...about talking to my OB tomorrow.
This will be my first appointment. All I am going to say to him is that my colorectal surgeon told me that I would need to have a c-section. I am scared he will laugh it off and tell me too bad. (I did keep an appointment with another OB just in case...but still)

Also, I am not even sure I want to do a c-section. I'd like to have a natural birth but not at the expense of my pouch or rectal muscles...etc..

If I have a natural birth, and I tear, does that mean I will be incontinent until it heals? My colorectal surgeon told me that I do not have a rectum. It was removed during surgery. My pouch connects directly to the anus.

I just don't know what decision to make. I am beyond scared. I wish I could back out...but it's too late. Honestly though, I am very blessed to be having a child. I thought I'd never be able to. I always thought I'd worry about this stuff later....but now it's later and I just don't know what to do.

I wish I could talk to my colorectal surgeon but I haven't seen her in years and she never returns my calls.

Has anyone here had a natural birth after j-pouch surgery? For those that haven't, did you have to convince your doc to do a c-section or were they happy to take your word for it?

My appointment is tomorrow and I am so so nervous.

Hope I caught you before you go...don't worry, you have plenty of time. Do you have the CC articles on C-sections?

There are a few folks who used to come here who did natural births. Regina was one - haven't seen her around in a long time, but she did two natural births post j-pouch.

Not sure what your concerns are with the c-section, but compared to what you've been through it is a piece of cake.

Good luck today!

Dear Missa,

I had my c-section BEFORE my j-pouch surgery, and it was an absolute breeze. The beauty of a PLANNED c-section is that you will not go through the pain and strain of a natural childbirth, and you'll still get to participate, because you'll have a spinal that will make you numb down below but perfectly awake and alert. You'll get to talk to your doctors while they're performing the c-section, and the minute that little guy or gal pops out you'll get to hold him or her (after the nurses do some nurse-type stuff).

I had my little guy on a Saturday and went home on Tuesday. You'll be a little sore, and need to wear a pad for a few days, but truly, the recovery is pretty darn easy. Within a couple of days (once I wasn't taking pain medicine) I was driving my little guy to the store to buy MORE BABY STUFF!!!

I realize that everyone's situation is different, but I just wanted to reassure you that the c-section is extremely easy. At least, it was for me.

Good luck and good health and congratulations!

Good news! All I had to say was that I had an ileo-anal anastomosis and he said C-SEction!!! He told me it was up to me. I could have a natural birth if I wanted to. He said he'd had 3 patients have a natural birth. He said he's done many c-sections on women like us. I'm so happy!!

Hi Missa,
I live in Ottawa. I'm pregnant for my fourth baby. My second baby I had when I had my ileostomy and it was vaginal. My doctor gave me the choice of c-section or vaginal and I chose vaginal as it was one less surgery. Then, for my third baby, I had my j-pouch. Again, my doc gave me the choice. I again selected vaginal, unless we both felt near the end that there was a chance of tearing around my anus (which wouldnt be too good for someone like us). He let me go ten days late and still he thought vaginal was the way to go and sure enough he was right. I had no problems with that and was happy not to have another surgery, another scar, etc. Now I'm 19 weeks with my fourth baby and I'll talk to him about it again near the end, but I'm hopeful that vaginal will be the way to go with this one too. I really dont want a c-section, another surgery, another scar. Good luck, but keep positive and know that you can do it without the c-section if all goes well.

Hi Missa,

I just found your questions about a C-Section following J-pouch surgery on a site. I am currently 17 weeks pregnant with twins and am trying to make the same decision. Did you have your C-section yet? Does anyone else have a C-Section experience they can share? It's been recommended that I go this route due to my J-pouch...but is also highly likely regardless, due to being pregnant with twins. Just wondered if there were any good experiences out there