Should I go for an ELCS?

[littleneepo]

I'm having a dilemma and would love some advice
DS1 was an emergency c-section after I got pregnancy hypertension at 40 weeks. They tried to induce but he was very happy where he was and hated the induction meds... after 18 hours of the drip they had to cut him out and he was not a happy bunny (not breathing for a while... was very scary).
So DS2 is due in a couple of months. Consultant is pushing for VBAC (due to easier recovery... especially with a toddler in tow) but I'm really not convinced after what happened last time. I'm getting really stressed, and having done a LOT of research online and after talking to an obstetrics registrar friend I'm thinking an ELCS would be a lot better. Longer recovery, but a lot less stressful for me. I'm told chance of labour not progressing again is about 50%.
However my mum thinks I'm being a bit of a sensitive idiot and should just try for the VBAC, and have an EMCS if things do go wrong.
Thoughts? Thanks!

I think you're right to consider all options and if you opt for c-section you can be fully prepared rather than it being an emergency again.
You need to sit and have a chat with your midwife, doctor and consultant about your fears and your preferences as you aren't comfortable just going with the for to see what happens etc etc.
Your consultant is pushing for VB but do they realise how worried about this you are?
Worry that will increase if not dealt with and possibly make the situation worse when it comes to due date as you will get over anxious etc.
Don't go by opinions or experiences via Google because everyone is so different. Stick to those you trust and who know you and your situation etc.
My sister had to make and kind of decision, got tied up in knots worrying and stressing, but once she made her decision she was able to enjoy the rest of her pregnancy.

Best of luck and all the best xxx

You need to sit and have a chat with your midwife, doctor and consultant about your fears and your preferences as you aren't comfortable just going with the wait and see what happens etc etc.

I’m having a similar dilemma in that I can choose a c-section due to large baby and a couple of other reasons. (Previous pregnancy was an induction that resulted in blood transfusion). I keep thinking should I try a v birth again or take the c-section? An elective is very different from an emergency. I would have another chat with the consultant and do what you feel comfortable with, I certainly wouldn’t be listening to your mother, she’s not going to be doing it and it’s not like a c-section is easy! I think I’m going to take the section as it’s less of the unknown (in that there’s a risk of shoulder dislocation for my baby) and at least I’ll know when I’ll have it and can plan accordingly. Good luck.

I understand exactly how you feel. I had a similar experience with my first. I went over due and ended up in the hospital with pre-eclampsia. I had a failed induction and baby in distress. I had an emergency section.

With my second, I decided on an elective c-section. I was told I would likely have pre-eclampsia again (which I did) and I wouldn't be able to have another induction after the first one failing and because of the risks of rupturing my scar. My DH was also set on a section after having to watch the ordeal of my labour.

I was booked in for 39 weeks. I ended up in the hospital at 37 weeks with pre-eclampsia and bells palsy and had my section at 38 weeks instead.

I found my vbac appointments with the MW really helpful. They went over my notes from first time and explained all my options to me. I was given the option of having a vbac. I was told I could book a section for 42 weeks to try and let myself go into labour naturally (as long as there were no complications!). Basically, the hospital were really good and I felt like they gave me loads of options. But most agreed with the idea I should have a second section based on my first labour.

Thanks for the comments. In my talks with the midwife and consultant so far I’ve felt really pressured into the VBAC, with them almost brushing off my concerns like they don’t count. The more I think about it the more I really hate the “wait and see”... I need a plan!
I’ve got another consultant appointment in two weeks and maybe I just need to be a bit more pushy (I tend to go quiet and nod with doctors then kick myself afterwards for not saying what I wanted to!)

Also a bit weird that I’m 30 weeks now and no-one has explained the options I’ve got (I just know through reading the policies of my local hospital online). At the appointments they’ve either assumed or pushed for VBAC

I only just had my chat with the consultant at 30 weeks and it was following a growth scan. I find sometimes they can be very vague about what will happen, don’t be afraid to ask to speak to someone.

VBAC easier recovery? I would really question that. Sometimes it is but sometimes it's really not (pain, hematoma?, tears and stitches, infection? etc).
Planned c-section generally easier recovery than emergency (depends on start of labour or not and decent in birth canal).

I really don't agree that a VBAC is an easier recovery. I think there's a huge cover up around supposable natural births being better for women.

I'm sure some women have one and they're fine but out of the 5 women I know personally, 4 out of them had a terrible natural birth experience that all ended in intervention and 3 of them an emergency c section.

Call me biased, but my elective c section, thanks to a breech baby, preeclampsia and cholestasis was a huge relief. I had no issues, complications and was in and out in 30 mins.

I genuinely think the pushing for VBAC over c section is a cost issue through and through.

Stick to c section. Having a v birth is not a badge of honour, it's a recipe for tears, episiotomy and never being able to sneeze again without wetting yourself. Sorry.

I agree with Treacle to be honest, I had damage after my first and second birth (and the already mentioned blood transfusion). Infact this thread has strengthened my resolve to def choose a c-section instead of worrying about it.

Glad this thread could help you too Sharon
Treacle... what you said made a whole lot of sense, and the cost difference influencing consultant recommendation is what my obstetrics registrar friend hinted at...

I think probably a completely ‘smooth’, quick v-birth with no complications, tearing etc would prob be ideal but unlikely, particularly in my situation! My best bet sounds like the ELCS so will def talk to my consultant again - thanks again!

Your consultant is pushing for vback because it is cheaper for nhs.
I had 2 natural birth and 1 emergency csection. I would not contemplate vback as my recover from natural birth was far worst than section. I do have birth injuries because of my natural births.
Think what is best for you and just tell them. You have a right to choose.