elective caesarean

Anyone had an elective caesarean? What was it like in terms of pain/recovery time/expense?

Anyone in Christchurch had an elective caesarean and if so, can you recommend an obstetrician? What was the cost?

Thanks.

Hi poodles, I haven't had one but there is a whole section on here about casereans, check it out

Hi there,

I had an elective c-section due to breech presentation in May 2007.   I didn't have to pay anything because of the position he was in and there was really no other way for him to come out.

In regards to pain, there is none really during the procedure, unless you count the spinal needle going in which is relatively painless and the needle they put in your hand.    You won't (shouldn't) feel any pain during the c-section but you will be able to feel what they are doing.   A lot of people compare it to a 'rummaging through a handbag' feeling and it's so true!   It doesn't hurt though, just feels funny.   While the anaesthetic wears off you will probably shake, feel pins and needles all through the bottom half of your body and feel strange but it doesn't hurt.

Once the anaesthetic wears off you are given pain killers to control the pain and it's good to take everything they give you even if it doesn't seem to hurt that much because believe me when they do wear off, it hurts.   And if it does hurt, never hesitate to ask for more painkillers.

I haven't given birth naturally but I would assume that going into it you don't know how much it's going to hurt or how long it's going to go on for but with a c-section it's all very controlled it only really hurts if you don't keep on top of the painkillers.    

Oh and coughing, sneezing, vomitting is very very ouchy in the couple of days after surgery.

Getting out of bed and having a shower is the last thing you want to do afterwards but it does make you feel human again and will really help with your recovery.

I had a twinging sort of ripping pain that is common for a few weeks afterwards but was easily managed with panadol and I'm pretty sure I was absolutely pain free within four weeks.   It varies from person to person, but your recovery shouldn't take too long and the most pain you'll feel is in the first few days after your surgery. The rest is just an annoying pain, but not unbearable.

I Just found this info on an older thread -

Charges will be incurred for:

• An elective Caesarean section with a private obstetrician (in a public hospital) will cost around $1800.

I'm no sure if this is correct though and I guess it would depend on your situation. Is this your first pregnancy and is there any medical reason for a c/section? If baby is breech or its a multiple pregnancy or something along those lines its free. But if theres no medical reason for it then I guess you would have to pay. Maybe check with your midwife.

Ooo I recommend that thread too! It's a real eye opener.   You'll know exactly what you're in for.

Oh wow, thanks so much ladies. I have since discovered the c-section section and thread on things you didn't know.

This is my second baby. The first was totally natural and rather traumatic for me, so I was weighing up the alternatives. Not really keen on the natural option a second time.

I'm planning on having an elective c-sect with bubs #2, after an emergency one with lily.
It wont cost me anything - unless I choose to go with an obstetrician.

FYI - mother's emotional well-being is considered a valid reason for an elective c-sect if she has experienced trauma as a result of a previous birth experience or there is some other reason why a vaginal delivery would compromise her emotional well-being such as severe anxiety etc.

You can do this thru the public system, you just need to find a midwife who agrees with your decision and is prepared to support you. When you have your OB appt in early third tri you can discuss your reasons for wanting one.