Mater Public Elective C

[shymmer]

I am going through Brisbane's Mater Public and was wondering if anyone had gotten an elective C-section there? I don't have a medical reason for one (currently), but I really don't want to go through a VB. My m/s has been severe and I'm not looking for a drawn out labour thanks. I also want to investigate the option of having a tubal ligation or partial hysterectomy during the C. (No more kids for me)
Anyone know what the Mater Public's view on electives (without medical reason) is?? I guess I have a psyhcological reason if not a medical one.

[jojojonsey]

I am going through Brisbane's Mater Public and was wondering if anyone had gotten an elective C-section there? I don't have a medical reason for one (currently), but I really don't want to go through a VB. My m/s has been severe and I'm not looking for a drawn out labour thanks. I also want to investigate the option of having a tubal ligation or partial hysterectomy during the C. (No more kids for me)
Anyone know what the Mater Public's view on electives (without medical reason) is?? I guess I have a psyhcological reason if not a medical one.

I don't know about c-sec on public but I am pretty certain that mater will not do the tubal ligation etc if there is no medical reason to.

[OscarTheGrouch]

If you want an elective c-section maybe you should go private. You are more likely to get what you want in the private system. The public system are clamping down on elective c-sections now due the high cost of the operation.

[allysophia]

If you want an elective c-section maybe you should go private. You are more likely to get what you want in the private system. The public system are clamping down on elective c-sections now due the high cost of the operation.

Not the high cost, but the risk to mum&bub

[OscarTheGrouch]

Not the high cost, but the risk to mum&bub
Life is full of risks. VB can be risky business also. When you've worked in the public system like I have, you would realise that the high cost is a major factor.

[kadownie]

yeah- pretty sure that the Mater won't do the tubal ligation- Catholic Hosptial.

Why is it that you want a c-section? have you considered having a sit down with a midwife to discuss your fears? I know that that could probably be arranged with the Mater- if you need help to arrange it please PM me.

[shymmer]

Thank you for your replies.
Ok, tubal lig not likely.
I have been reading up on VB's and frankly I don't like what I hear. I won't go into it (not after a debate), but say that I am educating myself and it's not about what works for everyone else, it's about what will work for me and what I am comfortable to do.
Part of my reason also, is I am experiencing severe morning sickness (slowly easing now, I hope) and this has been extremely traumatic for me and has made this pregnancy a very negative time in my life. I had no control over it, felt I got no help and the help I did eventually get was late and essentially ineffective. The idea that the birth may be traumatic also, has me in tears. For my peace of mind I need to know how long the birth will take and be as well prepared for it as possible. I am not prepared to risk a traumatic birth expereince. With a C-section they can tell you what to expect - explain all the risks. With a VB they simply cannot predict it and are the going to tell me all the things that can go wrong? No. Just like with the m/s . . not a single person EVER mentioned to me how bad it could get and I felt very deceived and let down by this.
I find it immensely comforting to be as in control of the birth as I can.
I have an appointment with a midwife in a couple of weeks and then with an Ob after that sometime. My question was really directed at anyone knowing what the Mater Public's policy on elective C's was and how open they are to giving one.
By 'going private' do you mean paying a private Ob to do the C but still go through 'public'? How does that work? Sorry for my ignorance on this, none of my close friends have had elective C's through the public sys.
Thank you for your help.

[kadownie]

I'm sure that when you discuss your options with the staff at the Mater, they will want for you to have a positive experience- I don't know their policy, but I would say they will encourage you to have a VB, but probably won't deny you a c-section.

In saying that- I had a c-section with my twins- and it was anything but predictable and extremely traumatic- I was prepared for the section, but not prepared for the after effects- which were very hard for me to deal with. I know that's not everyone's experience- but it was mine.

It might be worth checking out CANA's website- they are a group that have a lot of info regarding c-sections. http://www.canaustralia.net/media.htm


sorry the first bit of your preg has been so hard, it's not nice to be so sick- hopefully your m/s will pass and the rest of your preg will be a restful and lovely time for you! Let me know if you need any extra support- got a lot of contacts..

blessings in birth

[heiress]

hey honey,

good luck with your elective c/s or whatever decision you go with!!! Also good luck with your morning sickness, I truely hope it eases and you get some time to relax and enjoy it all.

During my first pregnancy I had severe all day sickness! I was in and out of hospital, had pills, needles and everything else they could give me and nothing helped. It was really bad and I hated that there was nothing I could do about it and I didn't feel myself. It was an extremely negative experience for me and I had been thinking of an elective c/s already but all the sickness just sealed the deal for me ... I would not have been able to handle a VB.

xx

[shymmer]

I have my appointmeent with the Mater Ob today so I will discuss the c/s option with him/her. If they won't give it or seem hesitant etc, I'll go through a private Ob. (Will just need to find one who'll operate at the Mater). I actually like the idea of a private Ob better as I'll be more confortable that they'll do a good/neat job. So I'm not too worried about the Mater saying no anymore. And we are in a position to afford a private Ob etc. I don't mind paying for it in the least, considering what they will be doing!
Thank you very much for your imput. And heiress - that is exactly how I feel!
I'll let you know what the Mater says . . .

[Funkychicken]

Good luck with your appointment today, Shana.
I just wanted to add a bit here. Please make sure if you go down the road of a C-sect that you really are aware of all aspects of, not only the procedure, but the after-care. If you felt let down by the MS and 'a bit deceived', be very, very open to how you may feel post c-sect as the physical recovery can be very tough for some people and could leave you feeling let down again or even more so than you were from the ms. Please don't think a C-sect will be 'easier' just because you will be told how long it can take. There are no guarantees with any surgery.
Take care and all the best. :)

[shymmer]

Thanks for your advcie Funkychicken. I am educating myself on this option. I'm not thinking a c-sec will be easier, with the extended recovery and looking after a baby after such an operation. Although a lot of women say they have recovered quickly from c-secs, I am aware this is not the case a lot of times. I have a very supportive family who will help me during that time should I need it (and probably will).
I understand there is no guarantee and it will be difficult. It is the possibility of a traumtic vb that I am unable to accept at this time. I'm not after a 'wonderful' experience, honestly. My aim is just for mum and baby to get through it ok. I don't think there is an easy way to have a baby. I do however need to feel that I am controlling something - as limited as that control may be.
I guess it's a hard one to explain. I'm not going into this with my eyes closed, I'm sure it may be harder and worse than I will aniticpate, as I don't suppose you can ever really be prepared for it - either a first vb or c-sec. But to opt for a vb and have a traumatic, difficult, awful experience is more than I'm prepared to allow. I feel strongly that birth is about the mum too and I have an obligation to look after myself as well as bub. Basically- a bad case senario of a c-sec still looks better than a bad case senario of a vb.
My research has not stopped on this. But the more I find out it confirms my chioce of a c-sec rahter than not.
I do appreciate your feedback. Please don't think I'm making a 'easy way out' choice here.

[shymmer]

Ok, spoke to the OB at Mater Public about elective C-sec. He said that while they do encourage a vb, if I have a good reason to want a c-sec they will not refuse me and will support me in it. He gave me some info on C-sec and told me to research it thoroughly - which I am doing anyway, and that I should talk to a social worker regarding my feelings about how negative my pregnancy experience has been so far. (I was refered to them two weeks ago and am waiting for an appointment time.)
So I feel good that they that will give me one should I still feel this way at 36weeks (my next OB appointment) when they will book it in.
It means a lot to just have them say - we will support you in your choice. I do believe the best birth experiecne is one you want and therefore have prepared for most. A lot of women express dissapointment in emergency or nessesary C-secs when they really wanted a vb. At least with a c-sec, if it's what I want, I will be better prepared and more positive mentally for it.
Thankyou for all your input ladies.

[biscotti]

Shana - my SIL had a c-sect last year and it was traumatic, both during and after and she took a long time to heal and was unable to drive for 6 weeks, actually she was pretty much unable to do anything for a looong time. She then had trouble bonding with her baby and was unable to breastfeed successfully. She fully regrets the whole thing....for her it was the not bonding and not being able to feed that far out weighed the terrible trauma and extreme physical discomfort that she experienced.

If you could talk to some women who have had c-sects that might be a useful and good thing to do.
Good luck.

[allysophia]

Its so hard, isn't it? What to do.. :detective:

VB can be traumatic, I've read THOUSANDS of stories of just how traumatic they can be!

But then I've meet strong, determined women who have educated themselves in VB (hypnobirthing, hiring a doula, or homebirthing) who have come out satisfied, overjoyed and empowered. This isn't for everyone however!

Personally, given the choice between going into a VB without knowledge and good birth support, I'd probably pick a c/s! I believe that a VB where you're not in control can be one of the most traumatic, horrible things which can happen to a woman. Like rape. (Some women have coined the term birth rape)

I firmly believe that a woman who go into VB educated and informed has far more power then a woman who goes into a c/s. In a c/s you're at the mercy of your bodies own recovery, a doctor, and a thousand mitigating factors.

Anyway! Just food for thought, re:control.

I'm very understanding and sympathetic of your c/s choice. There is nothing worse then losing control.

[jojojonsey]

Ok, spoke to the OB at Mater Public about elective C-sec. He said that while they do encourage a vb, if I have a good reason to want a c-sec they will not refuse me and will support me in it. He gave me some info on C-sec and told me to research it thoroughly - which I am doing anyway, and that I should talk to a social worker regarding my feelings about how negative my pregnancy experience has been so far. (I was refered to them two weeks ago and am waiting for an appointment time.)
So I feel good that they that will give me one should I still feel this way at 36weeks (my next OB appointment) when they will book it in.
It means a lot to just have them say - we will support you in your choice. I do believe the best birth experiecne is one you want and therefore have prepared for most. A lot of women express dissapointment in emergency or nessesary C-secs when they really wanted a vb. At least with a c-sec, if it's what I want, I will be better prepared and more positive mentally for it.
Thankyou for all your input ladies.

That's a great outcome at this stage. I am glad that they have referred you to a social worker as well - it might be great to discuss your feelings now rather than waiting and hoping that they don't carry on after the birth. No matter how you deliver having a new born baby can be traumatic in itself and going into it without negative feelings about baby and birth is important.

For me a VBs were an important part of my journey. For others it is a means to an ends. I'm really glad the hospital is offering both information and support.

I wish you all the best.

[Funkychicken]

Thanks for your advcie Funkychicken. I am educating myself on this option. I'm not thinking a c-sec will be easier, with the extended recovery and looking after a baby after such an operation. Although a lot of women say they have recovered quickly from c-secs, I am aware this is not the case a lot of times. I have a very supportive family who will help me during that time should I need it (and probably will).
I understand there is no guarantee and it will be difficult. It is the possibility of a traumtic vb that I am unable to accept at this time. I'm not after a 'wonderful' experience, honestly. My aim is just for mum and baby to get through it ok. I don't think there is an easy way to have a baby. I do however need to feel that I am controlling something - as limited as that control may be.
I guess it's a hard one to explain. I'm not going into this with my eyes closed, I'm sure it may be harder and worse than I will aniticpate, as I don't suppose you can ever really be prepared for it - either a first vb or c-sec. But to opt for a vb and have a traumatic, difficult, awful experience is more than I'm prepared to allow. I feel strongly that birth is about the mum too and I have an obligation to look after myself as well as bub. Basically- a bad case senario of a c-sec still looks better than a bad case senario of a vb.
My research has not stopped on this. But the more I find out it confirms my chioce of a c-sec rahter than not.
I do appreciate your feedback. Please don't think I'm making a 'easy way out' choice here.
Shana, I am sorry if my post came across in a negative way. It was never intended as anything but a quiet caution. You sound as though you have been quite upset by pregnancy thus far and have been thoroughly researching your option of having a C-sect. I guess I was just trying to say whatever choice you make, you still may feel let down, and being aware of this may lessen the impact for you. I would never assume someone to be taking the easy way out by choosing a C/S-I couldn't imagine it ever being an easy option!
I wish you well for the remainder of your pregnancy and the birth of you wee baby and please remember that the member's here on Bub Hub are pretty good listeners who will always be here for you to lean on if you need it. All the best. :)

[SilverStarfish]

I've PM'ed you :)

I hope you get the birth that you want :yes:

[littlefish]

Hey Shana

Just wanted to offer my support for your birth choice.

I had my first baby by elective c/s 9 months ago and it was a really positive experience. I totally understand your feeling of wanting to be in control. I think that is one of the reasons c/s suited me too.

Don't let people scare you about the recovery. Yes you'll feel pretty ouchy for a few days. Make sure your OB prescribes good post op pain relief - and if it is taken 4 hourly, don't wait until you feel pain, take it every 4 hours. The key is to try to get up and moving the next day, and good pain relief will help you do that.

Good luck for your ongoing discussion with the hospital and of course good luck for the birth.