The Germans and the Kaiserschnitt

Panick time again!
My due date is next week. I have the choice between 2 hospitals, one where the consultant tells me I should have a C-section early next week and another where I can't meet the consultant until the end of next week and where the policy is to use the C-section only as a last resort.
I had my first son in England, the natural way but he got stuck, had to be dragged out with extreme force and spent a week in special care to find out 1) whether he would live, 2) whether he would be brained damaged. We were very lucky and he is absolutely fine now but still has a scar on his face and a oddly shaped head (he is 4 years old). I have told my doctor that I don't want to go through that again but they had convinced me this birth would be different as second births are easier so I was preparing myself for a natural birth.
The doctor I saw yesterday and who tells me I should "play it safe" and have a section because this baby is big has the (bad) reputation of being quick with the knife.
Everyone here tells me it is bad to have a planned C-section. So I want to know:

1) Why are the German so opposed to it?
2) Have you or anyone you know had a c-section? What was it like?
2) Sandra, if you are reading, what is your expert opinion on sections? Would I really have to stay in hospital for a week? Would I ever be able to run again?

Thanks in advance.

My wife was ten days overdue and they were still trying to induce her. She was willing to have a section but the hospital had the lowest section statistics in Europe and were proud of it.

We changed to another hospital. She was operated on that night. The next day, the doctor informed me that the placenta had given up and that we operated at the right time.

I think that deep down you will know in your own mind what is best for you and your baby. Go with your gut reaction.

Thank you Dusty. That confirms what I suspected: a lot of it seems to have to do with statistics and some kind of quotas.
Did your wife take a long time to recover?

Hi Mirielle!
I agree with Dusty, go with your gut reactions. If your first was big and this one is too then I'd go for a section. That is a personal opinion as I am NOT an expert and its been 7 years since I practised!!
. My friend has had 3 C. sections!! and you are up the next day and if you take care of yourself for a few weeks your recovery will be 100%. You usually can't drive for a few weeks though..6 in Scotland they advise. Running would be about the same..till everything is healed it would be uncomfortable I would think.
I know its hard when the medical fraternity are throwing stats at you, but bugger the stats..this is you!! Go with your instincts.. and good luck!

Both my kids were born with C Section. One is now a healthy 17 year old girl and the other is a 3 year old boy. (Different wives). The first was born in the UK (NHS) and the boy was born here. Both my ex wife and my wife recovered quickly and are perfectly healthy.

My only regret is that on both occasions I was not allowed in to the Operating Theatre. In those days I smoked and if the old embassy coupons were still given, I think I would have had enough to buy the pram.

It's easier said than done but try to take it easy after the birth and take full advantage of the help from the midwives and of course your partner.

Thanks you two! I am going to pack my case then, I think I'll be in hospital until after easter. I'll let you know how it went when I'm able to be back on line. Happy Easter everyone.

best of luck Mireille! hope all goes well...

I got back from holiday yesterday and read this. It's probably a bit to late to tell you my ceasarian stories, but if you did end up having one take it easy, let your husband do the nappies and don't even think about lifting anything heavy.

I m back home! Yes, I eneded up having c-section and am really glad I did too!!
Baby was 4.2 kg and had his cord around his neck so i think it would have been risky to go natural. Doctors wanted to keep me 5 more days but I was too homesick, I'll comment on german hospitals when I can sit longer at computer. Thanks for all your replies.

Congratulations

Try to take it easy

Congratulations Mireille,

so? come on don't be coy, do have you a boy or girl?

Congrats on that extra hungry mouth from me too

Congratulatulations on the birth and also on your early release. This stuff about staying in 10 days after a ceasarian is really ridiculous, you will get far better food and sleep at home. Take it easy.

congratulations on your new little boy!

take it easy , look after yourself and the nipper

Well done Mirielle!! Now lie back and let your man do the work for a while! Many congratulations to you all!