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Original poster

C section request? Can anyone help??

41 replies

Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 15:37

Hi.
My first birth was very traumatic with my 1st child. I was in labour at home for days but the hospital put it down to a water infection without even seeing me to confirm this.
Days later I pushed to be seen drove myself to the hospital and it's lucky I did as I was 9cm when I got there. Following this my baby was 5 weeks early, I had to have a episiotomy, baby's heart rate was dropping they almost have to get forceps involved I was torn here there and everywhere it was just an overall awful experience to the point I even made a complaint to the hospital after due to how I was treated with the water infection situation.
I have recently found out I am pregnant again and by no means do I think a c section is an easier option, I just feel for me the pain of the recovery of a section would be better for me than to go through all that again, mentally and physically but I'm not sure how I stand on requesting one?
Does anyone know or has anyone done this?
Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 15:39

It was to late for pain relief with my first labour also so it was just an over all traumatic experience and the thought of going though that again honestly mentally makes me cry

OP posts:
AnxiousAnnie86 · 16/01/2021 15:41

@Bittersweet12 you can request a c section, I have done it for personal reasons, mention it at your next midwife apt and they will refer you to a consultant, and you can make your request, xxx

justchecking1 · 16/01/2021 15:44

You can request a c section. They are usually booked for around 39 weeks. If you went into labour before this time it would likely be a bit hit and miss as to whether you got one for anything that wasn't a definitive medical need eg placenta praevia, as it would depend on the availability of the surgical team at the time.

Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 15:45

[quote AnxiousAnnie86]@Bittersweet12 you can request a c section, I have done it for personal reasons, mention it at your next midwife apt and they will refer you to a consultant, and you can make your request, xxx[/quote]
How did it go when you requested it if you don't mind me asking x

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AnxiousAnnie86 · 16/01/2021 15:52

@Bittersweet12 yes I was granted one, it was a trauma based request, they stress it was causing me throughout my pregnancy was awful and they granted it at the appointment, I was booked in for 39 weeks i went into labour at 37 they confirmed labour and I was taken into surgery for c section, I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and I will be discussing this again at my next midwife appointment x

Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 15:54

[quote AnxiousAnnie86]@Bittersweet12 yes I was granted one, it was a trauma based request, they stress it was causing me throughout my pregnancy was awful and they granted it at the appointment, I was booked in for 39 weeks i went into labour at 37 they confirmed labour and I was taken into surgery for c section, I am currently 16 weeks pregnant and I will be discussing this again at my next midwife appointment x[/quote]
Thank you for sharing that! Did you just bring it up at youe midwife appointment?

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planner10 · 16/01/2021 15:56

@justchecking1 this probably varies hospital to hospital - policy at mine is to honour the decisions made with regard to elective sections unless it was dangerous to baby ie baby literally coming out / Labour too far progressed to have a safe section. This was advice received from my Ob in the last week.

OP defo worth asking your hospital what their policy is so you know where you stand should you go into labour before your due date (assuming you've decided to have a section).

Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 15:58

[quote planner10]@justchecking1 this probably varies hospital to hospital - policy at mine is to honour the decisions made with regard to elective sections unless it was dangerous to baby ie baby literally coming out / Labour too far progressed to have a safe section. This was advice received from my Ob in the last week.

OP defo worth asking your hospital what their policy is so you know where you stand should you go into labour before your due date (assuming you've decided to have a section).
[/quote]
I know usually you do get a section if you have booked one in if baby comes early I'm just

Curious if I can request a section in general thanks for your reply

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AnxiousAnnie86 · 16/01/2021 16:01

@Bittersweet12 yes whenever your next midwife apt is bring it up with them, I have an appointment at 18 weeks I will do it then xx

Backhometothenorth · 16/01/2021 16:03

Yes I requested a c section for both of my daughters due to to tokophobia. I brought up at my first midwife appointment both times - received counselling the first time as well which was amazingly helpful. If I had gone into Labour early I still would have delivered by c section. Everyone was very supportive. Good luck op.

planner10 · 16/01/2021 16:04

@Bittersweet12 yep you can, look up the nice guidelines and it will talk you through it. Good luck 😊

justchecking1 · 16/01/2021 16:06

Yes they will try and honour the request. What I mean by hit and miss is, if there's already an elective section in theatre and the emergency team are tied up, you may end up too far along by the time there's a team free.

Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 16:06

@Backhometothenorth

Yes I requested a c section for both of my daughters due to to tokophobia. I brought up at my first midwife appointment both times - received counselling the first time as well which was amazingly helpful. If I had gone into Labour early I still would have delivered by c section. Everyone was very supportive. Good luck op.
That's so handy to know thank you. Did they try to change your mind or was they understanding of your request
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SnowFields · 16/01/2021 16:09

Ask your midwife at your next appointment to refer to the Birth Options Clinic and be prepared in case you need to stand your ground.

If you go into labour before your scheduled c section date, be prepared that you may have to give birth vaginally as you will be prioritised depending who else needs the theatre and staff, and what stage you have progressed to. So any question of labour, go straight to hospital to be checked.

mariebaby3 · 16/01/2021 18:11

I requested one at my consultants appointment at 12 weeks for the same reason. I was really nervous and ended up talking him to death about it and getting quite emotional . He seemed to pay more stead to the sexual dysfunction I experienced as a result of my episiotomy and difficult recovery and said we’ll meet at 36 weeks and discuss again. If I was still serious about wanting one he’d book me in. He also told me not to worry and he wouldn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to and risk causing any more trauma. Good luck with your request!

Ticklemynickel · 16/01/2021 18:41

I requested at my booking in appointment and then had a consultant meeting at 28 weeks when it was booked for 39 weeks. Told if I went into labour early to call straightaway away so they could get me in as soon as they could.

2nd baby due to traumatic first birth and poor recovery. No problems with the request at all.

IsabellaMozzarella · 16/01/2021 19:22

First delivery was awful and I have ongoing physical problems and had pnd and PTSD so second pregnancy I requested c section. First hospital put me through the mill, claimed there was no need apart from my psychological state, tried to put me on antidepressants, and asked me why I was having another child. It was so traumatic in itself. They reluctantly agreed to a c section saying 'as long as you understand we've only agreed because of your poor mental health and for no medical reasons'. As though those two things aren't linked and totally ignoring the fact my coccyx broke during my first labour and it took 4 months for my episiotomy to heal.
Anyway, I took myself off to a different hospital and had a totally contrasting experience where the consultant recommended I had a c section. My midwife was amazing throughout and it was an incredibly healing process for me, and had helped me recovery from my PTSD.
Good luck.

Backhometothenorth · 16/01/2021 20:30

They will make sure you understand all the risks which might feel like they are trying to talk you out of it, but just stay clear about what you would like to happen and why and you will be fine.

FoxtrotSkarloey · 16/01/2021 20:40

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ.

KinderWild · 16/01/2021 21:04

I am having a c section this time. I told my midwife at booking I would like to request one and she booked me with the senior midwife for a conv at 34 weeks. I then saw my consultant (I have a blood clotting disorder and had OC last time so emergency induction) and he brought up my previous birth which was very traumatic (my son got stuck, 3 episiotomy cuts, damaged cocyx (me), damaged head (son)) and agreed on the spot to a c section.
I would have stuck to my guns even if I'd had to wait til 34 weeks with the head widwife.
State your case and stick your guns. Good luck. Xx

Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 22:23

@KinderWild

I am having a c section this time. I told my midwife at booking I would like to request one and she booked me with the senior midwife for a conv at 34 weeks. I then saw my consultant (I have a blood clotting disorder and had OC last time so emergency induction) and he brought up my previous birth which was very traumatic (my son got stuck, 3 episiotomy cuts, damaged cocyx (me), damaged head (son)) and agreed on the spot to a c section. I would have stuck to my guns even if I'd had to wait til 34 weeks with the head widwife. State your case and stick your guns. Good luck. Xx
Are you from the uk? Hopefully they will agree to this for m. My first was so traumatic and the idea of it again honestly makes me so anxious x
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Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 22:24

@FoxtrotSkarloey

Did you have any follow ups with the birth reflections team? It's never too late to get in touch with them, and IME they are excellent at ensuring you get the right outcome for exactly this sort of request. Midwives will tell you the right thing, but as per standard procedures, but with your history the birth reflections would give added reassurance.
What would this do for me? X
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Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 22:24

@Backhometothenorth

They will make sure you understand all the risks which might feel like they are trying to talk you out of it, but just stay clear about what you would like to happen and why and you will be fine.
Is that uk based? Hopefully it will be that simple thank you x
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Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 22:26

@IsabellaMozzarella

First delivery was awful and I have ongoing physical problems and had pnd and PTSD so second pregnancy I requested c section. First hospital put me through the mill, claimed there was no need apart from my psychological state, tried to put me on antidepressants, and asked me why I was having another child. It was so traumatic in itself. They reluctantly agreed to a c section saying 'as long as you understand we've only agreed because of your poor mental health and for no medical reasons'. As though those two things aren't linked and totally ignoring the fact my coccyx broke during my first labour and it took 4 months for my episiotomy to heal. Anyway, I took myself off to a different hospital and had a totally contrasting experience where the consultant recommended I had a c section. My midwife was amazing throughout and it was an incredibly healing process for me, and had helped me recovery from my PTSD. Good luck.
If you don't mind me asking was this uk based? So sorry you had a tough time but glad you managed to get what you asked for x
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Original poster
Bittersweet12 · 16/01/2021 22:27

@Ticklemynickel

I requested at my booking in appointment and then had a consultant meeting at 28 weeks when it was booked for 39 weeks. Told if I went into labour early to call straightaway away so they could get me in as soon as they could.

2nd baby due to traumatic first birth and poor recovery. No problems with the request at all.

If you don't mind me asking in what way was your first traumatic? Similar to mine? X
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