Birth trauma worry

Based on the nature of this post, please skip if birth trauma may worry or trigger you. My first birth was really traumatic, and since becoming pregnant with my second I’m really struggling to process it and imagining a natural birth. My consultant has refused me a c section, but my midwife is putting me under a new consultant, so that option is hopefully still there. I’m really just hoping for any recommendations of where I can access support, or good reading material, that can help me feel less anxious about being pregnant and birth. I really haven’t made my mind up yet on if I want to try natural again to hopefully give me a positive birthing experience this time, or if I can’t get past it then I’m hoping to opt for a c section. If anyone has had a traumatic birth and had a positive birthing experience afterwards, please share your stories with me 💞 and also if anyone has any info that I need to consider further about opting for a c section. I know ultimately that it’s my body and my choice, but I’m struggling to know what is best for me and baby at the moment and I can’t seem to see past the fear.

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Not my birth story so can only really comment on what I was told, but my friend had a traumatic first birth and opted for a section with her second. She was always going to go for a c section because of how traumatic her vaginal birth was, and she said it was the best thing that she had done. Everything was so much more relaxed. I do believe that they can’t refuse a c section request. My midwife team also had a mental health team. You could ask if yours have one and if you could access it.

I had a really traumatic birth, my midwife actually recommended I have a section. Turns out that because my son got stuck (they pulled his head out and then realised his shoulder was stuck so it was an emergency section) they had to cut me two different ways to get him out so now I actually have no choice other than a section, which I’m glad about. I’m also under the perinatal mental health team, it might be worth getting in touch with them xx

I had a traumatic birth and emergency section with my first. I’ve requested an elective section this time around - but my hospital doesn’t have an elective program so I had to meet with the consultant and risk assessor. They went over all the options and advised I should have no issue with a natural birth this time but based on our experience with our first and taking into account how I feel it’s been approved. I would wait to see what the second consultant says - you always have the right to speak to another clinician and get treatment from them if they are happy to follow your wishes. Only downside with a section is it is major surgery and the recovery is 6 wks - you can’t drive & you will need help at home with baby and even simple things like showering at least for the first week.

I had a traumatic first birth which ended in emergency section. I was so ill after due to complications because my birth was so long/drawn out and my section had to be rushed essentially. This time I was undecided on whether to try vaginal or go for an elective section. After discussing it with my husband and lots of thinking, I’m going to be requesting an elective section for this baby. I’ve only heard great things about elective sections to be honest. I did find the recovery hard from my first section, but luckily have lots of family support. I would consider this when you’re thinking of opting for a section!

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