Anyone know how c-sections work in public hopsital?

[LotusFlower]

When I gave birth to my ds I had a huge ammount of tearing. ie: took close to an hour to stitch up, ob told me it was "5000" stitches when I asked, was catheterised because I tore forwards not bcakwards, etc, etc.
I actually had to have reconstructive/ repair surgery 4 months after the birth due to not healing properly and lots of raised scar tissue. I was advised by my ob that if I was his own daughter, he would insist on a c-section next time as there is no guarantee i won't happen again and then they'd be trying to sew up scar tissue. (fwiw he was not a ceasar pushing ob).
Last time I had private health insurance but this time bubs will be delivered in a public hospital. I' not sure if it's be considered a "medically necessary" c-section in my case. As much as I don't want to have a c-section, I REALLY REALLY don't want to have the horrid recovery I did before.
Does anyone know if that'd be classed as "medically necessary". I'm also thinking about seeing an ob who does public obstetrics rather than a gp because of this. WDYT?

[Rach75]

I am fairly sure you can request a c-sect in a public hopsital

[AnyDream]

Lotus, yes you can request a c-section, it usually has to be signed off by a couple of consultants (top docs) but IMO they are usually happy to comply if you have a strong reason. I requested a C/S because of previous birth trauma (ended up with PTSD and I was flipping out at the thought of having to do labour again) and that was enough of a reason. They were also interested to hear that I'd had a heavily-intervened birth AND significant 2nd degree tears. It started with a letter of support from my GP (I was in shared care) and the hospy took it from there.

I told all of this to my friend who'd had 3rd deg tears (needed surgical repair), and she requested a c/sec for this reason (same public hospital). That was enough of a reason by itself to get approved.

If you are worried about it, you could ask for a supporting letter from the OB who saw you to manage the post-tear treatment.

I suggest you read the excellent book, "Delivery by Appt" as it gives a balanced account of what to expect and the risks and benefits of C/Section. Good luck!

[satya]

I went public with Brock's birth and they did planned C sections there. I don't know what reasons you had to have to get one but they certainly did them as the room next to mine had women in it who were getting them done. I was so envious of how pleasant (& quick) it all seemed compared to what I'd been through. One of the nurses said they do them regularly.

I think you would probably have to have whatever doctor they assign you for the surgery unless you are willing to pay for it. I had to just take pot luck with my OB for the delivery but saw a private OB for all the appointments which was very cost effective and reassuring.

[Tashie D]

That's all good advise. I would get a letter from your private Obs and go to your shared care GP to also get a letter. They shouldn't deny you a cs from those 2 referrals, unless it's a ruthless hospital, in that case, change hospitals!!!!

Good luck and let us know how you go.

[minxdragon]

oh, you can see a private OB for the appointments leading up? that is very cool to know thankyou! are there only certain OBs and Hospitals that allow this or is it pretty general? I'm interested in knowing more about having planned caesars in public hospitals as well, especially under GA as I cannot have a spinal - it is medically necessary for me and it certainly sounds like it is for you Lotus! good luck