Elective C section?

[yummymango]

I've always been firmly of the mindset that I would always try for a natural birth wherever possible, and I did with my first. However, I've been worrying myself over what I am going to do with my 3 year-old daughter when number 2 decides to make an appearance - we don't have family nearby and wouldn't want to bother friends.
And I suddenly thought perhaps an ELCS would be the answer? Knowing that you can book it in so I can have childcare planned etc sounds like a great idea. Has anyone done it for similar reasons? I know it's a major operation and it scares me, and I don't relish the though of being in hospital for several days....what other things, positive or negative should I be thinking about?

You need to weigh up the convenience of knowing planned delivery date with lengthy post op recovery without support around you. That's assuming a consultant would agree to ELCS on basis of childcare. If you've had a previous vaginal delivery without complications I think the chances of this are slim.

If you can have childcare booked in for an ELCS, why can't you have it booked in for a natural labour 2 weeks either side?

There is always the chance baby will decide the arrive early anyway, so really the ELCS is not the answer.

I have had two c-sections and due another in July.

Whilst I don't agree that the post op recovery is worse (mine we absolutely fine and I was home on day 3 with DD and over he park) I do think that 'convenience' and 'childcare' are poor reasons for a c-section.

You will be left with scarring, you will be left with weaker stomach muscles and the risk to your baby and yourself are higher.

I don't think the doctors will agree to an elective section based on childcare. Why are you opposed to ask friends to take care of your little one?

I wouldn't do it for childcare reasons, surely your friends wouldn't mind being Asked if they would consider looking after your daughter?
I had a c section booked but went into labour 6 weeks early anyway, so it doesn't always happen to schedule.
It is major surgery, I had lots of complications after mine, had to have another operation and was in hospital for a month and then unwell for further weeks. I would not describe it as the more convenient option, you cannot drive for a few weeks, pushing buggy csn be tricky, your dh may need longer off work to look after you all. Organising childcare ism he easier option and I say that as someone who is very pro c section despite my own difficult experience.

I am pregnant with dc3 and am considering an ELCS also. Baby 1 was 7lb3 no complications, natural birth. Baby 2 was 11lb, traumatic 2 day labour and eventual ventouse delivery. I imagine I have grounds to request one but no idea if my consultant will agree.

We too have no family around and limited options for friends etc as new to the area. My family are a 2.5 hour drive away and we don't talk to the in laws who are also 2.5 hours away.

Spamminit

Your consultant has to agree.

Number3tocome do you mean that she should agree? Or are you just informing me that her agreement is required?

sorry got your username wrong!

She has to agree, they can't say no when you have a valid reason.

They can't say no anyway, they just have to inform you of what they think is best. If they do say no, they need to refer you to someone else who will do it.

Right ok, I understand now. The system is shocking where I live so won't see her until end of May when I will be about 24 weeks. I am 12+4 now and haven't had booking bloods or a scan!

Just because you have an elcs booked in it doesn't mean you are having it that day. If you are lowest risk you may well get bumped for emergencies and higher risk cases, so you'll still need flexibility over childcare. Oh and a longer hospital stay on average, although all recovery times vary, I think it is typically 2 nights with a c section

Oh and a longer hospital stay on average, although all recovery times vary, I think it is typically 2 nights with a c section

Absolutely true, although so women prefer this as there is more help at hand and expertise in hospital

I am a c-section with a planned 24 hour release.

And absolutely true, you may well be bumped.

I'm hoping for a 24 hour release this time. Last time was 8 days! Very rare but just mentioning as that wouldn't have made childcare easier

I was 7 days with my first - in ITU as well, so couldn't even have had kids visiting.

Second one was 2 nights - so fingers crossed for 24 hours this time!!