What I am about to share with you is not based on scientific research but rather on some of my own experiences and the result of conversations with other women and doctors. I believe that with the marvels of technology, a vaginal birth delivery is unnecessary.
* Most doctors will disagree with me. We are warned about urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor damages that supposedly follow C sections. From what I gather around me, those same issues can happen in women who have had vaginal deliveries. Damages to the body depend on many things and not exclusively the delivery method.
* Many people enjoy natural things and want to “give birth”. In my opinion, a C section is just as special. Also, we live in a world of birth control pills and vaccines. Therefore, certain natural processes are no longer necessary.
1) Episiotomy and Natural Tearing:
Anyone who has given been through a vaginal delivery is familiar with these procedures. With a C section, they can be avoided.
Besides the obvious pain and discomfort that follows an episiotomy (or natural tearing), your stitches might not hold up. This will give you more bleeding and more visits to the doctor’s office.
If you decide to go with a natural delivery, discuss post episiotomy pain control options with your doctor.
2) Pain:
A natural vaginal delivery involves pain at a level that most human beings would not be able to endure on a random basis. Not to mention the episiotomy, possible complications, hemorrhoids, post delivery contractions etc. Even with an Epidural, the pain you will experience is very real. We’ve all heard that “It’s only a few hours” phrase. Sure, it is. How else are you supposed to approach it?
Some other painful vaginal delivery issues are Back Labor, Emergency C sections, the Epidural etc.
So how do some women do it in water and with little medical help? They are in the minority. Most normal human beings in this day and age cannot and have no reason to tolerate unwanted pain.
With a C section, you will have surgery pain. But I’ve never heard of anyone needing an epidural to deal with it.
3) The Vagina:
a. After a vaginal delivery, your genitals will never look the same again. Imagine 36 hours of hard labor and 1 hour of PUSHING. This powerful elastic muscle will show her strength and bring life in to the world. Don’t expect her to look like she did before.
b. The color of the vagina which usually darkens during pregnancy will most likely not completely go back to its original hue.
c. The lips will be slightly looser/larger.
d. After tearing or an episiotomy, the area between the Anus and the Vagina will be slightly softer.
In general, these changes are slight, but if you have multiple children you will notice them more. Your vagina will still be pretty but you will be a woman with a child.
As far as I know, a C section doesn’t involve your vagina so no worries there. I know that this surgery might leave a slight mark on some women’s belly. That can easily be taken care of with some laser treatments. You will not need Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery. A little belly fat can linger for a while but let’s face it, how many of us have 6 packs to begin with?
4) Sex:
a. After tearing or an episiotomy, intercourse will be painful for a while.
b. Carrying a heavy baby load for months coupled with hours of pushing will cause hemorrhoids. This condition is not attractive during sex and it will make intercourse painful even after its recovery.
c. Although Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic muscle, there is no denying that a vaginal childbirth will stretch the vagina and loosen it up a little. Most men like the vagina to be tight and most women like to feel as much as possible inside them. This issue is especially important to consider for women who have partners will small penises! Ladies you know you are out there. You might feel even less of the penis after a natural delivery. My advice is to evaluate your sex life. Evaluate how important the look and tightness of your vagina is to you.
A C section does not interfere with the look and feel of the vagina.
In conclusion, I wrote this blog in celebration of womanhood and all that we can do with our bodies. A vaginal delivery should not automatically be the option handed out to us.
