POSITIVE experience re (very!) early request for ELECS

[1001questions]

So as some of you may remember I was planning to speak to my GP regarding my fears about childbirth and the possibility of an elective C-section - before getting pregnant. And I had some serious reservations about doing this.

Anyway I surprised myself by actually showing up at the appointment as I was so convinced I would be laughed at or accused of being a time-waster that I spent the whole day on the edge of panic. But I decided I had nothing to lose and made myself do it anyway.

I'm so glad I did, because my GP was completely sympathetic as it was so immediately apparent that any other type of birth would be wholly inappropriate for someone as anxious as me. And also, because I'd asked for it, and he felt that this request should be respected. I wasn't sure of how much GPs were able to influence the outcome of this type of request, but it sounds like they have a lot more sway than I thought, particularly if they are on good terms with consultants and know which ones are similarly minded.

I can't describe what a relief it is to actually be able to look forward to being pregnant and to not have to associate it with things that terrify me to the point of panic. I'm fairly confused about how this experience is so at odds with what many others have had with GPs, but I'm choosing to believe that it can be as simple as this when you find a doctor who shares your values on this one. And that there will be others out there who'd do the same.

So while this is by no means a definitive 'promise' of a c-section it feels about as close as I could get at this or any stage, and it's enormously reassuring to know that I've got someone there who'll fight my corner if it comes to it.

Big thanks to RedToothBrush for all the tips on how to approach this and for the support in actually going to talk about it - even if I didn't need them!

[Junosmum]

Fab news, really pleased for you and you've also given me hope.