Elective caesarean

Hi, I had a caesarean on my 2nd child, he was Breech so it wasn't elective. After My son I went on to have 2 further children normal birth delivery. I will pass some advice and thoughts on to you, I would not have a caesarean again if I can help it, it does take alot longer to recover but my main problem was bonding properly with my son, I had to be lying flat for the first 24 hours after the operation and the pain was quite unbearable afterwards, this caused a fairly big impact on the bonding process towards my son. As it is your first I would strongly advise not to go through such a major unnecessary operation because I feel given birth is the best way forward for recovery and bonding reasons, I can totally understand your fears but I can asure you that it is the most natural way of delivering your baby and you will cope, and I also feel you would cope alot better after giving birth than having the operation. It takes alot out of you physically and emotionally and I myself, never wanted to have a c/section if I could help it in anyway, it had that much of an impact. This is up to you though, but I think without medical reason I don't think you can have elective in the UK without going private. I feel for your feelings and it is a nervous time but it aint as bad as people make out and I know I would choose to give birth than have a c/section again but that is my thought.. you also can have complete pain relief nowadays so you hardly feel anything, maybe that could be something else to think about before doing something quite serious, hope all goes well with you both :) take care Kelzo.

I had an emergency c-section with my first baby and given and choice would elect to have one second time around.but I probably wouldn't pay to elect it...

I totally understand NZVeggie - I had an elective C-section for no concrete medical reason. My family have a history of very traumatic births and super high intervention rate. Apparently we have oddly shaped pelvises and the babies get stuck. This has never been 100% confirmed but I was so terrified of vaginal birth (my mum died in labour with me and was resuscitated) that I truly felt there was no other way I could give birth. All the hynobirthing books and whale music in the world couldn't have touched my anxiety! This wasn't a case of "too posh to push" (that phrase makes me want to thump the person!).

So I had a csection. And I had the best birth experience! I healed really well, was walking around and fairly mobile within 24 hours. I would have a csec again in a heartbeat - I think it helps that I didn't have a labour behind me so I wasn't exhausted going into it.

Sorry for the novel, but I was/am judged for my decision on how I birthed my (gorgeous!!!) son and feel passionately that you should do what feels right for you. And I am so thankful that modern medicine gives us the opportunity to do that! I'm happy to PM you with more if you'd like. Good luck, you'll be great x

A close friend of mine is having an elective c-section in about a week with no medical issues as the due date of child was going to fall pretty much bang on the birthday of a child she lost recently - its to avoid emotional trauma etc - if you are genuinely anxious enough you can go through steps with a counsellor who will then decide if your eligible for elective Caesar for these reasons