(Human) Birth Advice Needed!

[Speedy]

Are you likely to get back in the saddle faster after vaginal birth or c-section? I have a decision to make that will primarily be based on other factors and, of course, discussed at length with my doctor, but this factor will be in the mix to a limited degree. I am curious about your experiences...am I better off with stitches down there (I am assuming that there will be a few, at least), or with a torn core? Neither seems ideal, but I guess I have to face up to the fact that the stork isn't really going to deliver the baby (darn). Help!

[Maybeapril]

Recovery from a C-section is much harder than vaginal birth. C-sections are major surgery...my scar still hurts sometimes and it's been six years since I had my son by C-section.

[FrenchFrytheEqHorse]

I think you're better off asking your doctor this question. I've never had a baby, so I've not dealt with the same issue, but understand that a C-section is a major abdominal surgery, whereas a vaginal birth (regardless of how...brutal??) is not. This would make me inclined to assume that recovery from Vbirth is a little less difficult than C-section. At least in terms of riding, cutting through abdominal muscles sounds like it could really affect your strength for some time...

Do most doctors even allow their patients to have elective C-sections? I thought that was kind of frowned upon...

[deltawave]

Never had a C-section, but did have one of those "brutal" vaginal deliveries (I'll spare you the details, LOL, but LOTS of stitches) and was completely comfortable back in the saddle 4-5 weeks later.

Choose what seems best for your health and the baby's. Women have been getting back on horses after giving birth (by whatever means) for a long time. :)

[foundationmare]

Speedy,

I know what I'm talking about: spent years as a health educator with a specialty in women's health. Wrote and taught curricula re: pregnancy, childbirth, the whole shebang.

I've also given birth to four children, vaginally, no drugs.

That being said, I don't have personal experience with c-sections and understand that those who have had them may report the gamut of experiences from "piece of cake" to "really, really sucked".

That being said, do not assume that you will have stitches "down there". In fact, most women having vaginal deliveries now do so WITHOUT episiotomies or tearing. The days of episiotomies as a routine course of delivery are over...thank gawd!! Most birth attendants are skilled in the art of delivering a baby....even a big one...over an intact perineum. And, lest you think that an episiotomy is preferable to a tear, it's worth noting that an episiotomy is more likely to extend into a greater wound than a tear.

In my experience, personally and professionally, a majority of women have no to minimal lacerations to the perineum that require sutures.

In any event, it's important to do Kegels prior to delivery and post delivery to strengthen those muscles that maintain vaginal tone. The reward for being diligent can make a huge difference in the quality of your life post delivery.

BTW, good luck to you and keep us posted!

[Nes]

I have an episitomy, and it was no picnic, I couldn't sit down for a week. It took me 2 to 3 months to get back in the saddle, and even then I was really out of shape from being out for 9 months previous.

But I gave bith almost a year and a half ago and should get back in the saddle regularily any time now... how long till he goes to school? :lol:
(Oh yeah, and I'm having another one... so 4 years? and I can get back to riding? :rolleyes:)

[Come Shine]

I've also given birth to four children, vaginally, no drugs.

Hence the name? ;) :D

[Speedy]

It is interesting, a lot of women that I've talked to about this say that a c-section is a better delivery experience, but that the vag birth is an easier recovery, assuming that it doesn't go very badly...unfortunately, none of my friends who have given birth - either way - actually ride, hence the thread - and I just can't imagine riding again with stitches down there. Rehabbing my core just sounds a lot...easier...to me.

I did say that I have a choice to make - and it is true that, unless my neuro surgeon and the anesthesiologist change their minds towards the end, it will be up to me - but suffice it to say that it may be more difficult or riskier to do it vaginally for reasons entirely unrelated to riding. I just figure that while I am considering all of the pros and cons, none of which are a ton of fun, I might as well factor back-in-the-saddle time into the mix :)

Where are those incredible people who say that they were riding again in 2 days anyway???

[kahjul]

I gave birth vaginally. I don't know if the Dr.s always say this, but they said mine was rough, I was hospitalized for 4 days post delivery. I did have a small episiotomy, no sutures. I was unable to ride the entire pregnancy, so I had that to deal with too, but I was back on my crazy event mare 3 weeks to the day post birth. I kept the first few rides really short (although we did our share of bouncing around, airs above the ground, etc). I don't remember having any pain although I winced from expecting it when I first sat in the saddle! I have had hemmoroids since my son was born-wonder if riding early had anything to do with that?

[rideagoldenpony]

Look at it this way...... with a vaginal delivery, you have your pain, then you have your baby. With a C-section, you have your baby THEN you have your pain.

Much faster/easier recovery with a vaginal birth (even if it doesn't go well -- ask me how I know).

[regeventer]

had a vaginal delivery - with some sutures - was back in the saddle 5 weeks no pain (except for my out of shape thighs!!)
I nursed so I had to say I had more pain from the mammary glands - rode for a long time with TWO sports bras on!!!:yes:
from talking to other people I would opt for vaginal delivery (assuming you have a good chance of having an uncomplicated one!)

[Nes]

Where are those incredible people who say that they were riding again in 2 days anyway???

If I don't have an episiotomy with the next one I'll let you know how the ride goes :D (Don't hate me) I had a 3 hour delivery with no drugs, I could have gotten up and gotten on a horse with the exception of lack of a baby-sitter and the episiotomy, I really didn't have any other pain after our son was born.

(and yes as that was my first baby, we're sending hubby for paramedic lessons :D).

[lily04]

A thick sheepskin seatsaver helps alot.

[avicia]

I've had three c-sections - I wouldn't volunteer. Some were better than others in post-surgical incision pain, pain control, pain from scar afterwards, fatigue from blood loss. My worst ones I didn't feel totally normal until 4-6 months after, so for light riding it could be much earlier, but competing or more rigorous training might be at the far end. Conveniently, that's when the breast engorgement drops off. A complicated vaginal birth can get you out of commission too, and perhaps my postpartum bleeding was a little less with the surgical delivery - but the scar is an issue I don't think I'd elect if I have a choice. (and I mean the internal feeling, aesthetically, you'd hardly notice.) Honestly, I think that affects as much as if I'd had a large tear or episiotomy.

I was up and around best in my delivery where I had a spinal not an epidural and duramorph after, if you have a scheduled delivery. Ideally, with no pregnancy complications I'd have an out of hospital vaginal delivery - but we don't always get to pick.

[allisontatman]

I have a 4 month old, and had a normal vaginal delivery and was riding again in 5 weeks with no problems! C-section's take much longer to recover from!

[avicia]

I should add, if you're deciding on c-section because you are worried about riding with stitches, I attended my sister's first delivery, a 10 lb baby born at home. No tears - estimates of how big the baby is has very little bearing on tearing/stitches, since I've known some people with tears on tiny little 5 lbers. It's your body, the birth attendant, the birth position, the baby size, head molding, and positioning...much more than just estimated size or head size.

[foundationmare]

Avicia, you are right on! I had my hugest kid at home with no complications and was enjoying a lasagna dinner at my own dining table within 24 hours of his birth. I recommend vigilant kegels to every woman, whether or not she's of childbearing age. Can enhance lovemaking, can reduce urinary incontinence. Are there are any negatives here?

[tothepointe]

while my experience is limited to what I've seen as a nurse and not personal experience I would choose the vaginal birth over the c section. From the end I was at its just brutal looking and I imagine it doesn't feel that great either. I'll spare the details for the queazy but pretty much everyone i've described to what happens at the business end has asked me to stop :D

Also usually once a c section always a c section. Its hard to find an OB thats willing to do a VBAC (vaginal birth after c section). Of course vaginal birth is no picnic either but once it is over you can rest and enjoy your baby and not have as much pain as a c section would.

[Hoofprince in Mud]

I had one vaginal delivery, with one stitch (very small tear), and one c-section delivery, with many stitches and loss of sensation.

I had a better time with the vaginal delivery and recovery, and was back in the saddle sooner.

Also worthy of consideration, after the c-section, my alignment and balance were seriously compromised, to the extent of having back problems. I understand this is quite common, but not commonly talked about.

[ESG]

Never had children, but have had "that sort" of surgery. My hysterectomy three years ago was the roughest thing I've ever been through. The doctors "released" me at the normal six weeks, never telling me that it would be six months to a year before I felt anything like my old self. Also still have tenderness around the body wall incision, although the external scar is very minimal.

So, given a choice, I'd push that kid out the natural way, and can the C-section.

[avezan]

I nursed so I had to say I had more pain from the mammary glands - rode for a long time with TWO sports bras on!!!:yes:

A tip for nursing moms who ride... PUMP before you ride! So much better... ;)

[Bogie]

I've had one of each.

First delivery was vaginal. I did have an episiotomy and it was very painful. I had a reasonable recovery and was riding again in 6 weeks. Sheepskin saddle cover is an essential piece of equipment though!

Second was an emergency c-section (daughter though she was a foal and tried to come out arms first :D). Maybe my doctor is just very skillful, but I had very little pain, felt good very quickly and was back on my horse exactly 4 weeks after delivery (when I had my Dr's permission). However, I've had other friends who had a miserable recovery from their c-sections so my experience might not be typical.

I'm not sure I would have chosen the c-section as it is major surgery, but it worked out fine. I thought it funny that my Dr. apologized profusely that I would have to have one, but as long as my daughter was fine I didn't care how she entered the world.

For all of you who had vaginal births with no drugs, my question is, why??? My first doctor told me that the three most important words to say when you got to the hospital in labor were, epidural, epidural, epidural ;). I was in labor with my first for 14 hours and without an epidural I'm not sure I would have had a second :lol:.

[avicia]

I had them twice, didn't help much painwise - I think both because of the kind of pain (back labor) and my own body which tends to have a high tolerance for pain medications. By the time of one c I'd had so many drugs of various kinds I was seeing double and had to close one eye to see which was the actual baby!

After the epi I was stuck in bed unable to move to help my back labor. Or pee, so then you get a catheter, which is also no fun. Also means you can't use some positions where gravity can help you push the baby out (with less tearing, making return to the saddle faster!) My sister also had one with one of her kids, got the post epidural headaches from spinal fluid leaking...that was fun while trying to visit a baby in the NICU. Rather than try a blood patch, the attitude was she should just deal with it. It can also slow down labor, which leads to pitocin, which can have it's own set of complications. For some women having pain management problems, pain/fear/exhaustion slows things down - the epidural helps them relax and it goes faster and it's a wonderful option. It's hard to predict. I don't think I'd have pitocin without an epidural, though...some women have but the stronger contractions...and you're stuck in bed for the pit anyway.

Epidurals should be available to anyone who wants one or needs one - it just has tradeoffs that not every woman might understand. Just like a c-section is surgery with regular surgery's risk of infection and from anesthesia. I make the best decisions I can with advice from my attendants (they are not the deciders. :) ) So I try to be as prepared as I can for the possibilities.

[avicia]

A tip for nursing moms who ride... PUMP before you ride! So much better... ;)


I'm trying to think where in our barn I could possibly do that if I have another...I have to nurse or pump very often, I'm prone to mastitis. I can't imagine! (which is hilarious in its own way - no place to pump milk in a barn!) I'd have to do it in my car I think...I noticed my pump cycles faster on car power than wall power anyway - that's nice. I think nursing a baby would probably be an education for hordes of girls running around our barn. In the middle of a leadline class I did see a mom nursing her toddler next to the ring which made me smile.

[deltawave]

For all of you who had vaginal births with no drugs, my question is, why???


There are a lot of women who feel like the birth process shouldn't in any way be turned into a medical procedure, and many who feel that any drugs can not only interfere with fetal physiology, but can also interfere with the bonding process, etc.

I'm not among them :) but a good friend of mine is a Bradley Method instructor and a very staunch advocate of home birthing, etc. More power to those who choose that route, it was NOT for me. :lol: I'm very, very comfortable around doctors ;) and am so very, very grateful for the drugs I had (even though they didn't work 100%) and the fabulous doctor who swiftly and expertly got me and my 9-and-a-half-pound kid out of big trouble at the moment of truth. :yes:

As with so many things in the horse world, this topic is a very polarizing and passion-laden one. To each her own, IMO. There is merit on both sides and very little need to stand at the very fringe of either worldview and not appreciate the other side. :)

[Mamy]

I have not read all the responses. but this is my speciality! I am a doula. What is your due date? Are you over due? Have you tried anything to encourage labor?

I would go for a vaginal birth ANY day over c section birth. ANY day. If you want to talk more let me know, I can even pm you my phone number if you want to talk on the phone.

[Mamy]

For all of you who had vaginal births with no drugs, my question is, why??? My first doctor told me that the three most important words to say when you got to the hospital in labor were, epidural, epidural, epidural ;). I was in labor with my first for 14 hours and without an epidural I'm not sure I would have had a second :lol:.[/QUOTE]

because I can. LOL! no really... my first 2 i had narcartotic pain meds. i was soo out of it. the epidural scares the crap out of me. i do not want anything in my spine, ever! i like to feel my legs... i have had 3 babies out of hospital and drug free. it works for me. i know it does not work for everyone, and thats ok.

[Bogie]

There are a lot of women who feel like the birth process shouldn't in any way be turned into a medical procedure, and many who feel that any drugs can not only interfere with fetal physiology, but can also interfere with the bonding process, etc.



I do know folks who feel this way. Certainly that was the message that came through loud and clear at the Lamaze class that I took and I have several friends who were afraid that the medications would adversely affect their babies, causing them to have trouble nursing etc. The doctor for my first birth was probably a stronger advocate of pain medication than my second doctor. The latter did a very good job of being non-judgmental, with some patients giving birth in a hot water pool and others getting induced. I will say that when you've already had an epidural and the doctor discovers there is a problem (for me, finding that both arms were over my daughter's head) it makes the transition to a c-section very quick and easy.

I certainly wouldn't force anyone to have pain medication but I have to say that both of my children nursed right from the get go and at least so far have never shown any ill effects.

Yes, it is a polarizing issue :D. I also think that some people have easier labors than others (a friend of mine had her third child in the elevator at the hospital because she was only in labor for 20 minutes!) and that some people just have better pain tolerance.

[deltawave]

I will say that when you've already had an epidural and the doctor discovers there is a problem (for me, finding that both arms were over my daughter's head) it makes the transition to a c-section very quick and easy.

Other than not being fond of that sort of visceral pain (give me a broken bone any day!), that was my main reason for wanting an epidural. :yes: I was entirely too aware of how the transition from "no drugs" to "stat C-section" is made, and that was not for me. :)

[PNWjumper]

I would vote vaginal all the way, no hesitation.

I had two vaginal births. The first resulted in a pretty bad tear that took me 9 months to (mostly) recover from and really still affected me until I had my second child (but the big problem was that my body built up scar tissue rather than healing....I can't imagine a c-section would have been a better option knowing that). Even with the worst-case-scenario I was back in the saddle 12 weeks after giving birth.

My second was a breeze and the doctor was really careful with how he sewed me back up (removing old scar tissue along the way). I felt fantastic 24 hours after giving birth, was back on my mare within a week, and back to full riding and jumping by week 3. I rode in my first show in the level 6 jumpers at 9 1/2 weeks post-delivery.

I'm with all of those pro-epidural people :yes: My epidural wore off with my second about 20 minutes before I delivered my daughter. They gave me a booster, but it didn't kick in until after she was out. I wouldn't have chosen to feel that any more than I'd choose to go without novocaine in the dentists' office! :lol: More power to anyone who willingly goes through it!

[dr j]

I have had more than one of both. My reproductive history would curl your toes and is not for this board.

I was able to ride physically in about 4-5 weeks after both... time wise- another matter.

My vaginal deliveries were not hard- no tearing etc. My c-sections were both planned, no labor beforehand etc- which I think makes a world of difference. I think a long labor, followed by a c-section is the worst possible scenario.


If I had a choice, I would choose vaginal delivery but you know in all honesty, this is not a choice that should be made based on when you can ride again but by what is best for you and your baby. Riding is really an afterthought......

[WaningMoon]

I had four c-sections. the first after three days of labor. Nursed all four of them. Got back on horse with the first one in one week. I've never been much of one to listen to doctors, just who I am. I do what I feel up to doing. I was back milking cows in four days. Second was middle of winter and living on the mt I had no desire to battle the weather. The last two it was three weeks before I got the"want to be on a horse" back again. Did have a lot of leaking of milk though while riding even with the pads. I had a wet shirt for many yrs.

[hoser1]

Just skimmed this thread but wanted to contribute my $.02. I'm sure someone else has said it, but you may find yourself not having a choice as to what way it comes out. I have had one child, vaginally, and was fully prepared for a c-section given my petite stature. My sister was the opposite - larger framed person with wide hips, but failed to progress and had to have a c-section. You just never know what your cervix is going to do when that time comes.

Now, I can't speak for having a c-section, but I'll tell you that my "normal" delivery was very painful with a long recovery. I had an episiotomy, with stitches, rather than tearing. I was not ready to ride again until 5 weeks out. I was induced at 35 weeks and was on a lot of Pitocin (makes you contract) and had only a 6 hour labor, so it could be that the speed of things made the exit much worse, but in my experience the vaginal delivery is no picnic. The pain after delivery was unbelievable. My added benefit of delivery is awful pressure whenever I get a period (feels like a large baseball pressing down from the inside) - never have gotten a diagnosis other than that the nerves around the episiotomy scar are sensitive when swelling occurs.

Good luck though, either way! You will understand why men were not designed to reproduce (no way they could take it)! Your baby will be so worth it.

[grabmaneandgo]

Keep in mind...

If you DO need a C-Section, focus on the benefits of it, not the cons. The replies on this thread are leaning toward vaginal birth IF you have a choice.

You may not be prone to freaking out, but if you are, try not to freak if you need a C-Section. There's a good chance you'd make out WAY better than if you had a vaginal birth.

Birthing stories are like war stories. I think all of us mums like to share our triumphs. The harder the labor, the more likely we are to talk about it!

I had a vaginal delivery and an episiotomy. With some creative solutions to the initial discomfort, I healed quickly and was back riding in about a month.

True, the worst of it (IMO) was riding with my new bubbies! Sports bras and duct tape helped.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy delivery!:winkgrin:

[Moderator 1]

Hi ladies ~

Just a reminder that the discussion of delivery methods related to return to riding is absolutely fine, but not to get too far afield from horse-relatedness by getting too much into epidurals, etc.

Off Topic day this weekend, where it's a total free-for-all! See the "Help" forum to vote for which day.

Best wishes to the OP for a complication-free birth, regardless of which method she chooses. :)

Mod 1

[2bayboys]

While you may or may not have a choice in the matter, and of course always follow your doctor's advice ;), I was riding one week after the birth of my first son who was delivered vaginally. (BTW, I didn't tell my doc)

I felt just fine, did have some episiotomy stitches that were annoying but not too bad, and I had been unable to ride since the middle of my pregnancy due to severe pelvic pain while riding, which disappeared as soon as giving birth. My mother was horrified but she also took pictures, while proud daddy was holding the baby. I was extremely fit and 26 years old, and had gained very very little weight during the pregnancy.

Good luck and best wishes!

[rileyt]

Generally speaking, I think you will get back in the saddle much sooner following a vaginal delivery (rather than a C-section).

This is assuming, of course, that you don't break/dislocate your tailbone during delivery-- which is far more common than you might think. -- ask me how I know...

[Nes]

For all of you who had vaginal births with no drugs, my question is, why???

Anes. (don't make me spell it) was in surgery then got called into the ER. I didn't have a choice ;). I arrived at the hospital already 4cms (water hadn't broken) not knowing I was actually in labour & 3 hours later I was holding my son in my arms.

Now I'm planning for a drug-free second delivery (mostly because I probably won't have a choice again, and it may well be on route to the hospital...) because being able to get up and move around right after the baby was the greatest feeling :). No sleepy drug-induced stupor.

[sisu27]

OMG. I only had to read about 3 posts to know I am never having kids!! Yikes!! God bless you all for procreating....I'll stick to horses and dogs. You all deserve a friggin' medal!

[deltawave]

You just never know what your cervix is going to do when that time comes.


Great potential signature line for SOMEONE out there. Maybe not on COTH, though. :p :lol:

[GypsyQ]

First of all, congratulations. I just had my first child three months ago. He was induced the day after his due date because he was measuring so large. I got my epidural about ten hours after induction and delivered 5 hours later after one hour of pushing. There was an episiotomy and there was a hemmorhoid. I'm not sure which hurt worse.

Oddly, there was another lady down the hall also induced one day after due date because of a big kid. She had a long labor followed by a c-section. Two days later, I was looking much better than she was.

I was able to get on for a walking ride after 3 weeks (not Dr. approved, but needed for my sanity) and was cleared to really ride at 8 weeks.

Listen to your doctor, love your drugs, and do your Kegels. Good luck.