Requesting a C section

C section recovery is HARD and long...definitely think about that in your decision

I think trying to get childcare for all of the above will be easier than recovering from a c section xxx

You have a legal right in the uk to have the birth you want. If you want a section they have to let you. I had a maternal choice section with no ‘medical’ need. They might push back a bit and will want to make sure you understand the risks and difference in recovery etc but they have to let you have one if that’s what you really want 😊 just research the procedure and recovery as it is very different to a vaginal birth in so many ways

Yes legally you can give birth however you want. Recovery is not as bad as people will make you think, join the group on here called c section Mamas to speak to people and get proper advice

Recovery was quick for me with C section. Do what's best for you.

Would a home birth be an option? X

Hi, I am 7 weeks post elective c section and recovery was wayy less scary than I was expecting. I also had my c section date 6 weeks in advance I think so plenty of time to plan childcare. I was up and out for brunch on day 7 and can't say I ever really felt pain because I kept on top of painkillers when I got home, you will need support at home for 2-3 weeks minimum afterwards I'd say especially with 2 older ones and you can't drive usually until 6 weeks. You're absolutely allowed to request and have a c section no matter your reasons - speak to your midwife and they'll tell you how to go and it. I had to have a phone call with a midwife counsellor and I think it was also approved by Drs but mine was due to traumatic birth first time around so not sure how different the process is x

Everyone recovers differently from a c section so those telling you it was hard, that’s their own experience so don’t go by that, I actually had a really easy recovery, up and walking within 6 hours and healed in 7 days, you feel as though c section is best for you then go for it! It’s your birth, your choice! And I personally don’t regret it, I loved my section! xx

I originally requested c section, but dr told me no. I did end up having one and the recovery is hard but i think any recovery you go through is the same. My partner had to take care of the baby 80% of the time the first week we got home and it was hard. I couldn’t shower by myself and it would take me a good 5 mins just to get out of bed and move to another room. You don’t think about how much you use your stomach muscles til you go through a surgery like that😭 Sometimes i felt left out or that i missed moments. My mom & his mom also helped both of us. Having a village made the process a lot easier. I wouldn’t have survived it alone. So i think from that perspective you can think if a c section is worth it for you❤️ If you have any other questions about my experience you can always message me🫶🏻

I honestly think you’ll need to think about it. C section is a long recovery, you won’t be able to do much around the house on your own looking after children and if there are complications with delivery (baby could struggle with breathing and be taken to nicu) you might find yourself in the hospital for days anyway.

@Kathryn it’s not always a long recovery.

Yes just to add my section was a dream compared to what I was expecting!

You can request a c section if you want, it’s totally your right. I had an emergency c section and recovery was ok! I was discharged day 2, walking day 3, and pain had gone by day 10. Friends who had vaginal births had some long recoveries too, with different complications! Each birth is different.

@N 💞 completely agreed! Im having a c section and preparing for the worst but im also hoping for the best. My main concern for this lady in particular is she also has other children to look after on her own and so a c section has to be sure as of course the children will need her care as well as a new born x

Wouldn’t request a c-section if you’re gonna be stressed no one is around for helping etc. I had a section with my first, and I’ve got a full village of support. Having another section cause it’s recommended for me by my consultant, however I know it’s gonna be way harder this time as I’m not gonna be able to lift my 2 year old. I do really understand the whole date thing though, cause I’ve been able to sort child care way in advance as I got my date at 20 weeks. Which is really ideal for making sure she’s sorted and looked after as my mum and dad go away for a few days 10 days after x

@Kathryn then why did say c section IS a long recovery? A better phrase would be ‘can be’ a long recovery. Her husband will likely get paternity leave meaning he’ll be around for at least a few weeks. Lots and lots of people have recurrent c sections when they already have children to look after, myself included, my eldest was 18 months old when I had my second c section and you just make it work, it’s not impossible and no reason to avoid.

@N 💞 thank you for the correction 💕💕💕💕