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Vaginal vs Caesarean

I didn't know anyone who had both types of deliveries so no one could tell me what they preferred other than what they'd already had. People with vaginal births think that's the only way while caesarean mamas mostly praise that route of delivery.

Sooo, I went into my surgery considering it almost a type of science experiment. It would be a strange one to enter into a show and I wouldn't recommend pictures to demonstrate...

But, here's my comparison:

1.) C-sections are much quicker. My first labor experience lasted 9 hours which is actually short for a 1st time mom. The second was over in 2 hours from check in to baby in arms. And most of that was sewing me up.

2.) Vaginal deliveries take a LOT more work! The pain, the waiting, the pushing. Even with my amazing epidural, I was tired. Every muscle in my body was pooped out.

3.) I don't have any urinary problems this time. After my vaginal birth, I peed a little every time I sneezed or coughed. And jumping jacks were an absolute no-go! This time, those parts got spared from stretching, tearing and cutting. And my bladder is SO glad.

4.) My incisions are just in different places. After Paisley, I couldn't sit well and my legs couldn't part for fear of destroying my nether regions. With Graham, I had a sore stomach. This made getting up from bed difficult but not really much more than with her.

5.) It was more of a personal event for Aaron and me since no one else could be in the room. With Paisley, it was a 3 ring circus with my hoo-ha in the center ring.

6.) The epidural with her and the spinal with him felt the exact same. Neither was painful and both were very successful. Thank goodness.

7.) Women make it seem like a section birth isn't as magical an event. I disagree entirely. His almost seemed more incredible because I felt fine and then he was just lifted out. Of course it was nice holding her immediately but I wasn't feeling well enough by then to enjoy it fully.

8.) I worried much less about Graham during the process because he wasn't being stressed out with labor. Paisley made labor a bit overwhelming with frequent heart decelerations and a wrapped cord forcing a rapid delivery.

So, I'm glad I had one of each to know what they're both like. And truthfully, both are amazing. But when it comes right down to it, I'm Team Caesarean!

Comments

  1. I haven't had a C section, but the recovery for a vaginal delivery was AWFUL! I seriously wasn't prepared for the pain and itching from that at all! I'm glad you did a post on this!

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  2. Thanks for posting & taking part in your "experiment"!! I've been meaning to ask you what you thought after having both! Being a 2-time "Team C", I can't even believe people still do vaginal deliveries!! I didn't think that way at all before delivery, I was totally ready to have a vaginal. After c-section, I'd have it no other way!

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  3. While I appreciate your analysis from your personal experience, I also think that without a medical reason for a c-section (so I'm speaking only about elective c-sections), that women also need to consider the risk of complications and negative side effects to both mother and baby, when comparing c-section and vaginal delivery. For example, maternal death rate for caesarian is less than 1 in 2,500 while maternal death rate for vaginal delivery is less than one in 10,000.

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  4. I'm really glad you wrote this post! Makes me feel much better about having to have a scheduled csection. We found out after three adoptions that I'm pregnant with twins and found out I have a heart shape uterus .dr said I'm about 95% getting a csection.

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