Requesting a c-section: has anyone done it?

[ScreamIfYouWantToGoFaster]

Hi

I really wasn't sure whether to post my question in pregnancy or childbirth, so I figured I'd put it in both! If anyone has previously gone through the process of requesting a c-section which their consultant didn't feel was medically indicated, I would really appreciate it if you would take a look at my thread here

Thanks!

Shameless bump!

I had a non medically indicated section.
My midwife booked me in for a discussion with a senior registrar when I had my 20-week scan. As per hospital guidelines, he tried to talk me out of it (although he was very friendly and respectful).

I had a dossier full of articles about birth injuries, trauma and medical negligence, which I discussed with him. I also had printouts from 2 very useful websites. (I can't remember the website addresses but one of the sites is run by Pauline Hull - google her.)

I was booked in for a meeting with another registrar when I was 34 weeks pregnant. She also tried to dissuade me until I started quoting bits and pieces from the British Medical Journal,then she admitted that she had chosed planned sections for the births of her own children! She then went off to chat to the lead consultant for a couple of minutes, then returned and offered me a date for ELCS, at 39 weeks + 4.

Both doctors kept quoting c-sec risk factors at me, but were strangely silent about natural birth risks. For instance, they didn't mention incontinence. When I asked directly about it, I was given a percentage figure which sounded small, but amounted to between 1 and 2 women every week in my hospital (which deals with about 4000 births p/a.)

Interestingly, once I had been booked in for a c-sec, doctors and midwives kept saying "Don't worry - it's an incredibly safe procedure." Before my c-sec had been booked, they had been giving the impression that sections are incredibly dangerous!

It was a wonderful, joyous and pain-free experience, and the recovery was quick, and also pain-free. There was some discomfort getting in and out of bed for a few days, but I couldn't describe it as painful. Breast-feeding was very easy and straightforward too.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I support a woman's right to be fully informed, and to choose her birth experience, whether she wants homebirth, waterbirth, hospital birth or c-sec.

Thank you for your comments seoladair! That's incredibly helpful!

I had a ELCS 7 weeks ago, this was for completely non-medical reasons, but due to psychological reasons based on a previous birth (which on paper looked fine but was extremely traumatic for me).
I had my Midwifes backing, but the first consultant I saw was horrible and refused due to my "lovely natural previous birth" (as though she'd been through it!).
I asked to see another consultant who was equally as unsympathetic and talked lots about the risks of cs etc. However, by this stage I had done loads of research of my own, and had written out an extensive list of reasons as to why I thought it was the best option for me. She then realised quite quickly that I was quite serious and agreed to the cs.

So it wasn't easy but I think you can keep on asking for second opinions. Make sure you know your stuff and can clearly show that you know the risks etc.

My ELCS was a lovely experience, with very little pain and now at 7 weeks post, I am back running 3 miles at a time and have almost no scar at all

Good luck!!

ELCS for both of mine maternal request ( no medical reason) Was hard work getting agreement to the first but I read up on facts and changed consultant when the first refused. Great experiences and no pain. Stick to your guns and get hubby/partner to back you up.