Elective C-Section (medical/non medical reasons)

[LittlePeaPod]

I understand this subject has been done before. I also know that ECS particularly as personal choice rather than as a medical need is an emotive subject and the debate about CS birth can be particularly contentious.

Considering 1 in 4 women in the UK experience a CS birth I have been disappointed to see how inadequate access to CS antenatal information is, so women can make a truly informed decision. Personally I think it's short-sighted to focus solely on VB and continually emphasise managing pain relief. The NHS is so focused on their target to reduce the 1 in 4 CS due to cost that they are neglecting their responsibilities to those women that choose or want a CS birth regardless of medical need.

I am currently 23+6 and I have chosen to opt for an ECS. There is no medical reason for a CS but this is a birth choice that I want. I understand that CS and VB both carry real but different risks but I believe these risks should be explained to women so we can make informed decisions about which birth risks we wish to take. Unfortunately this is not the case and the push for VB is so endemic in the NHS that women are not receiving the true facts on CS.

For those women like me that want an ECS birth. I just wanted you to know that due to the new NISA guidelines if you want/choose a CS the NHS now have to give you one. They will do everything they can to try and change your mind to the point of trying to scare you and make you feel guilty about your choice. But, regardless of medical need if you insist that a CS is the right choice for you the NHS have to honour your wishes and give you a CS. I am fortunate to have been able to privately pay for independent advice on VB and CS from three different very well respected professionals in the UK (two consultant obstetricians and one consultant in fetal medicine) and also received advice from a close family friend who is a consultant anaesthetist. I was shocked to hear how target driven VBs are in the NGS and how in fact this is what's driving the push for women been made to think they should have a VB and not the safety issue.

Ladies it is your choice how you have your babies and what you do with your body. If you want a CS you can have a CS regardless of medical need on the NHS. My DF and I have just spent a lot of money finding that out. I am 23+6 and the NHS have now confirmed I will be having an ECS and there is no medical or psychological need. I am having it because its my choice. I wanted to share this because prior to spending a fortune getting non biased information I was under the impression that I had to prove a VB was medically necessary, would psychologically affect me or that I had a fear of VB before a CS would be authorised by the NHS. Well that's not the case, its about personal choice. VB or CS you have a right to choose and the NHS have to honour your choice. It's just a shame and has royally pissed me the fuck off that if your choice is an ECS for non medical reasons the NHS are making it so difficult for you to opt for that choice in an informed way.

Thanks again LittlePea. I will definitely make notes, I've done enough research to prove my point :)
I might ask again about skin-to-skin after birth and delayed cord clamping... I brought this up with my MW at the initial appt but she said as there's so little space up top, they don't usually do it. Let's see what the consultant thinks.
I really have no desire to experience labour again so setting a date is fine for me, especially as I have to sort out childcare for my other two as well. I won't have my consultant appt until 36w (early Dec) but I will update then, if this thread's still going

GreatJoan good luck. . I have my next consultant appointment on the 25th November so I will be updating on here how it went and what was discussed. The thread will still be going when you meet your consultant at 36 weeks. I intend on keeping updates going right through post our DDs arrival, how she copes and how my recovery is going post CS including when I start driving, gym etc.

littlepeapod I think it's a shame that your research and considered posts on this thread are being somewhat disregarded by people who want to express an opinion on someone elses decisions rather than look at the facts surrounding cs and vbs. One of the brilliant things about this thread was that it showed that despite biased information given by hcps, it is possible to analyse the research and make a decision that is personal to and right for the woman. Other womens opinions on what women do with their bodies is insensitive to those making a choice and is pretty out of order as the decision is not taken lightly anyway. Sorry for ranting but I am sick of hearing the same tired opinions rather than facts. It is insulting to those who have done research on this topic. Just to reiterate a few things to those who can't be bothered to read the thread: vbs cost approx the same as cs when after effects are taken into account. No birth, cs or vb, can be completely assessed for risk before it happens. And finally, and most importantly, a woman can do what she wants with her own body. If you judge that, it reflects on you, not her.

madamegazelle it was addressed to anyone who judges other peoples choices and brings up points that the op and others have addressed already. It wasn't meant to be rude, and it wasn't directed at you, but if you feel it applies to you, feel free to think about the effect a judgmental post could have on someone who is making a difficult decision.

angryangry I do agree with your point. The most surprising thing I have found is actually that other women more so than the medical professionals and even the MW are much more judgmental and against other women's choice on ELCS. The women who challenge this prevailing hegemony seem to be stigmatised as either "too posh to push, not trusting their own body, going against nature, too lazy, see it as an easy/easier option etc." I get the feeling that there seems to be a view that having a VB (preferably with little or no intervention) is some sort of badge of honour or ritual that women should go through or at least attempt to go through. God forbid if you don't see the actual birthing process as all that special. For me the real miracle is the conception and development of the baby in the womb. Childbirth is simply a necessity and the method of delivery is simply a means to an end. Like I have said before, I believe antenatal education is, in general failing women by omitting key information about CS when preparing women for childbirth. Personally I think such oppressive attitudes need to change. If choice is to be respected, it needs to be informed choice and women should be given the full range of choice (home birth to planned ELCS).

Childbirth is unpredictable and from my research relatively few women achieve the socially defined perfect, intervention free birth and its tragic they are being led to believe that they can ultimately control what happens. No wonder some women blame themselves and feel so disappointed when things go wrong and some terrified when intervention like an EMCS becomes necessary as we have read throughout this thread

I agree littlepeapod and that's why I think threads like this are so helpful and important because of the focus on facts, evidence and experience. Rather than peoples opinions on what other people choose for their bodies

I wanted to post, to update this thread. I hope other readers won't judge me for posting but i am sat in hospital and i cannot sleep, plus my baby is a few miles away.
Our 3.3kg baby boy was born yesterday morning unplanned via a natural birth. As already stated i wanted a C Section. However, i had absolutely no choice due to the speed of his arrival. Contractions to delivery in less than an hour.
I going to move to the prem baby section now but i wanted to thank this group of posters for being so supportive.
It just goes to show that at times all the best laid plans go pear shaped.
Little PP- good luck
Oh, baby Henry is breathing on his own and seems stable xxx

Congratulations fraggle that's beautiful news! Hope you are feeling ok? Welcome to the world Henry xxx

Congratulations Fraggle and delighted to hear his breathing on is own. Please keep us updated. What wonderful news..

Congratulations fraggle, henry is a lovely name, so glad he is breathing on his own. All the best for the future x

Don't forget that even if booked for ecs I if theatres are busy with emergency cases you may get bumped downklist or transferred to another hospital.
If you start labour naturally before ecs and theatres are full, check what would happen re options at other hospitals etc.

My cs went well but I was unwell with large infected blood clot in wound after, had another operation, was inIhospital for a month, attached to a machine with tube into my stomach for 2 weeks. Didn't produce milk even with meds due to trauma. Section was emergency , premature twins although was booked for one anyway. Consultant had said that cs best for twins but not great for mother, he was right!

My advice is be prepared for normal labour in event youacan't be accommodated in theatre if too many emergency.

Givemeaclue sorry to hear your experience. That sounds really awful and hope you have recovered completely. I have already discussed the issue regarding the theatres been busy and consultant has advised that they have two theatres. In addition if the theatres are full at my chosen hospital there is another major hospital about 10 minutes away with another two theatres which I would be transferred to. He has not had a situation were one of his ladies having an ELCS has come in already in labour and not had the CS at that hospital or the other but I am aware of that risk and I have already discussed it with the consultant. I am booked in at 39 weeks so really hoping she doesn't decide to arrive any earlier but you never know. Thank you for raising it though.

Would still choose a cs over a normal labour even with the complications I had after. 100%.

After care was rubbish though and it was horrid at the time. Truly awful.

I have heard that feedback a lot now. It seems the feedback that the aftercare is totally crap is a common theme. It's sucks, it really does.

Natural birth is an awesome experience. Having your abdomen sliced open is just yucky.I'm all for cs for medical reasons but if as a lifestyle choice then that's ridiculous. Having witnessed cs recovery & the tummy overhang it causes, I'm glad I had Vb's.

Surely all births are awesomenot everyone has over hang!

Zippy I am sure a VB is a wonderful experience for those that want one. But to me any form of childbirth doesn't really turn me on. It's a means to an end. Whether people think a CS is yucky or shitting yourself in front of a room of strangers/your DH and ripping open is gross is irrelevant really.

The meracle will be seeing my daughter having felt her growing for so long. That is what is awesome for me.

It's all about meeting my daughter rather than getting a badge if honour and a huge pat on the back for pushing her out!

Unfortunately I didn't see them giving endurance medals for vb choosers on the mat ward. So not sure what the gain is. Not that I had a choice personally but even if I had I would have a cs

Maybe the send them in the post like on Blue Peter .

Joking before someone takes offence..

Ooh, a medal? I didn't realise! I'm changing my mind as of now

my aftercare was awful and I am in the process od complaining to the hospital. .the midwives were awful, unsympathetic and to be honest really didnt give two hoots about me or baby after my c section last week.

on top of the terrible aftercare I had a 5 day visit this week were I was questioned and penalised by the midwife as to why I had a c section. she then asked why I wasnt breastfeeding when I explained why she then told me that I wasn't protecting my baby by giving her formula

after her visit I was left in pieces crying as I felt like a crap human being.

I couldn't breastfeed I tried and tried and my baby didnt feed for the first 27 hours after the birth, the hospital was aware of this. up until now I haven't produced any milk and I explained this to the midwife..she still looked at me as if I was something she trod in.

this is my first child and i have to say the after care has been beyond shocking !

Munchkinjess that is disgusting and effectively it sounds like you and the baby are been penalised for you choosing to have CS. So their baise and shirt sighted ignorant attitude Carly's on post birth. What a utter bunch of twats. Definetly complain. Are you complaining to the hospital or the NMC? My friend had applauing care from her MW and she has taken it up with the hospital and the NMC ( www.nmc-uk.org/About-us/How-to-make-a-complaint-about-the-NMC/) I hope you are feeling better in yourself and your lo is doing well.

www.nmc-uk.org/About-us/How-to-make-a-complaint-about-the-NMC/