Elective c section experiences please, and did you have to fight for one.

[Higgeldypiggeldy35]

I'm due my second in 4 weeks. Last birth was vaginal with forceps and episiotomy. I couldn't have pain free sex for a year afterwards.
This baby is measuring large and I've had medical issues throughout requiring hospital admission. Technically wouldn't prevent me having a vaginal birth but they have recommended an epidural which increase chances of instruments and emcs. Also have practical issues of who can look after my son during labour as my parents are vulnerable and we have noone else to care for him. It would be a lot easier to book him an extra day at nursery if I can know a date in advance. I'm edging towards requesting an elective at my appointment this week. I've read up about the risks and I think it's the right decision for me and my family. I would like to hear other people's experiences if you don't mind sharing.

Bump. Anyone?

I had an ELCS after first CS for placenta praevia. It was no battle but I think probably easier if you've had one CS.

If you have valid concerns which you've documented and presented then hopefully you'll have a good case. Unfortunately I think it is often up to the consultant so depends on their stance on things.

Fingers crossed you can have the birth you want 🤞

Ps: my CS's were both very positive experiences - it did take longer for milk to come in than natural birth but dd1 was premature and dd2 scheduled at 39 weeks so maybe not quite fully baked! Recovery was a good 6 weeks but no issues since.

I had to have a CS due to position & personally didn't like it but only have a intervention free VB to compare it too. I honestly assumed I would have no discomfort after which was stupid.

I had a difficult first birth. DD1 was facing the wrong way, we ended up in emergency theatre, forceps delivery and I had a grade 3 tear which didn’t heal well. I was expecting to have to fight for a section but the Registrar offered me one after reading my notes. The Consultant tried to talk me round saying because I wasn’t faecally incontinent it wasn’t needed. But I held firm. Same registrar delivered DD2 via section. As he put her on me he said “this was the right way to deliver this baby.” And he was totally right. Amazing delivery experience. Took Paracetamol for a day, back on feet and driving at 4 weeks. Took away all my fear of birth and I loved it.

I did with my 2nd after an EMCS with my 1st. Didn't have to fight for it, consultant just asked if I was sure as there was no reason I couldn't have a successful VBAC and accepted my 'no thanks' easily enough.

I think being prepared to state your case, the damage your 1st delivery did and you're awareness of the risk will help should they push you.

I wouldn't hesitate to have an ELCS again, and certainly if I was delivering at the minute.

Thank you for your experiences. I'm hoping not to have to go down the 'i know my rights' route because I'm aware they can't technically refuse you but can refer you to someone else. It's getting close to D day and I could do without the stress. This pregnancy has been so much harder physically than last time. I just don't feel like I have the energy reserves for a long labour after my hospital admissions and medical conditions I have been dealing with.

I think as long as you give your reasons you shouldn't have a problem. I asked the consultant for one yesterday due to ongoing medical issues and he had no hesitation in saying yes. It seems like you have a valid reason, not just "I don't fancy a VB"! Good luck

I hope. Appointment with the consultant tomorrow so fingers crossed.

I had an elective C-section with DD2 because DD1 was a traumatic natural delivery. DD1 was stillborn at home when I was 6 months pregnant, after attending A&E 4 hours earlier in agony and being told all was fine and it was just pregnancy stretching pain...

I was prepared for a battle and had a supportive letter provided by my therapist (who I saw for the trauma) but in reality the consultant was very understanding and agreed instantly with the request (no letter required!). He was a bloody great consultant though. If I were you I would definitely argue that the first birth was traumatic and that's why you are now requesting a c-section. Mine was great, really calm and the best birthing experience I could have had after the tragedy of labour and delivery with DD1. I'm now trying to conceive again and will definitely be asking for another c-section if I'm lucky enough to get pregnant.

@lobster8 I'm so sorry you went through that. I'm glad your DD2's delivery was a good and healing experience for you.

Well I had the appotwith consultant this morning and have been booked in for a C-section in two weeks. The consultant was lovely and very reassuring. I'm so relieved.

*appointment with

@Higgeldypiggeldy35 so glad you've got the outcome you wanted. The nhs is pretty good all told

Yes we're very lucky overall. I'm so relieved I didn't have to fight for it. He was very empathetic and listened to me and said I agree it's the right decision for you. I cried haha

I had a similar birth to you with my first and requested a c section with my second. It was refused, so I think you need to prepare yourself that this is a possibility. As it happened my second birth was completely different, only 5 hours and without any intervention.

Just read your update! Pleased you got it sorted

@DancingQueen85 I'm so sorry you were declined one. I thought they couldn't actually do that. I'm glad it worked out for you though. It's definitely the right choice for me this time. I've been so stressed worrying about it. I'm looking forward to a hopefully calm and organised birth.

I don’t think you have to “fight” as such, just articulate your reasoning. I don’t know anyone who’s been refused when they’ve explained why.

C-sections are often described in very positive terms on MN. They are still major surgery and can have serious complications. Make sure you are informed of the risks :) and post natal wards are hell, try and plan to be home asap- there was a recent thread where people didn’t realise you’re expected to do everything yourself pretty much straight away.

I wouldn't hesitate to have an ELCS again, and certainly if I was delivering at the minute

See I would be put off at the minute. No visitors, no help, m/w even busier than usual- being stuck on a post natal ward by yourself for a couple of days having to do everything, i’d rather be home with at least partner around.

Yeah I'm hoping th consultant will discharge after 24 hours (he said) but there are no guarantees if there are any complications etc. When I was in hospital recently they seemed to have lots of assistants about to help with lifting baby and feeding. They were very nice and helpful on the ward (trying to sleep on the ward was absolutely hell on earth though)

“When I was in hospital recently they seemed to have lots of assistants about to help with lifting baby and feeding.” I’m surprised at this, didn’t get any help when I was in. You’ll be fine though, it’s just very uncomfortable more than anything. We were encouraged to move around and shower etc. The quicker we moved, the faster we could go home!
Good luck, hope all goes well.