Why did you choose a c section and was it better than VB in your experience?

[csgd]

Just that really. I don’t have a birth partner but will have a night nanny for 7 weeks afterwards and I feel like I would prefer a controlled experience of the birth. I am aware of the impact but would like to hear from those who choose it and found it the right thing for them.

I had 3 CS, not through choice. It's major abdominal surgery so, no, if I could wave a wand I would have loved to 'give birth' to my children.

I’ve had 3 sections. Didn’t choose first 2 they were emergencies. And for third had no choice. I’ve been very lucky and had pretty straight forward sections and very easy recoveries. However, there was a point in my third pregnancy where my placenta was low and as a result they put me at an increased risk of developing placenta accreta. My first cousin had this and didn’t make it, so this was a fear of mine. Had I not had the 2 previous c sections, my chance of developing placenta accreta would’ve been a lot lower. This took the joy out of my third pregnancy and it was a worrying time. Thankfully my placenta moved up and didn’t develop into an accreta.
Overall, my opinion is that if you are able to, then nothing beats natural birth. If only having one baby then c section is much quicker and easier. However, subsequent pregnancies can put you at higher risk for other complications after a c section. Not always, but can happen.

I had 2 planned c sections, 2 years apart, my choice, very happy about it but live in a country where I had to argue my case very forcefully. In the end my waters broke early and I got to fully dilated with both DCs around week 37. They wanted me to try for vaginal deliveries both times but I wanted to stick with the plan. My reasons were psychological rather than physical, the pain was totally managable but I've had several relatives suffer life changing birth injuries (both women and children) and I wanted the controlled experience, ie more professionals in the room. It was so the right thing for us. With DC1 I was home after 1 night. They were both very small but came out fighting fit (apgar 10-10-10), I put this partially down to them getting the benefit of the labour hormone rush.
The recovery after was very managable.
Best of luck to you!

Had VB and 3rd degree tear. Didn't want to take the risk of further damage - elcs 2nd time round.

Was very calm, good experience. As pp said, is major abdominal surgery, and carries its own risks.

P.S. Just to add, vaginal childbirth without complications is statistically safest, but the problem is of course that you can't choose that. Planned c section is second safest, and I understand the majority of female obstetricians chose c sections for their own births. A small majority, but even so. That is saying something. OP, feel free to DM me if you want to know more, I read a great thread with hints and tips here back when I had the children, it was such a help.

Very happy with my 2 ElCS. Have nothing to compare them with, though

I had an EMCS first time round and opted for an ELCS second time. Honestly, my reasons were probably more based around anxiety than they should have been: I had a very difficult pregnancy and was terrified something would go wrong and she would be harmed or stillborn. For me, I couldn't take the risk.

I know that probably sounds extreme, but i have no regrets.

I had two VB, then an emergency section, then an elective one. The emergency was obviously not chosen, the elective I then decided on because I had worries of the same thing happening and having to have an emergency. My worst ever birth was my emergency section, and the elective section was by far the best one. No pain, easy recovery (for me, although I’m aware not the same for everyone). No uncertainty so could feel confident on when everything would be happening. DD and I went home the next day. It was really good.

ELCS best decision ever after traumatic first VB. very straightforward, calm, easy recovery in comparison to first time. If I could turn back time would have 2 ELCS!!!!