[Submitted Question]

It is very important to me that my husband be there for our baby’s birth. However, he has to do a lot of international traveling for his job and may be out of the country when I go into labor. I am wondering whether a planned c-section might be a good idea for us. That way we can schedule the birth on a day when my husband is here. Is that a selfish reason though?

[WombToBloom]

My two cents? As long as your doctor agrees that it’s safe for you and the baby, who cares if it’s “selfish”? Personally, I don’t think it’s selfish at all to want a baby’s father to be present for her birth and to be with you during the delivery. Talk to your doctor about your situation. It is my general understanding that most hospitals and insurance companies won’t let c-sections be scheduled prior to 38 or 39 weeks of pregnancy unless there is some specific medical reason. This is obviously safest for the baby. But go ahead and get it out on the table. Your doctor will probably be very accommodating – as your husband’s support during delivery is important. But make sure you’ve got a “Plan B” – because sometimes babies don’t get the memo and decide to come earlier than your planned c-section date!

[KatieBeach]

I have to second the "Plan B" idea. My 4th baby (all have been c-sections) was planned for a 39 week delivery but my water broke at 37 weeks so the show started early. I don't think that's it's selfish to do a planned c-section - if you wait until the appropriate week (the new earliest time they'll schedule is 39 weeks without medical need) the baby should do just fine. I do think however that you might short change yourself by having a c-section - it is major surgery with a longer recovery time than a vaginal birth and if you want a large family you might find yourself disappointed down the line (after the last c-section of mine I've been told I could technically have another baby, but the risks are going to sky rocket and I should seriously consider have my tubes tied afterward). Maybe you could consider a trial of an early induction if your doctor thinks you might be "ready" and c-section if it doesn't pan out? This way it's still planned so your DH can be there and you might hopefully avoid surgery.

[Chelziee]

I would say there is no harm in being induced and having the baby with in the next few days of induction, but I would not wish a c section on any one that does not HAVE to have one. There are other ways to help stimulate birth when you think the time is right.
Walking helps.
and even sex if you and your husband has time for it!
Also when you are getting ready you can ask your Doctor he Strip Your Membranes and that is a sure fire way to help your labor process start!!

[notsoaveragemama]

Originally Posted by Chelziee

I would say there is no harm in being induced and having the baby with in the next few days of induction, but I would not wish a c section on any one that does not HAVE to have one. There are other ways to help stimulate birth when you think the time is right.
Walking helps.
and even sex if you and your husband has time for it!
Also when you are getting ready you can ask your Doctor he Strip Your Membranes and that is a sure fire way to help your labor process start!!

Totally agree!

I gave birth to my first naturally. The other 2 were c sections, but they were necessary...totally no way around it.

C-sections are a MAJOR surgery! It's not a simple cut and pull. I would choose to give birth drug free anytime over that surgery! Recovery is much faster with vaginal birth. I hope you reconsider. C-sections are definitely a surgery that is helpful to us as women, but totally not a convenience. If you must, just choose induction.

[Nicolexx]

I don't know this much information .. Thank you so much for this information.

[ervinealexander]

i am totally agree with WOMB.. because i am very impressed by your clear description of your topic. Thanks for the information

[karla]

Hi there, I was in a similar situation. The only reason I did not go for it in the end was the fact that I had no help for recovery. To give birth naturally is always best for you and baby if you can help it. Mum recovers faster and able to look after little one and little ones lungs are cleared and all the fluid is removed when going through the birth canal. c-section does not remove all of this fluid and may cause infection. Mum cant pick her baby up for a few weeks. So when little one cries you need someone to hand him/her over to you. My advise is if you have help then fine, but if your husband goes away and you have no-one to help you in the 1st 8 weeks then don't. I totally appreciate you want your husband there but trust me while giving birth you'll regret the day you met him (momentarily)!! Hope it goes well for you xx