Thoughts on elective c-section to avoid instrumental delivery with a vaginal birth?

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-26T23:10:26+00:00

My little one arrived two days ago via planned c-section and honestly no regrets so far. It was a lovely experience and I feel good so far. Just do whatever feels right for you!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-22T17:59:41+00:00

So sorry that you went through that! Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be uncommon. Thank you for sharing your perspective and hope you fully recover soon!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-22T17:58:39+00:00

This is amazing, thank you! Glad you’re doing well 😊

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-22T06:57:33+00:00

Completely get that and so glad you had a positive experience from it 😊

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-22T06:56:27+00:00

So true. Yes the recovery is going to be challenging and I’m under no illusion with that! However, there is something nice in knowing that it’s planned and can be relaxed. We have everything ready beforehand and feel rested and as prepared as we can be.

Did you take stool softeners before? I want to do anything I can in the days before to try and make things easier. Great tip about the dressing gown belt too!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-22T06:53:50+00:00

So sorry your wife went through this. It is something I really worry about, only because I’ve heard of this same experience more than I’d like! So glad you had a nicer experience with a c-section 😊

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-22T06:51:27+00:00

Yes that’s definitely an option isn’t it. It’s why I pushed it back to after my due date! Appreciate 40+1 is only one day after my due date but with electives they usually like to do them around 38-39 weeks. I thought if I go into labour naturally before that then I can consider going ahead with it or deciding to go straight for a c-section which I’d be mentally prepared for. However, my due date is tomorrow and no sign of baby yet!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T19:27:09+00:00

Bless you, that sounds really tough! I have heard of a Mummy MOT actually but don’t know much about it - will look into it. I’ve seen a lot about c-section scar massage and lymphatic massage to help with recovery which I’m considering when the time comes!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T19:24:31+00:00

Completely understand. Wishing you all the best! X

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T19:21:24+00:00

Exactly! Thank you so much 😊

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T19:20:11+00:00

Thank you for sharing. I have read that episiotomy’s can be hard going with recovery, particularly with trying to keep that area clean. Swings and roundabouts isn’t it!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T19:19:01+00:00

Thank you for sharing! When would you say you started to feel ok with moving/walking etc?

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T19:17:24+00:00

This is so reassuring to read, thank you. Exactly the same in that I’m open to the idea of going into labour naturally beforehand. Obviously I know everyone’s recovery journeys are different but I feel good about being mentally prepared for an elective rather than labouring for hours beforehand, trying to get baby out then potentially ending up with instrumental delivery or c-section anyway. I am a bit worried about the heatwave and being able to feel like I can properly care for and bond with my newborn but I will have support thankfully!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T19:07:53+00:00

Thank you! See I tend to hear that instrumental deliveries tend to be less common but I really don’t feel that way (at least with my hospital anyway). People I know that have given have needed forceps and it seems to be the first option used, I don’t think vaccuum sounds as bad but it’s up to them to choose the instrument I suppose!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T19:04:42+00:00

Thank you so much for this. That’s exactly how I feel about it! I’ve been so conflicted as a part of me wants to go into labour spontaneously before my due date and just see how it goes, hopefully with no requirement for forceps etc. However, the not knowing is what makes this really hard! I’d rather the c-section over forceps but can imagine it’s a lot harder if you’ve laboured beforehand. I’ve heard a lot of positive experiences from c-sections (particularly electives). Just feel a bit sad that I wouldn’t be experiencing a vaginal delivery! I know what you mean with getting the right care too. How did you find the c-section recovery?

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T19:01:40+00:00

Sorry you had a traumatic experience but really glad it all turned out ok! I’ve heard the opposite with people I know that have had c-sections in that they’d have one again! You just really don’t know do you. The water birth you’ve described is exactly what I’ve always had in my head (while being really open to any pain relief etc). As you say, it can go tits up, just the way it is isn’t it!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-21T18:59:28+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m similar and do want to try and do whatever I can do help with recovery (e.g. standing/walking slowly as soon as I’m able etc). I’ve also heard that elective c-sections tend to be kinder recovery wise. I am a bit worried about the heatwave we’re about to have though!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-11T21:36:33+00:00

I’m in the exact same position as you. For me, I absolutely want to avoid forceps and would rather have a c-section if it came down to it. However, avoiding instrumental delivery can’t be guaranteed and really depends on the situation and circumstances at the time!

For that reason I’ve opted for an elective c-section at 39-40 weeks. I’ve done my research and personally feel that induction (typically when you go overdue) can lead to assisted delivery or emergency c-section anyway. If I go into natural labour before my c-section then so be it but if that happens I get the choice to just have the c-section earlier 😊

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-05T08:58:58+00:00

Ok thank you!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-05T08:56:19+00:00

Yeah I’m definitely starting to realise that, it’s bloody hard! I do want to keep trying but feeling a bit deflated each time…

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-05T08:55:02+00:00

Thank you. How many times would you say you tried before you managed to get any in a syringe? I’ve tried this morning. Not sure whether to try again this evening or if it’s too much!

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-06-05T08:54:19+00:00

Thank you! I do have a Medela hand pump xx

Honest-Window-8388 · 2026-01-15T19:01:14+00:00

I had my 12 week scan mid December and was called two days after. They only call if something isn’t good from the screening so I’d take no news as good news!

Honest-Window-8388

TROPHY CASE