Requesting a c section?

[MamaPingu]

Has anyone ever requested a c section?

If so, why did you?

I realise you aren't allowed to just pick a c section nowadays but if you were adamant that's what you wanted would you be able to?

Please do not give me any "why would you choose a c section". I'm not, I'm just wanting to know if that's what I wanted could I

Thankfully my Obstetrician suggested it to me first - I'm very glad she did as I was struggling to find a way to bring it up in conversation

Writer wannabe - on what grounds was it suggested? And why did you want it yourself?

I have got two health conditions which although stable prior to pregnancy have now become a bit off kilter. The effects of a natural (and potentially long) labour could trigger things off quite badly so I didn't want to take the risk - and thankfully nor does my Obstetrician

I'm glad things turned out well for you

My reasons for it even being on my mind are mainly emotional but I feel they are significant reasons.
I've always wanted a natural birth although I realise it isn't important in the grand scheme of things, I'd just like reassurance I can choose a c section if I feel that it is necessary

I think you need a sound reason, either physical or emotional, if you have an actual fear of childbirth. Otherwise I don't think it is that easy - not on the NHS.

During labour, you would't be able to suggest a c section - it's only a matter of you agreeing if it is suggested by midwife/doctor. It's a bit of a myth that you get choice in labour. In most cases, decisions are made by others who understand what is happening.

I have one friend who absolutely did not want a vaginal birth, so she went private. She was very happy with her decision.

Theorectically NICE guidelines say you should be able to have one whatever your reasoning.

In practice some Trusts will allow you to have an ELCS for a mental health or physical reason, if you can give a good case.

Sadly there are also those that have blanket bans on maternal requests.

In some places its relatively straightforward and easy. In others its next to impossible.

In short, its impossible to give you a definitive answer other than to say 'probably unless you are unlikely'.

Redtoothbrush you are absolutely right and it is shocking that the powers that be bleat about choice but actually the only choice is natural birth. You may even have to really push hard for an epidural if you encounter one of the anti pain relief midwives.

Sadly, maternity services care about the beliefs and ideologies of those who run the service - cost is not an issue because despite all the claims that caesareans cost more than vaginal births, in fact the difference is less than a £100.

Shocking, shocking, shocking but glad the OP got her c/s.

I'm having my elcs next week, requested one at my booking in appt with midwife as dc1 arrived by emcs and I really wanted to avoid another.

This will be dc2, and final baby for me. Have been very fortunate in having supportive midwives and consultants (NHS).

I requested one at my booking in appointment 2 weeks ago after a horrendous and prolonged labour with DS1, resulting in forceps, severe bruising to us both, and a cut and tear for me. I am terrified of going through all that again. The midwife seemed quite supportive of it, but I have to have a meeting with a consultant next month and have to convince them I think.

I haven't got experience of this yet, but I will definitely be requesting a c section next time I have a baby. This is based on the fact that I had to have an emergency c section with my DS last year, and there were four different reasons why this was necessary, which in isolation would have each been enough to have required an emcs. So my theory is that my chances of at least one of those issues arising again are slim, and I am not going through 29 hours of labour again, only to be told it's not possible for me to deliver naturally anyway!