Elective c-section positive stories

[Mum2025]

Hi ,
I'm seriously considering an elective c-section because I'm scared of natural birth and also I get dizzy some times when I push ( for example toilet ) so I'm scared to pass out during birth . Just generally prefer it .

Anyway moving on people don't agree with my choice for elective c-section and trying to give me horror stories which is not helping me .

Please share with me any positive experiences if you have also had an elective c-section . Can share your reasons why you chose it if you feel comfortable .

Had an elective c section at 39 weeks with DD and it was extremely positive (as much as surgery can be I guess!). No pain during the procedure and got to hold baby as soon as they were out while I was being stitched up. No issues breastfeeding, though I would have also been fine to go straight to formula if it was needed. Recovery was easy enough, I was walking outside with the pram within 3 days, no pain after a week and back to proper exercise within a month. I chose a c section primarily because I have no faith in the NHS - heard too many horror stories from friends of natural birth going wrong, people being left to go way over their due date due to lack of staffing (very dangerous imo), midwives failing to involve doctors soon enough when issues arose during labour so baby was harmed or it ended in birth injuries for the mother. All my friends who are doctors working for the NHS had c sections as well which is telling. No regrets at having a c section and will do the same with my second.

I’ve had 4 c sections (4 in 6 years!). Two of mine were very rushed after induction failed. I would have liked to have natural births personally but sections are fine. I had 2 under GA and 2 with the spinal block. My first was probably the worst but that was more because my dd was quite small and needed some extra care. I also had no experience of sections and the first day I couldn’t believe how painful it felt. My subsequent sections I was up and about much quicker and I think that helped. Happy to answer any more questions

Did they ask why you want an elective ? Was it easy to get one . People keep saying why would you chose it if it's not 100% medically needed. They are not supporting my choice

I had an elective c-section with my second after my first was an emergency. They did ask my reasons and it was mainly due to anxiety because of my first labour and they didn’t question it at all. The elective was a very positive experience and really calm and went smoothly, I would say the second time the recovery was a lot harder though and struggled to get out and about for a couple of weeks.

@Mum2025 yes they did ask my reasons, I obviously wasn't completely honest as didn't want to offend the midwives but just explained firmly that having done my own research I thought it was the safest option for my baby, I was aware of the risks and I was certain of my decision. My midwife tried to get me to attend a counselling session (which I refused) but once I was referred to a consultant he booked it in straight away without further questions. I think it helped that I was very sure of what I wanted and clearly wasn't going to be persuaded otherwise. I even asked them to write on my notes that if I went into labour naturally earlier than 39 weeks I still wanted a c section as midwife was trying to tell me it was better to 'let it happen naturally' if that happened. Second pregnancy they didn't even question me when I said I wanted another c section, just agreed to it at the booking appointment without any discussion. Everyone has a view on childbirth and people will try to push you one way or another (sometimes to validate their own choices), you just need to be firm with what you want as it's really no one else's business in the end and you definitely don't need a reason to have a c section or feel guilty for having one. Many people don't want one for various reasons and that's equally valid too!

Thankyou very much, I will make sure I let them know I am absolutely certain about a c-section. I want it one way or another . Il try not to let others discourage me about what I feel is best ... Thankyou for sharing with me your experience . I truly appreciate it .

I had an elective c section 2 weeks ago because I didn’t want the uncertainty and potentially significant pain, plus risk of birth injuries, that come with vaginal birth. It was fine. I would describe the procedure as somewhat unpleasant and strange, but it was pain free and over quickly. I’m sure that vaginal birth would have been a whole lot more difficult and unpleasant. I was positively surprised that the recovery wasn’t painful either, I just took the painkillers that were offered and I never experienced any significant pain. It’s slightly annoying that you have to take it easy for a bit afterwards - I only started today to carefully bend down and pick something up from the floor, or getting up with baby from sitting/lying down unaided - but that’s more an inconvenience than anything else. Pain wise it’s really fine, and everything from procedure to recovery is manageable.

Had an ELCS at 39+4 due to breech. It was textbook, with the exception of referred pain from trapped wind post-surgery that required morphine and an extra night’s stay, bronchitis (yep!), and an allergic reaction to an antiemetic. So mostly bad luck/circumstantial crap.

The operation itself was straightforward. Unpleasant bits included the spinal and the fact it took way longer than I was expecting, but really not an issue. Post-surgical pain from the wound was easily managed with paracetamol for me. I escaped without any issues like infection, or busting stitches. No issues with bonding or breastfeeding. DD was fine at birth (no breathing troubles or jaundice).

I was up on my feet as recommended within hours and at a local festival two weeks later. My scar is keloid so still hurts sometimes 2.3 years later, but that’s minor. I did, however, sprain my wrist severely as a result of not being able to engage my core. It took 6 months to heal, so watch out for that!

All of the above counts as a ‘positive’ story imo. Childbirth can be tough, whichever way it happens. ELCS can be the best choice for you and difficult! Even in the most straightforward of scenarios.

I had a c section, my choice after 3 failed pessarys during my induction (48 hours in); I didn’t want the balloon and the internal examinations were triggering my PTSD.
I didn’t have much of a birth plan so was always open to a c section. Can safely say it was the best decision. I’d been having contractions every 3 minutes but wasn’t dilating for 24 hours so was shattered.
Everyone in the surgery room were wonderful and made me feel very safe and comfortable. Unfortunately for me the spinal didn’t work so I had to be put under, but in that moment you don’t think about it as long as baby is okay. As soon as I can round the baby was handed straight to me for skin to skin.

Recovery has been really good too. Keep on top of pain medication and you’ll be fine. I’m 5 weeks PP and I feel fine. I wouldn’t do any rigorous exercise, but I don’t have any pain day to day.

In my opinion, just because it’s referred to as a ‘natural birth’ when it’s vaginal, it doesn’t take away from the fact you’re still giving birth. If we’re lucky enough to get the option of how we deliver our babies, then if it feels right to you, do it!

Doesn’t matter. Are they giving birth to your baby? Nope! Is this friends/family/ docs?

Your reasons are legitimate. A consultant told me my reasons were not legit, I was offered ECV for breech- all the nurses, sonographer etc said NO go for the c section. On the day I was taken first as the only non elective.

On to my c section, didn’t last long, peaceful, calm, how much do you want to see, all or nothing, some parts not others. (I’m very squeamish, whereas some want to see the whole shebang!) No pain during, you decide everything.

Edit- I didn’t like pain meds. Oromorph, codeine etc. Makes me sick, so I was in a fair bit of pain (to be expected).

I felt the same as you OP, worried about the pain of natural birth (thanks NCT for really unhelpful information). I pushed for a c section but not hard enough and was encouraged by everyone to do the natural vaginal birth. I went in for an induction having been talked out of the c section but for various reasons ended up with an emergency c section anyway. My experience is that everyone tries to talk you out of a section, until you put your foot down, then you're handed over to a wonderful c section team who couldn't be more amazing!

I'm also reactive to oromorph and codeine so recovery was very tough, my age didn't help (geriatric mother!) but I wouldn't change my final decision, it felt right for me and my baby. It was a very special and unforgettable birth regardless of the surgery.

A friend of mine was much stronger in her demand for a c section, and was booked in for an elective. She didn't spend 48 hours enduring the hell of a failed induction and had a really smooth experience.

I'm pregnant with my first and have opted for a ELCS due to fear of natural childbirth. I discussed it with my midwife from the very early stages of my pregnancy (probably around 7-10weeks) she asked my reasons and I told her and that was that. I met a consultant at my 20 week scan, I was told by several people I'd have push back because it isn't for a medical reason, but had non at all, he was great, he discussed the risks, many of which I was well informed of because I'd done ALOT of research prior, he didn't do it in a scare mongering way at all and even said that vaginal births actually carry the same amount of risk. Thankfully my family have been 100% supportive of my decision, I have had some friends who've made slight comments, usually from ones who've had kids already and did it vaginally and wear it like a badge of honour and therefore think it's the superior way. To me, I'm still birthing my child, no matter the way it comes out. So please, be confident in your decision and block out the noise, ultimately it's you going through it so it has to be whatever YOU are at peace with.
Be aware the recovery maybe tougher after a c section, however, I've spoken to many women who've had vaginal births with medial intervention and 3rd degree tears, who've subsequently had c sections for they're 2nd and have said the c section recovery was a lot easier than a 3rd degree tear. Just make sure you have a good support network around you for afterwards to help you be able to rest and not over exert yourself. (This is were your partner comes in)

But ultimately, you can't be refused a maternal csection. You have birth rights, and if the first consultant refuses, they have to refer you to one who will accept your request (this is rare though). Look into tommys law if it offers you some reassurance.

I've so far only come across one person who's showed negativity about my choice, I'm not sure if she was a midwife or not, it was at my 12 week scan and she was taking my bloods. She just kept asking me, 'so you're not actually having it for a medical reason' with a disgruntled look on her face. I sturnly told her it was my birth choice as the mother of this baby. And she shut up. You just have to be steadfast in your decision. Xxx

I had an elected section 2 years ago now and it was the best experience. Definitely the right choice for me and I've never ever regretted making that decision.

You can still have a birth plan with a section (especially a planned one) and the main thing I would recommend is planning your support out really well for the weeks after baby arrives because the easier you take it the better you will heal and it is intense with a newborn. There's lots of tips and tricks you'll find on here for managing after a section while you're still tender so I found it quite easy to plan and prep for. I also went onto my hospitals website in advance and looked at photos of the operating room which meant it felt less daunting actually going in and I knew what to expect.

Your hospital might have a birth preferences consultant. I met with mine ahead of my section and just ran through all the pros and cons and what to expect. For me there was 6 weeks of recovery until I felt back to myself and I did have a little trouble getting my wound healed as I wasn't airing it enough. But that was nothing in comparison to my friends who were still in physio or had no bladder control in the years after a vaginal delivery.

I would just say be careful with the horror stories because a lot of negative section stories are unplanned sections where they are rushed and the mother is already feeling scared and out of control and the doctors are trying to work against contractions etc.

Had electives with both mine due to a hip joint issue. Both very positive, peaceful experiences, even though the second ended up being officially an 'emergency' because I started labour about 12 hours before the appointed time!

Despite what you often hear, you are not massively incapacitated by a c-section and can go about most of your normal business in a couple of days, including picking up the sorts of things you need to hold on a normal day.

I echo @Lavender14 - most horror stories are emergencies that happen after hours and hours of labour when the mother is already exhausted and worried and obviously that is traumatic, whereas a planned one isn't.

They do have to go through a lot of layers so there can be complications or soreness with the scarring if not every bit is done very well, but I didn't experience any issues.

I've had 2 electives. First due to breech baby. Both super smooth and easy/very manageable recovery.

I've had a couple both we're fine but I'd say the first was a much more positive one than the second - although I feel that's because with the first there seemed to be sufficient time/staff available for me to be fully supported both during and afterwards.

Both of them I found the first couple of days rough but not unbearable as long as I kept on top of my pain medication (they don't give you much but you are well within your rights to say you need more). Then after day two I could feel a marked improvement from the day before each morning when I woke up. With number 1 I'd say I felt fine by day 6 and back to normal by day ten. With number two it was a bit longer but I was back doing the school run by day ten.

Also the not driving for 6 weeks thing isn't correct for every insurance company so don't stress about that. Mine just said when I can comfortably do an emergency stop.

Oh and they give you a lot of choices so you can feel some part of the process. Mine asked if I wanted to make a playlist, did I want the curtain up or down, did I want skin to skin immediately after, delayed cord clamping etc etc.

My first baby i had an ELCS for medical reasons. It was booked for 39 weeks but I ended up being admitted with pre-eclampsia and it was brought forward. I loved having an actual date rather than the unknown and also never actually having painful contractions or going into labour!

My ELCS experience was a very positive one! It was relaxed and calm, everything was well explained, I felt very chilled and in control. Skin to skin afterwards, partner cut the cord etc.
It couldn't have gone better. I was discharged 24 hours later. Pain was very manageable and recovery easier than expected.

The only slight negatives I could pick out would be that my daughter was very congested at birth which is apparently normal after a section as the birth canal would normally squeeze a lot of the gunk out their lungs. Also my body seemed to take ages to realise I'd given birth and so there were some early issues with breastfeeding.

I'll be having an ELCS again with my second baby.