Looking up info on C-section...

[Muma11]

So I have been doing a lot of research on c-sections as i am pregnant with dc2 and thinking a section is best after a traumatic birth and awful recovery.

I haven’t yet mentioned this to my midwife yet as I wanted to do my research first - I will be speaking to midwife at next appointment.

What I seem to have found out is that obviously consultants try and talk you in to a VB but if you have had a previous c section it’s a lot easier to get one than getting one if you have had a traumatic VB?

At the end of the day, it's your choice. But yes, they will make you jump through hoops to get one. If you're convinced it's the safest option for you and your baby, then politely but firmly stick to your guns. Good luck!

I have requested an ELCS for DC1 for trauma-related reasons (clearly not childbirth related though!). I have a formal diagnosis of PTSD and said that I was concerned that a VB, whether objectively traumatic or not, would cause a relapse and potentially lead to serious issues such as PND. My midwife was 100% supportive and the consultant agreed without any issues at all.

They make it very hard indeed. I had two traumatic births and a very traumatic missed miscarriage, two of those lead to be haemorrhaging and almost dying and one was shoulder dystocia so emergency forceps. All were horrendous experiences.

I had to beg and plead for a c-section, they literally made me jump through every hoop imaginable. Think I had to see three different consultants and a consultant midwife before they’d agree to it. I was adamant I wanted it still despite them using endless scaremongering tactics (one consultant literally said I would definitely end up having a hysterectomy!) so they did book it in when I was 37 weeks. Went for the c-section, DP and I were in our scrubs all ready and prepared and a consultant tried to talk me out of it again !!!

Had the c-section and all was absolutely fine, best birth experience to date. Be prepared to need to fight for it if it’s what you really want.

Will also add that I also had to explain why I’d had an ELCS to the midwives and health visitor following his birth too so still had to justify myself even after he had been born. Very annoying indeed.