Elective c section after traumatic 1st birth?

[Firsttimemummy204]

Hey,

I am looking for some advice and reassurance. I had my first wee one a couple of years ago and I am due number two in the summer. I had a pretty awful time at delivery. Induced and despite concerns of distress continued with SVD. Baby was born unresponsive and required resuscitation with intubation next to us in delivery room. He then spent time in ICU and it wasn’t till many hours after birth we were able to see him and even find out if he was stable. Thankfully all was well but it had a serious impact on us both postnatally. I am now extremely anxious about going through anything similar again. I am not sure what to do. I am unsure if I would be able to request a c section and feel more in control in the planned situation. Or if I should continue with a natural birth if possible and hope for a more positive experience.

Would love to know if anyone has been in a similar situation.

Thanks!!

You have to choose what will make you less anxious. Bearing in mind complications can always arise in each situation anyways.

From what you describe there were signs baby was in distress but they continues with vaginal delivery, which can rake time and baby can get more distressed. I guess it was the case of that delivery so I wouldn't assume all deliveries will be the same too.

I also understand you worry and a c-section means baby is out within minutes of incision, so no labour for baby.

You could ask to talk to a specialist midwife who can look with you at the notes of your previous birth and help you understand what happened and why. Then can help you see what the best choice might be for you.

@Firsttimemummy204 You obviously experienced a major trauma with your first baby's birth. I think @R2D2abc has given great advice about asking for a review with a specialist midwife to get clear what happened and how this might affect decision making for your next birth
Most hospitals will have a specialist service called something like birth reflections, just contact your midwife or the antenatal clinic at your hospital to ask for a referral.

Definitely ask your midwife to get your notes from last time and go through your birth step by step. It will be difficult to do but will hopefully help you feel some closure over the situation, it definitely did for me in similar circumstances. After I'd done this I confirmed that I wanted to have an ELCS (it was offered due to a 3rd degree tear during birth). You have the right to request a c section and your midwife should refer you to a consultant to discuss the risks of both types of birth. You can always request a c section then change your mind at any time if you wish so no need to rush your decision.

Unless there was a reason for the difficulties during your last birth which is likely to occur again then you should be able to treat this one as a blank slate and hope for a better experience this time round. I didnt get my ELCS in the end as I went into labour early and baby arrived too quickly, but the experience was completely different, I felt in control, no NICU time and we were home the next day. Good luck whatever you decide!