i want a c section how do i get one

[hayley2u]

i am 32 weeks. and absolutly terrified about giving birth.i already have one son who gave birth naturally too. it was horible experience and was so torn a nd sore but they never gave me stiches when i was told later i should have had at least 5. i'm so scared and would love a c section just having nightmares about it. does anyone have any advice as think doctor will just laugh at me

[youpeskykids]

I had an emergency C Section with DS1 and so went for an elective C Section with DS2. My local PCT seem to dish out C-Sections like sweets so I knew that asking for an elective section 2nd time around wouldn't be too hard. Yes, elective sections are an easier choice when you already have a child - 'easier' in terms of knowing exactly when you are going in to have the baby, therefore you can arrange childcare for DC1, prepare yourself at home with pre-cooked meals etc. And an obvious BIG plus is that you don't have to go through a painful labour.

BUT - the one thing that I'd totally underestimated was how difficult it was to recover at home when you already have a child. DS1 is 3.7, so usually fairly self-sufficient to a certain extent. But because I had unexpected problems during my C-Section, my recovery took longer, and I really couldn't be left on my own for at least 5 days after I came home. You do need a LOT of support - thankfully DH was able to look after me, the baby and DS1 (his needs had to come last!). Recovering from my first section was fine, because it was easier at home with only the one baby.


Personally, I would try for a vaginal birth with the next baby. I would recommend that you talk through your fears with the medical staff and midwife to see if they might be able to give you a little extra support when you go into labour. BUT, go with whatever you feel more comfortable with. C-Section recovery isn't as bad as everyone seems to think, so think of it as a viable option, but you'll just need to think about your recovery at home with a newborn and a small child.

Good luck!

[youpeskykids]

And sorry to say, but I feel Brummie needs support on this, but this was EXACTLY my experience with 2nd C-Section.

BUT - it all depends on the hospital, staff, the aftercare you receive etc.

Two friends of mine had very traumatic first births, including 3rd degree tearing etc. But both went for a vaginal birth with 2nd baby, and BOTH had fantastic labours (and very quick labours!). They are both really glad they still went for a vaginal birth.

[Marlipan]

My friend had a bad natural birth and felt so traumatised that she had an elective c-section for the second, which she was very happy with.

I had an emergency c-section first birth and an elective the second, as that was what I had been advised by the team trying to deliver my first baby. Both were absolutely fine, and my recovery period was much shorter than I had been led to believe. Everyone will have scare stories both ways - you must follow your instincts. Good luck - I'm sure whatever you choose will be a much better experience than the first.

[jujumaman]

Brummie is not scaremongering, recovering from a cs is very hard and the first few nights in hospital are hell - it's horrible not being able to pick up a crying baby and relying on a midwife (often too busy to come) to do everything for you. I had my second cs nine weeks ago and am still in some pain and find it very hard to lift dd1 - who's 2 and a half, I had to last night to get her into her cot and today I am in agony. Of course both kinds of birth have their downsides and I totally, totally understand why you're frightened of a vaginal birth this time but please just bear these warnings in mind. I had to have two electives because both my babies were breech but I really wish that hadn't been the case. I'd say make sure you have help around 24/7 for AT LEAST six weeks after the birth. Good luck whatever you decide and I hope the hospital supports you

[Zira]

If your experience was as bad as that I would definatly see about haveing a section.I have had 3 c-sections with my third being 3 weeks ago & I really think your recovery depends on your own tolerance of pain. I have heard some horror stories about sections aswell as natural births & if I was to have another I would definalty be having another section.
As far as the drips, cath, sitting on the soiled pads pain killer etc etc its not that bad. The pain meds are great for helping your recover, I only took then for the 4 days I was in the hospital. They the cath cath out after 24hrs which doesnt hurt a bit, my nurses got me out of bed 6 hrs after my surgery on the 3rd time. I was never left on soiled pads for any of my sections, i would have had my Mum change me if I did..yuck!! .
I hope that they understand your needs

[Blandmum]

Sections can be rough, and I am very sorry that people have suffered after them.

My own experiences of sections have been very good indeed.

dd was an emergency section. I was able to feed her while lying down. I was up and around the next day and out of hospital 5 days later.

ds was an elective section, partly by my own choice (because the first section had been so good) and partly as ds was a footling breach. I was able to lift him out of the cot from the first day, again I fed him in the recovery ward. This time I was out after 4 days and driving within around 3 weeks. I had no problems looking after the baby and dd who was 3 years old.

Dh went back to work after 2 weeks and after that time I had zero help from family and coped just fine.

[Zira]

I also wanted to add that my recoveries on all of my sections was very easy & that I also had no help after my surgeries & did just fine.

[LoopyLouLisa]

I had an em cs with ds1 and due to have an elective in 5 weeks. I can completely understand your reasons for wanting it esp with regard to your partner being their. my dp works away sun-fri and would not be able to make it back if i went into labour. he has now been able to secure 3 wks leave to look after us and after that my family will take care of ds1 if i feel unable to. after ds1 i was at home by myself (i split with ds1's father during the pg) from the day i left hospital with family visiting/taking us shopping etc for a couple of hours each day, until my parents went on holiday when ds was 3.5 weeks old. i did catch an infection in my wound so that took much longer to heal completely but then it was a real emergency getting ds out very quickly as his oxygen level was dangerously low.

the hospital stay wasn't too bad. i was taken onto a ward around 2 hours after the birth and the mws or healthcare assistants were there within a few minutes whenever i needed them to lift ds or change him but i was able to do this myself by the evening and was showering and walking (albeit very slowly) by the next day.

[woodstock3]

sorry just skimmed the thread (ds squawking rather loudly) but just wanted to say - my sister had rotten first labour, third degree tear etc, and when she got pregnant again was told by her hospital that she could have a csection with second on the grounds that fear of the birth could unduly stress her in pregnancy etc and also that she could tear again. so i'd ham up the stress side of things (tho by the sounds of things you are geniunely stressed so that wont be hard). hospitals are under pressure to reduce caesarean rates especially since NICE guidelines so you may have to argue your case - you dont have a right to a csection - but if you have a choice of hospitals locally also worth checking which has a higher rate and therefore might be more willing to permit it.
while i totally accept others have had bad experiences with c section i had one cos he was breech and it was utter genius. recovery much easier than many of my friends who've had natural births but had stitches etc - ok he was my first so dont have another baby at home but v mobile v quickly. the painkillers have improved a lot in recent years im told and i had pretty much no pain. but do be careful about driving earlier than 8 weeks, i felt fine to do it but was told that if you do it against medical advice and crash it could affect your insurance. good luck and i hope you get what you want!
ps if they do offer you counselling instead of a csection, worth taking it - it might work, which solves your problem, and if it doesnt you would then be in a stronger case to argue for csection?

[oregonianabroad]

Hello Hayley,
I had an emergency cs after a really bad labour with ds1, so I had planned an elective cs for ds2. my consultant was very supportive and wonderful, and I felt that she understood all my fears about going through an attempt at delivering naturally only to have a traumatic section again. Like you, I had several bleeds and I even had premature labour twice, and when I asked my consultant what would happen if I went into labour again and they couldn't stop the contractions, she said I could still have a cs if I wanted.
However.
Ds2 decided to drop in 2 weeks before my section was booked. When I arrived in hospital, I was already 4cm dilated and this HORRIBLE man, a real bastard I am afraid, insisted that I have a trial of labour. I could have torn his head off his neck, the condescending, arrogant twat, he didn't even want me to have any pain relief because he wanted me to 'proove' (his words) I was actaully in labour, despite having contractions every minute!! Literally 40 minutes after this discussion took place, however, my darling ds2 popped into the world, easy peasy. true, he was small (only 5.9) and I only had minor tearing, but there is still no doubt in my mind that natural birth is by far a better option for both mother and baby. Having said that, that is simply my opinion having gone through both, and I think it is far more important that a woman gets the birth experience she asks for, instead of having to explain yourself to some shithead who you've only met 5 minutes before when you are terrified and in pain.
I hope that this little rant is at all helpful (I am angry all over again, but still so grateful for the way things worked out in the end -- it's very confusing!) and that you find support no matter what you choose.
I agree with the earlier post of getting some help or couseling to sort out the psychological hurdle of the previous experience.
Good Luck.

[newgirl]

I think you should tell your doctor or consultant that you had a traumatic birth and it has really scared you. Is it one of the reasons you waited a while before this pregnancy?

My second c-section was a piece of cake to be honest - after a horrific first time - breach, 12 days over due, ten pounder etc and the same second time, i was booked in straight away - recovery was fine and i was so realxed about it

do whatever will make you feel happy and relaxed as that is the most important thing

[BlueberryPancake]

My two cents, for what it's worth as loads of opinions are already said here. I had first emergency c section less than two years ago, and had a really hard time with recovery both physically and mentally, because the section was a 'real' emergency ie baby's life in danger.

So for second birth, I was quite firm from the start that I wanted my options open and opt for a section if I wanted to. The problem I had (and you will have the same one for sure) is that every time you will see a new consultant, midwife, etc you will have to re-explain the reasons wny you want a section, and 'justify' your decision throughout the pregnancy. So what I did (cheeky) is that I kept my decision right up to the last minute, and although my mind was made up on a planned section, I was going to keep this to myself and always say that I was 'in between two minds'.

Anyway, on the day that was booked for the section, I went to hosp and was 4 cm dilated with manageable contractions, nd decided there and then to go ahead with labour!! I had a shortish labour, very manageable, and ended up with a c section anyway because the baby wasn't descending. I REFUSED point blank the use of foreceps or ventouse and insisted for a section, which I had because of the issues during first birth.

I don't regret my decision at all. I am glad that I went through labour, and am not dissapointed that I ended up with C section.

Good luck, and yes you are intitled to change your mind if you decide on a section.

[hayley2u]

i dont think any thing is in my notes about my previous birth though. i kind of more suffered afterwards. will they just think i'm making up

[ravenAK]

I'm with oregonianabroad - didn't get the C-section I wanted, was mightily pissed off about it, but ended up grateful I hadn't.

I had a long labour & ventouse delivery with ds, & spent the last few weeks of my pregnancy with dd adamant I wanted an elective C-section.

Eventually, consultant talked me into induction instead (pre-eclampsia) on the grounds that 'oh it'll be a bit like period pains, & then we'll get you a lovely epidural as soon as you want one'

lying git - (serves me right for believing a bloke airily waffling about period pains!) - the epidural finally materialised five minutes before dd, & didn't work.

BUT six hours later, I was strolling out of the ward with dd & a mildly sore fanjo. The whole thing really wasn't that bad, & I'm bloody glad I got talked out of the C-section. Definitely going for vb for number 3.

If you stick to your guns you'll almost certainly have the option, but I think most midwives would tell you that a vb is going to be physically easier on you, given that you've delivered one baby vaginally already.

I wish someone had been able to look in a crystal ball for me & say 'just go with the natural delivery, it'll be fine' - I'd've saved myself a LOT of tears & anxiety! Really do feel for you, it's incredibly stressful I know.

[newgirl]

hayley - it doesnt matter what went in your notes at the time - certainly no one ever asked me after my first birth for my opinion on it - but i still had one! It wasn't ever recorded but i certainly thought about it for years afterwards and as the second one got nearer it terrified me.

i think tell the consultant or doc or midwife exactly what you wrote here about your soreness/stiches etc and be honest. It makes no difference to them but makes the world of difference to you - you should be looking forward to your baby now not worrying yourself about the birth x good luck and be honest!!

[Chipstick]

I haven't read the whole thread but have to say my first Natural birth left me sore/swollen/difficulty walking etc for nearly 4-5 wks.

Second birth - we were on the beach 3 days later, swimming within a few weeks etc.

Totally different.

2nd births must always be dreaded - you know whats coming to a certain extent.

C-Sections sound great but its major surgery.

[3andnomore]

Hayley, you got to remember that every labour is going to be different...I have 3 Kids and very different experiences...however, my 3 was an E-CS and I hated it...but that is just me of course..
but, with my 2.child labour wasso gentle and staraightforward, and with 1.ds it hadn't been like that at all....
are you sure you want surgery to have your Baby taken out of your body?
Because that is what it feels like....
I found no satisfaction in that at all.

[preggerschick]

I had a c-section for my ds after 16 hours of labour. It was a positive expereince and my recovery time was realy quick. the next day i was up and about (once they'd removed catheter). initally you can't walk very quick and Every now and again i'd feel like a hot poker was put in my stomach but that didn't happen very often. I moved house 4 weeks after him and didn't have any problems lifting/packing boxes driving etc. I would love to have another c section for my second son.

[3andnomore]

my recovery time was quick aswell after the C-section, but after my natural births I was just on the go with no problem...no waiting for spinal block to wear off, no 4 day saty in hospital unless vountarily....

[Tinkjon]

3andnomore, speaking for myself, giving birth isn't something that needs to have satisfaction derived from it - it is purely a means to an end. It's like having a tooth out - all you want is the tooth out, you don't really care what technique they use to take the tooth out!

[Meglet]

I have only had an emergency c-section. The recovery was awful, bonding is hard and I felt terrible, breastfeeding was a nightmare too. But was driving at 4 weeks and charging around at the gym at 12 weeks.

Wouldn't really recommend a c-section, but I suspect a planned c-section isn't too awful.

good luck with whatever you do!

[3andnomore]

Tinkjon...hm....everyone is different...I suppose I am more philosophical in my approach to childbirth...I see it as part of pregnancy.

[blueshoes]

I'd prefer a nice calm elective section over a traumatic, interventional vaginal birth, anytime.

There is a greater amount of lottery with the outcome of a vaginal birth, less control. With a c-section, if you have done your research and planned around the recovery, you lock in your risks better.

With the current state of the NHS and shortage of (good) midwives, I chose elective and never regretted it.

[eleusis]

I have only ready the OP. You can get one by demanding it. But, this is really late in the game to be starting the demand. Stomp your feet, put it in writing all over your birth plans. Tell them if they refuse the request and anything goes wrong in natural childbirth it will be due to their decision not yours. Make a copy of these notes, and tell them you have a copy.

[eleusis]

Hayley, I have had two sections. One emergency after failed induction because baby was in distress, and the second one was planned as the only sure fire way to avoid an emergency section. The two experiences are worlds apart and I highly recommend a planned section. I know many people will disagree, but I think it is the safest way for mother and baby.

Where are you? What is the staff situation at your hospital? You can look up your hospital on www.birthchoiceuk.com