If you want a c-section "by maternal request" how do you find an OB?

[Anonymous]

Obviously all OBs are capable of performing a c-section, but if this is something you want specifically, is there any additional criteria you could look for when planning to give birth this way? This sounds nuts, but is there a way to find an OB who has a very HIGH section rate and is a skilled surgeon, albeit not one who has a high rate because they are incompetent otherwise? Is there another surgical specialist who would consult with an OB? I'm wondering how you navigate that choice. An OB could be amazing, but if they have a 5-10% c-section rate, is that who you want in there operating? Wondering how others may have navigated this.

[Anonymous]

Not to pile on, but definitely make sure your insurance carrier will cover it before you get your hopes up.

[Anonymous]

People are quick to judge here (so get ready), but nothing wrong with choosing a C to give birth - it’s your personal choice and your body. In fact, you will find lots of anecdotal evidence that female OBs often choose elective csections for themselves. How you go about finding the right OB to do the surgery, I’m not sure. I would think most highly qualified experienced OBs would suffice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People are quick to judge here (so get ready), but nothing wrong with choosing a C to give birth - it’s your personal choice and your body. In fact, you will find lots of anecdotal evidence that female OBs often choose elective csections for themselves. How you go about finding the right OB to do the surgery, I’m not sure. I would think most highly qualified experienced OBs would suffice.

Thank you sincerely for your kind and reasonable response! Anecdotally, I am friends with several female doctors (not OBs) who have elected for scheduled sections, and that hasn't gone unnoticed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People are quick to judge here (so get ready), but nothing wrong with choosing a C to give birth - it’s your personal choice and your body. In fact, you will find lots of anecdotal evidence that female OBs often choose elective csections for themselves. How you go about finding the right OB to do the surgery, I’m not sure. I would think most highly qualified experienced OBs would suffice.

Careful with that statement. Expect push-back. There are plenty of self-righteous folks on this board who think their way is the only way. I have posted several times about my wonderful 2 home births in water and you should read how I -- and others like me - get slammed for exercising our rights regarding our bodies and our choices.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes people feel like they would prefer to avoid the surprise absence from their careers. Everything must be on schedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People are quick to judge here (so get ready), but nothing wrong with choosing a C to give birth - it’s your personal choice and your body. In fact, you will find lots of anecdotal evidence that female OBs often choose elective csections for themselves. How you go about finding the right OB to do the surgery, I’m not sure. I would think most highly qualified experienced OBs would suffice.

Careful with that statement. Expect push-back. There are plenty of self-righteous folks on this board who think their way is the only way. I have posted several times about my wonderful 2 home births in water and you should read how I -- and others like me - get slammed for exercising our rights regarding our bodies and our choices.

Well said.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes people feel like they would prefer to avoid the surprise absence from their careers. Everything must be on schedule.

And some people have sexual abuse trauma. What's your point? Answer the question or butt out.

[Anonymous]

I asked my OB, given a history with high pressure in my spinal fluid. She never asked to consult with my neurologist. I could have absolutely had a vaginal birth but I wanted less anxiety and less worrying so I asked and she agreed. Same doctor for #2 and she gave me the choice of a repeat c-section or a VBAC. I was expecting push back, but she was supportive.

[Anonymous]

I went to an OB at one of the popular practices and he was happy to do a c-section upon request. He said his wife had elective c-sections. I have several friends who went this route, some who used the same practice I did others with different doctors. My insurance paid without question.

[Anonymous]

My doctor didn’t bat an eye. Said it just needed to be scheduled after I hit 39 weeks. He was recommended by friends as a doctor who doesn’t even leave a trace that you had a csection. Hardly a scar.

[Anonymous]

I did this. My regular OB did the surgery and Kaiser covered it. The only "special" thing was my OB has me meet with a second OB to confirm this was my idea.

Do what you want, OP, and good luck!

[Anonymous]

I know that most of the big practices here in the DC area will do this (several friends wanted this and had them).

[Anonymous]

The reason why it matters, OP, is that you need to say the right words to the OB so that they will agree to do it and that insurance will cover it. Also, if you are currently pregnant, giving birth and staying in a hospital right now is a different proposition than it normally is. They may be trying to do fewer surgeries and you may not be allowed to have support people with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The reason why it matters, OP, is that you need to say the right words to the OB so that they will agree to do it and that insurance will cover it. Also, if you are currently pregnant, giving birth and staying in a hospital right now is a different proposition than it normally is. They may be trying to do fewer surgeries and you may not be allowed to have support people with you.

This is something to keep in mind. Several hospitals are no longer allowing partners or support persons in the OR due to lack of PPE and other COVID concerns. C sections also mean longer hospital stays, upping your risk of exposure in a hospital setting.

I support OP's right to consider all options, but the extra issues that exist in health care right now due to COVID shouldn't be discounted.