Believe me, mine was violent! Husband couldnt believe it – ok, 2nd was worse than first, but both times they literally prise you open and tug and pull and push. You are sooooo bruised and swollen from the exertion they put on your abdomen and they literally yank the baby from you. Mine were emcs, so that may have had something to do with the urgency – but I would definately describe both of mine as violent!!!

Natt- I agree with you for the most part. I don’t understand why some women choose to be cut open when there is no medical reason for it. However, I wouldn’t describe a C-section as being “violent” in any way.

I’ve never had a C-section myself, but I have seen other examples of surgical incisions being made (albeit on TV shows about animals), and “violent” is the last word I’d use to describe them. Usually they are, in fact, very gently and carefully done. In most cases, the process doesn’t even look that bad!

In fact, it actually looks similar to cutting into meat, at least in the first stages! When my mom had me via C-section, my dad actually said (obviously without thinking) that it looked like “they were cutting into chicken!” (granted, I’m sure my mom wasn’t too pleased to hear that right then! LOL!).

Anyway, my point is that, in most cases, surgery isn’t nearly as violent or gory as it’s sometimes made out to be!

Don’t get me wrong, though, I’d still never want to be operated on unless it was neccesary (either medically or for my own comfort and/or sanity!)!

As for C-sections limiting the number of kids you can have…Actually, you’d be surprised how many kids some women can have via C-section! I once heard of a woman (I didn’t know her, but she was a friend of one of my friends) who had 7 children, all via C-section!

It just depends on the woman and how doctors do the incision (I’m guessing that women who have “classical” C-section incisions can’t have as many kids as those who have horizontal or “bikini cut” incisions).

I was induced at 37 1/2 weeks for a baby of large size and he was 9 lbs. I had a 3rd degree tear and shoulder dystocia, BUT I would have much rather that then a c-section. My second son was the same size, induced again 17 months later, and I had him with no problems, and Im planning on not being induced this time, and letting nature take its course. Im only 5′4 and I have huge babies. So what? I think that CHOOSING to have a c-section is a bit ridiculous, but if it is suggested and medically necessary, go for it.

I really don’t think it matters how you bring your child into the world as long as you do your utmost to care for and love your child when it’s here. With so many medical advances these days, why not take advantage of it? To each their own!

momof2girls – I think thats what people are getting at. You wanted an elective as you didnt want natural childbirth – you owned that decision and are proud of it. This interview just seems like she’s making an excuse, to pander to people.

Its like although I personally believe in breastfeeding I respected J-Lo’s decision to bottle feed. She was proud of it and didnt try and pretend she wanted any other way.

My personal stance on elective c-sections is purely my own point of view. I dont understand why anyone able to birth naturally wouldnt give it a shot – why increase risks with future pregnancies, or even limit the amount you can have? Thats what upsets me about having had 2 sections, that the decision on the number of children I have may not be down to me but my weakened womb now and it upsets me. I also hate that although 6 months on I am still tender and slightly sore. I hate the risks involved in c-sections for babies. BUT, if sections didnt exist neither would my boys so I am so thankful for them.

I just dont understand why anyone would willingly cut their bodies open so violently (and tugging a baby out isnt exactly gentle!) when so many times there is a more natural, less risky alternative.

Dana- That’s very true! My mother also has a heart-shaped uterus, and also had to have C-sections to deliver her babies. In her case, it wasn’t size (my brother and I were actually both on the small side), but because we were both transverse breech.

The fact is, we don’t know all the specifics of Lily’s case. It could also be that they thought the baby was going to end up being much bigger than 8lbs. I have heard of that happening before. It’s even happened to at least one other celeb. Anna Nicole Smith mentioned that her doctors feared that Dannielyn was so big she would “bust my womb”. Dannielyn ended up only weighing a little over 6lbs!

Fetal measurements are not always accurate, so sometimes doctors think the baby will be a 10+ pounder and it turns out to be much smaller.

I had two elective c-sections, and I am having a third in May. I thought they were a great experience and I had no desire to experience natural labor and delivery ! To each his own, let’s not be critical of others birth choices. She sounds like a great mom.

Sydney – I don’t like elective c-sections that don’t have serious medical reasons behind them. Personally, I cannot imagine CHOOSING to go through major abdominal surgery and add to the list of risks of childbirth by having a surgery that was not needed. The recovery is longer; I have a friend who had a c-section two months ago and she still has some pain from it. Most women who deliver vaginally, aside from those with any complications, of course, are fully recovered at that point. I myself was up and about and feeling pretty good within days. There is another part of me that doesn’t like the idea that some women are not willing to go through labor and delivery, just because they are scared or think it will be painful or unpleasant. Britney Spears, for example, blatantly admitted she chose a c-section because she was scared of labor. I just feel someone who cannot put aside their fears or personal comfort to bring their child into the world is possibly not emotionally mature enough for parenthood. Being a mother is a sacrifice in so many ways – and your body and your comfort are included. Of course all women who carry and deliver have done something amazing, no matter what the process…I just wish women trusted their bodies and allowed themselves the experience of giving birth, because it really is very rewarding.

OK, none of us know the circumstances of this situation. It may be that she had narrow hips, it may be she had a medical reason where it became imperitive she deliver immediatley, it may be she just prefered a cesarean. It doesn’t matter. It was her labour, her birthing experience and she should have whatever she feels comfortable with and wants.

My youngest was 9 lbs 13 oz, delivered after only 5 hours of labor with no drugs in a waterbirth. It doesn’t sound like she was “excited” about a natural childbirth, it sounds like she just wanted a c-section and is just paying lip service to natural childbirth in hopes she won’t be trashed by the media. Just admit it, you wanted a c-section, had one, and be done with it. Don’t make excuses, own your decision.