To ask how many people have asked for a cesarean out of preference?

[VioletteValentia]

I did it. I’ve never met another person who has, or who has admitted to it. I have come across people who seem convinced that supporting maternal choice would lead to everyone asking for cesareans, which I think is bullshit. Not everyone wants one!

Did you do this? Would you? Would you be more likely to if you felt the option was equally acceptable?

I’m interested in how many women feel like I did.

I shouldn’t have to say this but...no “natural v cesarean” insulting please.

[user1483387154]

Yes. I chose a cs and knew all along this is what I wanted . Various Drs and midwives tried to steer me towards vaginal birth but I was adamant...... turns out it was medically a good decision as umbilical cord was wrapped around son's throat 2x and very tight and the surgeon during my op said it was very good that i had not attempted vaginal birth.

[Notapushymum1]

I did. I went private anyway, so it was not an issue.

[VioletteValentia]

I wonder if I had little resistance because I’m a very “no nonsense” assertive type rather than quieter and more reserved. I was surprised at how okay they were with it.

[Iluvthe80s]

I wish i had with both of mine. Awful experiences which really fucked me up for a while afterwards

[NameChangeCuddleBums]

Elective section. Maternal request. NHS. No dramas.

[CalamityJane75]

I had a horrendous time with my ds1, I had a midwife who had me pushing on 1cm of cervix for an hour. A consultant came in to see what's what and then everything's a blur! My mum who was in the room with me says it was the scariest thing she's ever seen, my son's heart rate was barely registering, I was put on oxygen, if I didn't already have an epidural in place they would have had to put me under a general to get my son out via emergency c section. I can barely remember the first 24 hours of his life due a combination of pain relief and (i belive) my memory being suppressed due to how terrifying it was.
With my second baby i knew she would be my last and I was adamant that I was having an elective c section that time? My midwife was told at my first appointment and had no issue with it what so ever, she explained that I would need to ask my consultant at the hospital and they would explain everything but they wouldn't talk me out if it as it was my choice.
My consultant was super and took one look at my notes and said absolutely!
I had a section booked for 38.5 weeks and do not regret asking for one second, my recovery from my elective section was a breeze, much better than my emergency one.

[TenGinBottles]

My neighbour did for her "surprise" last child. Before she was due, the midwives kept trying to talk her out of one etc etc. When she arrived at hospital she told the midwives "I'm not pushing!".

[PapaLazarousWife]

I had a natural birth first time round which was an amazing experience. I genuinely enjoyed Labour and child birth due to using natal hypnotherapy.

My 2nd was a transverse breach and I chose to have a c section as I didn't want them to attempt to turn her due to horror stories I had read. I also had a 3rd degree tear with my first which sealed the deal for a section in my mind.

There was no pressure either way and I felt my decision was respected, no-one tried to talk me out of it at any stage. However I much preferred my natural birth - I felt more dignified and more in control throughout the whole process. In retrospect i wish I'd have had a natural birth for my second. Recovery time was similar for each birth but I felt more bonded to my first initially. Being handed a baby after a section is a bit surreal and almost a bit of a shock!

[Beetlejizz]

They don't have to follow NICE guidines, but they do have to follow the law. Montgomery.

[Gennz18]

Yes I did 3.5 years ago with DS. I wasn't phobic of birth or anything, I just did the research and a risk analysis and decided I preferred the risk analysis re an ELCS vs the other options. I had a private on so it was pretty easy to organise.

I was also sick every morning of my pregnancy and developed severe SPD in the last few weeks so was very glad to have a fixed end date - my mum and sister went 10+ days overdue with all their pregnancies (7 collectively).

My view was that birth experiences from best to worst ranked:
1 easy natural birth
2 ELCS
3 rough natural birth with forceps or tears
4 emergency CS

I thought I couldn't guarantee that I could get #1 but I could guarantee #2 and remove the risk of #3 and #4! Was happy with how it all went, recovered well and will be having another ELCS in 3 months.

[DuggeeHugs]

I had an EMCS with DC1 and an ELCS with DC2. Consultant took some persuading ("don't you want to feel like you tried?"), but eventually acknowledged it was up to me.

@PreparingToBeAMummy you could consider contacting the My Body Back project (www.mybodybackproject.com/our-maternity-clinics/). They offer maternity advice and service to women in your position and might be able to help

[VioletteValentia]

- I felt more dignified and more in control throughout the whole process

That’s interesting because that’s how I felt during during my cesarean.

[LoopyLou1981]

I had an emcs with my first and had such a horrible recovery with it that I went for a v-bac with my second. I’d take a natural birth over a section any day if I had any more (definitely not planning any!) but I wouldn’t have any issue with anyone making the opposite decision if it was better for them.

[howmuchtoomuch]

Me! Just yesterday!

[VioletteValentia]

I thought I couldn't guarantee that I could get #1 but I could guarantee #2 and remove the risk of #3 and #4! Was happy with how it all went, recovered well and will be having another ELCS in 3 months.

That was exactly my reasoning too.

[TheHulksPurplePants]

I had an emcs with DS1 as he was breech and 6 weeks early, however he was already 3kg at that point, so I was kind of relieved that it didn't come down to a natural birth, he would have easily been over 6kg. With DD I was elective. Devil you know and all that.

[MalcolmFucker]

I requested a csection second time round after an horrific first birth. Consultant took one look at my notes from my previous birth and booked me in.

[AgnesBrownsCat]

IM surprised this would be allowed for a first pregnancy and therefore no previous labour issues .

[VioletteValentia]

IM surprised this would be allowed for a first pregnancy and therefore no previous labour issues

My doctor said anyone can ask for one and it’s entireky their choice, she just needs to ensure that I understand the risks.

Which I agree with but I think it’s funny you don’t have all the risks of vb laid out in black and white.

[Bambamber]

I only know one lady who chose an ELCS for her first baby purely because she felt that was the better option for her and her baby. She was met with a lot of resistance but they did agree to it in the end. And she had a wonderful birth experience and was very glad with the choice she made.

I was the opposite, the idea of c section scared the crap out of me and would have only wanted one if deemed medically necessary. The idea of looking after a newborn after major abdominal surgery seemed a scary prospect

[Commuterface]

I had a c section with DD1 because of preeclampsia and being induced didn't work. With DD2 I was going to have a vaginal birth but they told me she was presenting as very big from 30 weeks onwards so I asked for a c section again with no problem from the consultant and I'm glad I did as she was 10lb 1oz!

[DuggeeHugs]

IM surprised this would be allowed for a first pregnancy and therefore no previous labour issues

If they were forced to give pregnant women the risks of a VB beforehand (based on age, etc.,) I suspect a lot more women should be able to access a CS first time around. This is probably why they haven't acted on this yet: www.newscientist.com/article/mg23130813-000-uk-doctors-may-starting-warning-women-of-childbirth-risks/

[PapaLazarousWife]

Violette - I think it was the hypnotherapy that made me feel that way. With a 24 hour Labour, a 9lb 5 baby and a 3rd degree tear my Labour would probably be described as traumatic on paper but my experience was a positive one.

[CookPassBabtridge]

Gosh OP I could have written this. I asked for sections with both my boys and got them easily.(2014 and (2017) I am terrified of giving birth, the loss of control, unpredictability, pain, tearing, instruments being used, placentas being fished out with hands, not having the strength to labour for days etc..
So they were both approved but as it turns out both babies ended up transverse anyway so I needed them! And that's what I tell people if they ask... I don't think the world is quite ready for women to openly admit choosing a section without judgement.
Both sections were brilliant and I am so glad I had them. Both were under general so I literally woke up with a baby next to me! I was free to get on with motherhood without looking back at a potential traumatic experience. I believe it hugely lessened my risk of PND.

I think all women should be able to easily choose either option after looking at the full pros and cons of both. Look at all the threads on here of women who are still badly affected by birth years later, to the point of choosing not to have more kids. It has affected their health and mental wellbeing. They should have been informed of ALL the risks.
Some people always bring up the cost issue but births can end up costing more in aftercare for years after.

[Gennz18]

People often say "but why would you want unnecessary surgery" or "I wouldn't want to look after a newborn after a CS" but

(A) the choice isn't between surgery and nothing - the baby needs to get out somehow!

No one ever seems to consider the counter factual could be pushing out a ginormous baby/one that gets stuck that blows your fanny to smithereens and leaves you with severe birth injuries/incontinence. Give me planned surgery any day. (Not saying my call is the right call - everyone's risk assessment is different)

(B) looking after a newborn after a planned CS is pretty straightforward - they are very light! And the painkillers are v effective. Of course it's a bit easier if you have some support, just as it is for any mother with a newborn.