Mental health and C-section

I had an emergency c section, it contributed to my PND because I was so despondent about how the last week of my pregnancy went ( I was in hospital that whole final week). You don’t get the same rush of oxytocin like a natural birth, so I was just full of anxiety/adrenaline for her birth. You don’t get to do skin to skin right away, they need to clean the baby, stuff like that all really got me down. But also I strongly did not want a c section. If you do not feel that way, then planning the c section is good because then you know it’s done. You can still end up with a natural birth if the baby comes early and there isn’t time to get you prepped, but it’s pretty unlikely! Also I will say, the team that did my c section was amazing, I can’t fault them at all. Everything healed perfectly. But I’m still gutted I was forced down that route by doctors and midwives at the hospital. I also had fantastic support for PND/PPA after birth. Good luck to you mama ♥️

I had an elective C section, due to gestational diabetes but also I have had anxiety for years and I wanted some control over how I gave birth. The consultant I had throughout my pregnancy was very supportive of my choices and went over risks and benefits of both a vaginal and C-section birth. He was happy to put the request for the C-section through the same day. I found the birth quite relaxed. Although I was very anxious and offered some midazolam by the anaesthetist on the day which helped keep me calm. I don’t actually remember much about the theatre, but I remember them holding up our daughter when she was born and just being able to hold her after. Overall it was a very positive experience!

I'm under the perinatal mental health team and they've been really good at supporting me around natural birth. I've had psychological sessions and now been referred to fear of birthing team too for extra support. I'm also doing hypnobirthing which has really helped with my anxiety around birth. Maybe something your team can offer you? I was also in the same position hearing so many stories of births that didn't go to plan but there are so many that do. I've been listening to positive birth stories on podcast, think it's called my positive birth and reading some too which had also helped.

Thank you all for your comments. The lady I spoke with yesterday was very dismissive like she didn’t want to talk to me. I’m not necessarily set in a c section however I am set on needing a positive experience. I have been referred to a different consultant who should be able to discuss my options x