[1.04] This episode will cover:

• Why people may ask this question
• The pros and cons of both delivery methods
• For first births and subsequent births

[1.19] Dr Pat talks about how the answer to this question may change depending on an individual’s background.

[1.44] Brigid asks Dr Pat why people may ask this question in the first place. Dr Pat talks about how most women who are in their first pregnancy are just aware that there are two different ways for the baby to come out and might just want to hear the pros and cons for each deliver method. Dr Pat also discusses how some people may know of people who made the choice to have a caesarean section as their preferred way of having their baby, without any medical indication that call for a caesarean.

[2.27] Dr Pat talks about how some women will also have a specific medical reason behind them wanting to have a caesarean section and how they may be exploring that.

[2.38] Dr Pat covers women who may have already had a previous caesarean and are weighing up the pros and cons of a planned c-sections as opposed to a VBAC for their next baby.

[2.52] Brigid and Dr Pat discuss some of the other reason why someone may ask if they should have a vaginal or caesarean birth, some of these reasons include a traumatic birth with their first pregnancy and someone who have tokophobia (fear of childbirth), those who are afraid of tearing or loss of sexual function due to changes to the genitals through childbirth.

[3.58] Brigid and Dr Pat talk about second births and how a woman who may have had a traumatic vaginal birth in their first pregnancy might lean towards a planned c-sections and if there is anything that can be done to help them understand that their second birth may be different. Dr Pat then talks through some different scenarios and how the ideal delivery method may change depending on each scenario.

[7.43] Dr Pat talks about how we can support women who may have a fear around vaginal births, by not sharing stories of poor outcomes with these people.

[8.59] Brigid and Dr Pat share how women who may have a fear of childbirth sometimes tell them that they have felt pushed by a healthcare practitioner into a certain delivery option. Dr Pat talks about how he approaches a patient who may have this fear and how other health practitioners can also help to provide additional support.

[11.32] Brigid asks Dr Pat about patients who may be recommended to have a caesarean section but are wanting to have a vaginal birth. Dr Pat talks about how maternal assisted caesarean can be a good way to compromise.

[12.26] Dr Pat and Brigid talk about the differences between the terms vaginal birth and natural birth.

[14.04] Dr Pat talks about the positives of a vaginal birth, generally the safest method of delivery for most people, good for subsequent births and the women is at less of a risk of surgical infections.

[15.03] Dr Pat touches on whether there are any potential benefits that vaginal birth has in relation to lactation.

[16.28] Dr Pat compares the recovery for a vaginal birth and a caesarean section, vaginal birth recoveries are generally more mobile and have less movement related pain in the day, however there is still pain and bruising.

[17.12] Dr Pat explains what a perianal haematoma is and the prevalence of them.

[17.28] A vaginal birth that goes well has a better recovery than a caesarean, but a vaginal birth that goes poorly does not.

[17.50] Brigid and Dr Pat talk about birth satisfaction in relation to vaginal births as well as some other pros of vaginal births.

[19.13] Brigid asks Dr Pat about respiratory conditions and Dr Pat talks how these conditions are less common in vaginal births when compared to a caesarean birth.

[20.10] Dr Pat talks about some of the cons of vaginal births, like the pain of labour and birth which may also last for an extended period of time and some of the complications that may occur due to the unpredictable nature of vaginal births, such as tearing to the perineum, postpartum haemorrhages and retained placenta.

[22.00] Brigid and Dr Pat talk about whether the method of delivery actually affects pelvic floor and continence, Brigid also talks about a study on incontinence done in Canada and talks about the results with Dr Pat.

[22.54] Dr Pat talks about the types of vaginal births that may predispose a woman to prolapse later in life.

[24.50] Brigid suggests that any listeners who may have been put off by any of the cons of vaginal births or are leaning towards a c-section should listen to episode 30. Assisted delivery, a really common birth intervention and episode 64. What happens in a planned caesarean?

[27.06] Dr Pat and Brigid discuss some of the obstetric situations where it is definitely better to have a caesarean section, such as multiple pregnancies, those with heart problems and people who may have a fear around going into sudden labour or birth.

[32.22] Dr Pat talks about the cons of having a caesarean section, such as surgical complications, the trauma of an emergency caesarean with lights and sirens.

[33.00] Dr Pat talks about how a caesarean is not always the easy way out, childbirth regardless of how the baby comes out is going to be a big deal.

[33.10] Brigid and Dr Pat talks about how we need to be mindful when talking about pregnancy and birth, to help reduce the guilt women may feel around the birth of their baby.

[34.00] Dr Pat talks about the stay in hospital generally being longer for those who have a caesarean section.

[35.17] Brigid asks Dr Pat about the recovery after a caesarean section and if it is longer than the recovery after a vaginal birth.

[36.07] Dr Pat talks about how caesareans can affect subsequent births and Brigid asks about the risks involved.

[38.28] Brigid and Dr Pat talk about the physical challenges that may occur in the days following a caesarean.

[39.39] Dr Pat talks about whether there is a link between respiratory conditions and caesarean births.

[41.05] Brigid and Dr Pat talk about vaginal seeding.

[41.36] Brigid talks about a study she found which was investigating if there was a link between type 2 diabetes and babies born by caesarean section and she asks Dr Pat about this.

[43.10] Dr Pat and Brigid talk about be kind to yourself and owning and loving your decision.

[44.05] Myth or fact- During recovery post-birth, do you bleed less after a caesarean section compared to a vaginal birth?

Thank you to Butterfly Maternity for sponsoring this episode of The Kick Pregnancy Podcast

Use the code ‘THEKICK’ at checkout for a discount

https://www.butterflymaternity.com.au/