Experiences of elective c sections (not interested in responses from the natural birth cult thanks! 😂)

[Lauratwelve]

Hiya ladies,

For those of you who have requested c-sections for your first. What are your experiences? I don't want to give birth vaginally so i'm just looking into requesting a c-section. I have nothing but respect for all woman and how they choose to give birth but vaginal delivery is just not for me. Ive had abdo surgery before so I know what to expect. Thanks guys 🌺🌸🌺

And to quote from the study you referred to:

"Potentially increased risks of neonatal mortality with ECD at term may be counterbalanced by risks of fetal demise in ongoing pregnancies." !

CatchingBabies

I've cross posted with you but for the avoidance of doubt I'm not looking for a bunfight I'm just trying to counterbalance the statements you've repeated throughout the thread which just don't tie in with the key guidance I've referred to above. These are the documents that you're referred to in the course of requesting an elective / repeat section.

You didn't say you'd presented all the research, no. But you offered the peer reviewed studies you had cited earlier as evidence for your assertion that attempted VB is safer than ELCS. They're not, either for women per se or women having their first baby with no pre-existing conditions (you've said both). And the reason they're not is because they present such a small part of the picture. If, as you claim, you understand that, you shouldn't be offering them as evidence why your assertion was right.

Also, telling you that your approach is flawed and explaining why isn't bunfighting. Actually, accusing someone else of trying to start a bunfight when they're manifestly not is itself bunfighty. You're doing that. I do agree though that it may well be useful to OP though, because there's a realistic chance that the clinicians she sees will do as you do and make blanket generalisations about attempted VB being better for mother and baby.

Lastly, not that I'd have brought this up until you did, but actually I do have rather a good idea of your personal preferences as I recall a number of your previous posts. This isn't the first time you've come out with something like this. Nonetheless, your predilections are obvious even judging you purely on this post. The fact that you've told OP how to get an ELCS agreed and linked to NICE guidance on the matter certainly doesn't prevent you from having a flawed approach to risk assessment or a pre-existing preference.

(particularly because you've said you're a midwife)

Those stats are for REPEAT ELCS vs VBAC. That's a totally different ball game then for a first baby. Anyway I'm backing out of this now as clearly some people would like to make an argument where there is none. I've agreed all along the OP should get the ELCS she wants. Read what you want into anything else.

And btw respiratory distress syndrome leads to death also. Deaths happen no matter what the birth method sadly.

It is interesting because I have had gastrointestinal problems since my elcs, but have struggled to find much out about this and whether it links to my caesarean

I think that, unfortunately, whichever method of birth there is a lack of concern for the ongoing and subsequent health of that woman as a result if that birth. In fact it is probably true of the babies as well - for example theories about long term consequences for babies born by elective caesarean; the release of hormones in the mother, the effect of not having been squeezed out of the mother etc.

Ah, sweet tone policing. Throw your toys out of your pram whenever anyone disagrees with you or dares to suggest you might mean what you say.

I was terrified when the docs thought I needed a c section! I had natural births and I think having a c section is much braver!! But as long as the baby is out safe and healthy who cares how it gets there! All to their own!

I think that, unfortunately, whichever method of birth there is a lack of concern for the ongoing and subsequent health of that woman as a result if that birth.

Absolutely. NICE mention a dearth of evidence on the long term effects and the need for research covering the decade following birth.

I wish you wouldn't go Catchingbabies, you've been nothing but informative, I'm not sure why you are coming in for vitriol.

And that should be whether that birth is csection or vaginal.

CatchingBabies

Yes they do relate to elective repeat C-sections vs. VBACs. Elective repeat c-sections carry a greater risk than a first elective C-section and the risks are still lower than for natural birth (both of the figures given for VBACS above are stated to be "similar to nulliparous women").

A case of respiratory distress syndrome that leads to death would be recorded in the statistics for death. One that doesn't, wouldn't be.

I don't think anyone is trying to "start an argument" . I just respectfully disagree with the statements you've made about risks and want to put across the figures given in the leading guidance on sections.

I had an ELCS with DD2 basically because I was scared my baby would die. I lost DD1 at 6 months pregnant and delivered her at home, alone, and the thought of contractions and a natural labour brought me out in panic attacks. My consultant agreed quite readily, however I had back up from a trauma counsellor available if required and the consultant was aware of my history. To be honest I was surprised he did agree so easily, and had prepared myself for more of a 'fight'. I would love to have a natural delivery with any future babies, but I'm not sure I could handle it still as it just has so many terrifying connotations for me.

I find wanting a section with no medical need quite odd. Do not take this offensively as I mean none at all. The reason I find it odd is because I have a huge fear of needing a section and to me that is the most terrifying thing in the world. If I had to have one for the sake of the baby I absolutely would but if I can avoid I will. I’ve had two births vaginay and both were great, even the younger one who was induced went fine. I had no real issues afterwards either although my younger ended up in intensive care and I didn’t rest and was constantly standing so I have a few issues now but I put it down to that. I plan on trying for a third, as I will need surgery to fix an issue and once done I can’t have anymore babies. I plan to have a vaginal birth again but a section if necessary. I suppose my fear of a section would be similar to yours with a vaginal delivery. I can’t get my head around ever having to have a section as it truly terrifies me and I will never have an epidural because that also scares me and if needing a section I don’t care what they say I would have to be knocked out because I wouldn’t cope and I fear I would panic. I’m sweating just thinking about it.

I find wanting a section with no medical need quite odd. Do not take this offensively as I mean none at all. The reason I find it odd is because I have a huge fear of needing a section and to me that is the most terrifying thing in the world.

This is exactly how some other people feel about vaginal birth. It is literally exactly the same fear.

The only difference being, the entirety of the medical profession would 100% stand behind your decision, yet they wouldn’t for someone with the vbac fear. Therein the problem lies.

That’s really interesting Quack. As far back as I can remember when I first found out how babies were born I haven’t been able to compute. I never once worried about my ELCS, it was my only way of having a child as far as I was concerned. My biggest panic was going into early labour before my booked op. I hate needles and hospitals but still managed to cope easily with my spinal block etc. I guess our brains and life experience shapes how we handle different things. I live in awe of women who have given birth naturally in the same way I might do someone who can pick up tarantulas

Well said BaDum

You need to do what you feel is best OP. I had a ELCS as my first was an emergency CS. Takes a while to recover.

However, it’s really worth thinking about why you want one. Neither are an easy option, but find out, for you.

* The only difference being, the entirety of the medical profession would 100% stand behind your decision, yet they wouldn’t for someone with the vbac fear. Therein the problem lies.*

In the West. Meanwhile in my country - in the cities of urban India - vaginal births don’t get a look in. You’re booked in for a c section that lines the doctors pockets from about 3 weeks pregnant. The date for the section is decided by the family priest and your mother in law. You lie back and take it. C sections are a massive business where I was raised (Calcutta India) and when I came to the uk - I was amazed that I apparently had a choice to not be cut open. It felt surreal. Still does even after DS is 2.

Sorry I digressed but my latest book (I’m an academic) is on the media and social media and childbirth and my head is steeped into all sorts of this stuff!

It was the best choice for me personally as i suffer with ptsd because of rape having a vaginal Birth examinations pain possible procedures with metal objects sent me into pure panic there’s no way I could have coped so I
had it planned but for 39 weeks ended having Emergency Section early 36 weeks 0.2nd percentile as little one was very small and got into distress
and it’s painful but nothing unbearable I was with out pain until epidural wore off good choice doesn’t effect baby and less painful ( had previously had abdominal surgery with a general I woke up in pain ) off just ask for pain relief before you need it
8 hours later getting up having a shower shaved my legs like I do every morning
A pair of slimming under wear made my scare feel supported but not to tight a size up
I washed in Dettol soap and had baths at home helped discomfort when I did too much on day five having cleaned floors and carried washing up and down stairs
breastfeeding standing up as it was more comfortable than sitting
There lots of risks I chatted to midwife about it and she actually said it less risky to the baby but more risk to you I wasn’t ever going to change my mind but read up consider everything ask as many questions as you want I took a list to every consultant and midwife appointment
I had a birth plan music was playing while my daughter was born
They kept to it as much as possible not washing her
Daddy to go to special care with her if needed he would make medical decisions for us if needed
It’s your birth your body and don’t let anyone judge your choice but do it with all the information

I think one of the main things for me is that a planned vb has a high chance of ending up as an emcs anyway. From what I have read, the chance is 1 in 10, anecdotally it seems like it's even higher than that.

So all the "advantages" come to nothing and you have to suffer both.

I think one of the main things for me is that a planned vb has a high chance of ending up as an emcs anyway. From what I have read, the chance is 1 in 10, anecdotally it seems like it's even higher than that.

It depends if you're talking about women who have had c-sections and women who haven't. I had ELCS for first baby so potentially having a VBAC for the second, and I've been told 25-30% of VBAC attempts end in EMCS. But for women who haven't had a previous c-section it will be much lower than this. Your anecdotes might therefore include people who are in the higher failure rate group.

With my first baby I requested an elective section due to personal fear. Lovely consultant explained options and agreed although said he'd be in trouble!

As it turned out my son came very quickly at 35+ weeks and although the doctors kept saying they were happy to take me to theatre (got the impression young doctor actually wanted to do a section!) it all happened so fast I delivered naturally. He did help baby out and stopped my pushing as much by using suction cup though - linked to protecting pelvic floor.
So, best made plans do change!
Second baby - almost delivered in car.

Good luck

Hi Laura

I had an elective CS for my first 3 years ago - no medical reason. I just thought on balance I liked the risks/benefits of a CS better than a VB. Removes risk of EMCS, tears, forceps. I had a fairly unpleasant pregnancy vomiting daily and with crippling SPD towards the end so was glad to have a fixed end point! Mentally that really helped. My sister and my mum went 2 weeks overdue with all their children which would have just about finished me off I think.

It was fine. Recovered really well, milk came in as it should etc. You can't even see the scar be. I checked myself out of hospital the next day which my midwife said helped recovery - better to be moving slowly round your own house than sitting in a hospital bed. I was going for walks to the shops within a couple of weeks and swimming within a month. To be honest it took longer to recover from the SPD.

Will def be getting another one with this pregnancy but have a private ob who is happy to facilitate.

Hope that helps!

Impostress99 I’m so sorry but your post shocked me. That is awful and I feel violated just reading it. Sometimes when reading things like this I am so greatful to be from the uk I can’t imagine something so vile than to be told how you will give birth and a damn priest will choose the date. That is ridiculous. The truth is it’s choice that matters, with everything really. I will never understand I don’t think, choosing a section with no medical need but that is due to my fears I’m sure some people don’t understand why I wouldn’t but choice is very important and I can’t imagine having that choice taken away.