[captain crunch]

Hi,
This is my first post on EB, however I have been a member for a little while TTC, not posting however taking valuable insights from others.
I wanted to post this as I have been doing my research (for a while) and I really struggle to find others in my situation.
I want to have an elective caesarean for no medical reasons, just because I want to. I have my own reasons to do with things life sex after vb, episiotomies, pain etc...
I completely respect everyone's choices for how they want to give birth, I'm just curious to know if there are others out there who want to have an elective C to, just because they do.
I find that a lot of the posts on forums (in Oz) that speak about "elective C" are followed by, I'm having or had a elective C because....x y z reasons. It's rare to find someone having it purely because they want to.
FYI, this will be my 1st, I'm 27, have no medical problems (although TTc)
Is there anybody else out there?

[Boombox]

You certainly aren't alone, but you need to speak to an OB to fully understand risks and benefits for you. The fact you had some trouble TTC would be a big red flag for me- a C/S has been shown to have implications on future fertility. It's also likely you'll need private health insurance (if you're in AUS) as the public health system doesn't generally cover unnecessary operations.

[Matthias' mum]

Every person I know who went into pregnancy wanting an elective c section was talked out of it by their care providers. It has higher risks for both you and the baby, which is why it isn't encouraged.

Coming from the perspective of someone who has had a planned c section for medical reasons, I can say it is much more pleasant and civilised then an emergency one, and the recovery is better. That said, it was still REALLY, REALLY painful. For several weeks. It's has been nearly 6 months, and my tummy still gets sore if I exercise. The other thing to consider is that it will limit the amount of children/pregnancies you can safely have.

Most people who have a vaginal birth recover completely within a week or two. That's why people don't think elective C sections are a great idea. I know birth and the idea of all that pain is scary, but please don't underestimate how painful a c section can be.

[Bek+3]

Not me but I do have a friend that did. I started having kids a few years before her and she always said she didn't want to know about anything 'birth' when her time came. When her time did come, she elected for C/S under general. She did that twice then elected for a hysterectomy!! Not the way I'd do it but each to their own. She was happy and got the exact births she wanted, no hang ups at all.

I've had one VB drug free and 2 emergency C/S. Both have pros and cons. I don't really have an opinion on how other people have their babies.

Good luck.

[captain crunch]

Sorry, I should add that although I have been a member since nov 11, we were going to start TTC last year but some changes in my Husbands employment delayed that. (for the best really)
I've only just gone off the pill after 10years, so as soon as my first period comes we'll be starting to TTC for the first time, soon hopefully.

[captain crunch]

Thanks Bec+3, that's one of the first I've heard of someone having it just because they choose too.

[lisles]

Hi OP,

I have a friend who made that choice - she's a doctor, and her OB was happy to let her decide. She was very happy with how it all went.

I didn't, but wish I had! It was months before I could sit or walk properly after a "normal vaginal delivery", and quite frankly my sex life was completely ruined. I still have a painful scar years later and have had to go through corrective surgery which didn't really make much difference. I would have been better off with a Caesar, and I know I'm not the only woman in this situation. Doctors and midwives are very happy to tell you the risks of having a Caesar, what they rarely tell you about is the long term damage to your body that vaginal birth can inflict. Regardless of which way you birth, there's no such thing as an easy way out for you or your baby!

Talk it over with your doctor and make your own mind up OP, your reasons are completely valid and you will have no trouble finding an OB to support you, as long as you have private cover. If you don't you might like to consider taking it out before TTC as you won't be covered if you are already pregnant when you join. As previous posters said, you may not have any choice in the public system.

Good luck with your journey in to parenthood OP!

[tibs]

I did, 3 times now. No regrets just 3 gorgeous healthy children

[raone]

I was like this at the beginning of my pregnancy.

My advice is do a bit of research and let both ways sit with you a bit. I knew I wouldn't get a csection being public so I read everything I could and focused on positives. I was back and forth for months on what I could handle. In the end I developed pre eclampsia was induced and after 12 hrs of labour had a csection anyway. and I was actually more terrified being wheeled in for the c section. Its also not as painless as you would expect. They tell you you will only feel pressure but that pressure is really uncomfortable. Really either way you go there are risks .

Just try to be prepared for whatever eventuates.

[captain crunch]

Thanks lisles, I do have private health with cover.
And thank you Tibs! I'd love to hear more about what it was like for you having made that decision.
I'm happy with my choice and frankly don't care what others/friends/family etc... Think I should do when the time comes. It truley is a women's decision to do whatever they feel is best for them and there baby. I'm just a little surprised at the reaction I get when I mention it, and feel that this is why some women may say they are having an elective C, however follow it up with a "medical reason" so they don't have to deal with those reactions.
I know I'm getting ahead of myself, considering I'm not pregnant yet, but as a few friends/family are pregnant we of course discuss these things and it's just been really interesting.

Cheers for the thoughts.