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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

How to get ELCS for 'no medical reason' ? Please share your experience.

96 replies

Mumtobe1503 · 05/05/2016 18:24

Hello
As suggested by a member I have started a new thread.
Question is to all experienced ELCS and those who are going for it with no medical reasons.

I really want CS. I'm only 14 weeks.Please tell me what are the best arguments to get ELCS ? When to tell them ? I have my next meeting with consultant on 26.07.16 (I have PCOS that's why consultant)
I have my reasons but I don't think that would be enough .

The VB fans please save me the opinions on why CS is a 'bad' choice ...
It's my choice.
Experienced ladies ...What did work for you?
My next appointment in hospital is not till 27.06...
Is it possible to somehow chose the person performing CS ? Maybe you can recommend good contact for Lister hospital?
If I could I would have paid for private but I simply can't :/ I can cover the NHS difference in cost but not going all the way private.

I am starting to write my 'story ' to be ready for the consultation ;)
Obviously if I win the lottery I'm off to Portland Hospital ;)

Any tested suggestions are welcomed.

I am sure there is loads of future mums who are trying get ELCS like me.
Thank you.

OP posts:
TheNotoriousPMT · 05/05/2016 18:41

What are your actual reasons for wanting an ELCS?

Nicknamegrief · 05/05/2016 18:49

IME unless you go private it is not possible to choose 'who' will do your section and it will be a team involved anyway- you may never have met the Drs until the day of your section. You may also find that if it is 'against medical advice' that you are requesting an ELCS certain consultants may refuse to do the surgery.

Micah · 05/05/2016 18:53

Don't bother with a "story"

You need good, solid reasons as to why an elcs is best for you. Be it emotional, psychological, physiological or medical.

You need to demonstrate that you understand the risks and benefits of both a vaginal birth and a c-section. That you have researched and understood both, and in your case, why you feel the balance is toward an elcs.

No emotion or stories, or demands. Just show that you've thought it through, looked at every angle, and have made a completely informed choice about your own health and medical care.

hazeyjane · 05/05/2016 18:57

Be prepared for all the outcomes and possibilities of an elective, as the consultant will expect you to have a good idea of what could go wrong.

I am not saying an elective is a 'bad choice' but as with vaginal births there is a whole spectrum of outcomes, and as you are choosing to have major surgery you need to understand all the possible outcomes for you and the baby.

Toomanyhyphons · 05/05/2016 19:02

I know it's not what you want to hear but just to put it out there anyway and please remember this is from my experience and I don't know your circumstances. I have had a c-section with DD1 and VBAC with DD2. The difference between the two was enormous. The recovery first time round was horrendous, i have been left with a permenant belly hang from it and I had an infection for a whole year after it. You can't do anything for the first 6 weeks so getting out and about with baby can be really hard. I was basically housebound unless I had another person there to help me get the pram out my house. It was awful. With DD2 I was home the same afternoon and felt completely back to my normal self within a few days. No infection, could get out and about, no lasting pain and it was an amazing experience. Really think hard and do your research before you ask for a c-section. It really isn't the easier option.

Lightbulbon · 05/05/2016 19:08

Medical doesn't just mean physical it can be psychological as well. Does this apply to you?

unimagmative13 · 05/05/2016 19:09

Look up the CS rate at the Lister then at your other hospitals (QE? Harlow? Addenbrokes?)

My hospital was on a target for lowering the rate, which i didn't know, the hospital was more willing.

I also would wait for your 36 weeks appt to discuss, this is when they discuss your 'birth plan'

I feel you may get an eye roll asking this early on and then they have a long time to badger you to change your mind.

Also by 36 weeks you may actually need a CS for a medical reason so there was need to discuss it previously or to worry.

Just relax and chill and wait for 36 weeks to come up!

Peppaismyhomegirl · 05/05/2016 19:22

You will really struggle to get an ECS unless you have solid genuine reasons for being unable to deliver vaginally. You want an ECS without solid reasoning you will have to pay for one. Unfortunately they cost alot of money and you need to pay for unnecessary procedures

AndNowItsSeven · 05/05/2016 19:25

The NHS is rapidly running out of money , it should not be " your choice" unless you are prepared to pay unless you have medical need.

Pregasaurusrex · 05/05/2016 19:40

I just asked...

mrssiriusblack · 05/05/2016 19:41

I echo what others have said. I think you need to explain your reasons on here so we can help guide you. Unless you have very very good reasons, you might have a fight on your hands. I had one with ds2 on the grounds of mental health and severe spd, recovery was horrible and like another poster, I've been left with a belly hang and it's horrible and depresses me every day. I'm expecting dc3 now and I am doing everything I can to avoid having another c section.

They are not the easy option!! But without knowing your reasons, we can't really help.

BendydickCuminsnatch · 05/05/2016 19:46

Sorry to derail but just a quick one... I am still having physio a year after DS' birth, for incontinence, not likely to be discharged for anther couple of months... I really want a cs next time, because I don't want to risk more incontinence, is that a good enough reason? I'm scared now!!!

Nicknamegrief · 05/05/2016 19:50

Bendydick yes, with that degree of birth trauma CS is often recommended.

Puppymouse · 05/05/2016 19:54

ELCS here - I would say you're going to need some valid reasons as pps have said. They don't give them out lightly ime. Having said that as others said "medical" isn't just physical. It's about giving them a rationale for what is safest for you and baby.

My consultant tried to fob me off and within 5 mins she was back pedalling as I think it's often the initial reaction to someone asking and then when they realise you have a genuine issue they will follow their process.
I had to see a consultant, the head midwife, have a counselling consultation, offered CBT, the works. The stupid thing was when each professional spoke to me they very quickly just agreed with me. They just have to follow process.

BendydickCuminsnatch · 05/05/2016 20:03

Thanks nick, phew, thank god for that!!!

HRHinthroughtheoutdoor · 05/05/2016 20:20

I've had two ElCS, both at my request.

I think I went to my consultant around 28 weeks, maybe later.
I took a folder of reasons why I wanted a CS
I was having a big baby, as it turns out he was wedged in my pelvis and was delivered by forceps anyway

Sorry I can't remember all of them but he shot them down one by one
The last one was my husband is away a lot, and couldn't be contacted, and my family were in a different part of the country, so planning a vag birth would have been difficult. That's what he agreed to.

The CS birth was lovely. Very calm. The Dr came from same part of the world as I do so we talked about it. Lots of sun coming through the windows :)
Recovery was great, no problems.

2nd one different matter, it was easier because I'd already had one and Dr told me I wouldn't have got one by asking.

Felt part of a conveyor belt, poor aftercare.horrible.lots of pain afterwards, in fact for 6 weeks.

Be clear why you want one. They can be a really lovely experience.

unimagmative13 · 05/05/2016 20:42

They allowed a CS based that a VB wouldn't have been inconvenient for your DH and family??

Surely that isn't a priority over mother and baby?

FutureGadgetsLab · 05/05/2016 20:46

I asked for it at about 16 weeks. I'd already done my research, agonised over it, weighed it up and decided it was best for me. I had to speak to a midwife who said that they encourage VBs but cesareans are a valid choice. They focus on the risks of a cesarean but not the risks of VB, so he warned.

After that I had to speak to a doctor, who basically just asked me if I understood the risks and benefits. I then had to speak to another doctor and it was agreed.

It was really easy, and for the opposite end of the spectrum, my recovery was great. I was doing everything as normal within 4 days.

FutureGadgetsLab · 05/05/2016 20:47

The NHS is rapidly running out of money , it should not be " your choice" unless you are prepared to pay unless you have medical need.

You could apply that to abortion. Why should the NHS pay for something with no medical need? Contraception also.

Or is it just women choosing how to give birth that bothers you?

SpoonintheBin · 05/05/2016 20:57

Future, you are our of order. Both in your comment about women's choices and about abortion.

SansaClegane · 05/05/2016 20:58

As PPs have said, you need to be informed about both delivery types, and you must know (and present to the consultant) exactly why you think the best choice for you is a c/s.

Personal experience: I never had to ask for one, 1st was EMCS, second I wanted a VBAC but as I went overdue my consultant practically begged me to agree to a c/s (ended up with another EMCS after going into labour spontaneously), with my third, my MW already suggested ELCS at the booking appointment, and when I saw the consultant (at ?20 weeks?) she also suggested ELCS straight away.

FutureGadgetsLab · 05/05/2016 21:02

Future, you are our of order. Both in your comment about women's choices and about abortion.

What is out of order? I'm pro choice. I'm just pointing out how hypocritical it is to complain about the NHS spending unnecessary money on people's birth choices but to be completely okay with abortions and contraceptives being free.

Original poster
Mumtobe1503 · 05/05/2016 21:05

Some good advice here thank you all :)
As I said I know CS costs NHS more I would happily pay the difference if it was an option. But I can't afford going full private don't have spare 15k. I had private cover but I don't anymore :/
I've read all pros and cons and C section for me feels like a better choice.
I hope the consultant will be understanding. Thanks for the advice and sharing your stories :) I'll save some of your advice for later.

OP posts:
SpoonintheBin · 05/05/2016 21:20

Come on, you are not that ignorant.

FutureGadgetsLab · 05/05/2016 21:21

Explain how and why that is ignorant Spoon. Hmm Either you are okay with spending on reproductive choices or you aren't.