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.
Deciding between a natural birth or planned c-section: Pros & cons?
- Thread starter RileyC
- Start date
carang
Registered User
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.