Marauder Junior, Thane of Fife
Remember last entry, when I said "The reality that I actually have to push out this kid in another few weeks is setting in"? Well, now it appears I'm not going to be pushing Marauder Junior out at all, because s/he is still in a breech position at 36 weeks and unless s/he manages to flip, it looks like I'm having a C-section. This is going to be my
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1.) An unplanned C-section after 8 hours of labor SUCKS. The planned C-section was much easier, and while it wasn't my favorite activity, it was a lot better than the second time around.
2.) Toby was 8 pounds when I had him. I never had any issues with carrying either of my kids. I couldn't carry them in their carrier, because of the added weight of the carrier, but that didn't end up being a big deal since I couldn't drive, either.
3.) The first week I did NOT feel like going out anyway. Not being able to drive didn't get annoying until later.
4.) As far as the scar, ask your OB about that. Most women I know have a horizontal scar. It goes right over the pubic hair area, right where lower cut (aka not granny panties) underwear would hit. As I am not into skimpy bikinis or thongs, I literally would never wear any article of clothing that would show my scar, because it's so low. Since you're dealing with a breech, that might be different, but there's a good chance it's not.
5.) Of everyone I know personally who had C-sections, no one had to undergo an infection.
6.) At least where I live, doctors prefer doing a C-section, I think. I suspect they feel like there is actually less risk to it. This does mean that having a VBAC may be difficult for you- if a VBAC is something you want to consider, it can be a fight. Also, if you do want a VBAC (or even think you might want a VBAC), make sure you tell your doctor. For certain incisions, a VBAC isn't too risky. But if they make the incision a certain way it can be extremely ill-advised. If they know your wishes, they can try to make it possible.
Overall, my experience with C-sections has been positive. Childbirth is not fun regardless (I don't care what anyone says!), but afterwards, what I felt most strongly is that my kids made it here and everyone is healthy and safe. Childbirth is scary either way, but C-sections are quite safe these days, and I have to say my planned C-section was a MUCH more pleasant than my emergency one. Recovery from a planned C-section is a lot quicker than from an emergency one, and if you do need to go that way, just focus on the positives.
Other advantages of a C-section:
-Good excuse to get other people to do the laundry for a few weeks
-Planning is nice. We went out to a super nice dinner the night before and relaxed at a hotel, and it was a good way to enjoy the last little bit of adult time before the baby came.
-Epidurals/blocks really do work.
-No tearing! If you haven't gotten them, less chance of hemorrhoids! Babies do terrible things to your nether regions when you push them out.
-When your four year old asks how babies get out and you're not sure you want to tell them (even though you've always sworn you'd be biologically honest and you use correct terms, but you know your kid talks WAY too much and you're afraid other parents will get mad at you if their kid comes home spouting talk about vaginas, even though you know THEY'RE being totally irrational), you can just say that the doctor cut you open and took the baby out. It does make things a little easier.
A couple other disadvantages:
-Percoset. It might be really nice at first, but it definitely is hard to get off. Not super hard, but hard enough.
-No baths until the stitches are out.
In the end, you're going to do awesome, however you have this baby, and what you'll remember even just six months later is that the baby is here and safe, and so are you :) Good luck!!!!
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