Finding an ob who is caesar friendly

[freekp]

I want to have an elective caesarean for non-medical reasons. The problem is finding an obstetrician who will support my decision. I'm planning to go to a private hospital - either Freemasons, Frances Perry or St Vincents. Could anyone help me with recommendations for good obstetricians in Melbourne who would be supportive of my decision?

[stellarella]

I actually dont know much about this but im surprised you are having trouble...have you actually looked into it yet or are you just preparing yourself??

From what I have heard from other mums getting a c/sec is pretty easy and its haveing a VB that is difficult..

Im sure some other mums will be along to assist.

Also ive heard you can make up a story or elaborate as to why you want one..that might help.

If you just say "I dont want one and I dont have a reason" you will be talked out of it but if you have a reason...whatever it may be they cant say no to you especially if you are private.

[shed]

If you are having an OB and going private then I don't think you will have too many problems.

[~Emmylou~]

I don't think you will have any problems finding one either.
Most OB's in private practice would rather do a c/section than a vaginal birth any day, even if they don't admit it.

[nats]

Hi :wave:
I can't really help you with an Ob. I just wanted to add that it might be worth looking about a particular type of c-section procedure which is more conducive to a quick recovery.
I can't remember what it's called but it involves hardly any cutting ie spreading the muscles instead of cutting etc... (abdominal muscles are particularly good at supporting your back I miss mine dearly :crying: :yes: )

The procedure was developed in Isreal at is named after the hospital there.

HTH Good luck :)

[MrsMiggins]

nats, from the extensive info I've received & researched regarding c/s (when I had my DD), the actual operation should never involve cutting of muscle tissue - it is always spread. I wasn't aware of that initially, but had read it in several pieces of literature. When I asked my OB, she confirmed it.

freekp - generally you'll probably find OB's hesitant to perform a c/s without a prior medical indication unless you do your homework beforehand and present them with reasons why you'd prefer to have a c/s over a vaginal delivery. If it is something you have researched and remain confident this is the way to go for you, then an OB will be more likely to listen and accomodate you.

There have been some similar threads posted in this section over the past few months, which you may find useful.

Sorry I can't help you with a specific OB/hospital, but as I said, if you go in prepared with facts to back you up, you are more likely to succeed in getting what you want. It is ultimately your decision, however the Dr's are there to guide you into what they see as best - whether this be a vag delivery or a c/s. If you are able to show them you understand what it all involves, you stand a good chance.

[allysophia]

Drs are reluctant (or should be) to give elective c/sec without good medical reasons.. a c/sec is esentially considered major abdominal surgery, and despite the high rates in Australia, should not be performed lightly. It is not the safest option for mother and child, not by a long shot.

Birth can be an empowering experience for most women, with loving supportive people and a baby to be enjoyed at the end. Birth can also be VERY scary if you don't know much about it, and what exactly is going on..

Perhaps you can look into a vaginal birth a little more, and see all the good outcomes, and perhaps work on overcoming your own personal reluctance.



Good luck!

[kitty1kat]

i'm with a lovely female ob in east melb and she is very supportive of whatever choice I want to make. she has been wonderful in my endless changes of mind - giving me all the pros and cons of both.

I think the comments about "all drs would rather do c-sections" and "all drs would rather do v-births" are both sweeping generalisations - totally depends on the ob! Some obs totally pro vbs (see Vaginal Lionel in Melb!), some probably do favour c-sections, and some (like mine) just want to make mother happy with healthy baby.

[Mammy]

From my experience going private you will have no problems getting an OB to do a CS.

When i stated to my OB that i wanted a CS he said yeah, no problem. No questions asked. Its my first baby and he didnt even ask me the reason, nothing.

Basically you are paying them for their services and they do (most of them) what you want them to do.

[MammyMammy]

My obby is pro VB and she has told me why - Caesars are bloody painful afterward...and this is even harder to deal with if you have a toddler wanting some attantion too (according to her).

I am scared sh*tless of a CS, but if i had to have one then so be it....I cant control that i suppose....

I just wanted to say that my obby would never perform a CS if she didnt have to. She is loving the VB, and she discusses any non-medical CS requests way in advance with her patients to see if she can work around getting them interested in trying for a VB. That said, if someone is insistent on CS and has clearly discussed why, she will do it - and i am told she does a good job (ie - a pretty small scar and good heal times)

Oh well, i guess i'll have to wait and see what happens with my own babys birth...!!!

[Beany]

I'd suggest you speak to your GP. They will have a list of local OBs and will know who is willing to do what.

Best of luck.