Without experiencing labor, I'm not quite sure how you can say that it is hell? I had all three of my boys vaginally, with an epidural, and it was hardly hell. It was a great experience that I was actually ABLE to experience--I wasn't stuck behind a curtain. I'm not saying that a C-section would mean that your children would be unhealthy, but what is the point? It costs a whole lot more, it's a much longer recovery time and it's major surgery! Why put yourself through that? And we wonder why medical costs are skyrocketing?? I believe the only time a c-section should be necessary is if the life of the mother or the child is at risk--call me old-fashioned.

Wow, you chose to have a c-section so that you kid could have a round head? Some people just amaze me! My son was born naturally with a perfect cone shaped head and I don't regret that in the least!

The risk of infection is pretty scary with a c-section, and they are very expensive procedures. It's not natural. My friend's bladder stopped working for a few days a result of her surgery. With my natural birth, I was up walking around the same night, and only had to take two days worth of Motrin afterward. The actual labor was not "hell" at all. It was a beautiful experience to be able to see everything that was happening and not be stuck behind a blue curtain. My baby's head was perfectly "round" within a couple of days. Anyone who "opts" for surgery is crazy if you ask me.

Kristine-1602822

Apparently no one has told you what happens when you have a c-section. Being a medical student, you realize once you cut open your first cadaver what is involved with a c-section. Your basically are having your internal organs cut, clamp, moved around and then put back again, with the possible risk of infection. It isn't worth it unless it is medically needed. I can't believe the women who will go through it, and the risks, so they won't have to go through labor.

I have had 2 children, with no medications ( including no epidural's, natural births, and it isn't that bad. It just depends on how strong and willing you are to go through it.

Epidurals are dangerous as well. Before medical school I worked as a medical record copier. I came across one hospital in Northern Ohio that had 5 lawsuits against them because of epidurals going wrong. One woman died from one, another was paralyzed from the waist down, and the other one I remember the baby died. It isn't worth it. Try mediation.

while i understand you should be allowed to do what you want with your body - you are spending thousands of dollars on a medical procedure that is not necessary - and even if you are insured you are driving up the costs for the rest of us!

I understand the overwhelming fear of labor and the length of time that can be sometimes accompanied with a vaginal delivery, but as a OB worker, I recommend and have seen benefits, for the baby, with a vaginal delivery.

Not many people know what helps the newborn transition from a very water like environment to our world with air. They assume that suctioning the mouth and nose after a delivery is what gets all that fluid out of the lungs, and that could not be farther from the truth.

The actual 'squeeze' or push from the vaginal canal to this world is what gets all that stored fluid out of you rlittle one's lungs. If you have a cesearn section, you run the risk of not getting all of that out which can in turn become septic, which causes many problems to follow. The vaginal delivery is designed for the baby and if the baby is tolertaing it, then it is the best way.

Too many babies have what is called a "high risk transition", which means they require assisted oxygen to fully start breathing on their own. The lungs can not do everything on their own, so cutting open the mom's abdomen and then pulling out the newborn does not give it the needed pressure that comes with the push of a vaginal delivery.

The surgery of course also runs risk of infection ot the baby and to the mother, it is a longer recovery time and death is more frequently seen in cesearns than in natural labor.

Though it is not fun, it is for the best of the child, which is what every family is hoping for at the end of this whole experience.

There is no difference between having a vaginal delivery and a cesearn section when it comes to how a mother can bond with a child. Vaginal deliveries are just more painful to the mother and that is why some opt for the other form.

Please always consider the little one and it's transition before considering your pain or fear of labor. Think about this perhaps before you try to even start having children, the risks of c-section are not worth it. .. if you have the choice

you should consider yourself lucky that nothing went wrong. i wanted a natural childbirth, but i wasn't progressing and after 27 hours in labor, i had to have a c-section - my incision didn't heal properly and burst back open 9 days later. instead of the normal 1-2 weeks heal time (for the incision to heal up well enough to not need coverings), it took almost 4 months for my incision to finally heal up. 4 months of packing and repacking, taping and retaping my stomach. now, not only do i have the scar of the incision, i have a deformed stomach, it looks like a golfball chuck of flesh is missing. i never wanted that "hell", i just wanted a baby. i wanted a normal, vaginal birth, with an epidural, and instead i got cut wide open. if i ever have another child, i pray for a vaginal delivery - but after my experience with a c-section, the last thing i want is to risk going thru that again. you're lucky nothing went wrong b/c a c-section is not the walk in the park you percieve it to be.

-m

WOW! Why don't you whine some more? First of all, not all natural births are 'hell' so you can stop saying that. It is unfortunate that 'you chose' a c-section rather than experience what women's bodies are naturally designed to do. Enjoy your scar and round-headed children.

To the women chiding this woman about a decision SHE made with HER body (to have a C-section):

Stop it. It is her body. If she wants to forgo natural birth, that is her choice. We have the technology to make giving birth painless, and skip over the potential risks of delivering vaginally (incontinence, epistiotomy, clitoral tearing etc.). How, where and when to give birth to one's child is a deeply personal decision that can only be made by the woman who is giving birth.

Just because some of you chose to give birth with no painkillers doesn't mean you need to browbeat other women into doing the same thing. Also calling her weak because she chose not to put herself through a lot of pain is completely innapropriate. Why should she be forced to do something that is unpleasant?

It is this sort of attitude that makes the very idea of motherhood extremely unpleasant to me.

phoenix-910413

go have some children, then comment.

I have 3 kids. The first 2 were natural deliveries and the 3rd was a emergency c-section. I was terrified. I have had so many medical issues since than. I have to totally disagree with you on your comments. Having a natural delivery is both better on your body and the joy of having experiencing the pushing and crying was something that I will never forget and would do it again in a heartbeat. C-sections should only be used if their is a emergency. Not for people who are scared of pain and other reasons. go have a natural birth and than you can come back and we will talk!!!!!

To Kristine and all of you c-section lovers. If you think labor is hell than you know nothing about your body and have no respect for it. A woman is designed to give birth through her vagina. How do you know if labor is hell unless you try it? A woman is powerful and amazing and if you are choosing to have a c-section because you think labor will hurt than you have no idea about childbirth. Did you even take a childbirth class???????

Risks to vaginal births are WAY LOWER than ANY C-SECTION!!!!!!!!!!!

I had one c-section and then 2 vbacs and let me tell you, hours of contractions are 100% percent better than letting some OB cut you open and expose your uterus and abdomen to remove a baby. And vaginal stitches heal in days. Uterine scar- months!

I am just fuming!!!!!!!!!

c-sections can be pure hell. i had one when my son didn't turn correctly and he became distressed when i was pushing. while i agree with the doctors' decision to perform it, it was no walk in the park. it's major surgery, and things can and do go wrong. it turns out i had a bleeding disorder- it was hard to stem the blood. the surgery was complicated, and i ended up with an infection and tachycardia along with anemia. after a week in the hospital, my immune system was so destroyed that the wound split open- it took six more weeks to heal along with the assistance of a home nurse aide. the only reason i made it was i was in excellent shape and health. if i'm ever fortunate enough to have another child, i will absolutely try for a vbac. vaginal birth is a natural and healthy way to have a child whenever possible.

I can't believe so many of you are anti c-section, as if only an evil selfish person would choose one. Only 100 years ago, 25% of pregnacies ended in a dead mother! Not labors, pregnancies. That meant even the little line turning pink on your preg test meant you had a one-in four chance of dying. And obviously that meant the fetus expired too. There is a REASON c-sections are needed. But obviously I am speaking to a bunch of women who know everything, who have never had the baby's heart rate drop to almost nothing because there was a complication that would have killed it. What a selfish JERK I was to have a c-section so that she could survive birth!!!!!

Your figures are way off: 10% of births ended in either the death of the mother or infant (that's both combined =10%) still a high figure - but don't exagerate the statistics so much.

Unecessary c-sections are a serious problem. Without that option, you're right we'd have a lot more death and injury, but natural birth is by far preferable, and no one should go through unecessary and sometimes damaging major surgery so that doctors can make more money or cover their a$$.

Lourdes-1603243

No. There is not enough money in the world anybody could pay me to give birth. If I ever do have a child it will be via C-Section. However as more and more women are being browbeaten into "natural birth" I feel that this would not be an option for me by the time I am financially able to afford children (and finish medical school).

Kristine-1602822, irrational fear is not a good reason to have a C section just as self hatred is no reason to get plastic surgery. C-'sections are major surgery that are accompanied by a host of possible complications that are much more severe than some vaginal tearing. Child birth isn't necessarily all that painful (if you are worried there are epidurals that *completely* shut out the pain) and the healing is so much quicker than with a C-section. And no, vaginal birth doesn't stretch out the vagina (do some kegals for a while and you are literally as good as new), so even vanity isn't a reason. I sometimes get the idea some women just find being a woman Icky or childbirth Icky, and that is a shame.

Jen-----

You missed the point of the article and the comments. No one here is against a c-section when the health of mother and baby are at risk. It is when there is no medical reason for the surgery that is so alarming. No one here is chiding the women that have to have c-sections for valid medical reasons. Fear of labor and a little tearing is NO reason to have a major medical procedure such as a c-section.

wow!!!! i can't believe you rather have a c-section so your kid could have a perfect head jaja!! kristine i think you are too lazy and too scare to go through the labor pain.. i had 2 vaginal births without no pain medication and i'm proud of saying it.. i don't know why you're saying the recovery is not painful and harder when you know you are a big liar...

"My kids both came out with beautiful round heads unlike those from natural birth"

My vaginal birth child had a perfectly round head. This is not a universal thing.

I don't really understand why anyone would 'choose' to have a C-section. I had four, but not because I wanted to. My sons' heart, my first born, stopped twice during the delivery and my dr. chose to do a c-section. Thankfully, my son was born without any other complications. I tried a vaginal delivery (full blown labor) with my daughter, my second, but it was non progressive and had to have a second c-section. I don't regret the pain and trouble I went through. Naturally, my doctor decided it wasn't safe for me to carry full term with my 3rd planned child and our surprise last. I agree that going through labor is difficult and it can bring out the worst in some women, but what joy after it could also bring. Choice is good, but with all surgeries there is risk... even with the best doctors. I wonder, is putting yourself at risk worth it, just to have a quick semi-painless delivery?

I tell you now a days you're crazy to go through a c-section when you can have your baby natural!I had my first daughter naturally with no pain meds and went home the next day feeling great and proud. 13 years later I had a c-section with my second daughter because of a low lying placenta.......I was petrified through the whole ordeal the pain was worst then labor and I had to wait 3 days to go home and not drive for4 to 6 weeks. I'm sorry but if you choose a c-section because you can then you and your doctor are crazy.Wth, you'd rather have your gut cut open and think that's less painful ha! C-sections that are done because you want them just makes me think why are you having the baby anyway? Obviously if you can't handle the delivery then you can't handle being a parent. I don't care what anyone says you are not thinking what's best for your baby but what you think is best for you!!!I just wonder what you women do about breastfeeding? Do you know the pain that comes with that or are you not going to do it cause you're scared? Hmmmm I do hope you would nurse because it's best for the baby instead of what's best for you! I won't be having another baby,but if I did you damn right I would do everything I could to have it vaginally!Grow some backbones ladies...just think what your great great grandmothers did back in the day!!!!No wonder the world's so screwed up women can't even take the pain of childbirth wah wah get over it and be the woman your great grandma's would expect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi>I had 2 children naturally and without any pain killers ever. Maybe my tolerance of pain is high, but the birth process is over so quickly that the aftermath of a C section remains long after the baby is happy at home.

My girls had beautiful round heads too.

I had my child natural without an epideral. I had 2 hours and 45 mins of labor. I would have done it again if I could have. My sister-in-law had her five children natural without epideral. If you chose to not go into labor you should have just had a surrogate.'

Too many are forced on to people who do not want them.

For those that say there is nothing wrong with them, I bed to differ. As a victim of an illegal post pregnancy hysterectomy, that I did not want or need, the risk of a hysterectomy mutiplies due to extraction via caesarean.

If you want to choose to have an extraction, fine, but sign away your rights to your organs, future children, sex life, feminitity and so on.

Read these http://pph.a-little-wish.co.uk/case-studies/post-pregnancy-hysterectomy.aspx and if you still want to go ahead afterwards you have made a more informed decision! BUT do not assume it will not happen/be done to you!

Hello everyone, I am finishing my residency in Pediatrics in a NYC hospital with an award winning NICU, and the level of training I have received has been tremendous. I can tell you this Kristine, c sections are not the best option for you or the baby. The baby has a larger chance of ending up in the NICu due to TTN or delayed transition because of retained fetal lung fluid that in a normal vaginal delivery the passage thru the birth canal helps with expelling all of that fetal lung fluid. There is a higher chance of complications with a c section than a normal vaginal delivery although both can have problems. I personally believe if you can avoid a c section itd to your advantage. As a mother I loved giving natural birth to both of my kids, but if you prefer doing a c - section that is your choice, your preference.

C-sections are not meant to be a CHOICE just because you are too scared to go through labor. Your mentality is ignorant and you have no medical knowledge whatsoever and did not bother to research it before "choosing" to go with c-sections instead of labor. Your obstetrician is also unethical to allow you to do that. I am not against C-sections, they are meant for emergencies, not because you are afraid of the pain or work of labor. I am a nurse anesthetist, and I work in a very busy women's maternity hospital. In a given day we can have over 20 c-sections, and over 40 vaginal births if not more. C-sections are VERY risky, and to put yourself and your baby through that risk just because you are whimp, is proposterous.

To the MD that states that epidurals are dangerous, your information is wrong. The risk of being paralyzed from an epidural is 0.01%. That's nothing compared to the hundreds of thousands of epidurals that are placed daily around the world. In my years of experience, I have never ever even seen nerve damage, much less someone being paralyzed, and I've administered thousands of epidurals.

My advice, have a vaginal birth with an epidural as long as it's safe for you and the baby. Don't let your obstetrician talk you into a c-section without a legit reason. I have seen some obstetricians that will say their patient needs a c-section when she really does not. They do it because they don't want to be called in the middle of the night or over the weekend to deliver a baby. So do your research and do what's best and safest for you and your baby.

uhmmm you need to get off your high horse woman! C-sections are serious operations and are a risk to both mother and child no matter what you think! It's unnatural as well and is only meant to be as a last resort for those MEDICALLY needing one, not wimps and whiners wanting to escape the natural pain of child birth! I am a CNA and have seen first hand, the risks at stake and it is no laughing matter. And for the record, I am not against c-sections when a life is at stake and it is deemed medically necessary, but I am when lazy crybaby women just want to escape the natural order of life as it was meant to be, or when women just don't feel like carrying their child aound inside anymore because they feel huge! So you need to extract your head from your rearend and do some serious research on the subject before running your mouth touting c-sections are a simple walk in the park.

Yes, there will always be idiots who think their own fears and image issues are more important than their baby's safety. You'll never find any evidence that a c-section is as save as vaginal birth. It's certainly your choice to make about your own body, but don't kid yourself, you took the selfish way out and put your baby at risk because you had no idea what labor would be like and were too much of a chicken to find out. If anyone's whining, it's you. BOO HOO...I can't do what trillions of women have done before me...my comfort is more important that the safety of this child I just carried for 9 months...BOO HOO...

Any doctor who agrees to an elective section should have their license taken away. No one has the right to put a baby in danger for selfish, non-medical reasons. Get educated, your post is one of the most ignorant I've seen on the topic.

Sad that we are so inclined to change what WAS a natural process into a medical procedure. Csections carry a significant risk to the mother but also to a newborn who maybe born prematurely because of the choice of a date for an elective procedure. I admire women who have chosen to go into labor despite the urgings to be induced (by their doctors, their families) for selfish reasons, to chose to carry their babies to term when it was safe and to be strong and protect their bodies and babies from unnecessary and VERY EXPENSIVE surgery. I would only wonder what would happen to the Csection rate if people had to pay for 50% of elective Csections. Don't get me wrong... I know that there are mothers that need Csections to save their lives and that of their precious child. And, yes, Cbirths are births. Those moms know what it was like to choose Csections. Not like picking it out on a restaurant menu. But, as long as people want to choose a convenient date and time.. and insurance will pay for it..... elective Csections will survive.

I was in labour for 54 hours with my 1st baby before she started to regress (go back up) and it was decided that I would have a c-section. I wish I had known it would end that way because I would have gladly opted for a c-section and done without the 54 hours of labour that got me no where. That is exactly what I did for my next 2 babies. Anatomically, I would likely have been unable to deliver and I was unwilling to try again. Those who have laboured might have a tough time blaming me because 54 hours was more then one should have to bear. C-sections are far safer for baby and mom then complicated vag deliveries. I do think that Mom's should try to deliver vag for their 1st baby just because that is the way it should be. period. It is the way nature wanted it, and that cannot be argued. If, however, complications arise, c sections are a much safer method of delivery for both mom and baby. I know, I do this as a job. Ties between mother/baby bonding and method of delivery, ect are imaginations of guilt ridden mothers who need to get a grip and focus on what really matters....your beautiful, healthy baby.

I am not against someone having a c-section. But I strongly disagree with the trend of hospitals not allowing a woman to have a VBAC. My friend had a section 21 years ago and has had two successful VBACs since that time. Now with her current pregnancy the hospital is mandating another c-section. This is nuts! She doesn't want another c-section because she had complications with the first one, yes it was necessary, but it wasn't fun.

How would you know what a natural birth feels like? I do, and believe me it was much easier than the abdominal surgery I had. Also, are you understanding the mortatlity risks to mother and baby with a c-section? Your comment seems to blow right over that.

I had my first child vaginally, and she was a 9 pounder. Since she was so big she had shoulder dystocia. Everything ended fine with a beautiful baby. I was very swollen and went home with a catheter. My second child born a 7 pounds had to be delivered via c-section. I would never in a million years choose to have a c-section. With my second birth, I did not have a choice due to fetal distress but with my 3rd pregnancy I DO NOT want a c-section. I look forward to delivering a baby the way nature intended and felt robbed with my 2nd. Recovery for a vaginal is much faster and way easier. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I say vaginal all the way!

While I'm all for a woman's right to choose, I think women need to be educated about the choices. A C-section is very serious surgery with some very serious risks associated with it. I have had 3 children by C-section, the first one being an emergency, second for health issues, the third being elective and my not feeling comfortable with natural birth after two previous C-sections and my health-related issues. The decision to electively have a C-section was not taken lightly. I researched the risks and benefits of both VBAC and C-section, had extensive talks with my doctor and made an informed decision. If a woman wants to choose C-section because it's easier then she's fooling herself, but it is still her choice. I hope that women take these decisions VERY seriously, educate themselves, and not make the decision based on vanity or fear.

I have 4 kids all via c-section because of medical reasons. I can't believe how lightly some people treat the decision to have an elective cesarean. There are many increased risks for both the mom who needs to be there to raise your sweet baby and your other children but also for that baby that has no choice in the matter.

Because of a complication durring my last cesarean (One that we found out is VERY common for cesarean babies) my son spent the first 10 days of his life in the NICU with chest tubes, a ventilator and all kinds of drugs in his system. I wasn't able to hold him until a week after he was born. He went through withdrawals when he was taken off of the drugs. He was full term and there had been no reason for us to suspect that there would be any problems. I'm not saying that this is an everyday thing. Statistically your will probably have no issues, but is the risk worth it if it can be helped?

C-sections can save lives, but they should never be taken lightly. Having a beautiful round head and being able to schedule the birth into your busy schedule should NEVER play into the decision process. Be responsible. Act like an adult and quit giving others crap for trying to convey the seriousness of this decision. It's not only your life that will be impacted.

I guess it's all about what you call hell. Hell was my c-section and the opposite of hell was my vaginal birth. C-section recovery was 10 weeks, vaginal birth 2 days.

You're quite lucky that you're not one of the people whose babies face was sliced with the scalpel.

The amount of false information on this issue is ridiculous. First, there are horror stories either way and we can all come up with a hundred different terrible things that can happen. But just about 99% of the time (literally 99%), the baby comes out perfectly fine either naturally or through an elective c-section.

The chance of the mother dying from a c-section (elective or emergency) is only 0.002%. The chance of a mother dying from a natural birth is 0.001%. As far as the baby goes, the risk of death is actually higher for a natural birth than an elective c-section for births without underlying medical complications. The risk of infection is only slightly more higher for the mother with a c-section than a natural birth and the risk of the child having an infection is greatly diminished when taken out through a c-section. All the talk about the baby's lungs being full of fluid after a c-section is a complete myth and those incidents were predisposed to occur either way. With all the technology available, the chance that an elective c-section is performed detrimentally pre-maturely is extremely low.

The dozen or so studies I have personally been involved in, reviewed, or edited have shown that there is no decreased ability to bond with the child after or to nurse the child. Both of my children were born naturally, but I would never look down upon another woman who elects a cesarean. I find that most of these types of women subconsciously believe that since they had to go through the painful, natural way, every other woman should have to too.

In my opinion, the problem is that Western society (in general) no longer views pregnancy as a natural part of a woman's life, but more often views it as an inconvenience, and elective choice, and a medical condition that should be managed based on the patient's wishes. C-sections also appeal to those who would rather have everything scheduled and in its place on the calendar--God forbid that a mother would need to wait around during the final few weeks wondering if today will be the day.

That's not to say that C-sections are never appropriate. They should be used when medically necessary, but most moms-to-be are not qualified to make that call--that should (imo) come from the physician.

I think part of the problem is that some physicians have become complacent and grant the mothers wish to not deal with labor.

Why should the woman be forced to go through a very long, painful process when there is an option to forgo it?

hmm having not gone through either yet, wish me luck with my 1st i have concerns about both just because of the horror stories people tell me

with vaginal births i am worried about exteme pain and exhaustion (my friends labour was 39 hours), tearing and needing stitches, losing bladder control after the birth as my friend has (she pees herself now), pooping during the birth (one husband left his wife after witnessing this), haemorraging, paralyisis after having epidural (read a story about this) also a friend of my husbands had an epidural and her spine now leaks spinal fluid.

with c-sections i am worried about the recovery, infection, pain, extreme scarring, having it split, being more helpless for 6 weeks and also it takes 6 weeks to recover and thats all the maternity leave i get.

i really dont know whats best, people keep scaring me off both :(

I had a c-section. I don't think it was a bad choice, I preferred it to the painful process of them trying to turn my daughter after my water broke. When I went into labor my daughter was breech. I wasn't scheduled, I was an emergency seeing as I was about 2 weeks early. The healing process wasn't bad because I had a strict dr and there were certain things I couldn't have or couldn't do. The healing rate for my dr was about 25% higher than any other dr's because of how strict she was. I couldn't drink anything ice cold, I couldn't drink out of straws because of gas that would force my abdominals to flex before they were ready, I couldn't drive for 4 weeks, and I couldn't pick up anything heavier than my daughter for 8 weeks. I was in the hospital for 3 days, they had me up and walking around 8 hours after my surgery. My husband wouldn't let me get up off the toilet by myself for the first week I was home. Personally, I would elect to have another c-section because of the possible tearing of the scar tissue if you have a vbac. My c-section cost only $600 more than a vaginal birth would have.

I had originally wanted to have a vaginal birth, but the fact that my daught was breech made that not an option.

Phoenix-910413 wrote "Why should the woman be forced to go through a very long, painful process when there is an option to forgo it?"

Why should an expensive surgery be granted for a birth that costs much, much less? When the cost of elective C-sections and other unnecessary surgeries such as circumcisions are paid for by the recipients, they will be dropped.

Quinn's Mom wrote "My c-section cost only $600 more than a vaginal birth would have."

Are you talking about out of pocket cost? Similar surgeries, such as hernia, that require general anesthesia and five days of hospital stay are $25k-$40k , depending on the hospital.

hometowngirl, good luck! I while I never had kids or experienced pregnancy, My sisters and two of my best friends from middle school already went there and its not all bad, having vaginal births. My best friend is a runner, and when she went into labor, it literally only lasted 4 hours. Her daughter just popped out! And she had to argue with the doctor who tried to push the painkillers on her, she refused them because she told me, honestly it just didnt hurt that much. And both my sisters had births that lasted under 15 hours.

And your last paragraph just sounds like your just having normal worries associated with first time mother hood. It will get better, and I'm sure if you go with the vaginal delivery you'll be happy you did.

hometowngirl-510510

In regards to the epidural, most hospitals prefer to give c-section mothers an epidural over general anesthesia because the recovery time is quicker for the mother because she is never out of it and because less of the medicine crosses the placenta. So with a c-section you are very likely to have an epidural. For vaginal childbirth, there are classes that teach breathing and meditation techniques that you can use to relieve the pain so that you don't need drugs.

I had wanted a drug free labor, but in addition to cord around her neck (which led to fetal distress and emergeny c-section), she was her spine against mine and I excrutiating back labor that led be to give in. That and the fact that because of the distress she was showing, I was unable to get out of bed to walk around or sit on the exercise ball or otherwise try to relieve the pain.

Ladies,

I have been reading all of your comments for more than 40 minutes now (there are a lot), and I have to say I am terrrified of giving birth... all those stories of complications and problems during and after childbirth in both cases: vaginal delivery or c-sections...

I agree with hometown girl, I am scared of both and really dont know what to choose when the time comes :( :(

Don't be afraid madrid. Last year I gave birth to my first baby in less than an hour virginally without any pain killer! You will forget about all the pain once you see your precious little one! I walked almost every day during my preganacy and I guess that's what helps me to have such a short labor!

HOMETOWNGIRL & MADRID

I agree... reading all these stories and hearing your friends stories can be very frightening! It sounds like you are both first time moms to be... and being afraid of the whole delivery process is normal. Choose what is best for you and your child is the most important thing. Sharing this with both your husbands and Dr.'s is just as important. Just because one person had a 'great' c-section story or a horrible vaginal birth story... doesn't seem reason enough to opt for one or the other.

Everyone's primary goal is a beautiful healthy child!

Hometowngirl and Madrid,

I had 3 children vaginally, it was not a walk in the park but it was not the end of the world. You can decide on pain meds as you go along in labor. It is not cut and dried. With my first I had the epidural and it was great. With the others it just took the edge off which is what you need, because at the end you are going to push - you can't help it. Having a healthy baby is the important thing. If you decide on the C section just note that the recovery afterward is longer and you will be caring for your baby then as well as yourself. I had a hysteretomy long after my children were born and it was the old fashioned kind with the scar - so the the recovery was similar to a C section. It was more painful to me than what I experienced with recovering from childbirth. So net result - childbirth is never painfree, but it is tolerable and it does not last forever. Either way you will get thru, and you will have a beautiful baby.

Quinn's Mom ---> You may not be aware of this, and it could be the fault of your doctor just not wanting to be bothered to deal with it, but you CAN deliver a breech baby vaginally!! I have seen it done. Also, you say you were about two weeks early. If you mean that you were at 37-38 weeks gestation, that IS NOT early enough to be considered an emergency. Much of the medical community considers anything after 37 weeks as full term.

If you chose to have another child please do some research first. I highly recommend that any women looking for a natural birth seek out the services of a midwife and/or doula. The traditional OBGYN/Hospital setup is not your only option ladies!

hometown and madrid...

i am a mother of one...i had my daughter when i was 17 yrs old...no epidural no stupid csection, nothing, and i have never been so proud of myself! One of my friends also had her first child and had to do a csection...she couldnt walk for a few days...her stomache was always sore and she had staples...who would want that by choice?? I know it is scary to think that this little person will be coming out of your body...but just like another comment that was made...as soon as your child is in your arms any pain you had vanishes...it is the best moment of your life! Dont miss that due to ppl trying to talk you into a csection...its a wonderful experience. And a quick tip for you...i am sure you ahve heard about ripping and stitches and what not...to avoid that...when the dr says not to push...DONT PUSH...thats what causes you to tear...i had to get one stitch and you dont even really feel it. Pls dont be scared. Now...to all the pro csection idiots...how sad can you be...OMG MY BABYS HEAD MIGHT NOT COME OUT ROUND...I SHOULD HAVE A CSECTION...YOUR AN IDIOT!!!!! My daughters head was just the way it was meant to be...PERFECT...i wouldnt have wanted to do it any other way...if me, a CHILD, can handle child birth with no issues...how can some of you grown women be such sissys! My daughter was born in about 15-30min...it was simple!

I hope you first time moms read this and honestly think about what your doing if you are opting for a csection...pls reconsider unless it is necessary!

i also forgot to add that i am currently only 19 and i want at least one more child...and exactly the same way i had the first 1!

Hey Isabella's mom, for the record, an epidural birth is not a "natural birth". It is a vaginal birth.

Those of you who had all natural vaginal deliveries are fortunate, but c-sections aren't that awful. After 60 (yes, I said 60) hours of failed attempts at labor induction (with literally every method available to modern obstetrics), I ended up having a c-section because my water had broken, and my cervix still hadn't even dialated to 1cm. I was already a week overdue and my son ended up weighing 9lbs, 2 oz. I was up walking around later that day, and although I was really sore (for about a week and a half), I didn't have any complications and my son was/is perfectly healthy. C-sections should be taken seriously because they are a major surgery, and I don't think that they should be done unless necessary, but I wish that everyone would stop trying to scare the crap out of women about them, since some people don't have a choice. I actually had a doctor tell me that among every other complication she could think of, I would be risking "losing too much blood and having to get a transfusion, and the blood you receive could be infected with HIV." I could also get hit by lightning and win the lottery in the same day, but that doesn't mean that it's probable. I don't know about everyone else, but if I'm unexpectedly in need of a major medical procedure, I'd prefer to go into it with a little bit of faith in the abilities of my healthcare providers to do what they have been trained to do, without being a nervous wreck over all of the "what if's". Of course having a baby the way that nature intended is the ideal way to go, and no one should be so afraid of going through it that they don't want to try - it really does pose less of a risk to both mom and baby. But it would be a great change of pace for everyone to stop acting like having a c-section is playing Russian Roulette with your (and your child's) health, for the sake of all of the soon-to-be mothers whose plans turn out like mine did. There's risk with every surgery - why people only make a big deal out of this one, when their audience is usually terror-stricken and naive first time expectant moms, is difficult for me to understand. Go pick on the women getting cosmetic surgery for a change.

It's the Mom being selfish b/c she would rather schedule when her baby is born...or have her baby come out w/ a perfectly round head, or have her vagina stay in tact. Plenty of women have c-sections b/c of those very reasons...you're telling me that's NOT selfish?

Women were designed to give birth vaginally for a reason. Babies born by c-section are at a higher risk for respiratory problems and when a woman has a c-section it's more difficult for her to breastfeed b/c her body is unaware that she's already given birth to the baby. Now if you're telling me that the baby isn't missing out on anything after that then you obviously don't know what you're talking about.

Isabellas_Mom...

I had 3 c-sections, the 1st was b/c I pushed for 4 hours with no progression and the 2nd and 3rd were because I didn't want to risk hemorrhaging which could have resulted in hysterectomy. Just because c-section births are *scheduled* doesn't mean that that they are for convenience sake. For record, it is NOT more difficult to breast-feed after a c-section... I nursed all of my children within a few hours of delivery and never had a problem at all.

Isabelle's mom -

I agree! It is the selfishness of the mothers! Women who are that selfish shouldn't be parents to begin with!!! They put their own needs first, endangering the well being of the infant. Some women!!! Just makes me sick!!!

I had two c-sections because of complications that ultimately resulted in a transfusion and an emergency hysterectomy after my second child. My dreams of a large family were dashed - not because of a c-section but because of my attempts at child birth. Please stop all of the name calling and labeling. I am guessing that you do not know every single woman who has had a c-section and I am confident that you and I do not know each other. To be sure, I am not selfish. While, I am not qualified to determine who should or should not be parents, I adore my children. In fact, I almost died giving life to them. Please concentrate your venom on an issue that is less open to debate, excuse or reason and actually harmful to children like child abuse, child trafficking, etc. Those of us who were rushed into the operating room, who were cut open on a cold hard table, who were losing consciousness as blood was being pumped into them as fast as they were losing it, who were terrified that they would never have the chance to meet their children -- WE HAVE READ ENOUGH. Please and thank you in advance.

Ok...some of you aren't reading what I wrote. I didn't say that ALL moms who have c-sections are selfish. I said that SOME ladies that choose c-sections do it for selfish reasons. For the baby being breech, extremely long labor, medical issues, etc..I understand that c-sections may become necessary.

I have nothing against women who have c-sections. My mother has had 2 c-sections and I saw the pain she went through with recovery. I NEVER thought she was selfish for it b/c with her 1st c/s it was necessary and w/ her 2nd c/s they said it would be better on her than to try a vbac (before vbac's gained in popularity).

And my comment about breastfeeding is true. I didn't say that just b/c you have a c/s doesn't meant you can't breastfeed. It's just more difficult b/c your body doesn't know you already gave birth...therefore the milk can take a bit longer to come in.

I'm not done having children. I know that there is always a possibility that I could end up having a c/s for any reason with any future pregnancies that I have. Hell...I almost wanted to have one during my labor w/ my daughter b/c I had already been pushing for almost 2 hours and felt depleted of all energy...but to me it seemed selfish to just give up instead of keep going to try and push her out naturally.

I'm not name-calling people for having a c/s...just please READ what I wrote before going off.

Wow. So women who chose to have C-Sections are horrible, selfish human beings and women who have all natural births are heroic selfless heroines? A woman choosing an elective C-Section actually makes one of the commenters here sick? How absurd!

C-Section vs. Natural Birth does not make one a better mother. One does not need to suffer in order to be a "better mother". Just get adequate prenatal care, eat a healthy diet, and eliminate your vices for 9 months and bring the little one into the world. Once the baby is here, love them with all of your heart.

Have your baby in whatever way will make you most comfortable, the baby will not remember how they entered the world. They will remember a mother that loves them.

Just make sure you know all of the risks of whatever method you chose to give birth with. Be sure to do research from reputable sources and have a lengthy conversation with your OB/Nurse Midwife. Make sure you know everything possible about each method and chose the one you truly believe is right for you.

Also, don't let these women judge you because they made a different choice. What gives them the right?

again....you OBVIOUSLY aren't reading what I wrote oringinally (or in any of the subsequent posts) which in turn makes you sound absurd. Jeez ladies...quick to judge what someone wrote ABOUT ME without reading WHAT I WROTE first?

I am now 7months pregnant and I am terrified of having natural birth as well as using an epidural because of all the things I am hearing about both, but what I can say is that I will not opt to have a C-Section just because I am afraid of childbirth. I just wonder when C-sections became an option for woman, I always thought it was set in place encase of emergencies. As I said before I am terrified because this is my first child and I think my fear comes from the unknown, hearing other woman and their experiences, as well as watching things like birthday or baby story. All I know is I want to make the best decision for first my baby and then myself. I know that I am the type that has a very low tolerance for pain, but I also know that once I set my mind to do something I will get it done, so I guess its the mind frame you go into the delivery room with. I will talk to my mid-wife about it let her know my concerns, and I will keep epidural as an option if I feel like I cant pull through once in labor, but my goal is to not use it, and just pray because God wont give you more than you can bare. I dont think anything about women that have c-sections, but I know that its not for me, unless it has to be done.

"Squeezing a baby through a tight hose" is actually one of nature's way of taking care of the baby's lungs. When the baby's chest is squeezed through the birth canal, all the fluids are squeezed out and the baby can breath better quicker. Today I saw a baby that would not breath and was blue with an apgar score of only 4 because he had too much fluid in his lungs from the c-section. It took the NICU nurse to almost intubate the baby before he started breathing. People, do a little research if you are having a baby. Statistics show that child birth is a lot more enjoyable if you know what the hell is going on with your bodies, and how the birthing process works.

OMGOSH some of you people floor me. I had a natural delivery and 2 c-sections. Trust me, for the ones whov'e never experienced a c-section, it should never and I mean NEVER be done unless it's an emergency. It's very painful with way to many risks to mom and baby. Natural childbirth is painful, no doubt, but a few hours of pain versus 6 weeks of healing time? For a mother to choose a c-section for her own comfort and risk the baby's health is plain selfish in my opinion.

C-sections should only be done in emergency situations not because we as a society are even to lazy to give birth, geesh

"I think what we need to realize is that the maternal and fetal mortality rates are way low in this day and age, in the US and other industrialized countries at least, because of the availability of c-sections when the intervention is necessary"

you need to check your data - we are NOT advanced which is the issue - we spend the MOST out of any industrialized country and have the WORSE outcome - we hang out with Cuba when it comes to morbidity and mortality of our neonates and mothers...

I fully believe that C-sections should be used when medically necessary, and agree they have helped save babies that otherwise may have died. At the same time, I really do know a couple that went through with a vaginal breech delivery, but the decision to allow that to happen came from the doctor after assessing the size of the child and the condition of the mother. My wife and I had to have a child turned during labor after he disengaged. That was probably the most unpleasant birthing experience of all the kids we've had together. We were ready to roll out to surgery, however, and left that call to my wife's ob-gyn.

Unfortunately, I think it's likely the lack of medically-unnecessary and/or "elective" C-sections that have given the negative stigma to C-sections. When it's medically necessary, it's medically necessary. There's no sense in moving forward with something potentially harmful or dangerous to the baby/mother if there are safer options. However, I think a lot of people don't have their facts straight and assume that automatic C-section="safer" in all circumstances, which is just not the case.

100 years ago, or even 50 years ago, we lost more moms and babies in birth than we do now for lack of c-section when necessary.

I am NOT for this whole schedule it for the sake of the mothers convenience but I think we loose sight in the backlash to that 'convenience' BS, of how many more babies are here NOW as opposed to 50 or 100 years ago. Mothers too. The advancement of obstetrics has saved many lives. Now we are seeing a slight increase (but not to the levels of past) of mortality, most likely because of older mothers (riskier pregnancies) and higher order multiples (also a riskier pregnancy), among other reasons.

stes... 100 years ago in the U.S. the infant mortality rate was nearly 14% of all births and today it is less than 6%. Regardless of the comparison among other countries, medical intervention has obviously saved lives.

Actually, if we study the history of birth, we learn that the primary reason that mortality rate of women and infants improved had to do not with the movement of birth into the hospital setting, but with an understanding of the importance of hand washing. Iatrogenic complications cost families & tax payers so much each year, and are partly responsible for the high cost of health insurance. Of course medical interventions are a blessing when necessary for the health & safety of mother and baby. But there is so much misinformation out there and so much emotion involved in the stories of how our babies came into the world. The thing is, the way we give birth does matter and women need to be allowed to have support and to make truly informed choices. Education is key, and I fear that in this day and age women and their partners are foregoing this information and relying on the medical establishment rather than on the love and support of those who know how to provide care for the whole person.

I realize I am quite late to this topic, and not sure if anyone is still following this subject, but I have to mention that the US is number 41 in the lineup of maternal mortality rates. I just got that figure last week from an Amnesty International publication. This means that 40 other countries in the world have less maternal deaths after childbirth than we do in the US. Yet we have, by far, the highest C-section rate in the world. Our infant mortality rate is not that hot,either, the last statistic i saw was about four years ago, and we were 16th in the world then.

I am not going to judge women who want to have c-sections. I am, however, going to point the finger at doctors and hospitals who are deliberately escalating the incidence of c-sections. Malpractice suits and the fear thereof are a major reason for the rise in c-sections. So is a feeling that labor, even though it is *highly* individual, should fit some mold, that if it is longer than normal or if something just a little different happens, it is automatically a cause for concern. Basically, our medical experts treat pregnancy like a disease, and a dangerous one, not like a natural bodily function. Can labor be dangerous? yes, it can, but....why would b we be number 41 in maternal mortality if we were doing things right? Obviously something is very wrong, and needs to be addressed. The only way this will happen is as women turn more and more to midwives and doulas, or insist until they shout down the rafters that they persaonally have some control over what happens to themselves and their babies once they go into labor. I have seen more than one woman's careful plans, and written medical dictates about having natural birth thrown literally into the trashcan once they were admitted to the labor wing. I have watched more than one OB doc give the 'I am god and I know better than you" speech, too. Well, they don't always. I am not trying to scare anyone, I just think that all prospective mothers should pay very careful attention to whom you are having care for your prenatal time and your labor and delivery. It may be the most important medical decision you ever make.

I delivered my first child via C-section at 27 weeks - obviously not by choice. I had always wanted to try natural birth but with his condition and for my safety, we had to do surgery. He survived and is a very healthy, active 4 year old. It was NO walk in the park to recover and wish I had a choice to have delivered my children the way God intended. When you CHOOSE to become a mother, you no longer have the right to only think of yourself and the pain that you might endure during childbirth. My second child also was a C-section - also not by my choice. I was told that because of the situation with my first delivery, there was more risk to me of hemmoraging and possible death of myself and the baby. That's the only thing that should be considered when it comes to C-sections, the baby and mothers health....not your pain tolerance.

Every woman's experience is different. Things went so badly during my first, vaginal delivery (my baby, despite all efforts by me and my doula, was sunny-side up and got stuck) that I have had 13 subsequent surgeries trying to repair the damage and will never be fully healed. My c-section for my second delivery (obviously medically necessary at that point) was a breeze in comparison, and even my abdominal hysterectomy (complete with screws, plates and mesh) was no worse than that first delivery.

Because I am a rare case, I would never recommend elective c-sections. But there is a very wide range of recoveries after vaginal deliveries and most women aren't healed and ready to go in a few hours. Not everyone's vaginal delivery will be less painful, I only wish mine was!

i completely agree with u, i had an ER c-section as well , had preclampsia and he was way too big for my body). People critized me but all i did was listen to what my dr thought was best for the baby and me. I never had any complications and didnt feel any pain, till this day ive had no problems with my c-section, never had any infections.

my cousin had her children vaginally and was ripped from end to end, and she's had so many problems. she's had to pay for reconstructive surgery. People should think before they talk, theres lots of problems that also come with ripping and now they regret not speaking up because their mothers told them they had to experience child birth the way they did, she wasn't allowed to get an epidural because her mother said she didnt need it. Really lady's there is no need to go thru the pain if not necessary, no one will thank u for it.

Whats wrong with technology and medical advancements? Back in ye olde natural birthing days, I bet there were a ton of women wishing for a nice clean hospital, painkillers, doctors, and the option for a C-Section. It is also important to note the leading cause of death in women was childbirth.

Its a choice. If you want a natural birth have a natural birth. If you want a C-Section, get a C-Section.

Just love your baby as much as you can once they are out in this big scary world. They'll be fine.

Thank You Mike! She's obviously a child! I completely agree! I have had two babies, naturally & drug free....the way it it intended! I am thankful that you support "REAL" women (what seems to be left of them---very few) views & lifestyle! Thank you!!

I resent the implication that I am not a REAL woman because my body was ill-equipped to have babies "the way it is intended."

Please read your comments before you post them. Not every c-section is elective. And, just because I had a c-section and blood transfusions and an emergency hysterectomy does not make me any less women than you! I guess I should just avoid all "mom" forums as I am not "REAL" woman.

you know, i was 19 when i gave birth to my daughter the natural, i did have some pain meds but not the epidural, i had the stuff they put in the fluid stuff for your body. I was in labor for 6 hours, and gave birth in 40 minutes. But then again i walked 2 miles ever day. My doctor was surprised that someone my age was able to have the baby quick.

But i cant belive that some people would just have a C-section because they are abunch of wussys that cant take the natural thing. I only think that C-section should be performed, if the mother is in danger, or the baby.

Unselfish......you missed the point hun. If it is medically necessary.....no one here is discounting that. There are times that c-sections are very necessary. Most of us here are talking about the ones that have the surgery out of ill conceived notions of labor, pain and vanity.

okay while I do agree with you, you did not experience it either nor will you ever experience it so you have no right to comment or even criticize any woman. C-section should not be a choice for healthy women who can give birth but it is and some women choose it for one reason or the other, but it is not up to us to judge, and especially not you.

Pheonix,

Back in the Ye Olde Days more women and infants died from childbirth in the hospitals than did out in the poor shanties. The number one reason was the lack of sanitation. The doctors didn't wash hands and the same clothes were worn from the cadaver lab to the birthing suite. (Nice image, huh?)

Secondly, more poor women were sqatting to give birth, letting gravity help, whereas in the hospitals, the position of the mother is purely at the convenience of the doctor and frequently causes the pelvis to be tilted upwards. Not real conducive to sliding that little person out. If you have a local historical society, they may have one of the old birthing chairs that was used. Check it out, its really interesting.

For the record, I had a C-section (medically necessary) and I got to have my baby with me in the Recovery room and nursed her within an hour of delivery.

I remember when the medical profession really seemed to live by the rule, "First, do no harm." When, in the opinion of the attending physician or medical staff, a C-section is necessary, then by all means that operation should happen post haste. The idea of "elective" C-sections just boggles my mind. I also view elective inducements with similar chagrin. I can understand inducing if the baby is clearly past due and the body has not begun labor, but not simply allowing it to be scheduled for the sake of convenience (e.g., to have baby born on the same day as another family member, so as not to miss some event).

I believe that if a woman has the "right" to schedule an unnecessary C-section/induction that is not medically necessary then it should not be covered by insurance...plain and simple. Other procedures that are considered cosmetic or otherwise are generally not covered. The costs of those procedures are what's driving up premiums for everyone else (not to mention the NICU stays for babies who were not quite ready to be born).

I also believe that if a woman has the "right" to schedule an unnecessary C-section/induction then other women should have the same "right" to a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) if they desire. If a hospital is not equipped to handle an emergency arising from a VBAC then they are not equipped to handle an emergency arising from any other birth and therefore should not be delivering babies in the first place.

It seems that OBs don't even know how to deliver babies without intervention anymore. Many (or I dare say most) have never even seen a completely natural birth.

I love that idea Brandi!!! If you choose to have an c-section....then you must cover the cost yourself. If it is medically necessary.....then insurance will pay.

I agree that a person should have to pay out of pocket for all elective and unnecessary surgeries. I had 2 vaginal births (both with too big babies and complicated deliveries), an emergancy c-section and and necessary c-section. They were all hard but well worth it. My babies were all basically healthy and we bonded with them imediately.

I do believe that we should be able to choose but we should have to be responsible for our choices.

Oh, and I am a Christian but don't think a person has to go through delivery without meds. My sister-in-law did with all 5 of her kids but I needed it with all of mine.

That is a great idea Brandi.

Although I may not personally agree with it, a woman does have the right to chose to have a c-section just for the sake of convenience, or because she thinks it will be less pain, or any other materialistic reason.

Since the baby's life is potentially at risk along with the mother's, I wouldn't put an elective c-section in quite the same category as cosmetic surgery, but it's the same idea. It is surgery without a medical need. By that description, it should not be covered by insurance. If money became a factor, I believe we would see a decline in elective c-sections.

And as a note to those people here that are flipping out, of course I am not opposed to medically necessary c-sections. I would not be alive today if it weren't for one. I merely feel that a vaginal birth is preferable whenever possible.

Well said Brandi, I believe that all elective surgeries should be out of pocket. I mean if my friend had to pay out of pocket for much needed plastic surgeries due to bad burns from a coffee spill accident, then by all means if a pregnany woman opts for a c-section just to give birth on a certain day, or doesn't want to deal with the natural pain of birth, than they should pay all costs 100% out of pocket! This doesn't apply to medically needed c-sections as that is what these are supposed to be for in the first place. Maybe when they are forced to put out the dough they will think twice about it. maybe by doing this it will begin to ease the burdens of others insurance premiums as well as out of pocket costs.

Amen... priority 1 is a healthy child and mother. The "experience" of childbirth aside. I would rather have a healthy child to "experience" loving and raising. Why do mothers feel they have the right to judge other mothers? From breast-feeding to discipline... I just don't get it!!!

DeeChristo,

nobody cares about your drama. everyone is entitled to comment so leave it at that. if this upsets you then stop reading these comments, but thank you for sharing :)

Kitty, at age 86 it is okay to declare "unfamiliar territory" when it comes to topics that require current and relevant expertise.

Since the Roosevelt & Truman administrations when you graduated from nursing school, many lives (babies and mothers) have been saved as a result of advances in modern medicine. During the last 65 years numerous health conditions, moderate to severe, have been identified that may contribute to complications during natural child birth. Though invasive, the surgery is relatively safe today and in many cases performing this procedure in a controlled environment represents the safest alternative when weighed against the myriad of complications that can arise during less predictable methods of child birth. It is absurd to refer to statistical evidence from 1945 – particularly in the medical field – and argue that our departure from those trends is a step backwards.

Finally, I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest everyone on this board agrees that the open and respectful dialogue inherent of the modern doctor/patient relationship is preferred to your suggestion that it should be the "prerogative of the obstetrician, not the mother" whether or not a cesarean is performed.

to Honestly -

Really??? Kinda rude words for an elder....don't you think? Yes, because in the past, what did you say, 65 years, womens bodies have changed so drastically?!!! Really??? The true problem here is that physicians are now more lazy than ever! They now choose quantity over quality. And judging by your jargon above, you most likely are one of those.

Dee Cristo and others,

Please read the thread and understand that many of us believe that vaginal birth is natural and what women were meant to endure as a result of pregnancy. Modern medicine has given us drugs and other means to challenge the pain of the experience.

But we also know that many women died in childbirth in the past. We are NOT indicting those of you who went through Cbirth as a result of problems and emergencies during your labors. And it does NOT make you less of a woman to have birthed your child through Cbirth when it was indicated for your safety and that of your child.

What some of us are talking about is the trend to encourage women to plan an induction or Csection for purely convenience or not wanting to deal with the problems that labor brings to a woman and family. Birth is not meant to be a trip through Mcdonalds. It should be the most anticipated but welcome end to a pregnancy. And not feared but endured with trust in your caregiver and family. And yes, no one goes through this in the same way. So, those of you out there that are afraid because of horror stories, please know that you will write your own story. Surround yourself with love and trust.

I would like to trust the doctor/patient relationship as Honestly says but it is apparent that physicians are also operating in the era of convenience as well as not wanting to deal with the dynamics of their patients. One of the most wise physicians that I knew would tell us to care about our patients with patience but not to aquiese to the fears and requests that were not grounded in knowledge. He delivered many babies vaginally but the moms that he delivered by Cbirth knew that they had done their best and Cbirth was their vehicle to a safe outcome.

I agree! Thats exactly what it is...Selfishness!!! You go girl!!!

Apparently, my mother is a superhero. She delivered three children, each over 9 lbs, without any drugs. Women ... They don't make them the way they used to ...

I am sorry but my doctor wasn't like that. And I know his family and he doesn't believe in scheduling births...even for his schedule. I actually had 4 different docs deliver all 4 of my kids and none of them were like that.

Let me also inform all of you ladies that I am a twin. I have a twin sister and we were born on the late 1970's. I was also born breech. However, my great & wonderful mother delivered twins naturally, no pain medication whatsoever, and I was breech as well. So please dont give me this crap that if an expectant mother is carrying multiples or the baby is breech,a c-section is required. IT ISN'T!! Its our society...lazy mothers & lazy Doctors.

Wow... there are just no words to describe your arrogance.

It's okay lojack - most people are scared of doing/agreeing with whats right.

hold on let me get this straight, you work in the medical field and you dont understand why women get c-section or have an epidural. Which hospital you work at so I could know not to go there. No one has the right to judge anyone on anything, yes you can express your opinion but to call some one weak or to say they didnt give birth because they had a C-section is going to far. I have not had a C-section dont plan to but I would not throw stones at another woman for their choices. You should be ashamed of being a medical professional and make a belittling comment like that about any woman.

sorry, All-Natural J... if you had a rational argument to begin with, your contempt for your fellow women and inflammatory comments nullify your points.

I agree with you whole-heartedly. Weak women and irresponsible medical 'un'professionals.