Will they allow you to have an elective c-section even if there is no medical reason?

[ForeverOptimistic]

Ds was born by elective c-section as he was breech. We are ttc no2 at the moment and the thought of a natural delivery scares me! Since having ds I have developed lots of health anxieties and I have convinced myself that my body can't deliver babies and I will end up having an emergency c-section which I don't want.

The other thing I was thinking is could I ask for a trial natural labour and if things don't happen quickly could I then ask for a c-section before things get scary?

your birth, your choice.

At booking in, tell midwife you're having another CS. Refuse to discuss VBAC. If you get hassle, tell her you're feeling bullied and should you speak to her supervisor?

Thanks.

Perhaps when I eventually get pregnant I may feel differently but at this moment in time I am convinced that VBAC will lead to emergency CS.

I was the same, an elective c-section for undiagnosed breech. Due to being breech and cord round the neck multiple times I have never got past the feeling that I would not have a healthy DS if I'd had a natural birth, and now have a fear of similar happening this next time around. I had to meet with a VBAC specialist at 20 weeks and effectively we both agreed that my fears were unfounded and irrational, but that ultimately the choice re: c-section vs VBAC was mine. As irrational as my fears are I think they will hold me back mentally from having a successful VBAC. If it helps, my other argument was, like you, wanting to avoid an emergency c-section (odds of 3 in 10, which to me sound awful!) and the increased infection rates etc and distress that brings. I felt she would have preferred that I had said I have a fear of my scar rupturing as a valid reason for choosing elective c-section.

In any case, talking over my fears with the specialist has helped me in a small way come to terms with my fears, so don't go in completely closed to the idea of VBAC. Being "allowed" a c-section has given me peace of mind throughout my pregnancy and I can still opt for VBAC if I change my mind.

All this and my hospital is very pro-VBAC, so don't let it weigh too heavily on your mind (as it did mine for a long time), it should come down to your choice at the end of the day.

I had a C-Section last time time because of an Unstable-lie and was terrified they'd make me go through a VBAC this time. I discussed my concerns with the Midwife and Registrar and was told that after one section they take the Mother's wishes into account. Luckily for me medical reasons mean I have to have another section.

My local hospital allows planned cs's for second babies if the first was a planned cs. I've not heard of any mums being pushed into a vbac, unless they are up for it.

I would have thought that having had one c section would be a medical reason to at least consider another. I was also under the impression that VBACs are the exception rather than the rule - most people who have had one C section have their subsequent children in the same way, don't they?

My consultant has advised a planned section this time as i had an ecs last time after a failed induction. Think they prefer the controlled environment?? So roll on the 15th May!!

Thanks for your comments everyone. Lots of thinking to do. Better get pregnant first though!

I had exactly this - first birth elective section due to breech, I have a phobia of birth so requested an elective for my second child, and had no problem.