Kate, I'm fairly sure you have an uphill battle ahead of you. I was able to get approval for an elective c-section in the public system (in the ACT) but I had already had one traumatic birth which left me with some physical damage afterwards too. Even then I had to go through an extended request process at the hospital which involved telling my story to the 2 head consultants before it could be approved.

I'm just curious though, as to how much you have read/researched your decision, or what it is that's motivating you to want a C/Section. You don't have to explain it here, but if you want an empowered birth (either vaginal or C/section) you really need to read and understand what your options are so that you can make an informed and empowered choice. A lot of women who have fear about giving birth are sucessfully able to work through that, and using tools like hypnobirthing/calm birthing, doula support, woman-centred midwifes, active birth, etc, are able to have powerful and beautiful birthing journeys. In my case, my most empowered birth was my c/section, the staff really honoured my birth plan and it was a profound and healing experience for me. However, there are aspects to C/sections that other women have found distressing, and you need to be aware of this.

There is lots of fabulous information in the articles on the main belly belly site. I suggest you also get your hands on a copy of the book "Delivery by appointment" which gives a really balanced perspective on both the benefits and the risks of caesarean delivery.

No matter what you choose, remember that birth is a sacred event, and it's important that you make your choices out of a place of empowerment and knowledge, and not of fear. Good luck.