Maternal Request C-Sections

[MsFig]

Hi All!

So I am wanting some positive advice regarding an elective/maternal request c-section.

Out of choice I want to request a c-section, for me personally the reason is I just don't want a vaginal birth as I just feel this is the right choice for me.

Saying this has anyone else felt like / gone through this with their midwife? I feel like a lot of women feel pressure to give a reason they don't want a vaginal birth but in all honesty I don't have a reason apart from I just don't want to.

Also how and when do I bring this up with my midwife? I am worried they will refer me to mental health advisors because of my choice when in fact I am of sound mind and have always pre conception wanted a c-section.

I am currently 12 weeks, due in January 2022.

*Please note this is not bashing anyone for having a vaginal birth, I think all birth whatever the way is amazing and we as women are rockstars!

It's your body , your baby and your choice! If you feel that's what's best and your midwife says that a C-section for you is safe then go for it ! I'm 13 weeks and keep feeling anxious about a vaginal birth but I'm just shaking those thoughts away and just hoping on the day I don't freak out! Whatever you decide aslong as it's what's best for you and your baby then you have made the right choice

I had a maternal request C-section for my first and will do again for second. I had no trouble getting the first, although there were a lot of hoops to jump through - I'd advise approaching midwife as soon as possible, and having a more in-depth reason than "I just feel" if possible - if it's because of fear of pain / tearing / family history / your risk appetite and views on the risk of both etc., note all this down and be prepared to talk about it - it will help with the lengthy process to get the section approved and improve your chances. They "should" approve you for any reason, but that doesn't mean they all follow the NICE guidelines, unfortunately, so best to have your armoury ready

I feel like this and have written a two page statement stating my reasons for wanting a c section and listing the risks and pros for c section and vaginal. I’m planning on bringing it up with my midwife at my 25 week appointment. I’m going armed with my statement plus copies of NICE guidelines and print outs from the website birthrights.

From what I’ve heard you’ve got to be very firm and know your own mind as apparently they try to persuade you to have a vaginal birth.

Thank you @Phoneshea ! Honestly I find it's so odd how you will have less intervention for when you decide to have cosmetic surgery vs wanting a c section. Good to know so that you all for your replies regarding arming myself, 100% going to be doing the why I think it's suitable for me and see how I go! Good luck @Phoneshea and please let me know how you get on xx

@MsFig
Thank you!
I will let you know how I get on. My appointment is a few weeks away as am currently approaching the 21 week mark.

It's so ridiculous that they make you jump through hoops for an elective c-section when the guidance is clear that it should be woman's choice. Good luck, I hope it's fairly straightforward for you.

I told my midwife at my booking in. I’d been stressing about it after the birth rights website classified my trust as red which means they don’t allow maternal request ELCS. I’m a CSA survivor and had only agreed to get pregnant because I thought I’d be able to have one so the thought of being forced into a vaginal birth was utterly terrifying and I would have terminated the pregnancy. Luckily my midwife told me the trust class that as a medical reason so I should be ok, I’ve got my consultant appointment in Aug.

I have an appointment with the perinatal mental health service tomorrow, after which they will write a letter (hopefully) recommending that I have a c-section. I am 23 weeks. I have had two telephone conversations with the perinatal mental health service already and I raised the fact I want a c-section with every health professional I have met since my first booking in appointment. So far, everyone has been pretty supportive but I know my NHS Trust is reluctant to give them. I have spent all morning writing a bullet point word document as to all my reasons. I have loads. I would definitely recommend thinking about why you want one - there must be reasons why you prefer the idea of a c-section to vaginal birth so try to identify them and articulate them. My midwife advised me to state it was for mental health reasons so I have cited tokophobia (fear of pregnancy and/or childbirth) alongside research statistics and my thoughts, even though I don't think my 'fears' are at all irrational. I find it irrational that the complications of vb are normalised as 'just one of those things' you have to put up with if you have kids. Just my personal opinion.