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Childbirth

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

Original poster

Elective c-section

27 replies

CF207 · 03/10/2020 19:44

Has anyone ever made their own decision to have a planned c-section? Did you face any problems with the midwives, doctors etc trying to put you off? I’m due my 3rd baby in 12 weeks and, with 2 traumatic natural deliveries before, I’m going to request a c-section this time. I’m just wondering what anyone else’s experience of requesting this was? Thank you

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PodgeBod · 03/10/2020 19:50

I requested one that was granted with no problems, I also cited a previous traumatic birth as my reason. I may have been lucky with my consultant as she didn't even ask me to elaborate.
I also had a great experience with my c section.

whhho · 03/10/2020 19:50

I requested one with my first baby IF I went overdue and it got to the stage they wanted to induce. Because I didn't want to go through the induction process and therefore would have preferred a c-section. The MWs were fine about it but I got a couple of calls from the consultants who were very pushy against it. However, in the end agreed and booked it. It is your choice how your baby is born. Stick to what you want.

As it happened, I had complications a few weeks before due date, ended up going in and being induced, which after a few days was horrific and ended up in an emergency c-section. Safe to say if I have another baby, I will be requesting c-section straight off and not taking no for an answer.

whhho · 03/10/2020 19:51

Best of luck!

Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 19:51

Thanks for your reply. I’ve my next appointment this week and I’m going to ask about it then, hopefully it’ll be as smooth as yours.

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Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 19:54

Thank you for your reply. I had 2 previous inductions too, which may or may not have contributed towards the traumatic births but I just don’t want to take that chance again. I totally agree it’s our choice how we want to have our babies, no1 else’s. I’m determined to push for one this time and hopefully won’t come up against too many obstacles.

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MistyMinge2 · 03/10/2020 19:57

I chose an elective with my second, after a protracted Labour with dc1 that ended in C-section. I just knew I couldn't do that again. The consultant tried to talk me round and said they would make sure they didn't leave me so long the 2nd time, why didn't I give it a go etc etc. However, when I said no, I'd made my mind up, she backed off and booked me in. I think be firm, say you've thought it over and you are sure it is what you want.

Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 20:02

Yea I totally agree. It’s not something you just decide upon on a whim and we all know what we’re going in for so we know the pros and cons. I’m going to stand my ground and push for one as I really feel it’s the best option for me and my baby. It’s an experience that should be looked back on fondly and, sadly, I can’t say I have any fond memories of my other 2 children’s births.

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kwastell · 03/10/2020 20:33

I had an appointment to discuss birth options this week following a complicated birth with my DS1 (shoulder dystocia). They initially tried to talk me down the route of early induction, but when I said I wanted a planned c-section because I couldn't face the risk of it repeating they accepted it. Was a lot easier than I expected it to be.

Good luck with yours.

Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 20:42

Thank you for your reply. I’m sorry to hear about your previous birth that must have been terrible for you. I’m bracing myself for the worst and preparing to argue my case, though hopefully it won’t come to that. Either way I’m determined to stand my ground. Thank you

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whatswithtodaytoday · 03/10/2020 20:56

I had an elective section (first child) for both mental and physical health reasons. I had to explain it all quite a few times, and they wouldn't book me in until about week 30, but no-one ever really pushed back - they just questioned whether I was sure.

unexpectedthird · 03/10/2020 20:58

DC3 was an elective section for the same reasons. I had one appointment with a consultant who booked me in for it there and then.

It was absolutely the best decision I could have made. Dc3s birth was incredible.

Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 21:07

Thank you for your reply. That’s good to know and I’m glad you got what you wanted. Hopefully I won’t come up against too much resistance when I request it.

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Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 21:08

Unexpectedthird that’s really good to hear and I’m glad the birth went so well. Gives me encouragement

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Monkeytapper · 03/10/2020 21:11

I had a 3rd degree tear with my DS, I asked for a csection for DD less than 2 years later as I was worried I would tear again and they said I could have one. This was 10 years ago now, Leeds.

Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 21:14

Monkeytapper I’m glad they agreed to do that for you. I’m in Northern Ireland, I hope it is the same over here, though I imagine it should be.

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Monkeytapper · 03/10/2020 21:20

@CF207...I hope so.....my elective csection was great, knew what day and time I was going in, home in a couple of days, took it easy for a couple of weeks which was bit tricky as my son had just turned two.
Downside was I couldn’t vacuum or drive for a few weeks!.
Can’t even see my scar now so all in all a great experience and didnt have the worry of possibly tearing again and it being irreparable which was my biggest concern.

Curlsandpearls · 03/10/2020 21:21

I had an elective section 2 months ago and I had a traumatic birth with my first and couldn’t face attempting vaginal delivery again. I came against no problems requested at my 12week appt with consultant. If anything when he read my notes was very supportive of ELCS and he thought there was a high chance of similar problems arising if I attempted ‘natural’ delivery again. I have several friends who have had ELCS as maternal requests and have had very little issue apart from having to sit through the risks and pros/cons talk about sections but I think it really depends on your hospital/cons/MW. Worth looking up the NICE and RCOG guidance on ELCS if you want to come across as really informed and they know you have done your research. FWIW my section after a horrendously traumatic first birth was brilliant I was in and out of theatre quickly up and about later the same day and home the next and within a couple of weeks was driving and exercising pretty much back to normal whereas it took me about 3 months to start to feel vaguely human after the first birth. It was a very calm healing experience for me!

MoonDelay · 03/10/2020 21:21

I'm 25 weeks and have talked about wanting a c section with a consultant over the phone, it wasn't the reason for the call though. She didn't try to dissuade me, she did mention there are other pain relief methods which "we can discuss too"... I have another appointment in October along with scans with a consultant I've had before so hopefully I won't have to argue my case. I don't think you should have to argue and I don't expect to but there's always that apprehension and anxiety there that you may have to justify it rather than it be agreed to without question.
I had a c section with my previous very problematic pregnancy and had no choice but to have a c section, it was obviously painful afterwards but went smoothly. I really don't fancy going for vaginal birth this time, all my others were pretty horrible in one way or another 😕

Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 21:28

Curlsandpearls thanks so much for all your info. I’ll def have a look at them sites. Your experience does sound very encouraging and I’m glad your section went well for you. You’re right, there is healing no matter what type of birth you have and it’s totally up to us to make informed decisions about our own bodies and babies.

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Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 21:32

Moondelay hopefully you’ll get what you want and it’ll all go well. Yea maybe argue is a strong word, though I’m just not sure if I’m going to come up against any resistance so I think I’m preparing myself for an outright “no” when I shouldn’t be! Girls all of these posts are really encouraging me so thank you so much. You’ve really made me feel better as I was kind of panicking and not sure what to expect. Thank you all

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MoonDelay · 03/10/2020 21:35

Oh I'm sorry when I said "argue" I sort of meant in general terms xx It's reading some experiences women have had when requesting a section that have made me feel a bit apprehensive and the replies here have helped me too! Hopefully we'll get what we ask for 🙂

Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 21:38

Moondelay no it’s ok don’t be sorry. I said “argue” myself a few messages ago as I’m imagining them just refusing point blank and me having to lose my temper to convince them or something!lol which hopefully it will never come to. I’m so glad it’s helped you too. No matter how many babies you have it’s still all so daunting and no 2 are ever the same. Really hope everything goes well for you x

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MoonDelay · 03/10/2020 21:44

Yes I feel the same, fingers crossed! Best of luck, thank you x

cactusdog · 03/10/2020 22:08

I requested one with second baby after traumatic first birth. No problems at all requesting and granted. Though a few midwives did make comments about natural birth.
Best decision I've ever made!

Original poster
CF207 · 03/10/2020 22:13

Cactusdog thank you for your reply. I’m so glad it worked out well for you..really gives me hope x

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