Second thoughts on elective

I'm opting for an elective C-section this time after a traumatic vaginal birth 5 years ago during the first lockdown. I know an elective is going to be better for me mentally, and better for my husband mentally than trying to go for a vaginal birth again. I never even considered not having an elective C-section this time, I've been adamant from the start it's what I want. The recovery of course will be physically harder, but I really struggled after my first mentally more than anything and that made my recovery equally as hard. You do what you feel is right and best for you!

I had an elective c section after a traumatic birth with my daughter which ended up with an emergency c section. I did not want to go through what I did previously & I wanted to be more in control with my son this time round. The birth was much more calmer and less hectic and dare I say fun! Me and my husband was laughing around before going into the theatre and that's what I needed. I would suggest doing what's best. If you feel that you want more control and not had a c section before. I'd recommend asking to be induced instead. The consultant would be able to go through the risk factors for you so it's maybe worth going for the consultation with the doctor and then you are able to make a decision.

FTM here, I was in essence forced into having a section (going to have a debrief to discuss how it all went wrong and that the consultant was wrong in booking the section)… anyway, I hated the whole experience and recovery is HARD!! I don’t get how there are so many “positive section birth stories” if I’m honest… I’d never choose to have one, I know I haven’t gone through your previous trauma but honestly I would have given anything to have experienced a vaginal birth… happy to answer any questions if you want more specifics xx

I had a traumatic birth after being induced, which resulted in emergency c-section. Assuming I have a second, I’m tempted to say I if baby doesn’t naturally come by xx I want an elective. I personally never want another induction ever again 😅🥲

I’m in the same situation and felt like a c-section was my only option to avoid what happened in my last birth happening again, but I don’t want to have to have major surgery or have the prolonged recovery afterwards. After a long discussion with my consultant, they’ve actually recommended I have a military planned induction, managed by a senior midwife i.e it happens to the letter of the plan, I’m left to do my thing and no delaying the initial induction etc. They’ve recommended that if there is any point during the labour where its not progressing as expected, baby is OP again etc, we bail and go to a c-section before it becomes an emergency so I don’t end up with another shitty birth and major tear. I’m still undecided, as I want as close to a natural birth as possible but it also terrifies me it could go the same way as before. A c-section appeals as it removes many of the issues from last time but the recovery does not appeal at all. Good luck, it’s so hard to know what to do!

I had an elective c section 10 days ago as my first birth traumatised me (induced). I can honestly say that my elective c section was the best decision I made, the whole atmosphere was so calming and I just felt reassured the whole time. I kept going back and forth whether I made the right decision or not right up to the second I walked into them surgery doors but I definitely did. The recover has been hard at times but no where near as bad as what I thought it would be x