My first baby was delivered by caesarean section after 18 hours of labour. She was lying back to back, which apparently makes labour more difficult and painful, and also slower. She was showing signs of distress and, after unsuccessfully attempting to turn her, plus 2 subsequent failed ventouse attempts, they decided that I needed a section.
At 36 weeks the hospital asked me of my preference, and the decision to attempt a vaginal birth was not influenced by them in any way. They did state that the reason for my previous caesarean section could have been a "one off" or it could happen again, they had no way of predicting this. Therefore they gave me a 50/50 chance of this labour resulting in a caesarean section. I gave it lots of consideration and decided that I would try for a vaginal birth as I felt the recovery afterwards would be much quicker (and this would be necessary with 2 children to look after!); the hospital then advised me that I would need to come in at the earliest signs of labour commencing, and they would prepare me for a section, just in case. I went into labour at 41 weeks, although I was actually unsure when I arrived at hospital as to whether this was labour starting, as I had a stomach ache but no contractions as such. When examined upon my arrival, I was found to be 8cm dilated and my little boy was born about an hour later. I wouldn't say it was "easy" but it was certainly a lot more pleasant than my first experience.
At the time of my first child's birth, I felt "cheated" that I had given birth by caesarean section and to be honest this feeling never left me until I had experienced a vaginal birth. Having now experienced both, I strongly feel that the way a baby arrives into this world is completely irrelevant, it's the fact that they are with us and healthy that is important. Having said this, I would not recommend major surgery unless it is entirely necessary and I do not understand anyone who would chose a caesarean section for reasons of convenience. My birth experience first time round was awful - I reasoned that second time round it could not be any worse and to be honest I think I had a very positive experience with my second birth. I would certainly recommend that anyone attempt a VBAC (with their midwife's approval).
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