Planned C-Section NHS

[Somerset girl]

I’m on day 2 post elective section.
The actual c section was good - calm atmosphere, lovely staff. I felt very chilled once they got the baby out and abit sort of floaty but in a nice way.

I’m struggling a lot with pain now though and finding it harder than I thought I would trying to look after a baby on top of being in pain when I just want to rest. Hopefully that will get better soon

I did struggle with pain after my first (vaginal) birth too which involved assistance/episiotomy etc. Recovery took a long time after that birth tbf.

I don’t think I’m very good at giving birth basically

Don't beat yourself up. Both babies got here safely by the sound of it. I know you probably know this but keep on top of painkillers and don't be afraid to ask for more stronger ones if necessary. My first section was much harder to get over because I was determined to be 'strong' and didn't admit to myself how much I was struggling. Congratulations on the new baby, it's an amazing time even if you don't really appreciate it at the time

 

[Tired of this crap]

I’m on day 2 post elective section.
The actual c section was good - calm atmosphere, lovely staff. I felt very chilled once they got the baby out and abit sort of floaty but in a nice way.

I’m struggling a lot with pain now though and finding it harder than I thought I would trying to look after a baby on top of being in pain when I just want to rest. Hopefully that will get better soon

I did struggle with pain after my first (vaginal) birth too which involved assistance/episiotomy etc. Recovery took a long time after that birth tbf.

I don’t think I’m very good at giving birth basically

 

[lexle]

I have had two sections, first was emergency and the second planned.
When I was pregnant with my second, my midwife asked if I wanted to have an elective section this time and I decided after speaking with a consultant that I would prefer it. There was no medical reason for me to need one but given my first child resulting in an emergency one, they gave me the option.

The experience was fantastic, so calm and I was looked after extremely well. They explained everything they were doing and when she was about to come out they dropped the sheet so I saw her being lifted out. Had skin to skin and breastfeeding soon as I went into recovery. The midwives couldn’t do enough to help me and would pick her up out of the cot for me as the first night I couldn’t move my legs still (I had her late afternoon) It was wonderful. I stayed in one night and went home the following evening. Recovery went well and I was out and about within a week (but taking it easy) Don’t get me wrong, it hurts, getting in and out of bed was the hardest/most painful thing. The scar becomes sensitive for a while once healed too. It’s major surgery, but as long as you follow the advice and don’t push yourself.
Would absolutely recommend if you can but I know everyone’s experiences are different

 

[WhatABore]

Hi everyone, back again. I saw my midwife today and she referred me to a consultant to discuss a c-section. I suppose what stuck out to me was she said it was to see ‘IF’ I can have a c-section. In my head I was a bit like ‘I thought if I wanted one it was my right to have one?’, so I’ll do my research before the appointment.

Im pretty scared of both vaginal and c-section births to be honest. Is there a third option?! A stork?

You are correct that it's your right to have one.
You just have to find someone that will say yes

Good luck! I hope you get your yes straight away! I know so many that have!

The way I saw it in the end was Csection is guaranteed major surgery. With a vaginal birth, there's still a big chance to be no issues at all.

 

[Sailorontheseasea]

Hi everyone, back again. I saw my midwife today and she referred me to a consultant to discuss a c-section. I suppose what stuck out to me was she said it was to see ‘IF’ I can have a c-section. In my head I was a bit like ‘I thought if I wanted one it was my right to have one?’, so I’ll do my research before the appointment.

Im pretty scared of both vaginal and c-section births to be honest. Is there a third option?! A stork?

Don’t be scared, I promise you it will be ok. Have you looked into hypnobirthing? Some of it may be a bit wishy washy for some but the main bulk I.e breathing exercises to calm you and clear your mind, positive affirmations etc all helped me so much during my first labour and all of my c sections. I really recommend if you’re feeling really apprehensive.

As for your consultant appointment, they will try and persuade you to have a natural birth but hold firm if a c section is what you want. Explain your fears and if they deny you then ask to speak to a second consultant. I’m almost 99% sure they have to give you the birth of your choice. Good luck xx

 

[Bugger.lugs]

Hello,

Has anyone here had a planned C-section with the NHS? Can anyone have one or do you have to meet certain criteria?

What was your experience with a planned section?

In general, what is the recovery period like?

How long did you and baby have to stay in hospital afterwards? What was your care like?

Thanks!! Xxxx

I had one due to previous emergency csection...pretry sure you have to have criteria to get one.

I got to hospital 7am and had surgery at 10am, 10th of month. Left hospital the evening the day after with baby on 11th of the month.

Planned was beautiful, chatty doctors as surgeons, music in background. Not in a rush. Much better than emergency.

Recovery was quick, about 2 weeks for no pain, 3 weeks to feel normal and swelling to be gone. Stay on top of pain meds even if you feel ok. Just take the prescription worth. And walk often or you'll seize up and that will cause pain.

Pray you don't sneeze or cough for about 6 weeks.

 

[Emmelina Ball]

Hi everyone, back again. I saw my midwife today and she referred me to a consultant to discuss a c-section. I suppose what stuck out to me was she said it was to see ‘IF’ I can have a c-section. In my head I was a bit like ‘I thought if I wanted one it was my right to have one?’, so I’ll do my research before the appointment.

Im pretty scared of both vaginal and c-section births to be honest. Is there a third option?! A stork?

It’s totally up to you what way you birth, don’t ask as such, just tell them you have decided you’ll have a section this time. They have no power to decline your choice! It is your right!

I would also really recommend (if you haven’t already) for you to discuss your previous birth trauma with the midwives -if you contact the hospital you’re attached to they should have a team where a midwife can meet with you, theyll have your maternity records etc to debrief what happened during your last birth and go through it all to see how things happened as they did, why certain things happened and you can ask any questions in a safe and non judgemental way to try and help recovery of it, it may really benefit you before you do birth your next baby

Wishing you a more positive birth experience this time Xxx

 

[Dianne]

I haven’t had a section, but just wanted to say I will be asking for one when (if!) we have a second baby. I was already apprehensive about giving birth because of some childhood trauma and I considered asking for a section but to be honest I wasn’t confident enough to discuss why. I gave birth with just gas and air but found the whole thing really traumatic and I wish I’d just asked for the section. My baby is 10 months old now and I still haven’t processed it all, I definitely need counselling but haven’t been able to arrange anything yet.

It’s completely your choice, but I understand it’s so overwhelming. Have you spoken to your midwife about it at all?

No not yet. I wanted to get a bit more information about it first - it’s useful hearing personal accounts so thanks everyone.

I was with the mental health team with my first pregnancy and I had counselling after the birth. That was on the NHS and it was useful. Maybe look into that? You have to be referred though by your dr or midwife.

Sorry you had a traumatic birth, I did find it useful to talk about it with someone. Xxx

 

[saltandvinegarcrisps]

I had an elective c section for my first and only birth, would 100% choose that again if we have another. I had a great experience in the theatre, baby went into neonatal for less than 24 hours due to grunting so they wanted to monitor him and he received antibiotics as I'd tested positive for strep b on a swab (mid wives asked me if I had any thrush and said would be best to send away swab as they would check for other things too)

I requested a c section quite early on , they made an appointment with consultant around 32 weeks, midwife told me it was safest way for baby to be born but riskier on the mum. Which I was okay with. Consultant I seen gave me all the risks and tried to put me off , risk of hysterectomy, cutting into my bladder etc, accepted that and he booked me in again,

By my second consultant appointment my SPD / PGP was quite bad and I was waddling very slowly to the consultant room. The consultant and medical student (females) I seen that time were much more sympathetic and supportive. Booked me in and I had my pre op appt and got my date. You definitely need to advocate for yourself if that's the route of birth you want. I gave various reasons , like fear of baby getting stuck, fear of brain damage, fear of long labour and emergency section, my partner works abroad so wanted to be sure he would be in the country too. Basically for every risk I had a potential benefit.

My recovery was quick and easy, I was off all pain management within a week of section and out for a walk 5 days later after spending less than 48 hours in hospital. I spoke to other new mums who had horrific experiences of natural birth and pain with rips, tears and episiotomy healing, as my mum had with her first birth which had put me off child birth since I can remember. Was overall happy with my experience and recovery.

 

[Somerset girl]

Midwives as a profession are under fire fairly regularly at the moment for being overly pushy with natural birth. Focus on the discussion with the doctor.

Here is the relevant NICE guidance. It would be good to familiarise yourself with this: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng192
Essentially: NICE say that where a patient requests a c section and that request is an informed one, it should be respected. Particular doctors are under no obligation to provide a c section to you but if they refuse to do it then they should refer you to someone else who would be happy to provide the c section for you.

I would recommend reading as much as you can and showing in particular that you understand the risks of a c section as that's the part they're going to focus on when checking you're 'informed'. Best of luck.

I'd also recommend the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for research.

Considering a caesarean birth patient information leaflet | RCOG

This information is for you if you are considering a planned (elective) caesarean birth for your baby. It may also be helpful if you are a partner, relative or friend of someone who is considering a caesarean birth.

www.rcog.org.uk

 

[Dianne]

Hi everyone, back again. I saw my midwife today and she referred me to a consultant to discuss a c-section. I suppose what stuck out to me was she said it was to see ‘IF’ I can have a c-section. In my head I was a bit like ‘I thought if I wanted one it was my right to have one?’, so I’ll do my research before the appointment.

Im pretty scared of both vaginal and c-section births to be honest. Is there a third option?! A stork?

 

[Dianne]

Hello,

Has anyone here had a planned C-section with the NHS? Can anyone have one or do you have to meet certain criteria?

What was your experience with a planned section?

In general, what is the recovery period like?

How long did you and baby have to stay in hospital afterwards? What was your care like?

Thanks!! Xxxx

 

[lurkette]

I’ve had 3 c-sections; the first because my baby was breech, and the rest because it was recommended by the consultant.

You won’t feel any pain during the actual procedure. I once heard someone explain it as you feel almost like a washing machine being unloaded, and I think that describes it well.

My first c-section I was in quite a bit of pain for the first week or so, mostly because I was naive and didn’t expect it to be quite as rough. I think c-sections have been sold to us for years as a cop-out to child birth and ‘too posh to push’ and all. However, I literally didn’t get any time to rest as my then partner/baby daddy was a dead beat who didn’t help me with a single night feed, I’m sure it would have been smoother if I had support!

The other two times I knew what to expect and I just got on with it in mild-moderate discomfort.

I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned as I’ve only read a few replies, and by no means am I trying to put you off (I just wish someone had warned me lol) you can end up with the dreaded c-section pooch/overhang/shelf. I wish I was told about massaging the scar tissue, as it’s meant to help, but nobody told me anything!

As for recovery, I remember hoovering the house top to toe on day 3 when I get sent home from hospital after my third (probably not recommended!) and I felt a lot better by week 2, pretty much normal by 3.

Definitely invest in some granny knickers/light control pants to help raise your swollen tummy up and away from your scar post-op; honestly, they were a godsend my next 2 times around!

 

[WhatABore]

Thank you so much for your in-depth replies. I had a terrible labour 2 years ago. I’m crying now just thinking about it. I’m trying to think what to do.

My hospital stay was not good, but that was during the pandemic so hopefully it will have improved since then.

I am edging towards a c section but I’m scared of that too. I found giving birth so traumatic and overwhelming

You have to be willing to stand your ground.
Read up on all the pros and cons so they can see you've done your research.

I had a traumatic birth with my 2nd which resulted in a bad hemorrhage and an almost 4th degree tear.

So for my 3rd, I requested a csection.
My first consultant rejected it.
I asked for a second opinion and he also rejected it.
After loads of back and forths, trying to get my points across, I just didn't have the confidence to fight for what I wanted!

Luckily my 3rd birth was really positive though and I'm glad I didn't. But you just never know and I didn't want to risk it!

 

[WhatABore]

I’m not even pregnant yet I’m almost certain I want a c-section when I’m lucky enough to give birth. I don’t have any anxiety or traumas, I just have a weird fear of it, but I’ve read the NICE guidance and I think I know my rights. I’m just nervous that a pushy consultant will bully it out of me, I’m a bit too soft to stand my ground

This is what happened with me.
I had birth trauma from my second and was absolutely terrified of giving birth again. We wanted another one close in age but I just couldn't do it.

My first consultant refused my csection request. And I ended up in tears. She was horrible. She sent me back out into the waiting room because I was upset and she'd come find me in a bit
Went for a second opinion and he was going to say no too. And I just couldn't fight it and stand up for myself in what I wanted

Yeah I know what you mean. I suppose what would stress me is if I went through a long labour again, stuck on my back for 26 hours on the labour ward, to then have forceps, an episiotomy, to be told that isn’t working either so I need an emergency section. (Which was my first labour minus the c section but I was close to having it).

Everyone I know who’s had a baby had a short labour and a baby was pushed out at the end and they trotted off home taking pictures of the dad carrying the baby in a car seat. I know my labour won’t be unique, it’s just hard when I’ve mentioned it to other new mums and they can’t relate to my experience.

And to reply to another post about hypnobirthing, I just don’t know if I can override the anxiety in my brain. I had a panic attack at the beginning of labour and after the birth, and that’s something I feel embarrassed of . I don’t know why I couldn’t handle it. The second I had contractions I just couldn’t deal with it. But I will certainly look into a calmer approach is I’m sure it’s beneficial.




Congratulations on booking in your section! Post here all you want - I’ve had lots of great replies to my initial questions now. Xx

I completely get it.
I had a 4c tear with my second and bad hemorrhage. So I was absolutely terrified of it happening again.
No 2 births are the same though.

As long as you make sure you read all the pros and cons and are able to relay that back to them and show you are aware, and that you aren't classed as high risk, you should be accepted no problem

 

[candyland_]

Maybe a birth board on Babycentre would be a good support

 

[Okgolightly]

Hello,

Has anyone here had a planned C-section with the NHS? Can anyone have one or do you have to meet certain criteria?

What was your experience with a planned section?

In general, what is the recovery period like?

How long did you and baby have to stay in hospital afterwards? What was your care like?

Thanks!! Xxxx

I had one at the beginning of last year. A slightly different experience to normal because we were in lockdown but it was actually really lovely. I had the planned section due to trauma from sexual abuse when I was younger; everyone I came into contact with was great. I was the first on the list and the entire team came to see me beforehand- there was just one male in the room and he personally endured I was comfortable with him being there. With it being lockdown I was on my own until they actually began cutting into me which was when my boyfriend was allowed in. Baby was born absolutely fine; I was in hospital for 24 hours and both allowed home the next afternoon. My recovery was really speedy and bleeding was not as heavy as expected; by the end of the first week I’d say I was really on the mend. The only issues were with getting out of bed and sneezing! I’d really recommend the planned c section- it helped me manage my anxiety in relation to the birth and the entire experience was so positive I can’t praise it enough. Good luck!

 

[Suzesnooze]

Thank you so much for your in-depth replies. I had a terrible labour 2 years ago. I’m crying now just thinking about it. I’m trying to think what to do.

My hospital stay was not good, but that was during the pandemic so hopefully it will have improved since then.

I am edging towards a c section but I’m scared of that too. I found giving birth so traumatic and overwhelming

Just stand your ground! My first baby was overdue and I was induced but ended up needing forceps and ventouse but they were surprised I didn’t end up with a section and the midwives advised next time to request a section. So I did and was refused (by the Consultant). I should have stood my ground but he intimidated me and I ended up having an emergency c-section and a traumatic experience afterwards.

My third baby I stood my ground and demanded an elective but they kept trying to talk me out of it as I had delivered my first baby ‘naturally’ but I insisted and they allowed it.

I never went into labour naturally with my first two so they were both inductions and both overdue. Induction does hold a risk of intervention eg. F&V or emergency c-section, so I experienced both.

The elective section was a much better experience than the emergency one but to be honest, the natural birth was the best experience (and an easier recovery) but I understand it’s not possible for every woman to give birth naturally, so hopefully nobody takes offence.

But at the end of the day it’s what is right for you so if you want the elective then stick to your guns.

Good luck.

Also just to add, back when I had my first one you had to stay in for 5 days then 5 years later with my second one it was 3 days, so I’m amazed it’s now only 24 hrs when it’s major surgery when I had mine you had to stay in bed for the first 24 hrs!

So I won’t offer advice on recovery etc as times seem to have changed a lot from when I had mine but my recovery from the elective was much speedier than the emergency one.

 

[Dianne]

You are correct that it's your right to have one.
You just have to find someone that will say yes

Good luck! I hope you get your yes straight away! I know so many that have!

The way I saw it in the end was Csection is guaranteed major surgery. With a vaginal birth, there's still a big chance to be no issues at all.

Yeah I know what you mean. I suppose what would stress me is if I went through a long labour again, stuck on my back for 26 hours on the labour ward, to then have forceps, an episiotomy, to be told that isn’t working either so I need an emergency section. (Which was my first labour minus the c section but I was close to having it).

Everyone I know who’s had a baby had a short labour and a baby was pushed out at the end and they trotted off home taking pictures of the dad carrying the baby in a car seat. I know my labour won’t be unique, it’s just hard when I’ve mentioned it to other new mums and they can’t relate to my experience.

And to reply to another post about hypnobirthing, I just don’t know if I can override the anxiety in my brain. I had a panic attack at the beginning of labour and after the birth, and that’s something I feel embarrassed of . I don’t know why I couldn’t handle it. The second I had contractions I just couldn’t deal with it. But I will certainly look into a calmer approach is I’m sure it’s beneficial.

I know this wasn't my post but I just scheduled my section today & I appreciate all the positive comments. I know everyone is different but sometimes we do just hear the horror stories, it's easy to forget there are some really positive ones too .

Congratulations on booking in your section! Post here all you want - I’ve had lots of great replies to my initial questions now. Xx

 

[Dianne]

Hi @Dianne just wondering if you have an update? I’m having an elective section after a traumatic first birth and a few other risk factors in 4 weeks so loving these positive stories

Hi, I don’t have a consultant appointment until early January to discuss the possibility of a section. I worry that she’ll say no if my pregnancy is going well etc. , or that my reasoning for wanting one isn’t ‘traumatic’ enough.

When is your section booked in for? X