As a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, I have been thinking about how best to advice women who ask about the benefit to them of avoiding a vaginal delivery and having an elective caesarean section instead. Sometimes there are clinical reasons why a Caesarean may be advised. However, sometimes women will request a Caesarean section when there is no obvious reason to indicate this is necessary. Despite some press statements to the contrary this is still a relatively unusual request. I suppose my answer will depend on what the woman is concerned about, what her choices are, her experiences, her physical and psychological well-being.
Birth is unique and dynamic, working alongside your midwife you will be planning and preparing for many months towards an ideal birth. Sometimes things can and do change which may mean that you as the mother cannot hold your baby for the first time; this may be in the event of a CS for example. If for any reason you cannot hold your baby for a while, skin to skin can start between baby and your partner –Baby will Settle to the rhythm of his/her breathing and his/her heart beating, it is a voice that baby will recognise immediately and can go a long way to start the instinctual process until you are ready to take over.
