Just Another Manic Mommy

C-Section Times Two?

Dear Manic Mommy: My daughter had a C-section with her first baby and is thinking of having a vaginal birth with her second. Would you recommend this, or is a C-section easier the second time around?

Thank you, Patrice

Manic Mommy: Hi Patrice — I think it’s so nice of you to be concerned for your daughter! Well, honestly, I don’t know if a C-section is easier a second time around, since I didn’t have a second C-section. I imagine it is, because with almost anything, doing it the second time around (even experiencing pregnancy!) is easier than the first because you know mostly what to expect. So, yes, I would say that if she opts to have a second C-section, it should be easier the second time around.

Now, if you were asking me if having a vaginal delivery for the second birth as opposed to another C-section, I fully, completely endorse it! She definitely needs to talk to her doctor about her options. Some doctors are opposed to even letting their C-section patients try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean) because there is a slight risk of uterine rupture, so it’s especially important that your daughter discuss the facts with her doctor and that she is comfortable in the decision to try for a VBAC.

It was amazing to be able to experience my daughter’s birth vaginally, although there was a point during labor where I felt like yelling, “Just cut it out of me!” But when she finally emerged from that “ring of fire” they talk about, I was so glad to have had the experience. Just being alert and awake enough to be able to hold Diva immediately after she was born, to be there in that moment, to have her placed on top of my body—it was so worth it for her to be born vaginally. Good luck to your daughter with whatever decision she makes!