C-section and getting tubes tied.

[alotoftutus]

Hi I am pregnant with number 5 and am 38. I have had 4 unmedicated vaginal births - 3 of which were at home.

However this time I am considering asking for an elective c section. It seems so strange as everyone midwife included has just assumed I'm happy for another home birth as my others have been really lovely and positive experiences (I have literally LOVED them).

I don't know what it is but this time I just don't want a vaginal birth. My body doesn't feel up to it, I'm older, heavier and I don't know, I just can't shake the feeling off. A c section also makes things easier childcare wise. I've always opted for homebirths so I don't have to worry about child care, my kids have been asleep or present during my labours and love being a part of it. I usually have my mum on standby or staying with us around my due date so she's there alongside my husband when I go into Labour. (I Labour fast, my birth partners need to be with me or they wouldn't make it). My mum this time is caring for my elderly grandmother and wouldn't be able to stay with me for weeks leading up to the birth, and from where she lives would never make it once things kicked off. A section would give us a date to plan it.

Anyway I'm thinking of asking for a c section which I'm scared enough about as it is, but also at the same time having my tubes tied. As I said I'm 38 this will be baby number 5 and I won't be wanting anymore. My husband has pretty much refused to have the snip and hormonal contraceptives just don't agree with me. Plus I don't want to mess with my hormones. So here we are.

I don't really have a question - just saying it out loud lol.

Does it seem crazy to have a section after 4 healthy happy homebirths for no good reason?
Am I even aloud to opt for a section if all is well with the pregnancy and I have no strong reason why?

Also any experiences of having tubes tied during a section? Can it still be done under spinal or does it have to be GA?

Thanks xx

I've never had a c section so can't really answer but I thought of your plan for my third. I definitely didn't want number 4 (took me a long to get my head around number 3. I seriously considered terminating but couldn't follow thorough) My dh refused the snip and I was pregnant again. The only thing that stopped me asking was having a third scared my dh into the snip.

However I did say to my midwife at 36 weeks if I need a c section for any reason I want it noted I want my tubes tied. She said that's fine, they can do that but make sure my birthing partner advocates for me because in an emergency things can be missed or they might not think im making a rash decision if it's just me screaming tie my tubes (she worded it a lot more professionally)

Hormonal contraception didn't agree with me (and tbh I've done my fair share of being responsible for contraception and dh hated condoms 🙄). His test came back that it worked...all was good.

We'll...our marriage broke down. I really wished I'd explored it more as I'd be more in control now.

If it's a possibility I'd do it in a heart beat if the doctors and midwives had no medical reservations.

Good luck and after me waffling I hope someone can give you claims clear medical advice.

Your body, your birth, your rules. It may feel like something they'll 'let you do' but the truth is its up to you not them how you birth!
I was booked for an elective section for DD2 due to previous traumatic birth, ended up delivering vaginally but didn't feel like I had to jump through too many hoops. Can't comment on the sterilisation, but they'd do that under spinal as part of same op, can't imagine it would change much recovery wise, just a bit of extra discomfort I'm your tubes as well as the lower womb where baby was delivered x

You can have a maternal request csection. If you want your tubes tied this needs to be consented and signed for in advance as they won’t do an emergency tubal ligation (thinking of your fast labours). You can always withdraw your consent for that part if you change your mind on the day and no longer want it.

You can consent to have both done at the same time. Likely they will want to be really sure that you have made a considered decision. However if it ends up being an emergency for any reason then they will only do the section because it's no longer 'planned' surgery.