Elective C-section at Portland?

[KenQueen]

Hi there, I've been looking at St Mary's Lindo wing as well but to my knowledge they don't have an option for elective c-sections. I want a c-section because I am impossible with pain, I have a non existent pain tolerance.
I also rather have a scar along my tummy than tearing.
Who else has had an elective c-section (especially at Portland) and what was your reasoning behind wanting one?
Is it also possible to "plan" to give birth vaginally with an epidural but be able to get an elective c-section if you want?

Hello!

I had an elective at the Lindo and it was brilliant. Very personal choice but thought I'd let you know.

Hi if you are rubbish with pain it would be much easier to opt for an early epidural in spontaneous labour than go through the recovery of caesarean!

It might not be painful. DD1's birth was lovely. No real pain just pressure. You never know!

I have quite a good pain threshold and almost passed out having a shower after my section. You need to be aware that it is not the pain free option. As another poster has suggested, an epidural might be your best bet.

Definitely not a pain free option, unless you intend not to cough, or laugh, or move for about a month afterwards.

Goodness me- I wouldn't deliberately opt for a section because you can't handle pain!!

My cousin had two electives at the Portland and raves about it. I think the experience very much depends on your consultant (your choice) and the midwives (luck of the draw).

Having spent a lot of time with my best friend in the days and weeks after her elective c section I would agree with pp that recovery from major abdominal surgery can be very painful.

My experience was the opposite - a painful birth (my choice because I didn't want pain relief), but it was very straightforward, pretty quick and once it was over I felt back to normal almost straightaway. Up and around immediately. (Although obviously if there had been complications that wouldn't have been the case).

Overall I don't think a c section is the "easy" option. However it is almost certainly the more predictable option - unlike a vaginal birth when you can plan for a home water birth and end up with an emergency section.

Personally I would I hate it because I react badly to drugs/drips/surgery.

However you should do whatever feels like the right decision for you.

The one Portland vs Lindo point to make is that should (god forbid) your baby need the NICU you might feel in better hands at a large teaching hospital.

I can only second that caesareans aren't the pain free option. You have to weigh up a few hours' pain (vaginal birth) against a few weeks to months of pain. What's more, you could be one of the unlucky few (like me) who end up with complications from the op, adding even more pain and inconvenience into the mix.
I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way as I've had 3 caesareans myself (albeit only one selective), but I would always urge to at least try to do it naturally first, unless there are medical reasons not to.
And don't forget you're more likely to end up with a kangaroo pouch style tummy after a c-section, as the lower bit is firm and the stretched skin can hang over