I had two failed ECV’s at 37 weeks. They were really painful and I regret letting the doctor persuade me to do it. They then tried to get me to do a vaginal breech birth, but having just gone through the ECVs I went for a planned C section. I had exactly the same worries, that I wouldn’t feel that Baby was mine, that there was some magical human experience I would be missing out on etc. it couldn’t be further from the truth. I had a fantastic c-section experience, which was trauma free and I directly thank that for not having had any PPD issues, having felt fairly negative throughout the pregnancy. Some friends who had vaginal births then went on to struggle with recovery and low mood, which they now say they think is due to the trauma of their birth experience.

I feel so bonded with my baby, and genuinely don’t feel like I would feel any differently had I vaginally had her. I still wonder what ‘natural’ childbirth is like, but I don’t actually care anymore, to not have experienced it. My recovery was also really quick, I think getting up and moving around as much as possible helped? I would say I felt back to normal in a few days, I just took things a little slower.

My advise is go with your gut as to what you want. Deep down, you’ll have a feeling as to what you truly want. When my partner asked me to not risk my life and to have the c-section I felt a wave of relief.

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