Deciding between a natural birth or planned c-section: Pros & cons?

Thanks Charade! Yes I also signed on Episiotomy but I want epidural. Though I can speak cantonese but I heard I cannot decide on my own. public will do according to how much painful they think you are. I am very emotional and easy to worry. I might worry for one year about BB brain problem if I deliver too long naturally. But I fear I do a wrong choice too. I will discuss with public doctor next week. my private doctor certainly wants c-section as he just do that now.
 
you think you worry now.... just wait until the baby comes... THAT'S when worries really start.

i know it's difficult, but you really need to relax and know that the doctors want a safe and healthy delivery, which is what you want, too. this should be a happy and joyous time, not a time fraught with terrifying worry, which is what you sound like you are experiencing now.
 
again, if the doctors think that you are labouring too long and that it will cause harm to the baby, they WON'T LET YOU CONTINUE TO LABOUR. they will take you in for an emergency c-section. so, you really are worrying needlessly.
 
I would be very wary of any private doctor who ONLY does C-section. That means he / she is not making a choice based on your personal pregnancy or symptoms. It's well know that some doctors prefer C-sections because it's easier for them to schedule and they can charge more for less work-time.

I started with a doctor like that, who was so pushy about C-sections, even in early pregnancy, that I switched doctors completely. I think some doctors like to prey on the fact that all expectant mothers are nervous -- this guy was surely full of scary stories. Now I am with another private doctor who is very open to both natural and C-section.

If your fear is about damage to the baby, I wouldn't worry about it. HK hospitals, both public and private, are known for high quality service. Your baby will be monitored. And if natural birth goes too long, or goes badly, they will do an emergency C-section.

If you read any neutral international medical source -- like the World Health Organization -- they will tell you that natural birth is actually safer than C-section, except in the case of emergencies.
 
Hi Appledai, it is sad that your doctor is only willing to do c-sections. I wish these doctors and hospitals that push c-sections could be brought to the medical council because they are pushing something that is against international medical norms and not always the best for mother and baby. I totally understand that there is a need for c-sections in some cases and it is the duty of the doctor to give the patient choices and proper information.

One thing about the public system, there is this impression that they might cut corners to save money. It is true that they may not have the nicest rooms, they do not do a scan on every appointment, they do not do advanced testings unless deemed necessary, BUT they have top notch medical facilities, they have experienced doctors and I'd say nurses too and they are not out to make money. You can rest assured that because they do not profit financially, their priority is you and your baby. If they have the slightest fear for you or your baby, they start escalating your case and testing. I had to only mention I was anxious about an infection and they would test me - free of charge. They are also very pro natural birth and breastfeeding - however, they do not hesitate to offer a c-section if they feel medically necessary.

So yes, a public doctor would be the best person to give you an honest and neutral opinion on natural vs c-section. I hope you get a nice one who is not rushed and will answer your questions.

It would also be good if you could get a clear answer on epidural. Nicolejoy mentioned in this thread that you can insist on one even in public. Gatalotica also mentioned that they are supposed to be available in public. So, if you could get a clear answer from your doctor in the public system beforehand and also how you can ensure that you get the epidural, it would also help people like me because a big reason I would choose private over public next time around would be the guaranteed option of an epidural.
 
I had both of my babies at a public hospital and I was able to choose an epidural among other pain medicine. I could also choose to have an episiotomy as well. Of course, they may recommend it to you if they suspect that the tear will be too serious. I didn't want an episiotomy as it usually takes longer to heal. For the epidural, my first labour was long so after deciding to induce, they broke my water and I asked for an epidural. It really helped me as I could rest my body before I had to push the baby out. The second time, the epidural doctor couldn't do it properly so I didn't have one, but then my water broke and the baby came out. There was pain, but it was over and before you know it, baby is out and they usually will breastfeed better without epidural too. Natural is best for baby and mom for sure, but if you need a c-section, then the doctors will surely give you one even at public. You really need to think positively that you can do this. So many mothers have done it! Don't feel bad for your decision though! What people have written here is all true and really read what they have said. There are risks and benefits to both, but most of the time, mom and baby are ok for a natural delivery!
 
taysty said:
@ lesliefu

Is it Dr Richard Ooi? He did my epidural when i delivered last year. The discomfort and pain was minimum. He is very patient and make me feel comfortable with it.

@ charade

You're right with the epidural thing. I didnt feel ashame of taking the epidural becoz i had back pain for more than 12 hours and i kind of know i wont be able to push effectively let alone have to deal with more pain. Before they give me my 2nd dose of epidural, i felt pain in between and i'm so glad that i had epidural.

After my delivery, in less that 12 hours, i was "up and running" doing breastfeeding in the hospital. Yes, i've got some stiches, but i think i can deal with the pain more than those labour pain.
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Yes - I had Dr Ooi - very good...don't know why anyone would opt to not have an epidural - personally I think they are the best inventions (next to air conditioners) that we should take advantage off.
 
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My doctor is Dr. Macor Wan, he is very famous in HK, also expensive. If private room, he charge $40000, VIP room for $80000. My previous Dr. Derek Lo is very very good but he will be not in HK in July. and then refer me to Dr Wan. Dr. Lo asked me to Public but he also admitted most of Dr. chose c-section for their own children I believe Dr. wan is professional and good. Dr. wan said c-section will less risk for the baby.
 
I can't believe he would say a c-section is less risky for your baby unless you have some kind of complication. Otherwise, he shouldn't be recommending one...he probably has a golf game he needs to get to so he wants to know when he has to be there.
 
As carang says doctors in the private sector chose a c-section for their convenience. They can pick a time to turn up do a procedure and then leave they don't have to spend hours with you while you are in labour or get a phone call in the middle of the night for them to came to the hospital. Why spend hours when you can spend an hour to do the same job and get the same money.

I have had a cousin who due to a medical reason (baby was breach and they thought he was going to be over 10 pounds) had to do a c-section and they ended up cutting too deep and cutting the baby. Luckily bub was breach and had his back facing the doctor as it was his bottom not his face!!!! But he still has a scar 2 1/2 years later. He was also only 7 pounds 4 so the scans were completely wrong for the weight as well. This was all with a highly recommended and experienced doctor as well. Doctors do make mistakes.

Please don't just go on what a doctor who is out to make money the quickest and easiest way says.
 
I'm sorry, AppleDai -- but I think you might be a bit naive to think that a famous, expensive doctor will necessarily be a better one. A VIP room may be more comfortable, but it's no guarantee of a safer delivery.

Did Dr. Wan give a reason that C-section would be "safer?" Is there something particular to your case? Or is he just playing on a common and false belief in Hong Kong that surgery is always better than natural?

My 1st doctor -- also a "name-brand doctor" -- tried every scare tactic in the book, when I was 5 weeks along! I wouldn't get a hospital bed unless I booked a C-section now. I would be incontinent afterward. He even tried to scare my husband by saying, "If you loved your wife, you'd go for a C-section." Then I did some reading and looked into second opinions, and much of it was not backed up. So we found another doctor -- not so famous or expensive, but much more reasonable.

Think about it logically. All surgery, no matter how routine, comes with risk. Major abdominal surgery is more risky than a natural process. More anesthetia and drugs will always come with a higher level of complication. The C-section recovery is longer and more painful. And -- God forbid -- if something goes horrible wrong at a private hospital, they ship you to a large public hospital anyway, because the government facilities are better for neo-natal intensive care.

If you want a C-section, and are confident in your decision, than go for it. It's your choice.

But if you're making this decision based on fear and -- frankly -- a lack of clear-sighted research and thought (or, because you're being bullied by a doctor), that's not a good thing.

Did you read the World Health Organization page I recommended? Granted, it may be hard reading. For an easier read, you can try the Wikipedia page on Cesarean instead.

The WHO recommends C-sections only when there is a medical complication. It also recommends 10-15% C-section rates. The rates at Hong Kong private hospitals are a whopping 60% -- due, not doubt, to doctors / hospitals wanting to rake in the cash, and some expectant mothers who are misled / scared / bullied / into decisions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarean_section

You say your due date is close. So you've already paid for and booked a private place? Have you already made a C-section appointment? Is it even possible for you to switch to a pro-natural-birth doctor now? Because it seem rather late in the process to start thinking about these decisions.
 
From what I've heard Dr Wan is very pro c-section as his patients are mostly from the mainland and they need to have planned c-sections as they are not in HK for an extended period of time and need things to be predictable.

Anyhow, if you're not picky about room type and hospital, is it not impossible to choose natural even at this stage? If you are particular then it'd probably be very hard to get a place knowing the system in HK. Honestly, go with what you're comfortable with but do your research and choose what is best for your situation. Frankly don't choose an option because it removes your fear because you're choosing "surgery" instead and there are risks there too. Good luck with whatever you decide! :) Hope you have a healthy baby.
 
For those who are thinking about c-sections etc. please see these posts:

The Business of Being Born
Ina May Gaskin
Birth Rights The Risk of Choice
Fetal Neurological Risks of Synthetic Oxytocin Use- Depression, Anxiety, Autism...
Laura Shanley Talks About Birth
The Doctors Got It All Wrong
Moving and Grooving in Labor Works
Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital-My Experience
Sphincter Law: Smile=good. Chuckle=better. Good belly laugh=effective anesthesia
The Win-Win Birth Plan
Printable Labor Position Guide
Benefits of Vaginal Birth for Mother and Baby
Let Your Birthing Experience Be Inspired
Safe, Protected and Unobserved
7 Signs of a Bad Doctor
Unneccessarian

In my opinion, it is incredibly irresponsible for doctors to use c-sections for their own convenience and then convince their patients that it's for the safety of the baby. Unless you are a high-risk case which requires a c-section, it's best to get ready for a vaginal birth. Believe me, you can do it--it's not as big of a deal as Hollywood makes it out to be. But, fear (of anything) will make problems for you so you do have to deal with that.
 
Yes, I booked a private place and appointed c-section, I can not change private doctor but I can always go public as I keep checking at Eastern hospital. At very beginning, I had very strong decision that I must go C-section to avoid the baby through uncertainty. After see more and more posts, I seems doubt my original thinking. I thank you for your reply here and in other post. I do be serious thinking of it.

Gracey said:
I'm sorry, AppleDai -- but I think you might be a bit naive to think that a famous, expensive doctor will necessarily be a better one. A VIP room may be more comfortable, but it's no guarantee of a safer delivery.

Did Dr. Wan give a reason that C-section would be "safer?" Is there something particular to your case? Or is he just playing on a common and false belief in Hong Kong that surgery is always better than natural?

My 1st doctor -- also a "name-brand doctor" -- tried every scare tactic in the book, when I was 5 weeks along! I wouldn't get a hospital bed unless I booked a C-section now. I would be incontinent afterward. He even tried to scare my husband by saying, "If you loved your wife, you'd go for a C-section." Then I did some reading and looked into second opinions, and much of it was not backed up. So we found another doctor -- not so famous or expensive, but much more reasonable.

Think about it logically. All surgery, no matter how routine, comes with risk. Major abdominal surgery is more risky than a natural process. More anesthetia and drugs will always come with a higher level of complication. The C-section recovery is longer and more painful. And -- God forbid -- if something goes horrible wrong at a private hospital, they ship you to a large public hospital anyway, because the government facilities are better for neo-natal intensive care.

If you want a C-section, and are confident in your decision, than go for it. It's your choice.

But if you're making this decision based on fear and -- frankly -- a lack of clear-sighted research and thought (or, because you're being bullied by a doctor), that's not a good thing.

Did you read the World Health Organization page I recommended? Granted, it may be hard reading. For an easier read, you can try the Wikipedia page on Cesarean instead.

The WHO recommends C-sections only when there is a medical complication. It also recommends 10-15% C-section rates. The rates at Hong Kong private hospitals are a whopping 60% -- due, not doubt, to doctors / hospitals wanting to rake in the cash, and some expectant mothers who are misled / scared / bullied / into decisions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarean_section

You say your due date is close. So you've already paid for and booked a private place? Have you already made a C-section appointment? Is it even possible for you to switch to a pro-natural-birth doctor now? Because it seem rather late in the process to start thinking about these decisions.
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But if you booked a private place and don't go, do you still have to pay?
I'm sorry if I sounded harsh on you. I hope you can relax, enjoy your birth, and soon you'll have a baby!
Good luck! :)
 
Gracey said:
I'm sorry, AppleDai -- but I think you might be a bit naive to think that a famous, expensive doctor will necessarily be a better one. A VIP room may be more comfortable, but it's no guarantee of a safer delivery.
Click to expand...

Appledai, on this point, I had my c-section in a public hospital and was very upset when I found out a week before that a trainee surgeon would be doing the c-section. When I spoke with the anaesthetist (who was very experienced) he said that actually it is much better to have someone like her doing the surgery rather than a consultant, as c-sections are all this doctor has been doing for the past couple of months - 5 or 6 a day, all week, every week. He thought this better than a consultant who doesn't necessarily do them as frequently.
 
The deposit is $20000, even we give up it still better than pay $114500. Now I think money is nothing, What I think is BB brain oxygen problem if long time delivery. I need have a discussion with public doctor. hope I can trust HK public system. Many good public doctors went to private, every time public doctors I saw are very young. One time I asked a doctor what will be, she said "I will ask for you" then she really went out.

I thank your guys' comments, actually I am a little bit prefer natural way. I am relaxed, just wait for a way.:)

Gracey said:
But if you booked a private place and don't go, do you still have to pay?
I'm sorry if I sounded harsh on you. I hope you can relax, enjoy your birth, and soon you'll have a baby!
Good luck! :)
Click to expand...
 
I read your post about c-section with a trainee. I also felt doctors at public are patient but just less experienced. My private one is a c-section expert who can do within minutes with a very small scar. But if I go public, I will definitely chose natural way. then midwife and nurses are more important than a doctor. Thanks.

Liquorice said:
Appledai, on this point, I had my c-section in a public hospital and was very upset when I found out a week before that a trainee surgeon would be doing the c-section. When I spoke with the anaesthetist (who was very experienced) he said that actually it is much better to have someone like her doing the surgery rather than a consultant, as c-sections are all this doctor has been doing for the past couple of months - 5 or 6 a day, all week, every week. He thought this better than a consultant who doesn't necessarily do them as frequently.
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