Controversial Subject!

Hi Tanz!

I can't believe how time has flown by already!! My word, I'm 3 weeks away from my baba's birth date and your already starting to make decisions on birth options - exciting stuff!

You know what Tanz, I also posted a thread when I was busy making the decision of whether to go natural (I was pro natural all along by the way) or to go with c-section. To me it was a really difficult choice at that point but you know what, the more I did my research and thought about it the easier it got.

Just remember though it's good to listen to everyone's opinions and take in what they say, but you will always hear horror stories as well and it doesn't necessarily mean it will happen to you!! If I had to listen to what everyone said I would go nuts and bonkers - additional stress you do not need during this time.

Do your own research and discuss it with your gynae. I am a strong believer that you should feel very comfortable with your gynae and trust him 100% - if you don't trust him or your scared he'll lie to you then you shouldn't be seeing him as how will you trust him during labour or if your in theatre?

I honestly believe that whatever decision you make should be what you feel comfortable with. And please please please, if you decide on natural birth, just always keep an open mind and go in with the acceptance that if something does go wrong you might end up with a c-section. You'll handle it better and won't feel disappointment etc. Unfortunately nature isn't something we can control and at the end of the day, whatever you choose, as long as baba comes into this world happy and healthy you'll be ok!

And trust me Tanz, it took me about 3 months to decide and I'm now very very comfortable with my decision and I trust my gynae completely (he never even pushed me in one direction or the other, he let me decide what I wanted to do and then he gave me advice and he's opinion)

Good luck hun!!

PS: I'll let you know my experience and birth story in 3 weeks lol

Where are you based Tanz?

I dont think this is as controversial as it is a personal choice and one you have to be 100% ok with it.

I have had 3 elective caesars and while I can see the merits of natural it really is just not for me.

I was happy with all 3 experiences and with each one the associated pain got less. My baby is nearly 4 weeks and I am up and about, driving etc etc

wow Tanz time is really flying- you are already thinking about birth options!

Everyone has their own opinion about this and I have also done alot of research on both and i think both have their pro's and cons. I am also terrified of tearing and having a poo while Im pushing!

A good documentary to watch is "the business about being born". Its about how in the US most births happen by c-section and I think that this is very similar to the situation is SA.

Here in Europe there is no elective C-sec. You will only get a c-section if it is medically nesacary.

I am going for a 100% natural birth, but if anything goes wrong then I am also happy with a c-section.

I just think that millions of women for centuries have given birth the natural way and in my opinion (please dont shoot me) this is the way it should be done and how it was intended. Unless offcourse mom or baby are in danger and a c-sec would be safer.

Good Luck!

I had booked an elective c-sec until I went to antenatal classes. They showed us exactly what a c-section was on a biology model - and it put me off totally. And after all - women were made to give birth naturally. Obviously personal choice and the system allowing it to be a choice has changed the way women think...

I was petrified even though I have the best gynae, a very supportive husband and all the information I needed... but I managed just fine. Was in labour for a while - but it wasn't a long active labour... and the moment I first saw my beautiful baby girl I felt like the most powerful woman alive! (for the lack of better words). I didn't tear externally - i tore internally which was due the fast decent of baby... but i didn't feel that at all... If you do go this route - look into perineal massage... works a treat!

Best of luck!! It is the most amazing experience I have ever had!

Good luck with your decision as it is always a difficult one if you are a 'Fence sitter" as Justine so aptly put it. But if you are sure what you want then stick to your Guns. If you are one of those unlucky people who has a gyne with "wrong intentions" (i.e tell you a few weeks before that you need a ceaser" then in my opinion you should and are entitled to get a second opinion becauase often it is the case that it's just for convenience. Some Doctors even use it as a way of ensuring that the medical aid with pay out for the procedure.

Being equiped with as much knowledge as possible is very important in order to make a decsion and therefore you have to listen to both sides of the fence and decide from there. Also top on my list is like someone else said above "Don't listen to horror stories and let people scare you" everybody expereinces things differently, nobody will go through the same thing exactly the same as the next lady. here knowledge is your best friend and being certain of what you want and standing your ground.

Thanks 2KM! I really do appreciate your opinion!

Fact is, even if your doctor were to tell you in the last few weeks that your baby is suddenly too big to push, how would you know that he/she is not telling the truth? That is why we see doctors, because they know best... Sad really!

Anyway, I really do appreciate your honest opinion! Thank you again!

I also agree that this subject has started huge debates in the past, and that I am not asking for that, just honest opinions in order for me and possibly other new moms like hapi to make an informed decision!

xxx

In fact, if the damn karma button hadnt dissapeard I wouldve pressed it!