Elective c section as a public patient

[katemctigger]

Hi everyone,
I am wondering if anyone has been able to elect a c section as a public patient at the royal womens hospital? I am currently 32 weeks pregnant and have decided that I would prefer a c section but feel I am not allowed a choice unless i'm a private patient. I have tried to discuss th subject with my GP as i'm doing shared care but feel that unless I have a "medical" reason then I should just get on with a normal vaginal delivery.
Can anyone help??
Kate

[Pandora]

Its your birth, you should be able to have the kind you want.
Many drs may try to dissuade you from major surgery, but in the end it should be your informed choice. I dont now about the womens in particular, but i know other public hospitals where public patients have elective c/s.

[~breeze~]

I'm no expert but as far as I know there has to be a medical reason, someone else will hopefully be more help to you

[Pandora]

Danielle_M - I think NSW is different, I think they brought in govt legislation regarding elective c/s in public hospitals and might be different to vic.

[AnyDream]

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.

[bon]

I know here in QLD they will not do elective c/s in the public system without a good reason - most commonly if you have had a previous c/s. Emergency c/s happen all the time for various reasons, but in general they do not like to do 'planned' caesarians. Vaginal birth, unless there is an emergency situation, is safer than a c/s and from an economic perspective, is a lot cheaper for the hospital.

I think you need to discuss your thoughts with someone who will be understanding of your feelings and listen to your concerns - perhaps a midwife.

[beau_9]

hi kate, i'm from QLD and i found it difficult to get a c-section booked as a public patient after being told i'd need one due to my pelvis shape and my family history, so i imagine you'd probably find it rather difficult to get one just as a elective.
i also spoke to a couple of midwives but i found them all wanting me to try naturally first.
the ob i seen said the decision is ultimately up to me but only because of my family history, but i still won't know till 4 weeks before bubbas due...

good luck.

[Schmickers]

Kate,

The reason that the public system tends not to perform elective caesarean is because the practice was found to increase the risk of neonatal death twofold, compared to a vaginal birth. There are some private obstetricians who may be willing to do an elective caesarean, but you should be sure you are aware of the risks involevd first.

[katemctigger]

Thanks guys for all your information and words of support.
I know that I unless my placenta is still low that I will be having a VB and I think i'm just a frightened first timer! I have had a few friends who had had quite horrific times during VB and this is probably the main reason for my concerns that lead me to wanting a C section ( I am very aware of the risks involved and potential problems to both bubs and myself in relation to a C section).
I have discussed my fears with my hubby and we are going to write a birth plan to take with us on the day and hopefully i'll be brave and deal with everything as it happens.
Once again, thanks to you all
Kate

[amberj]

Kate, I hope you get the birth you want, whatever you decide!

My only recommendation, if you can afford it, would be to get a doula. We had one and she was so, so awesome. She helped us make our birth plan and was invaluable during birth, helping me and DH. She made it all so much less scary. I was very trepidatious, like you, I'm not good at all with pain and generally freak out about things I can't control- but my doula helped me to relax enough so that my body took over and the fear took a very definate second place....and seriously, if I can do that, anyone can! Even when my birth ended up being a bit traumatic, I know without my doula it would have been 20 times worse!

[Pandora]

Its hard, when you only tend to hear the 'horrific' birth stories isnt it?
People tend not to share the ordinary ones as freely.
Its often very polarised, you hear the really bad ones, or the plain unbelievable pain free ones
It might be worth looking in to calmbirhting, if not a course then a book, or there is a really good book called Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Havin a Great Birth in Australia are worth a read if you can get a copy as well.

[Schmickers]

I have discussed my fears with my hubby and we are going to write a birth plan to take with us on the day and hopefully i'll be brave and deal with everything as it happens.

I think that's an excellent idea, Kate. Good work.