Yes EPPM, that's why it caught my eye - was expecting that one!

Thanks twoplusone. I was surprised they tried to make me go to 40+10. I know there is no significant reason not to, other than that it increases my chances of having to give a VBAC a go and I am really ambivalent about that so I'm glad I got the earlier date.

I feel much more relaxed about it all now, whatever will be, will be and I know I can put the date back if I want to. Just hope they have air con if I go into labour on a hot day!

Leningrad.. just want to say good luck..
I had an elctive cs with my first,and have gone on to have two VBACS (both very fast second satge) which I wanted.
My elective cs was at 36weeks and both VBACS were 40+2. The hospitals..(one in the UK one in Germany) both gave me a sweep on my due date as they did not want me to go to far over my dates. I was also told I wasnt allowed to be induced by any other means other than a sweep.. even though between first VBAC and CS there was 7.5years, and between both VBACS 3years 1month. I am expecting number 4 in feb, and tbh expecting the same to happen again.. This one is in yet another hospital in another part of germany.
But anyway.. as I said Good Luck hun xx

I take it you're aware of the original?

Love the poster on your profile, very funny!

Tell you what, I'll do the pregnancies, you do the births!

You really are a just a number, such a shame, we could do so much better. It's not entirely the fault of maternity services, we've lost of lot of info, support and advice from our communities and nothing has properly plugged that gap yet.

Anyway, I feel better now my little rant is over. I'm glad I've got the date. That's what I wanted and I would have been furious with myself if I'd left without it, as we nearly did.

Now I can relax and if I go into labour, great, we'll head in and see what happens. I'll be flagged as potential CS anyway and it really can't be as bad as last time (hopes again)!

I was not so secretly hoping for twins this time too... would love another child, but cannot do another pg... I hate it, and it hates me!

But, more seriously- we shouldn't be 'anonymous people' - we should be individuals. especially as we all have diifering physiology, family circumstances, past gyn histories etc.Statistics should have no bearing on treatment.
I was so pissed off with my community m/w from the outset- she never listened to a word I said- about my previous pg, my heart condition, medical history etc etc
She even referred me to a MH m/w even though I told her I hadn't had any problems for over a decade FFS...

I have to say my elcs was pretty robotic for them too. But at least this time, I knew what to expect, and was desperate to get home to dd for her b'day...

That's exactly it EPPM, from the minute we arrived last time (at 6am as directed, then they didn't start the induction until midday!), they looked bored and disinterested on the central station. It can't be very satisfying for them having this constant stream of anonymous people coming through demanding x, y and z.

It's a surprise, can't wait to meet him or her. Love our names - almost want boy/girl twins so we can use both as we won't have any more. Only almost though, I sat watching the tennis last night thinking these periods of calm and quiet with no demands made of me will be few and far between in a few weeks for another few years!

I think having to argue and fight this time for what I want; a VBAC attempt up until 40 weeks with a CS scheduled at 39/40 weeks, has just annoyed me and further destroyed any residual faith I had that we would be more involved/consulted and treated better this time. How can they not even make the right noises about us having access to a Senior Midwife? I know it might not happen on the day but at least pretend we can ask!

I don't want to be just a statistic in their efforts to reduce CS levels, however laudable that effort is overall. My circumstances are specific to me and I should not have had to argue with them about it. I honestly expected to have to argue with them to give a VBAC a chance beyond the 39th week, not to have to insist on setting a CS date at 39/40 weeks at all. I thought the CS date would be a given.

It really does feel like a factory process, doesn't it? It is so impersonal, and they are always so busy and hassled, and one seems like such an inconvenience to them
I felt just the same, and my hospital is a women's hospital
Well, I know I said it previously on another thread, but my 2nd section was an entirely different experience- really the polar opposite of DD's birth- emotionally and psychologically... the recovery was quick too, and without all the guilt, disappointment, the stress, the 'what if?'s too...

You have to go with what you want, and what will make you most comfortable, whatever that may be.

Not long now though! (is it another DS, or a surprise?)

BTW, the not wanting to go to 40+10 is for two reasons: hedging my bets, increased risk of major problems post-40 weeks (small risk overall, but increased post-40 weeks nonetheless).

I can change my mind and put the CS back nearer the time so that's an option too. Which makes their reluctance to just book it in the first place even more annoying.

Hi EPPM

I just know the set up there (big mat hospital). They moved me mid-labour last time, didn't say the arm might lead to the sudden and excruciating onset of contraction pains (hadn't had any to get to 2-3 cms), didn't get me an epidural when I asked for one, didn't help or support me during labour (or pay attention to DS's monitor) and will not commit to a senior midwife attending this time. They also want a cannula in and I don't.

It is a real conveyor belt and shift changes just make it all worse. I will probably be on a timer for the various stages too. The odds of success aren't great.

I'm just really annoyed that he actually told me they were leaving it until 39+6 to 'give me every chance'. Every chance of being left in agony only for it to end in intervention probably anyway it seems to me.

I'm not usually so negative, I just have a real problem with the way the service is organised and I already feel like I'm battling and arguing with them which is not conducive to it all going well.

There is no continuity of care or attention paid to each and every individual, it's hard to explain unless you see it, it's literally moving women up and around the rooms/system.

I really, really resent the way I'm spoken to. Patronised doesn't come close!

It can only be better this time I suppose (hopes) but I am going to be furious if their attempts to get their CS stats down leave me feeling let down again. You can't put the horse before the cart. Set the service up so the support and care is there and the reduction in CSs will follow.