ELCS after traumatic last delivery

[paperandpaint]

Looking for some advice re birth options as I don't really know what to do.

DD1 born 16 years ago (eek!!) - painful but straightforward birth. A very positive experience. DD2 born 9 years ago - absolutely horrific birth and DD2 had shoulder dystocia. It left me with horrendous depression and anxiety which spiraled into OCD. I basically had a horrible three years afterwards.

I am with a new partner and we are expecting a baby in April. Part of me wants to give birth but part of me wants a ELCS as I couldn't go through another traumatic experience like that as it destroyed me last time. I've discussed it all with my midwife who is very supportive of whatever decision I make, as is my partner.

Has anybody had a similar decision to make? I would love to hear your experiences.

[rachelrcrossley]

I started a similar thread a while back.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth/2618813-Should-I-ask-for-elective-section-traumatic-first-pregnancy-and-labour
I'm now 25 weeks pregnant and not completely decided but veering towards a section. Definitely would not be induced again! It's so difficult though because ultimately the decision can only come from you (not very helpful I know!).
For me a 'good' vaginal birth would be the ideal, but would far rather a planned section over a horrible complicated vaginal birth like my last. Sadly I don't have a crystal ball though!
It's great that the people around you (health professionals and partner) are supportive of whatever you decide. Only thing I would say medically is that shoulder dystocia could unfortunately recur (babies tend to get bigger with subsequent pregnancies), so maybe that would sway me towards a section in your situation.
Oh, and congratulations on your pregnancy!

[ILoveMonkeys]

Not really been in the same situation but DS1 was emergency section. Felt "robbed"of birth so decided to try for VBAC with DS2. Got to 7cm after induction and ended up with another section that was even more of an emergency than first.

Wish I had just gone for elective section straight away second time round.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[RedorBlack]

DD was born via emergency c section with all kinds of trauma and complications which left me with severe ptsd and PND. When I got pregnant again 3 years later I made it clear to everyone I met I wanted an ELCS. Best decision ever. It was relaxed, calm and most of all my baby was delivered safe and healthy. Despite my concerns that I would feel cheated, I have absolutely no regrets and don't feel I missed out on the giving birth bit at all, I'm too busy snuggling my gorgeous boy for that!

[Patsy99]

I did this. Difficult birth with DS1, foetal distress/maternal distress and left with some permanent damage. Asked for ELCS for DS2. Consultant made weak effort to dissuade me but accepted my wishes.

It was great! Obviously weird having the actual operation - can't say I enjoyed it - but so much less painful and scary (for me and the baby) than a bad vaginal delivery.

And the recovery was pretty similar in terms of pain and mobility to the first birth. The only real difference was not being able to drive for 4 weeks.

I'm so happy I chose this, I felt that the positive ELCS healed the trauma of the first birth to some extent.

[paperandpaint]

Hi everybody, sorry for the late return to the thread. Been struggling with work and exhausted!

It's really interesting to hear your stories and points of view. I desperately wanted a vaginal birth partly because I felt my new partner should experience his child being born but also because I thought it would sort out the demons of last time. Both reasons are silly; my partner just wants me to do what's best for me and the baby and not think of him and there is no guarantee it won't go wrong again.

I'm worried about the recovery but given that the psychological recovery last time took 3 years that's not a valid reason either.

I think I've decided on a section.