Choosing Elective C Section after Natural Births

[beaniesunrise]

Hi all,

I’ve had 2 natural deliveries, first delivery was traumatic when I went into active labour as I had to get induced, forceps, blood transfusions etc..

..and the second one I managed to last till 7cm on painkillers and breathing techniques, whilst waiting for the epidural, I had a birth plan that requested the epidural at 3cm because of the previous trauma.

The hospital ran me around in circles all day saying they’re waiting for a bed, until I spiralled out of control screaming in pain, the gas & air just made me dizzy. I got wheeled down whilst screaming in pain and then had to wait an hour for the epidural on no pain relief. So more trauma of trusting the hospital staff.
However, the delivery/recovery was perfect and quick though and I was home before 24hrs and was walking and taking care of my DC1 too. I walked to pick DC1 from nursery at day 4 of postpartum!

I’m already thinking about baby #3 in a couple of years, and I’m thinking to opt for ELCS as I want to avoid the pain & loss of control by depending on the hospital to give me the epidural before I can’t handle it. I worry about the recovery afterwards with 2 young kids at home. I know my body can handle natural births as I’ve done it before..

Please let me know your thoughts and stories, has anyone voluntarily chosen to have an ELCS regardless of medical reasons, even if you had natural births beforehand?

I’ve had one emergency c section and one elective. Both were good experiences. Elective one very relaxed. Highly recommended

I’ve had one vaginal birth followed by two electives. The electives were good experiences. There was pain the first day, but not if I stayed on top of my painkillers. The second C section was actually an even easier recovery than the first.

I had a (traumatic) natural first birth followed by an elective c-section. Recovery was harder, especially for the first few weeks - you’ll definitely need help. But the experience was so so much better and the pain settled very quickly. I don’t regret it at all - I’d have a c-section again if I were to have another.