my first two pregnancies were breech babies. we thought about doing the external turning but my water broke before that happened. of course with the third pregnancy, it was an automatic c-section even though she was head down. bottom line, yes i do feel like i missed out on the experience but overall it was nice being mentally prepared for the actual day when the babes came out. we were definitely much calmer and relaxed and they all came out with nice round heads
mandy says...
I think you do the best you can with the information that you have at the time.
If you’ve done your research and decided that this is the best option for your family, then it’s the one you should take. Heaven knows that when your little one arrives, there will be a million other things to think about.
mandys last blog post..Wordless-ish Wednesday