How to ask an obstetrician for a c-section?

[kas3]

Hi guys,

What is the best way of broaching the topic of elective c-section with an obstetrician?

I'm open to finding out more information both kinds of birth, but ultimately I'd like it to be my choice. The thought of vb terrifies me. I don't want to be forced into it.

[sockstealingpoltergeist]

I would first ask if you are going private or public. I sometimes feel they are more open to it in private hospitals.

I would look at the OB's ideas and the overall approach of the hospital associated with your OB first. Then you need a referal from your GP.
where do you live?
I am in brisbane and my OB delivered at the Mater- I went private and I found I had no trouble asking for and getting the CS I wanted. I found the care to be great and I had a wonderful birth. (though this was my second -First ended with an emergency CS 14 years ago).
Ultimatley my Dr supported my decisions - he advised me of my choices and risks and talked through all of my fears. He was great.

[shymmer]

Hi Kas3,

I think the key is to know what you are talking about. It's important to know as much as possible for yourself and also the Ob's trust that you are an informed patient.
I would encourage you to watch videos of c-section and VB births as part of your research. (youtube has some I think) And honestly you can't research it too much. Learn absolutely as much as possible about the entire procedure, the risks and right down to your preferences if you were to have one. Learn equally as much about VB's - the positives and negatives of both birth methods.
The other vitally important part of this of course, is why you fear a VB and what that fear stems from and if there is anyway you can overcome that. Your Ob will no doubt ask you that.
To broach the topic with your OB, I'd simply say you were "considering a c-sec because of *reason* and would like thier thoughts and/or their policy on elective C-secs in your situation".

Hope I've helped a little. Best of luck.

[Cheeky Little Monkey]

Hi guys,

What is the best way of broaching the topic of elective c-section with an obstetrician?

I'm open to finding out more information both kinds of birth, but ultimately I'd like it to be my choice. The thought of vb terrifies me. I don't want to be forced into it.

I would come straight out and ask - tell your OB that the thought of a VB is scary and ask about the pros and cons of BOTH types of births.
With a VB there are lots of pain relief options from hypnobirthing through to an epidural.
A c-section is not painfree (as you would definitely be aware) so I would recommend you do as much research into pain relief options prior to having a mind set on a c-section. I too was scared of a VB I have had both a VB and C-section and both were very different births and recoveries. With my VB I had an epidural and to be honest once that was in and took effect I really could enjoy the birthing process.
The C-section was different in the fact that it was painful afterwards and had weeks of recovery to take into account.
Try not to focus on other people's horror stories about either type of birth - just try and get your head around what type of birth you would like to experience.
I hope that makes sense. Good luck and most of all try to enjoy your birth/pregnancy.

[Mamaduke]

C/sections are major abdominal surgery and recovering from one is likened to recovering from a major car accident.
I would be researching for yourself regarding making an informed choice before speaking with an obstetrician.
Bubhub is a treasure trove of information regarding c/sections and natural births.
I wish you all the best in making an informed choice.

[*babygirl*]

C/sections are major abdominal surgery and recovering from one is likened to recovering from a major car accident.
.

not attacking mamaduke at all here... but jus so u get the good and the bad in your mind... i had a csection that was an emergency/elective because i had a breech baby, incredibly high blood pressure and odema (swelling) and i went into labour naturally.... and my recovery was perfect.. i was young and healthy and i felt fine after two days of mild pain relief and was up and walking within 12 hours and i honestly feel my csection was the best option for me... although the way it happened is a whole other story... but just so u know the recovery doesnt have to be ALL bad.

hope that helps.. and i hope u get the best birth for u.
xx

[Mamaduke]

I recovered well from my previous 2 c/sections and I hope the same will happen with my 3rd in January but that doesn't diminish the fact that they ARE major abdominal surgery, and with every surgery there are risks, and the risks extend not only to the mother but to the baby as well.
The length of time and pain associated with recovery is completely out of the control of the Mum, it's all about how your body copes with such an invasive operation.

[*babygirl*]

i completely agree mamaduke

[KiahsMum]

Simply let your OB know it is something you are thinking about and would like to discuss. You are paying your OB to listen and help you decide what is best for you. Look into both types of birth and be sure that you are comfortable with the choice you make and don't let anyone put you down or make you feel guilty for the choice you make no matter what it is.

Only thing I have heard is some hospitals were apparently considering now allowing non-medical c/sections in the public system but at the time it was simply under consideration not sure they had decided to implement so worth checking that the hospital won't have a problem with it but sure your OB will know that

Good luck with everything!

[kita]

I dont agree c/s are like recovering from a car accident, my recovery was fantastic. Different for every person, as for going about asking an OB for a c/s, just be upfront and honest and tell all the reasons you would like one , OB's dont generally push you into them but if you find a private OB you shouldnt really have much trouble, noone can force you to have a birth you dont want.good luck hun