Maternal requests for C sections

[littlepippip]

AIBU to ask for your experiences of a maternal request for C sections? What are your experiences asking your GP/Midwife/consultants through to the birth and after. Very much appreciated thank you

My cs was hugely traumatic for me. I ended up with PTSD. However it was apparently "textbook".

It's how you feel about things that matters.

My third baby was an emcs, I hated the experience. Baby number 4 I was asked what I wanted to do and I said CS as a last resort. They were happy with that. I went overdue by a week, baby was looking big and doctor wanted me to come in and be induced. I said could we wait another week, he said no he felt size of baby and previous section would be too risky. We agreed on a 4 day delay and then go in for induction. I arrived and was told I was 4 cm dilated, hadn't had a pain. They broke my waters and I quickly went into strong labour then baby got stuck and I was told it had to be emcs. Senior Registrar arrived and I told him I didn't want CS, he said fine with next contraction you move the baby and I deliver him, if you can't move him we go into theatre. I agreed, pushed like hell and moved baby a tiny amount and he got his forceps and baby was delivered. Baby was over 10lbs and bruised but in great shape otherwise.

I couldn't praise them enough for listening to me and trying to give me what I wanted while keeping baby as safe as possible.

Just remembered at one stage it was suggested a section might be a good idea, I said I'd have one if they did a tummy tuck at the same time. They didn't agree to that, it was the only way I would have a agreed to a section in advance. I still need a tummy tuck.

I nearly died after having DD naturally, it took me a long time before I could contemplate having another.

My MW was incredibly supportive of my choice to have an ELCS, referred me to the consultant by 12wks. The registrar was all for making the choice difficult, wanting to refer me to this midwife and that person, etc and really pushed me to have a natural birth but (for once in my life) I was assertive and spelled it out to her. The words "mental health" have an enormous impact I find.
At the end of the appt there was an issue with the doppler and my consultant had to come in. I spelled out the reasons to her and agreed immediately and booked me in!

Laughed at me when I asked for a sterilization procedure at the sane time though. That really fucked me off. My pregnancies were awful, DH and I definitely don't want anymore children, but no, because I'm only 25 I apparently don't know my own mind or my own body.

head I completely agree that it is not easy to make these calculations and there are many confounding factors which is yet another reason why the cost argument is simplistic.

Even if type a birth is more expensive than type b birth then I for one am quite happy to pay my taxes so others can choose and have the support they need.

head yes that was my point!

I was induced with DS and found it an horrendous experience that I don't want to repeat. I've been told very clearly on three occasions that if I decide to have a second child and an induction was necessary I would not be allowed to choose a cesarean instead.

I'm not having a second child as I just won't risk it. People say it probably wouldn't happen again but I've been told I'd be consultant led if I became pregnant again and given that I'm 39 it's not like the risks will have reduced in the last three years.

My first baby was over 10lbs, plus I had a serious third degree tear. Where I live, this means you're automatically offered the choice of an ELCS. I took them up on the offer and my initial appointment with the consultant took five minutes. She agreed straight away. It was brilliant.

Part of me would've liked to have tried for another V birth but I was just so worried about another tear and poss incontinence issues, it just wasn't worth the risk.

I have a 12 week old and am 40 (first child). I was consultant led because of my age and a couple of medical conditions, but primarily my age. Consultant did not want me to go over 40 weeks because of some very negligible risks to the baby so his plan was to induce.

I am terrified of induction as my midwife explained they would be long and slow and by the time I got to push I'd be knackered so would likely result in stringent s or emergency c. My rational though was to cut out the middle man and go straight for an elective c section. Consultant really not happy as he felt induction best... in any event he continued to ask right up to week 39, when he let me book and elective Caesarian... needless to say I didn't actually need it because baby was born on due date in the pool (which was my ideal situation).

I think that any method of getting baby out is absolutely fine, your mental and physical well being is really important as the long term implications can be quite detrimental. If you wish for an elective csection they are likely to try and convince you otherwise (as it is a huge operation) but do your research and understand why you want it. My hospital offered a fear release class which was helpful and hypnobirthing (which was amazing)... but don't feel bullied into doing something you don't feel suits you xx

Many more years ago (DCs 21, 18 & 16).

EMCS with DC1 after a week long stop/start labour had got to 9cm dilated but DC1's head never engaged. Afterwards I was in pain for some weeks afterwards. Not really surprising. The muscles are already bruised and battered. No one prepares for an operation on their leg but by running a marathon beforehand!

I think the whole experience triggered my PND.

3 years later when expecting DC2 I was offered an ELCS. I was more than happy with this. The experience was great. We were relaxed beforehand. The recovery was very quick. I even managed a walk round Tesco on the way home from the hospital.

When expecting DC3 I dont think there was even a discussion. ELCS was booked and I was sterilised during the procedure. Again a quick recovery.