avoiding c-section

I found it helpful hearing stories of people who didn't need c-sections.

I had a posterior labour and birth where Daniels head was too big to fit so I needed an episotomy but I pushed him out on gas alone and a bit of local for the episotomy. I trusted my body and did not at all want an epidural or csection (fear of needles/surgery). It was stuck in my head that he was coming out and he did. I could have gone home that day but didn't from feeding issues, I chose to stay longer than I "needed".

My MW knew my opinions and fears and everything was going to be tried before the thought of a csection was even mentioned so between us we did good. I'm hoping for the same this time around. My MW even said to my DH afterwards that I did good because there were no thoughts entering in my head that I couldn't push him out. I could and that was all that was in my head and so I did it.

the doctors have been told that DH is making any medical decsions because of that exact reason. im worried that i will refuse c-section even in an emergency so he has the power to over rule me. lol

I was very afraid of giving birth and the pain involved. At the same time I'm terrified of needles, so I'd like to avoid an epidural and/or c-section at (almost) all costs.

So I dragged DH off to a hypnobirthing course, and it has taken away all my fear of birth. Like kebakat, I really believe now that my body can do it. (I'm due within the next few days, so can't tell you yet how it went). And when I talked to my mw about this, she said I'd probably be fine because I have this strong believe.
If possible, try to avoid an epidural, cause this will (apparently) increase the risk for further intervention with 50%.
I also decided to birth at a primary unit and avoid the hospital. As they tend to be a bit more prone to intervene quicker at the hospital.

Good luck monikah. You can do it!

Ella is absolutely right - get your head in the right space and I'm convinced your body knows what it has to do. I ended up having an emergency c section and IMO there were a few things that contributed to it.

First, I wasn't really prepared mentally. I started the hypnobirthing course but stopped it cos I felt too silly, and I so should have seen it through. Or I've heard really good things about The Pink Kit (lots of libraries have them). I distinctly remember getting to the hospital and suddenly thinking "I'm not sure I've thought through this part!" I was in complete denial and was fine with the contractions part and fine with the thought of looking after a baby but all of a sudden I was terrified about actually pushing a baby out. If I had just taken one contraction at a time and dealt with my fear instead of ignoring it I'm certain I could have done it.

Second, I caved and asked for an epidural (because of the first thing) quite early on considering. My midwife had checked me and I was only 3cm dilated and I said "that's it, I'm not even a third of the way there, give me the epi". I'm also convinced that contributed - it started what our antenatal class teacher called "the cascade of intervention" (then the syntocinon drip to speed things up seemed to just screw it all up instead, they overstimulated my uterus apparently). Next time I want to attempt to give birth at a birthing centre rather than a hospital so that temptation isn't there. And my DH and midwife will be told to try to talk me out of pain relief. And - this is something that the hypnobirthing book suggested, and I didn't do, and should have - my midwife won't be allowed to tell me how dilated I am, so I will just listen to my body instead.

Thirdly, and most vaguely, I laboured under a hot shower at the beginning, and I think that might have caused the contractions to slow, so I will avoid the shower or a pool next time, but that's just me - I know lots of people have had really good experiences with a shower or a water birth.

Sorry for the long rant! You can do this!

Your body is a wonderful thing, but please don't beat yourself up if you do need a c-section for medical reasons (ie the baby or yourself are in danger). You sound like you've thought it through and it's a great idea giving the power to your DH and making sure your MW is aware of the issues.

Homeopathy, herbal remedies, acupuncture, pink kit & staying home is what I did to avoid my 3rd c-section....
I spent 4 days in hospital after both of my c-sections & I was nearly climbing the walls to leave.

Hope that helps

pregnancy yoga is good at getting you into a good head space for the birth (and helps with the fitness thing). i'll be doing it again this time.