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.

Red that's fantastic news. Congratulations and I also delighted for you. [Thanks]. Could I impose and ask when Baby Red is due?

I am also delighted to hear that you have a hospital trust that is so understanding. It's a shame the rest aren't the same. And agree its disappointing that other women don't ave the same positive experience and an understanding healthcare team.

Again I am so delighted for you and I am sure you will continue to have a very positive experience. Enjoy every minute of it. It goes so quickly.

I'm due in September, so its starting to get more and more 'real' very quickly. They are going to starting to planning other aspects of the delivery and afterwards with me soon, so I can hopefully cope better.

Being honest the trust haven't been perfect, but they have made up for it and gone above and beyond at other times to make up for the odd hiccup and offered options I didn't think were possible. I was surprised when I found out the consultant on duty on the day I'm booked in for, is apparently the one who is most flexible to out of the ordinary requests as I didn't think there would be a huge amount of flexibility there either.

I actually think that investing in doing this, more involved and time consuming antenatal care and allowing ELCS in this way saves money in the long run. I know the consultant midwife makes a point of never refusing an ELCS and the irony of this policy is that the trust that it creates opens up channels of communication which ultimately means a percentage of those women change their minds on their own terms and have a VB. The ELCS rate is comparable with other NHS Trusts.

I know that I won't be one of those changing their mind, but I find it reassuring to know how they understand how important building relationships with their patients is to their well being. Its not about viewing it as needing to 'correct' patient behaviour by counselling, but also realising the failings of the NHS, their own role in this and their responsibility in needing to break patterns of previous poor healthcare or personal experiences which lead to fears by proving themselves through action, not just words and/or lipservice.

I know that the consultant midwife is held in fairly high esteem elsewhere and occasionally does work to help spread awareness of what his team are currently doing, so there is hope that it will lead to improvements elsewhere and potentially helping to develop care pathways and NICE recommendations that don't currently exist due to the lack of understanding of the subject. Things do seem to be improving and changing little by little.