Hypothetical: which is less traumatic for the baby, a CS or vaginal birth?

(32 Posts)
Holtby Wed 13-Feb-13 16:19:39

We're TTC and I'm musing on this question because I have a blood disorder which any baby is likely to inherit. It will need transfusions and various other interventions when it's still very small. I don't have any particularly strong feelings about the birth itself but see it as a means to a healthy end. I want the baby to 'save its strength' if that doesn't sound too silly - which is likely to be the better way?

ByTheWay1 Mon 18-Feb-13 15:01:31

If I had the choice my first would have been VB - she was CS and has suffered chest infections and allergies ever since birth. My youngest, a VBAC with forceps has been a much healthier child with no allergies or chest problems.

I was not separated from either after birth, both were BF immediately for around 11 months... only difference to me was the method of birth.

redwellybluewelly Mon 18-Feb-13 15:08:18

Also - I've been informed by my ob team that I can have a more 'natural' CS and baby will be placed straight on my chest and will be given checks there (plus Vit K) and allowed to latch, and support will be given to enable me to do this, then weighed and measured after we have had skin to skin.

And thank you Ushy its what makes me so angry is not that it happened (1-3 in a 1000 birth have hypoxia) its that it could have been entirely avoided.

No one has mentioned shoulder dystocia which often causes erbs palsy wouldn't be a factor in ELCS.

PeaceAndHope Mon 18-Feb-13 17:02:21


I am so sorry to hear about your experience. However, it would be inaccurate to say that the ELCS causes the trauma. It was an inexperienced and incompetent provider not the procedure.

redwellybluewelly Mon 18-Feb-13 17:56:37

Oh do fuck off.

blueberryupsidedown Tue 19-Feb-13 11:20:46

The statistics will never give a true picture of the safest method for the baby as ELCS are often performed because of health issues related to the baby or the mother during the pregnancy, in the first place. Or twin-multiple births, in which case the birth weight would be low and there would be lung-related issues. Or problems with the placenta.

There will be thousands of anectodes of babies being born naturally that have severe allergies and poorer health, and the opposite is also true. I have two boys, both born by emergency c secs, both breastfed for 9 months, one is always ill with colds, wheezing and stomach bugs, the other one has no problems at all. One is super clever and the other one is average. One is friendly the other one just wants to play on his own. One is tall and one is short. One has a speech disorder and the other one talks for England. One is sporty, the other one isn't.......

atrcts Fri 22-Feb-13 23:14:35

Nicknamegrief - what have you heard about cs recovery taking much longer than 6 weeks? Everyone I've spoken to (including professionals and posts about car insurance) seem to Hello,
Just wanted to touch base to say I hope you had a good trip home. It was a real treat to see you both and it's a shame we don't all live a bit closer as it would be perfect to see more of you both! Hope your time away was a good break for you too suggest 4-6 weeks is the expected recovery. I think recovery means you can continue with normal daily tasks without extreme pain, lifting restrictions or risk of wound damage etc - I am not talking going to the gym and doing 3 hours of press ups!!!! Not that that is my 'normal' I hasten to add!

I appreciate what you say that not all forceps deliveries result in pain for years and incontinence and I hope it didn't come across as though I was saying it is an absolute; just that I had no idea it could happen and was shocked that it had, and most certainly would never want to ensure it again!

atrcts Fri 22-Feb-13 23:16:30

Yikes that weird I seem to have managed some weird cut and paste un the middle of my sentence while I typed!!! blush

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