*Nicola: "My experience over the 9 months was probably near perfect due to me being lucky enough to go private. My husband supported my decision for a cesarean from the very beginning, but having had a very negative response early on from NHS GPs and my previous NHS gynaecologist when I mentioned my terror of natural childbirth, (and the suggestion that I should see a counsellor!) we decided to take the major step of pursuing private care... It was the best decision I made and I would do it all again exactly the same."

*JB: "I had an elective cesarean in July 2006. My doctor was supportive of my choice. It was a very good experience... the only downside to the whole experience was people's bad attitudes and negativity towards my choice of having a cesarean."

*Xenia: "Can I demand an elective cesarean? I am in desperate need of advice and am hoping you will be able to help... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE can you give me some advice so I can get the birth I want, I don't mind if I have to go to another hospital, I really just want to know where I stand and what the procedure is. My friend is in a similar position and she was told that she would have to wait till she is 36 weeks till she will be told if she can have a cesarean or not. What would the difference be between being told at 20 weeks or 36 weeks - hasn't she the right to know now so she can enjoy her pregnancy? I am 20 weeks pregnant, EDD 22nd Dec and I would appreciate any advice you may have as I am very determined and ready to fight for the birth I want."

*Gabrielle: "I have just moved to Amsterdam and discovered I am pregnant. I went to the doctor who looked at me like I was half mad for wanting a cesarean. I know my body though and I know what is right. Can anyone please recommend me a doctor here who is good at and helpful about cesarean deliveries or would it be better for me to travel internationally to have the baby (I am Australian)? I really need your advice."

*Lucy: "I am 35 weeks pregnant and have a great fear of giving birth. I have also been told that my baby is bigger than average. I have tried to talk to my midwife but without any success. I was made to feel ashamed of fearing labour. I fully understand the risks and am fully informed. Please could put me in contact with an obstetrician who could help me?"

*Kath: "I have put off having a child because of my fear of childbirth and am now trying to get permission for an elective cesarean before it is too late - though it seems prevailing opinion is against me."

*Johanna: "I am so pleased that I found your website, I just wish I had found it sooner. I am 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby and have just been told that I will be allowed to have a cesarean at my own request!"

*Charlotte: Do you know where I can find out if there is a private clinic who carry out elective cesarean or whether an NHS hospital near me would consider it?"

*Lisa: "I gave birth by elective cesarean 8 weeks ago, which was a most positive experience. I was, however, dismayed by the aggressive and outraged attitude of both professionals and non-professionals toward my decision to elect a cesarean. The disapproval I encountered from people was seldom supported by facts or reliable data. I made my decision to have a cesarean despite all the negativity and finger-wagging going on about me."

*Stefania: "I would prefer an elective cesarean because I had a long and difficult labour with my first child, who was delivered by ventouse. I tore badly then and experienced lack of sexual desire for almost a year after. My question is this: Can I request an elective cesarean on the NHS? How likely are they to accept?"