Optional C section!

You always have the right to ask. They won't offer it if you don't fit their criteria but I do think you can always opt for one, but they will need to ensure you have right reasons and understand the risks etc. The NHS has some info on their site: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/

The assumption will be that you will have a vaginal birth, HOWEVER you always have a right to choose. Medical professionals will always tell you what they feel is in your best interests and if what you are asking for goes against that, then be prepared to explain why you want one over the other. Ultimately, it's your birth and they support you with what you want.

You can choose any birth method you want under the NHS NICE guidelines. They can only advise, they cannot stop you choosing what you want. I’m not high risk at all and I chose a Caesarians for baby 1 and 2.

@Sarah id be super interested in hearing about your experiences with these/this process if you don’t mind sharing a bit more? It’s something I’ve strongly considered and was hoping to speak to someone for it 😁

Thanks everyone for your messages. Gives a lot of clarity. @Sarah would be great if you could elaborate a bit more on the process.

I chose a section with baby 1 straight away as my family has a lot of vaginal birth trauma and it was during Covid when maternity standards were dropping. I told my midwife early on and was referred to an obstetrician to discuss. I came with a list of reasons thinking I would have to fight for what I wanted… I didn’t need them. Turns out my obstetrician who was also the lady who operated on me was pregnant and having her own elective. My midwife in aftercare also had an elective. She said I didn’t have to convince her of anything just that I understood it has risk, a vaginal has risks too but as its surgery it’s just part of the consent process. I was booked in for week 39 but I went into labour at 38 weeks in the office. I called up the unit, came straight in and was prepped for theatre straight away. I had a cat 3 with baby 1 instead of a cat 4 but it was the loveliest experience ever! Radio on, skin to skin, camera rolling, lots of laughter and the best staff.

Baby 2 is due in December and I straight away asked for a section. It’s already booked and with the same obstetrician on duty! Overall I felt very safe, calm and supported. I was about to control as much as I could, I had great aftercare and feeding help. I took public transport home and on day 5pp was at Costco. My recovery was personally easy, fingers crossed it’s the same with baby 2 and a toddler at home 😂 I never faced any objections from my nhs trust. If your trust doesn’t have the resources to give you the birth you want, they must legally refer you to a trust/specialist who can. A lot of hospitals prefer sections as they can factor in bed usage, staff rotas, ward availability and in the long run it costs the nhs less in long term health issues for mum and baby plus negligence claims. I haven’t had any issues post section. No shelf, no feeding issues, my scar vanished within a year without using anything, I got back into exercising at 6 weeks and travelling.

Happy to answer any specific questions! I’m a huge chicken with medical stuff and honestly I found the whole thing wonderful and not scary at all xx

You always have the choice to choose. I had my LB in Feb (first child) and I chose to have an elective c section. It was my decision due to my own reasons. I fell pregnant again not even 3 months after 🤣🫣 currently 24 weeks now and I'm having another c section in Jan. I had to chase my first one at 38 weeks and had him at 40+2. This time I've already signed my paper work at my 20 week scan and I've got to wait for a phone call with a date 🙂