How do you go about getting an elcs? Was it worth it?

[BoysBoysBoysAndMe]

Had ds2 almost 9 months ago. Pg again.

Ds1 and 2 were very long labours. Ds1 was fine in the end. Ds2 was an assisted delivery with spinal block due to fetal distress, slowing heart rate, meconium, contractions fading and I was exhausted.

Me and my dh found it very distressful and although I agree that it's just important that baby comes out healthy, ds2 made the most blood curdling screams when he was born.

Talking to the me the other day and out of no where I started getting really emotional and upset about it. So worried it will happen again.

So that got me thinking about maybe asking for an elcs. But know nothing about whether you an just ask for one? I know it's not necessarily the easy option and it's a major operation with longer recovery afterwards.

Just don't know what to do?

You would need to discuss this with your midwife and OB. Previous trauma is often considered a valid reason for ELCS, but it depends on your OB.

Personally I would recommend talking to your GP and the Birth Trauma Association about appropriate counselling to help you come to terms with your previous births. Especially if you have a history of physically healthy births, and other children to deal with when recovering from your section.

I'm not sure about now but my Mum was offered elc with my brother (28 years ago!) after she had an emergency one with me. I think previous trauma makes it more accessible for you, esp as your previous experience might cause stress in labour.

I had two vaginal deliveries with dd and ds1 followed by a cs with ds2.

I can tell you that the recovery was so much harder and longer with the CS and even though i am a nurse i never anticipated the pain from surgery. My CS did not go well, after 5 days i needed emergency surgery which took me months to recover from, i missed the first 6 weeks of my babys life and am still not fully recovered emotionally.

I appreciate my experience was extreme but as youve had 2 vaginal deliveries i would certainly try for another one, you can always have a CS if things are not going to plan (which is what happened with me).
I do support a womans decision to make a choice and think CS is a great option where mother or baby is at risk, but as a choice, it woudnt be mine!