Any advice on how to have elective c-section with first child?

[hodgepodge]

Not for me - I've had both my DSs already - but a pregnant friend is extremely keen to have a caesarian. It's her first baby and she's not clear if she can elect to have it or not. I thought the rules had changed recently?

She recently donated a kidney to her husband which I think allows her pretty much anything she likes, but not sure it's related in consultant's mind...

Any advice gratefully received - thank you!

There aren't 'rules' as such. There are guidelines, but doctors don't have to follow them. Many hospitals still have bans on maternal requests. It is very much a postcode lottery in the NHS. Private is a different story, but private maternity wings are all based in London.

What is the reason for wanting a CS?

She will need to persuade a consultant. Easier said than done. I've just done it to be booked t have elcs with dc2 on thursday due to a previous difficult birth (no medical reasons, just do not want another vaginal birth). I'm not sure how sympathetic they would be to a first time mum unless you could argue extreme tokophobia - and I suspect they would push for counselling first ((as they did with me and I lied and said I had it privately and I didn't bother as I knew it wouldn't change my mind).

I had to go through 3 difficult consultant appointments where he tried to persuade me to have a vaginal birth and in the end I went back to my gp and midwife and said unless I had a c section I didn't want the baby (said this to really push it). They then wrote to my consultant in a panic and he then agreed to do the c section. They said if he didn't agree they would refer me to the other hospital.

The nice guidelines say everyone has the right to request a c section and be dealt with sympathetically. That is all. They say if a consultant does not agree they have to refer you to another for another opinion. In theory you could go round in circles for 41 weeks (till you went into labour and had no choice).
As I've proved myself it is possible to get one without medical reasons but its not easy - you really have to push and argue for it. Unless I was just unlucky.

Thanks both. I think the reason is that she is terrified by the idea of it. I'll definitely pass on your replies, really helpful thank you.

Don't let them fob you off! Read up all the pros and cons and get DH/DP to accompany you and back you up at appointments. Ask for a second opinion and change consultants if necessary and don't be afraid to switch on the waterworks if necessary. Plus ask early on in pregnancy - this is not a quick process!

Had both mine by ELCS (maternal request) on NHS.

Lots of advice in this thread from last year

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth/954334-Anyone-asked-for-ELCS-for-first-baby/AllOnOnePage