Planned c section

[1003Uk]

Hi all

I am due dc2 soon (dc1 was delivered by emcs following slow progress in induction and some complications) and after weighing up option of repeat c section v vbac for ages I am now booked for c section (based on previous birth and medical history which has leaned me towards that option). Initially when I booked it I felt relieved that the decision had been made, but for some reason as it approaches am feeling ambivalent and strange about just going in with no labour to have the baby taken out! Don't get me wrong I'm grateful that this option is there and (hopefully) will be more predictable, but still feel a bit odd and detached. Just wondered if anyone else has been through this? And did it go away after the birth? (as really don't want it to affect bonding, etc).

TIA

Hi, no advice but in almost exactly the same situation.

1st baby emcs following failed indication / failure to dilate past 3cm.

With this time added grade 1 placenta previa too. I am so torn with what to do (actually raised another thread)

But like you it's the thought of just turning up and him suddenly being there with none of the labour lead up.

Following with interest to see how others found it :)

I've just had my consultant appointment today and had a similar first birth to you by the sounds of it.

The consultant tried to talk me into trying on my own, if I don't go in labour naturally myself we can go for section at X point. My mind was made up but she made me feel a bit guilty and it has made me dither a bit today. I know it's the best thing for me. They can't guarantee that it won't end up in another section and I'll just hate myself if I go through all of that again and end up with a section anyway.

From what I've heard it's natural to feel a bit unsure.

I've got friends that have done VBAC, one just to prove she cld do it lol She so regretted that! Another who also had interventions and both went for a section in future pregnancies.

I had a planned c section and have no regrets. I did have same concerns as you but I bonded great with DS.
I remember being in tears at the thought of never experiencing a contraction or a "normal" birth but all I thought was, as long as baby and I are well, how he gets here doesn't matter.

Two sections and the moment the boys came out no attachment issues. My ilk took longer to come through as your body doesn't realise it’s had a baby in the same way!

Thanks for all your replies
I feel I have been going backwards and forwards so can relate to shelbybears post. Especially when there is not always a definite reason for a section, just maybe overall the more safer/predictable option on balance. I guess it's what we each feel most comfortable with overall.
Really glad to hear no attachment issues Somesetlady, that's encouraging
Hope you get clarity on your situation Pipo174

I had a planned section after an emcs. It was honestly a relief to know things were planned.

It was very civilised and friendly. I had the time to meet the entire team properly beforehand.

Honestly had no attachment issues. If anything dc2 is more attached to me than dc1!!

I did hesitate a bit about not experiencing 'birth' as that's it for me. I'm not having any more. But weighing up everything I have two healthy and happy dc. I could have tried for a vbac but it wasn't worth the stress that I could end up having the same issues as before.

But it's such a personal decision. Is there anyone you can talk to at the hospital about it? I had a meeting with the consultant team and midwives before making my decision.

QuickThinkOfAName- Thanks for sharing your experience- the section is actually planned for this week. I did discuss with the midwives/medics beforehand (on more than one occasssion) and I think that's the thing- I guess if I really was very keen and motivated for a Vbac I would probably have said so by now! Just hasn't stopped me having a wobble though probably because it's imminent. I think like you in particular didn't want a repeat of previous experience and potentially more complications/rushed section. As you and a pp said it's about healthy dc at the end of the day

I had a planned section after emcs. It was much easier to recover than first time when I was worn out from 18 hours of labour first.

I felt like I should try for a vbac, but was relieved when the decision was taken out of my hands because he was footling breach and I was booked in for a section.

It did feel very surreal walking to the operating theatre and getting on the table ready for the epidural, especially selecting an outfit and pushing the empty cot to the theatre, but I had no attachment issues. If anything, it was easier because I was more with it when DS2 arrived and could take it all in. I remember my first sight of him so much more clearly than DS1's birth, which is a bit of a blur!

Good luck, you'll be fine.

Had a panned caesarean 2nd time round, it was fantastic. Great to be able to plan everything. Recovery was absolutely fine.

Planned not panned !

Hi I had an emcs first time round and felt a bit traumatised by the whole experience ended up with pretty bad pnd and attachment issues.
second time around I wanted calm and controlled so had an elective section and the bond was instant I think because I was more with it and no pnd followed 😊 I'm now 18 weeks with my last baby and weirdly I wanted a vbac this time but I've been told I can't I think I want to experience real Labour but after losing three other babies as long as this little bubba arrives safe thats all that matters xx