Elective c-sections.

Ravenlady_2

Has anyone managed to get an elective section citing previous difficult births as a reason?

All 3 have been instrumental births (humming jaws theme tune)

I just don't want to do it again, im point blankly refusing to give birth and if another salad tong comes near me they will be wearing it, internally.

My Midwife has already told me an elective is not an option. :mad:

j.e.j.

I would say if you feel that strongly about it to put something in writing to the hospital, saying that you request to give birth by c-section. It's easy to be fobbed off by people verbally.

Ravenlady_2

It would be better because I can prepare for it. I know whats coming and its not a shock to the system like pushing along quite happily then within 5 mins you've been assaulted by some forceps, cut from foof to a-hole and having a bloodied baby dumped on your belly. With no time for the pain relief to take hold.

This has happened 3 times.

Ravenlady_2

I understand what you are saying but no, I am refusing to even contemplate trying for a natural birth again.

Winnie_in_Pooh

From what I know the policy on elective c-sections vary from area to area and you'd need to start by requesting an appointment with a consultant to discuss it.

Where I am, elective c-sections are refused in all cases as part of the cost cutting measures. A lady on the pregnancy thread lives in a different part of the country and can have an elective, but not until 41 weeks.

Did your midwife give you a reason why an elective would be out of the question?

lisaf

Hi Raven,

I had 2 instrumental births (forceps, ventouse and both times loads of stitches. third baby (2 years ago) I fully intended to have another 'normal' delivery but I had 4 failed inductions, knew he was going to be big as I had a late scan, had to have an iron infusion late in pregancy, group b strep infection, this list went on!
Anyway, when the consultant came around on the 4th day of my induction (I was 14 days over by then) I asked for a c-section.
Now my sister was sat next to me (she had worked in a birth centre for 7 years) when the consultant said 'why on earth do YOU think you should have a c-section?!'
So my sister (as i was very upset at this point) listed all of the above reasons and also that it was clear that this baby wouldn't surface naturally (always trust a Mother's instinct)! Also, a couple opposite said they couldn't believe how I'd been spoken to.
She sent my own consultant in to persuade me to have another 2 inductions and if that didn't work (which he assured me would) he would do c-section himself.
Fast forward to midnight that night and waters went etc and pushed for hours until 2 docs said I had to rushed down for emergency c-section as no way baby coming out naturally! (big 10 pounder aswell)!
Well I could have predicted a c-section by day 2 and I by no means went in insisting on one!
Sorry Raven to waffle but It still pees me off to this day. Upshot was, I was up and about by the next morning and home after 2 days. I would definitely say that it was the easiest of recoveries of all my pregnancies. In fact I had more discomfort after my stitches down below and not being able to go to the loo etc.
If I had another baby (which Im not) I would defo have another section and not budge from my decision.
In fact my sister says that you CAN insist on one and they have to do it although they will do everything not to. It is a major op though so not for everyone.
Good luck and stick to you guns!
Lisa x

bre16

I'm sorry I had to laugh at this 'im point blankly refusing to give birth' sorry to tell you this but if the baby decides he/she is coming I don't think you have a lot of choice lol.
On a serious note I can understand forceps aren't nice but at least once its done its done. With a c section you will be in pain for a long time and have you thought about how you are going to manage with three children & a baby when you aren't able to lift anything for 6 weeks?

Dontknowanymore

SO you know there is a strong possibility that intruments might have to be used to assist delivery, why don't you mentally prepare yourself for that rather than electing for major abdominal surgery?

I have had 2 EMERGENCY sections, it is horrible after, you can barely move, not allowed to leave hospital for a certain amount of time etc etc. I think maybe speaking to someone about the other births and coming to terms with them would be more beneficial than having a section.

Also surely before you fell pregnant this time you didn't know that you would be allowed a section, what are you going to do if they do in the end say no? not give birth?
Sorry I know that sounds a bit sarcastic but you need to be realistic here, instead of clinging on to the hope you will have a section, focus on preparing yourself for a birth where they have to use forceps and the like then anything less is a bonus.

Kandboys

Winnie_in_Pooh wrote: »

A lady on the pregnancy thread lives in a different part of the country and can have an elective, but not until 41 weeks

It's me! Ok will tell you my story - grab a cuppa! I have had 2 babies and they have both been nearly 2 weeks late. DS1 was a long 36 hour labour which resulted in a ventouse delivery. He was 7lb 13oz. DS2 I was induced but failed to progress as he wasn't entering the birth canal. His heartrate became a bit concerning so they whizzed me in for an emergency c-section. He was 9lb 12oz so huge compared to DS1!

Fast forward to this pregnancy. Me and DH discussed it and we both came to the conclusion that an elective c-section would be better for us all. However, my NHS Trust have changed their policy. They cannot refuse you a c-section BUT if they feel you are a good candidate for a VBAC (I know this doesn't apply to you) they will not perform the c-section until 41 weeks as they are wanting more ladies to go into labour naturally.

My midwives are disgusted as they feel more women will end up with emergency c-sections. As my consultant feels I am a good candidate for a VBAC he won't do the c-section until 41 weeks. So we are currently arguing with him and hope to resolve issues at my apointment on Thursday. This baby is measuring big so far so I expect another 9lber at least.

You can only ask and see what they say. Every NHS Trust is different. It may be that they cannot refuse you but they may not book it until 41 weeks like mine in the hope you go into labour naturally!

Bunny

I know someone who had a horrible natural birth who is having an elective this time round, I don't blame her and I should imagine if you speak to your consultant, I'm sure something could be arranged for you. However just bare in mind recovery time etc and make sure you're informed about c sections.

BTW no one is ever coming near me with a pair of forceps again!!! most painful thing ever and I felt them cut in for the section!

Dontknowanymore

KandBoys, you have already had a section though, which I think would of made it a bit easier to opt for an elective.

I will admit I opted for an elective with my 2nd right at the last minute, he wanted to come sooner though so I tried for a VBAC, bloody pointless as I ended up having an emergency section anyway but I had it in my head that It was a possibility and I dealt with it a lot better than the first one.