WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for January, 1998: Re: The Birth of my Child

Re: The Birth of my Child

From: Kelly Shanahan, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 30 Jan 1998 18:12:58 -0600 (CST)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Marcia: "Re: Literature on Natural Progesterone"
Previous message: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: Low Libedo"
In reply to: K.Tice: "The Birth of my Child"

At Fri, 30 Jan 1998, K.Tice wrote: >
>Some of you may remember that around the middle of last year I began
>corresponding to this website. I was pregnant with my second child and
>had alot of questions I needed answers to; both from professionals in
>this area and also from women who have experienced childbirth. ....snipped....... I became more and more in favor of
>planning an elective caesarean section after alot of research and
>discussion with various health professionals; although it was still
>unecessary.
>
>My due date was 1/9/97. About three weeks prior after I had sorted out
>my own feelings about the upcoming birth, I advised my OB that I wanted
>to plan for a caesarean section. Over those last three weeks I had
>feelings of guilt in that I knew I should be strong enough in myself to
>attempt birth the way it is meant to be, but I soon became positive
>about it, and that I had made the right decision. ..snipped...
The choice was mine to make. Weighing >this all up I knew I had made the right choice. Finally my mind was at
>ease, and I relaxed and enjoyed my last three weeks. ....snipped..... I felt a pulling sensation when the
>incision was being made, but absolutely no pain. Photos were being
>taken and I knew that delivery would b very quick. At precisly 1.48pm
>our beautiful daughter was born. She was immediately placed on my upper
>stomach to hold. I was delirously happy, and for those of you who think
>a c-section is not as emotional or meaningful as a natural labor -
>YOUR'RE SO VERY WRONG. I was handed my child as is a mother in natural
>labor; the only difference I felt was that I was calm and relaxed and
>able to be totally there in the moment, without the pain. She weighed
>in at 6lb 4oz. ...snipped.....
>Now almost six months after Eryn's birth we are both happy and healthy.
>So I am pleased to say all went well for me, and I am glad I made the
>choice I did. The benefit of a c-section (though there are risks) in my
>opinion is that I delivered a healthy baby, avoiding the stresses of
>labor to baby and myself. And most importantly for me, I sustained no
>damage in a place (despite what your OB's tell you) where it does
>matter!

Congratulations on a wonderful birth experience and a healthy daughter.

You bring up an important point --- CHOICE. You chose to have a repeat c-section instead of a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), and that was the right thing for you. No one should ever make another feel guilty for choosing a repeat c-section over a VBAC, or an epidural over "natural" labor -- we should each have the freedom to decide what's best for us.

--
Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
S. Lake Tahoe, CA

note: Opinions here are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your own physician. It cannot take the place of a face to face consultation and examination.
Sorry, but private e-mails will not be answered.

Next message: Marcia: "Re: Literature on Natural Progesterone"
Previous message: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: Low Libedo"
In reply to: K.Tice: "The Birth of my Child"

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: