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The debate between c-section vs vaginal birth has caused tension between women.

Many women believe that a c-section should only be an option as a last resort while some women prefer the option of a c-section, or have medical factors making it a more desirable choice.
If you look at c-section and vaginal birth statistics, you’ll see that c-sections are performed in over 30% of births.

This statistic includes both medically necessary and elective c-sections.
I know what you’re thinking: "Should I risk tearing & complications going the other way round?"

"Is it worth the healing time to miss out on the experience of a vaginal birth?"

These are fair questions & you should educate yourself before making a decision for you & your baby.
This thread would educate you about the pros & cons of each option so you’ll be empowered to make the decision that fits best within your needs.
But hold your horses for just a sec.

Before we get into the nitty gritty (spoiler alert!): Vaginal birth is typically a safer option.
Keep in mind, this isn’t ALWAYS the case.

Regardless, if you’ve had a normal pregnancy & don’t have time to read this whole thread, know that vaginal birth is typically safer and remains recommended above c-section.
1. Some women argue that one birth method is 'easier' than the other.

While a c-section may not require pushing & the same degree of labor, it is not without its own difficulties.

Vaginal birth may be more difficult during the process, but a c-section requires lengthy recovery.
A c-section also has inherent risks as a surgical procedure.
2. C-Sections Save Lives

C-sections get a bad reputation thanks to the media & also tags like "Hebrew women".

Advocates for natural birth argue that doctors are allowing women to have c-sections more out of convenience than necessity.

That is not the case.
Elective c-sections represent only a small percentage of births. The vast majority of c-section births are for medical necessity.
3. The mode of delivery can impact breastfeeding. Having a c-section can make it more difficult to breastfeed.

Women who have a c-section are in recovery for a period of time after delivering & miss what is commonly known as the “golden hour”, or the first hour of life.
During the first hour, newborns have a natural instinct to latch. Nursing immediately after delivery can also help the mother’s milk come on.

Moms who deliver via c-section can, and do, successfully breastfeed, it just may take more time to get into a stable routine.
4. Women who have a c-section are more likely to experience changes in fertility.

This is because of scar tissue & damage to the uterus during surgery.
Women who have a c-section are also more likely to experience conditions like endometriosis, which can require additional surgeries and also impacts fertility.
5. One of the reasons that c-section rates have increased in recent years is attributed to the fact that multiple birth rates have also increased.

Delivery multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) naturally can be dangerous.
Multiples are more likely to be breech, and there is a greater chance of the umbilical cord becoming tangled.

There is also an increased risk of oxygen deprivation as the birth process may take longer.
Breech position means that the baby is positioned feet-side-down in the birth canal.

Delivering a breech baby naturally increases the risk of birth injuries, including oxygen deprivation or brain damage.
Planning a c-section is a great option for women who have complications or certain medical conditions.

Planning ahead is also helpful or couples with older children and careers.

However, even the most well thought out c-section plan can still go awry.
There may be complications, or the mother may go into labor before the scheduled delivery.

Always remember that scheduling is not guaranteeing.
Regardless of how you deliver your baby, the most important thing is that you & your newborn are safe & healthy.

There will always be stigma around certain choices & procedures but the decisions you make for your family are personal & should always be made in your best interests
Meanwhile, subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly health content 🙏🏾 😁
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