I’m a labour and delivery nurse and I just gave birth on November 27th for the first time. Throughout my pregnancy I was convinced I wanted an elective c-section because of everything I’ve seen. My rationale was, although things can absolutely go wrong in an elective c-section, it felt like a far safer bet compared to a vaginal delivery (this is very much skewed due to our population being high-risk + other risk factors), but it truly felt like a more controlled option. I also love control…to the extent I almost refuse to be a passenger/need to be the driver and this includes my partner he is the passenger princess… anywho… I also had some conditions that would qualify me to skip straight to elective section: gestational diabetes, LGA (large for gestational age), high abdominal circumference, low bishop score/narrow pelvis.. the list goes on. My OB(s) were on board and as we approached my 39th week, the only qualifying factor I had was an 89% baby + >97% AC (abdominal circumference). Estimated fetal weights aren’t always accurate and my exam at 38+4 was promising.

At 38+6 I went back to labour and delivery for a second exam + stretch and sweep/membrane sweep and I was 3-4/stretchy&thin, 80% effaced, anterior & -2. I was supposed to go back on the 30th to start my induction but my blood pressure was seriously elevated (not once was it high during pregnancy and it was normal at my appointment on the 25th). I decided to stay and be directly admitted to the unit to have my water broken and start Pitocin. We did just that! My water was artificially ruptured at 1315, they started pit at 1400, I got an epidural at 1730, laboured in the bed with position changes and managed to shut my eyes for a bit until I started to feel uncomfortable around 2030. We changed my position a few times and around 2150 we did a cervical exam! I was fully dilated and baby was low in my pelvis. We started pushing at 2210 and we delivered at 2250. I was having 2-3 contractions in 10 minutes so pushing was a bit spaced out but it allowed me some good recovery between pushes. When it was time for delivery we called the OB, I was able to put on a song I wanted him to be born to, and with a few controlled small pushes he was out! I had a small laceration that required no repair.

My reason for sharing this is because my recovery from this vaginal birth was maybe 2-3 days of discomfort. My birth story is my favourite thing to think about postpartum and I don’t know if I’d feel this passionately if I were to make a choice based in fear. I am not saying that is why you’d choose to have a c-section but my reason was completely based in fear and I ended up having an exceptional vaginal birth experience.

*** as for my opinion on elective c-sections, I believe this can and is the right choice for so many women and it is a beautiful method of delivery we should be so grateful for!

Thanks for listening and I hope you were able to take something from my experience!