VBAC - is this encouraged or can I have ELCS?

[Fluffy24]

I had an ELCS with DS (breech).

If I have another I want another ELCS.

Would I need to really push hard for that, or is having had a previous CS sufficient grounds to have another?

[SnackPlease]

You should be referred to a birth choices team or similar who will work with you to figure out what is best for you and your baby.

I had an EMCS with DC1 and due to this one being breech I am having an ELCS. However had it not been breech I believe if I had really wanted an ELCS I would have been able to 'negotiate' that. I was offered the reasons for and against VBAC and ELCS...at the end of the day they want you to make an informed choice that is safe.

There is a lot of very good advice on the Childbirth board about this so might be worth popping on there too

[CityMole]

I think they do still encourage vbac but they should offer you an elcs if you ask - see under section 1.2.9. (Which came into force in 2011).
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg132/chapter/1-Guidance

[SnackPlease]

That's an immensely useful link, mole. Thank you for sharing.

[CityMole]

You're very welcome.

[Fluffy24]

Brilliant, thank you!

[Maurice169]

I went through Vbac, ended up with 3rd degree tear due to long labour and forceps delivery. That took a long time to heal and has had a lasting effect.
I'm expecting no. 3 and booking myself in for ELCS. Good luck!

[Iwonderif]

That's a brilliant article citymole.

[superking]

I had a c section first time round for reasons that would not affect my ability to labour naturally second time round. I'm now pregnant with my second and for various reasons decided I would rather have an ELCS than a VBAC. I thought I might have to really fight for this but was pleasantly surprised when the midwife at my booking appointment didn't bat an eyelid and made an appointment for me to see a consultant to discuss. I did ask her if it was really as simple as that and she told me that they were not in the business of making women beg for a second CS if they had had one already and wanted another.

However, I have heard horror stories on these boards where other women have not had it so easy. So I would arm yourself with the facts and the NICE guidelines and state your case firmly. Good luck.