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Original poster

Anyone asked and got a elective c section - advice please

27 replies

bethan37 · 20/12/2010 12:58

Hi,
This is my second baby. I have a meeting with the consultant at my 20 weeks scan as i am asking for a c section.
I am not sure how they make their decision but am terrified of another birth like my first.
Has anyone been through this process and has any advice of how to get one?

I had a long labour, assisted birth, could not walk properly for 3 weeks due to bad stiches as she was positerior...

Thanks

OP posts:

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BecauseItoldYouSo · 20/12/2010 13:00

Yes I have. Make sure that you speak to a sympathetic consultant. Make sure that you are booked into a hospital that has a higher c-section rate.

And insist, insist, insist, insist!

sh77 · 20/12/2010 13:01

My second preg. I had a traumatic first birth also. Consultant has agreed to ELCS. He was v sympathetic to my situation.

Original poster

bethan37 · 20/12/2010 13:03

I cant chose the consultant and its a man but i will be insistant. Also i will say that i didnt want to hold my daughter after the birth as i was so traumatised which is true. My husband is coming with me too as he was traumatised also!

OP posts:

BecauseItoldYouSo · 20/12/2010 13:05

Why can't you choose the consultant?? Even on the NHS you have a right to see a different doctor (consultant) if you are not happy with the outcome of the meeting with the first one you get stuck with.

Or do what I did. Go see a Private Consultant that also works NHS, explain your situation, get them to agree and to take you on as their NHS patient as you can't afford private.

sh77 · 20/12/2010 13:57

Don't assume that because a consultant is a man, he won't be understanding...

discobeaver · 20/12/2010 15:13

Yes, (I am diabetic but I'm not sure if this really makes a diff) first birth was horrid, epi didn't work, shoulder dystocia, muchos stitches.

I asked for and got a GA and elective c section,it was great. Am having the same again this time round (due end of May) I said I wanted a general because of the screwed up epi and also the thought of being awake with that much surgery going on makes me feel ill.

Just be firm and consistent with what you want.

Jobi1 · 20/12/2010 16:36

Yep, I didn't progress in first labour, had very bad time, incl. botched epi & emergency section. No arguments re elective section this time, (I'm 38+2). Plus, a botched epi doesn't mean you need a GA. I saw anaesthetist who explained that they use a spinal for ELCS, which is much finer needle, lower dose & meant to go into dural cavity, (epi isn't). Good luck x

discobeaver · 20/12/2010 16:50

Yes, didn't mean to imply because of an epi that screwed up I couldn't have a spinal - just didn't want one.

For me, being knocked out was what I wanted, but it's personal choice of course.

best of luck with your quest!

trixie123 · 20/12/2010 18:03

talk it through with your midwife who might be able to help you get your arguments sorted and write down why you want it in your notes(you are allowed to write in them as well as the medical types!)Once you have done that see the consultant maybe with DH if you feel you need "back up". It might be totally fine - my "proper" consultant seemed to be a bit reluctant but he has gone off on long term sick and the locum has signed off on it no problem (due to a a failed induction and CS last time). you can request to see another one and I wouldn't assume a man will be more or less sympathetic

Original poster

bethan37 · 20/12/2010 20:47

Thanks, really good advice here so thanks a lot ;)

OP posts:

sh77 · 20/12/2010 21:13

Disco - I am thinking GA also. Please could you tell me how you felt when you woke up and how you coped with baby - e.g., drowsy, feeling sick, extra tired?

Jobi1 · 21/12/2010 16:42

I Had a GA a few years ago for a different op & know it takes me a long time to recover & be awake & coherent, never mind able to cope with a baby. I know dosage varies though, and also that it does cross the placenta. The best idea would probably be to discuss options & implications with an anaesthetist.

discobeaver · 21/12/2010 17:08

I felt fine - but my baby was taken to SCBU as I am diabetic so they had to check her sugars and so forth - thus giving me a good few hours to recover properly.

Worked fabulously for me, very civilised, the sense of relief when the mask descended and I knew when I woke up I would have my baby and no pain was amazing.

discobeaver · 21/12/2010 17:11

I had a private room at the hospital, (nhs, just v lucky maybe?) and morphine for the c section pain, I really don't remember it being traumatic at all, and seemed to recover very well.

Hopefully this time round will be the same...

sh77 · 21/12/2010 17:41

Thanks disco - good to know!

wheresmytractor · 21/12/2010 20:53

I had a third degree tear, pushed for 4 hours and after that had a hemourage (spelt wrong sorry). Instead of sitting bonding with my baby I had to have a spinal and go into theatre. I was mismanaged in the further weeks with improper advice, far too much iron supplements and ended up with an anal fissure that took 9 months to heal. For my second pregnancy I just knew that I did not want to go through anything like that.

I raised my concerns and duly trotted off to see a consultant who promptly put a flea in my ear "it was only a 3A tear, you'll be fine" Went back to my midwife and burst into tears and then complained, my midwife backed me, her actual words "you've done the vaginal birth, bought the T Shirt, do you really want to go through that again?"

Anyway, the upshot is, I had an elective last year, it was lovely. Calm and very special. My new baby stayed with me and fed imediately. It was heaps better than my first birth. The recovery was tough in the beginning but atleast my backside is in one piece! I am now 6 weeks pregnant with my 3rd and final child and will be asking for another.

so, my advice is: push for it if you want it, and don't worry about the elcs. If you've had a traumatic time first time, an elective is a walk in the park in comparrison.

Oh and good luck! Xx

Original poster

bethan37 · 21/12/2010 21:02

Thankyou wheresmytractor. Definatley going to insist for one. Will be going after christmas so ill update!

OP posts:

StephA · 25/12/2010 21:41

Hello all

Two days ago I got talked into having a planned section (due to gestational diabetes) on the 29th of December. I'm really reluctant, really nervous, would so much rather give birth to my son than have him cut out of me. Am wandering around mumsnet trying to find reassurance because I know I am going to walk in there on the 29th crying my eyes out... does anyone know of any links etc that will help me get my head around this one?

This is my first pg, my official due date was the 28th of December, I am 41 years old and aside from the GD the pg has been problem-free and really enjoyable - I've felt so well and have been anticipating and preparing for a natural birth. Feeling really clobbered by all my hopes and plans being taken away from me.

thanks

discobeaver · 26/12/2010 13:30

Who has talked you into it? If it's your consultant or medical professional then it's to safeguard you and your baby. A safe delivery is the best outcome and if that's a csection then it's a c section. Imagine if your baby gets stuck like my first one did putting you and the child in danger. Don't go in crying, go in happy your child will arrive safely and you will have the best new year in good health.

theboobmeister · 26/12/2010 13:36

Hey Steph, it may be worth posting your question separately as you will get more answers that way!

What are the specific concerns about the baby's health that mean a C- section has been recommended? You can insist on further investigations before going with it - e.g. if they are concerned about the baby's size you could ask for a scan. Tummy measurements are notoriously unreliable.

Earthakitten · 26/12/2010 13:37

Yes I had an ELCS after a traumatic birth, it wasn't too difficult to arrange.

You just have to insiste to your consultant that you have weighed up the risks and this is your informed choice. You can see another consultant if you don't get the answer you want. You can change hospitals too.

I chose the local hospital with the highest ELCS rate as thought I'd get a more favourable reception there, and I did.

Was a fantastic experience, great recovery, happy chilled baby.

Best decision I ever made

Loads and loads of great advice and happy ending on the support thread for people asking for ELCS after traumatic birth

Good luck

itsawonderfuldarleneconnorlife · 26/12/2010 14:23

If you want it pay for it. The NHS exists to service medical needs not 'wants'.

I understand that you had a traumatic first birth but why are you assuming that an ELCS is the solution to this? If there is no medical reason why you cant have an easy birth this time (bearing in mind that 2nd labours are much easier than 1st) then you should seriously consider that without demanding a default section.

Earthakitten · 26/12/2010 14:26

Here Darlene, have a

expatinscotland · 26/12/2010 14:27

Well, the NHS obviously failed in its looking after her needs because she wound up with a traumatic birth and medical problems afterwards.

Damn straight she should get an ELCS if that's what suits her psychological needs now.

BE insistent, bethan!

It's your body, your decision.

CoteDAzur · 26/12/2010 14:31

What worked for me was crying buckets to the maternity psychologist.

Then again, I don't live in a place where SS can take away newborns when pregnant women admit to being mentally fragile.

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