elective caesarean

hi, just wondering can you ask for a elective caesarean without medical reason
i live in vic if anyone can tell me id be thankful. twinklestars:D

I dont think so, not completely sure though. Someone else should know.

you can ask, but if you're going public there is no guarantee you will be supported. to be guaranteed a c/s for non-medical reasons you'd probably have to go private - and foot the associated bill

Yes if you go via a private OB in a private hospital. Medicare have changed their rebates - so you may find the cost is going to be huge.

In the public system, unless you have a good reason for it - it won't be supported.

I believe that 'pyscho-social' reasons can be a valid reason for a c/s in some quarters - for example, if you've had a very traumatic vaginal birth and cannot face another, you might be supported for a c/section.

Hi Twinklestars,

I live in qld and i am booked in next week for my c-section with no medical reason, i am in private and my doc didnt try and talk me out of it she was great as she said its my birth so my choice.

In NSW if you go private you can ask for elective c/s without medical reason. Also if you have depression or anxiety and may go into panic or shock during birth you can ask if going through public it maybe considered as medical reason.

thanks for your replys i am public but i am suffering from anxiety at moment my sister in law & brother lost there baby during labour last month&has put alot of stress,worry,fear onto me , my doctor delivered there baby & is very aware of my fears but i never brought up the c/s question last visit we were just taking bout the loss of my nephew but also cause i have a special needs son who needs 24 hour care ect so he was very understanding bout how i was feeling so i dont think he will have a problem agreeing well no harm asking either be yes or no but i know how more relaxed i will be knowing i am book for a c/s this time around.

Twinklestars if you've already discussed some of these issues with your dr that should help you to start with. Keep asking for it. It helps if you can show from what you say that you've done some reading and are aware of the risks associated with C/section but want it anyway. I really good book to look at if you can is "Delivery by Appointment" - it can help you prepare for the c/section. Good luck, let us know how you get on when you've talked to your dr.