Re: Caesarean or Normal Birth..
I have 2 kids... both delivered normally.
I took an epidural both times, worked out well....no side effects so far (its been 5 years since I got the first one).
I prefer vaginal birth... c-section is an option only for emergencies.
Re: Caesarean or Normal Birth..
Ummmm hopefully someone can clear this up, but I've heard that in Pakistan and perhaps other countries as well, they will almost always push for a c-section cz since its surgery, they will get paid more for it than for a normal delivery....
^ I know its more expensive to have a c-section than normal birth in PK's private hospitals. I've also heard that they do push you there for another c-section if you had a previous c-section.
Here in UK they encourage you to go for a VBAC if you had a previous c-section. But it all depends on your own health of course eg if you have had a vertical incision then they won't push you as much for a VBAC.
My Aunty had 3 c-sections in Pindi CMH. Her 4th child was a planned c-section in Karachi but she gave birth normally on the day Bhutto died. Because of the chaos and fighting on the sheets of Khi due to Bhutto's death no taxi's were available, nor could you take your own car out etc and there was rush all over the city! So she had a forced home-birth but alhamdolilah everything went well.
Re: Caesarean or Normal Birth..
Ummmm hopefully someone can clear this up, but I've heard that in Pakistan and perhaps other countries as well, they will almost always push for a c-section cz since its surgery, they will get paid more for it than for a normal delivery....
i heard this in pakistan as well.. when I went on vacation this year.. everybody assumed that just because my first baby is caesarean all my other will be too.. but at hospital they told me it can very well be normal birth..
In pakistan they also think that caesarean is easier then normal birth oh and they prefer it because of the money and because it can be quicker then normal birth.
Re: Caesarean or Normal Birth..
My first and second - normal birth.
My third - Caesarean
IMO -- normal birth is the best. No scar, can walks without holding your tummy, can laughs, coughs without worrying a pain in your tummy!!
Re: Caesarean or Normal Birth..
I'm super scared of c-sections. I know women who've had both kinds of experiences with C's- ones that have been walking and fine the next day and ones who've been in agony for weeks afterwards. This is also why I'm trying very hard to get a midwife. Unfortunately, there aren't very many to go around Toronto so I'm on a waiting list. I keep ringing them to remind them I'm still interested so hopefully I'll have one soon? My OB is great but I've heard of too many situations where you're strapped down to your bed and and unable to move and then eventually you get pressured into a C because its quicker/easier on the staff. I want someone there to be able to speak for me if I choose to continue with a natural birth even if its been 2 days. I don't think hubby or I will be in a fit state of mind to speak for ourselves in the middle of labor.
But really, I don't know what the right thing is.
:/
Khawa, that is frightening! Speaking of 14 lbs, I've heard most doctors in Toronto will steer you towards a C if your baby is projected over 8 lbs. Anyone know if this is true?
Re: Caesarean or Normal Birth..
SGC I didn’t know you were expecting, CONGRATS that is great news 
I have had two c-section within 15 months of time, and how freaked out I was out of my mind but Mashallah everything went well recovery wise, I had help to get thru the recovery part, (my husband took 3 months off) but it is totally draining for someone if you end up doing everything alone, having said that for any of my future pregnancies (if any IA) I will go with an elective C again, just because I know what to expect and I am sort of used to it? 
p.s: SGC pm me if you have any concerns/doubt, have you thought of getting a doula as well?
Re: Caesarean or Normal Birth..
SGC...congrats sweetheart...may Allah make this an easy time for you and bless you with a happy healthy baby... aameen...
Just eat real healthy, and try to get a doula... I was a non-believer before but am so much a believer now... your husband is probably gonna be there for you...and doctors can be pushy...so best to have a doula... all the best... talk to your doctor about a birth plan.. I specifically said to my doctor that first choice is gonna be a natural birth and you guys are gonna do everything you can for me to have that...and bless them ...they all did.... good luck...
Re: Caesarean or Normal Birth..
I've had a normal delivery, I teared & bruised very badly as i was scared I might need a C-section!