Vaginal vs C-section Delivery

Hi, my name is J.. While I have never had a vaginal birth, I have had 3 C-sections with 4 health children to show for it. I breast fed all 4 and have had rapid recoveries for all of them. The scars are generally below the bikini line, unless it is an absolute emergency. Generally though, I was up and walking the hallways the next day. I hope this helps. Good luck.

I'm sorry i don't have any advice about the c-section, i have 2 kids both vaginally, a 4yr old girl and 12 yr old boy....i just wanted to wish you the best of luck with everything!!!

J.

well first B., congrats on your newest addition!!

I would STRONGLY caution against a scheduled c-section. Without knowing the cause of concern I can't give you much advice along that lines, but I can tell you that the c-section rate in this country is astronomical and women do not need c-sections that often. If the baby is healthy and you've already birthed 2 vaginally there is no reason to believe you should need a c-section.

There are a number of risks that go along with a section. Remember it is major abdominal surgery!! And just like any other surgery there are major risks.
risks for the mother include the following:

* Infection. The uterus or nearby pelvic organs such as the bladder or kidneys can become infected. Also, infection from the epidural and IV site.
* Increased blood loss. Blood loss on the average is about twice as much with cesarean birth as with vaginal birth. However, blood transfusions are rarely needed during a cesarean.
* Decreased bowel function. The bowel sometimes slows down for several days after surgery, resulting in distention, bloating and discomfort.
* Respiratory complications. General anesthesia can sometimes lead to pneumonia.
* Longer hospital stay and recovery time. Three to five days in the hospital is the common length of stay, whereas it is less than one to three days for a vaginal birth.
* Reactions to anesthesia. The mother's health could be endangered by unexpected responses (such as blood pressure that drops quickly) to anesthesia or other medications during the surgery.
* Risk of additional surgeries. For example, hysterectomy, bladder repair, etc

risks to the baby include the following:

* Premature birth. If the due date was not accurately calculated, the baby could be delivered too early.
* Breathing problems. Babies born by cesarean are more likely to develop breathing problems such as transient tachypnea (abnormally fast breathing during the first few days after birth).
* Low Apgar scores. Babies born by cesarean sometimes have low Apgar scores. The low score can be an effect of the anesthesia and cesarean birth, or the baby may have been in distress to begin with. Or perhaps the baby was not stimulated as he or she would have been by vaginal birth.
* Fetal injury. Although rare, the surgeon can accidentally nick the baby while making the uterine incision.

besides the risks you will not experience the birth "high" the natural endorphines that are part of birth.
Many women have a feeling of helplessness because they are strapped to the table and unable to hold thier baby even as it cries.
Many women report a feeling of less of a bond with thier cesearn baby, likely because they had hours before any real contact and generally there is less skin to skin for fear of the incision.

If you'd like to talk more about your options to avoid a c-section I'm a childbirth educator and more than happy to talk with you.
____@____.com

I've not had a vaginal birth, only three c-sections. But each was very different. Two out of three were great. One had complications with the epideral. First, I'd say get the spinal block, it's much more effective. Second, I had in my birthing contract that I wanted to nurse within an hour with my first and it was great. I hadn't so much forthought with my others, just used word of mouth. I wasn't able to nurse my third until a couple of hours (I was sick but wanting to try anyway). All my babies nursed well, though.

I just wanted to let you know that a c-section can be okay if it has to be that way. I was awake and felt a part even though i never got to PUSH.

God bless!
P.

Ihave had one emergency c-section and one non emergency c-section. I was very scared when I was told I would need to have a c-section (the 2nd was my emergency and much scarier). It did take me a little longr to recover than some of my friends who had vaginal deliveries the worst part was trying to sit up. It was nice to have my husband ther to hand our baby to me in the room. Overall it was a good experience with a fantastic outcome and I would not be scared at all to have another.

I can not compare a c-section to a vaginal delivery because I only have one child and I had her c-section. I found out about 3 weeks before my delivery that she was breech. I had the option of the dr. going in and turning her and having her vaginally or having a c-section. After hearing the horror stories of having the dr. turn the baby I opted for the c-section. I do not regret my decision at all. Everything with smoothly. The only part that bothered me was I did not get to hold my daughter until I got into recovery but I did get to see her almost right after she was born.

The only negative experience I had was with the medication after my daughter was born. Before surgery I was given Morphine and a Spinal then after the birth I was givin a Valium to calm my nerves. It was way to much medication for me to take so close together. So I was horrible sick to my stomach for several hours after my daughter was born. You may not have this problem. Several moms I talked to did not have any complications with this but just to prepare you take as little medication as possible.

As far as breastfeeding I did have problems but I think that had more to do with my daughter having a pacifier in the nursery than it did with the delivery.

Recovery was not bad at all I was up and moving the next day and after we were home I was almost back to myself within a week.

Hope this helps. Good Luck and congratulations on the new baby!

A.

Hi B.,
I have to say I had heard horror stories about c-sections and when I was told when I was already 6cm dilated that my daughter was breech and I was going to have to have a c-section, I was a bit nervous to say the least. But honestly, the c-section wasn't an emergency so they took their time, and it went very smooth. The recovery was different than my vaginal delivery I had the first time, but it truely wasn't worse. The part I missed the most was being more actively involved in the delivery and holding my baby right after. But as far as pain and bonding and breastfeeding it was NO different. I actually welcomed the "extra" time to recover in the hospital and the "extra" help I received from everyone after the c-section. It would be a difficult choice for me to decide between a scheduled c-section or VBAC if I were to have a 3rd child. They were different deliveries, but had the same amazing outcome. I think that not "knowing" I was going to have a c-section saved me the anticipation, which I think can be the worst part of anything. I think emergency c-sections are also more difficult to recover from also. But, I can honestly say,for me, that I was blessed not to have any complications from the surgery and recovered nicely. I also think it's kind of neat that each of my girls had their own special way of entering the world and I have their own special story to tell them about that day. I think if you choose to look at it in a special light...you will and baby will, enjoy and embrace the two of yours "Special Delivery"! Good luck, my thoughts are with you during this special time. S.

I have one son whom I delivered c-section. I cannot compare the delivery to a vaginal since I have not had that experience. The day before my due date I was given the option try to induce and hope for the best, but because of the position of the baby they feared I would have to have a c-section anyway. I chose the c-section. It scared me to death, but I figured why have the worst of both worlds. To my surprise, it wasn't bad at all. My son came out perfect. No cone head, no brusing, he was a beautiful baby. Once I got put in the recovery room I was given Dane to start breastfeeding. We had no problems what so ever. I am having my second child in October and we have already planned to do the c-section thing again (plus my husband and I know we are done having children after this one, so I'm going to have my tubes tied while they are in there).

I have 4 boys and I also went through a c-section with my 2d child and I don't think there is a difference between vaginal or c-section. In fact when I had that done, the doctor told me if I had any more babies, that they would be c-section also. Well I had a normal delivery since then. Good luck to you and I hope my advice helps. Remember God is with you and your not alone. I'll keep you in my prayers.

It's always distressing to learn of any complication. It's difficult to give advice without knowing what your OB considers a "complication". You *may* (and quite likely DO) have other options. As a birth doula, I am naturally an advocate of opting for vaginal birth over C/S when there is any choice in the matter. I don't know about Missouri, but in Oklahoma, these days, once you've had a C/S, it's become nearly impossible to have a choice of VBAC in the future. My only specific advice is: fully explore ALL of your options (not just those provided by your current OB), and if you do choose C/S, hire a postpartum doula to help in those first few weeks.

I just had my first child in June and was expecting a vaginal delivery but my son had other plans and was delivered by C-section. It wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be, as for breastfeeding after I got to my room I requested to have him brought in so I could start but kept him in the nursery the first night just to get some rest. I would suggest holding him in the football hold until you feel more comfortable because you will be sore. The first day is the worse after a c-section but will get better, the key is to not over do it. As for after the c-section I was shaking so bad from the meds, and stress that I became very upset that I could not hold my child and felt guilty afterwards. Emotionally I felt drained and disappointed, but happy to have a healthy son. My husband was also very supportive, he practically stayed with me the entire week. Overall I did not find it very difficult to recover from, but I have been told it is different for each person. I was told by the nurse to try to keep moving, but do it a little at a time.

I had also been in labor for 21 hours and he decided to try to come in this world face up. So that may account for the shaking.

Hey B.,
I've had two c-sections. Everything went fine. I breastfeed too. It really all depends on the person. You'll be sore but you just have to walk it out. They put you under but you still know whats going on. Its not that bad. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask me anything.. The recovery time is a little longer than vaginal. Just make sure you use a pillow when you have to cough. But the main thing is to walk. Good luck!!!

A little about me:

I'm a sahm of 3 boys. Married to a wonderful guy. We have 4 boys altogether. His,16&12 mine,10 and ours,2.

Hi B.,

I just had our fourth child and he was a VBAC birth. My oldest, dd, was vaginal with no complications, but my second pregnancy was twins and the lower of the two was transverse so we had to have a c-section. I was nervous beacause my daughter was so easy to deliver. But the c-section wasn't bad at all. I made sure that I got out of bed ASAP and just going from the bed to a chair and sitting for 10-15 minutes as often as I could was the best thing to do. Also WALK, WALK, WALK!! But don't over do it! And don't hesitate to take pain medication. Hope that helps!

B.:

Not to be a downer by any means, but if I never have a C-section again, it would be too soon! I had an emergency C-section (which could be the difference) with my son. It was awful, to say the least. I don't really remember the first 48 hours, the pain was incredible and my milk supply was weakened. You do want to get up and walk as soon as you can, and try to avoid steps for a while (put everything on one level). Make sure you have tons of support (tell you husband to take off a week or two to do everything), and be patient. Everyone has a different experience, so don't freak out about mine.

A.

Hi B.,

Hopefully you are still preggers and my response is not too late. I had a c-section, I would have preferred a vaginal birth, for that is what I "mentally" pictured for nine months.
My advice, just be open to it... as long as you know now... you can mentally prepare. It took me awhile to get over, sometimes I still get upset... but that is all because I had it only "one" way in my mind - so I was sorta disconnected to the birthing experience of the c-section.
My other advice, just listen to your body afterwards... let it heal and dont push it trying to do laundry, clean, drive or take stairs.
All in all, you will be fine! :)
Please let us know how you are in the weeks to come! GOOD LUCK

Hello,

My name is S.. I have had two c-births. C-births are different then an v-birth. The c-birth it self will feel different..you are not going to any feel any pain however you may feel like someone is tugging your insides. Recovery is longer...you are going to need help...might concern hiring a postpartum doula. A tip request stool softers... it make it easier and have a small pillow to place on your tummy so you don't feel like your insides are going to fall off. Also for breastfeeding try the football hold or the lying down postion. If you have any questions please feel free to email. I hope this was of help.

S.

The most important thing to remember is to take the pain medication--do not be a hero and it will not hurt your baby. All of my pregnancies have been complicated c-sections and I consider myself a sucessful veteran. Calmly proceeding without fear and without thinking somehow this is a failure is necessary. I preferred epidural block to spinal block personally but I have to be honest, I can't remember why. There is a bit of insistance that you may have to use and have to make your partner understand when it comes to nursing your baby asap... You know that with C-sec they like to help suction fluids from baby and keep a bit of a closer eye on them and you and you will be in a recovery room for a couple of hours. Sometimes it takes a lot of push if baby isn't breathing perfectly or if you are having little complications to get that baby back from the nursery and onto your breast. You want to stay aware of breast engorgement (not from milk) but as a result of IV fluids. This is more common in subsequent C-secs/births. Unfortunately the lactation nurses (who are not as you may know actual lactation consultants) will think it is milk engorgement and recommend warm showers and compresses. If it is fluid and not milk, and you see/feel it coming on, apply lots of cold pressure compresses (I used a very compressing bra and bags of frozen vegetables). Also, if this happens, use the reverse pressure method on your breast to push the fluid back enough so that baby can latch on despite the engorgement. If you have this problem, make certain any health care personnel you discuss it with understand you are not having milk engorgement, that it is a side-effect from your IV fluids. Obviously, lots of rest, gentle walking exercise, no lifting (get up on your pillows at home and be the new Mommy princess and let someone else take care of your other babies and let them climb up and cuddle you)... You will have just had a major abdominal surgery and the way to be sucessful is to be gentle and realistic with yourself. Finally, your surgery should heal great but if you notice fatigue, fever, warmth, swelling, or even hardening or firming of the tissue in your abdominal area above your incision up to your belly button, even several weeks out, you should contact your OB in case of cellulitis/staph infection (I have a greatly depressed immuno system because of my severe hypothyroidism and I have gotten staph every time that appeared about 3-5 weeks post-op)

Good Luck and God Bless! It's a breeze, promise!

I had a c-section with my first child five years ago becasue she was breech and I am due with my second child in October and have elected to have another c-section for this delivery. I was really scared before my first c-section and had heard horror stories about how it would take forver to recover etc. My experience was not a negative one in any way, I was up and walking around within 12 hours and was able to care for my daughter without any problems. She roomed in with me and it was no a problem, my husband stayed in the hopsital with us for the first night and that was really helpful becasue he was able to bring her to me for breastfeeding etc. I was able to start trying to breastfeed while we were still in the recovery room after my c-section. My daughter had a few problems with latching etc but that was more because she was 19 days premature and it was my first time learning the art of breadtfeeding than becasue of the c-section. As far as recovery time, I was back at work after six week and had no complications.
I hope this helps a bit, I think sometimes it's easy to let people freak you out and think that a c-section is just an awful thing but my experience was a positive one.
Good Luck, Rracy

To be completely honest, I have two healthy children. My son, Cayden who is almost 3 was delivered vaginally. My daughter, Mackenzie (almost 9 months) was delivered via emergency C-section. I am now pregnant again, due in Feb. and have the option of either vaginal or C-section and I think I'm going to have a C-section.

It honestly was not that bad. Let's put it this way, it wasn't comfortable, but delivering a softball out your vagina isn't comfortable either. The most difficult part for me was not being able to pick up my son afterwards. Toward the end of my pregnancy, he didn't understand why I couldn't hold him. So, I was so excited to be able to do that after my daughter came. When that didn't happen, it was pretty hard.

Overall, it really was still an incredible experience knowing that this little person came out of me. Plus, my philosophy was always if they can get my baby out healthy through a C-section, I'll do what it takes.

Good Luck!

B. -

I labored for 20 hours and pushed for 3, then ended up with emergency c-section. I was very scared and upset that I couldn't do it the "normal" way but from what I heard from my friends, I had an easier time recovering than many of them.

Make sure to get up early after recovery and start walking around. The hardest part is making sure that you keep everything very clean so you don't get an infection. The docs will give you instructions about that. Let's see. The worst pain I had after it was the gas pain for the first couple of days it didn't go away, but not everyone has that problem.

As for breastfeeding, I breastfed my daughter till she was 13 months, no problems. "They" say it may take longer for your milk to come, just use the baby to really get things stimulated and going.

Good luck, and remember, the important thing is just getting that beautiful baby girl!

hey B.,
i have had 3 cecereans my last one was 2.5 weeks ago. i also had a tummy tuck between my first and third. let me tell you that you dont get the immediate gratification of holding your baby and it could be about an hour or so before you are able to hold her. the medication is strong, so make sure that your husband/family members get a lot of pics or better yet camcorder, because you will feel in a daze of pain medication and may not remember everything clearly.
breastfeeding should be about the same (i also had a breast reduction and nursed fine)....GOOD LUCK......gypsy

All I can tell you is decide before! They let me be in labor for 2 days and I pushed for 7 hours before they decided to do the c-section. I was so exaughted that I passed out during surgery and didnt wake up for 8 hours, missing my son's first hours in this big world! I also got a serious infection in my uterous and had to go back to the hospital about 5 days after I got home.( by ambulance because I was in so much pain) Just try to accept any help offered to you but make sure and get moving as soon as you can handle it!

saw something funny...Teresa S as of Oct 30th still hopes youre pregnant. I think that's mean. ha ha ha. hope you're all doing okay. sounds like you have your hands full. I'm freaking out about my upcoming c/s too. It's the insurance nazi's (Plico) in Oklahoma that prevent VBAC's...I know of only 2 docs at Univ. that will do them. So I'm pretending that I'm going to an all inclusive resort for 3 days...where they will have the best concierge service and I don't have to do anything but walk out the tummy pains and play with a really cute newborn. well, take care.

Hi, B.!

I was never able to give birth vaginally. When my son was born, his heartbeat was really slow and they couldn't get it to stay up no matter how much they tried to stimulate him. Each contraction made it drop down terribly, so the doctor recommended a C-section and I agreed. I was going to try a VBAC with my daughter last year, but ultrasound revealed extremely low levels of fluid that continued to decline until they finally reached such a low level that the doctor wanted to get her out just a few days early. It was just as well since it turned out that the cord was around her neck, so I probably would have ended up in the same situation as the first time anyway - or worse.

Anyway, I can't compare the two, but I can give you some advice about c-sections. First of all, take things slowly because the pain is really bad if you don't. When they finally unplug you from your IVs and tell you it is okay to get out of bed, try to make sure someone is there to help you and just start out slowly by rolling over on your side and then use your arms to push yourself up to sitting. Once you get up, try to walk around as much as you feel able to. It will help a lot with getting rid of the gas, which can cause terrible pain until some of it is gone. Just don't overdo it. I thought I felt great and I walked around and visited with people until suddenly I felt almost faint. You don't want to push that far.

The area is sensitive, but it depends on your tolerance for pain. The second one was a little easier for me than the first because I knew more what to expect, but I still found myself wondering why on earth I'd done it. :o) Just try to take things slow and be sure to follow the doctor's orders for when you go home. You'll definitely need someone to help you with your other kids because you will not want to lift anything other than your new baby for two weeks after the surgery. After my first one, I needed to find my family leave paperwork to turn in and I was crawling around looking for it until I felt a terrible pain in my abdomen. I thought I'd ripped something inside and even had a nurse practitioner check it out. She said it was nothing serious, but that I had done something I should have and just tore some tissue. I paid for that mistake for a few weeks - longer than the rest of my recovery - so be sure not to do that.

I would also recommend using a Boppy pillow, although some people don't seem to like them. For me it was a lifesaver because I could put it over my scar and hold my baby in a position that was pretty natural to me for breastfeeding. I never could get use to the football hold that they recommend for women who've had a c-section. I also used it just when I was holding the babies to protect the scar from those incredibly strong and accurate little kicking feet. :o)

If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me at ____@____.com. I'll be glad to answer or just chat.

Just out of curiosity, what type of work do you do now? I am thinking about quitting my job if we are lucky enough to get pregnant with our third child in the next year. It's a great job and I even get to work from home, but it still takes too much time away from my family and it's time that can never be reclaimed. The scariest part for me though is that we will lose essentially half our income and we'll have to buy health insurance for me and the kids through my husband's job which will be a big expense that we haven't had.

Anyway, I hope to hear back from you and I hope everything goes will for you in the next couple of weeks.

Take care,

L.

Hey B..

Sorry to hear your news. I'm sure it was/is upsetting that there is any complication. I know lots of moms who have had different bith experiences, including c-section and everyone reports different experiences. JUST like all the different vaginal birth stories I hear...soem good, some bad.

The main common thread is recovery. I think as far as surgeries go, it's not a great one to have while you have a new baby (and TWO others) to care for. I would recommend a postpartum doula. I hired one when my third was born and would NEVER do it again without her. She took such wonderful care of my whole family for two weeks after the birth. She did laundry, prepared meals, answered the phone, turned away visitors if I needed some peace, picked up toys, held the baby while I showered or caught a quick nap. She bathed my three year old, helped me plan a birthday party, wrote thank you notes....ok, you get the idea. She was AWESOME! She charged $8 an hour and I would have paid three times that amount.

I know this was not what you asked *blush* but I get carried away thinking about that experience.

I hope everything goes well for you and that you feel free to post a HELP! here if you need it.

Hi B., I had 1 vaginal birth and 2 c-sections, so, I know a little about the pros and cons.The c-section pros are, you don't have to push till your dilated till your 10 sonimeters. They usually numb you from the waist down, so all you feel is pressure. And nowdays you can be awake for the birth. Are you planning on having anymore children? I got my tubes cut, tied and burned at the same time I gave birth to last child, which made it nice cause then I didn't have to worry anymore. The cons are, you usually have staples in your stomach for about a week to ten days. The nursing staff makes you get up and walk, even if your so sore! But that means you go home quicker. If your concerned about the scar,they have cream for scars now days. Cocoa butter is real good. I think you have limitations on driving till you get staples out.Good luck! B.

B.:

I would enjoy talking with you about your upcoming birth. I am a mother of four and a birth doula. Feel free to e-mail me direct at ____@____.com.

Sincere thoughts,
L.

Hi B.,
My name is D. and I'm 36 y.o. - (mother of 2 girls - 3 1/2 and 20 mo) I had a c-sect with both of my daughters - because I chose too because of a previous myomectomy I had had on my uterus. I was very lucky and recovered very well, and very fast from both of them - mainly because (I think) - I had the previous surgery that is basically just like a c-sect so I knew what to expect. All I can tell you is that there is a lot of discomfort and some pain afterwards. The nurses will push you by the next day to get up and out of bed. Trust me when I say that it hurts to laugh, cough or sneeze after the c-sect. But the more you get up out of bed and walk the hallways, the quicker you WILL recover. I was going up and down stairs as soon as I got home too. Just give yourself some extra time to heal, and just keep moving and you should start to bounce back sooner than you thought. Many family and friends were amazed and how quickly I was back to doing my normal things (cooking, cleaning, etc) - and maybe I'm an exception (don't want to think of it that way) - but I'm also the kind of person who doesn't like to sit around and have everyone waiting on me and doing everything for me. I guess I'm just kind of weird that way. Good luck with your delivery. You will not feel anything (as far as the actual surgery) when you go to deliver. You will feel a sudden "relief" once they deliver your baby. To be honest, the scariest part for me out of the WHOLE THING - is getting the spinal that they give you to numb you for the surgery and feeling a little sick during it (only with my second one). The rest of it was a snap for me.
Let me know if you have any more questions about anything - I love to talk!! ###-###-####

Hi B.,

First of all, congratulations on your SOON-TO-ARRIVE bundle of joy! I've never had a c-section, but I am a childbirth educator and labor doula. Both of my babies were born vaginally. As for your possible c-section, the main thing to keep in mind is that you want a healthy baby and a healthy mom. That being said, you also want to remember that c-section is a major abdominal surgery and comes with all of the possible complications of such. The surgery itself will take about 45 minutes start to finish, although, the baby will be born within the first 10 minutes of the surgery - the rest of the time is cleaning and repairing mom. You'll most likely be able to have your husband in the room with you. Some moms are disappointed that they aren't able to deliver vaginally and that can set them up for some difficult emotions post partum. Just make sure that you keep good lines of communication open with your husband. You will still have your lochia (vaginal discharge) for the 2-6 weeks postpartum and your milk will still come in 3-5 days postpartum. There are some positions that are better than others for nursing (eg. football, side-lying) after a c-section. I recommend talking to a lactation consultant. Also, make sure you have PLENTY of help for the first 10 days or so after you get home...especially since you already have two other little ones. Try to get up and walk around a little bit everyday, but don't overdo it.

One last thought - did you ask your doctor how certain the c-section was? What can you do (if anything) to help avoid it?

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions or concerns, I'll be happy to help. My email address is ____@____.com

Hi B.,

I had my first son via c-section, my second via medicated VBAC and my third completely 'natural'.

My unedited opinion is that you are going to have an awesome, healthy baby at the end your labor, whether via c-section or vaginal birth. You will continue to feel blessed everyday (though you'll be bone tired!), and 6 mos to a year from now, it's not even going to matter that you had a c-section. You will love all your babies for the amazing little people that they are, and not for how they came into this world.

It won't all be smooth sailing, but introducing a new family member never is. If you have babysitters or family that can come and help, line 'em up and be shameless in taking advantage of them for the first three months! :-)

I've had two girls and both of mine were c-sections while I was awake (I recommend this if possible that way you'll see the baby immediately!). Both of my girls arrived exactly one month early, the first was breach which was the reason for the first c-section. I had the option with my 2nd to do a vaginal but choose the c-section (partly because I had my tubes tied at the same time). Even if I hadn't done that I would have taken the c-section. I had no problems. I was up the same day walking around (slowly, but walking), I breastfed both of my girls and was driving within two weeks. You spend four days in the hospital instead of two, although I was told on day two that I could go home if I wanted to. I don't know what size person you are but if you're super fit (flat tummy) it will take some extra time to get that back. I've had a couple girl friends at work who were getting close to delivery and I told them, if your doctor starts talking about a c-section, don't freak out. It's really not that bad.

The stress of a C-Section can be great! However, I had my son via Vaginal and my daughter C-Section. You will be just as great with C-Section. In all actuality, If I had another, I would prefer C-Section. They don't put you out anymore, so your still very awake for the birth of your child. Deep breathes and no worries... you will do just fine!
Good luck with your third child.