criteria for a CS

[ATaleOfTwoCities]

Ive just posted this is childbirth but maybe this is the better place.
I was refused a CS this week. Really gutted as I didnt really want one but with my medical history since my last VB my health circumstances have changed, I hve decided this is prob the best way to go. The consultant wasn't haven't a bar of it even though I'm petrified of the VB risks pain etc I'm just so weak now. I'm wondering what the criteria is and how everyone (slight exaggeration) has a CS with less risk or no risk to me. I have a quite a few medic friends and they've all told me make sure you have a CS.
I may not sound reasonable but I just didn't anticipate the response I got from the consultant. She was very unsympathetic.
Thanks

[ATaleOfTwoCities]

Bump anyone?

[Amnewtoallthis]

I had an emergency CS with DD nearly four years ago. Am 14 weeks pregnant with DC2, so far midwives are trying to convince me to go for a VBAC. So I'm already finding that there appears to be a problem with my request. It's not that I want a CS it's more the problems I had trying to give birth naturally the first time round, I know I have a problem with my right hip - which years of yoga and exercise has taught me. Still I'm seeing a consultant in a couple of weeks and then I'm going to try and put my foot down. I think it's down to your consultant, wondering if you can get a second op, and how it works. Sure someone else here will know more than me. Good luck.

[StrawberriesTasteLikeLipsDo]

Your consultant has absolutely no right to refuse you, or rather he can but must fulfil steps to refuse you and refer you on to another consultant. Google the NICE guidelines they outline having an ELCS, and basically say that whilst you may have to speak to a psychiatrist first if after that you still want an elcs you are entitled to
One. Do not be bullied by a small minded consultant

[Fairylea]

I was granted a section after an iinduced vaginal birth with my first dc that ended in ventouse delivery. I had pnd and ptsd after my birth and basically said to the consultant that unless they granted me assection with this one I wanted an abortion instead (I didn't mean that but it showed how serious I was about it). I had4 consultant appointments till they granted it and I also wrote to them complaining after the first one when they dismissed me. I'd recommend you do the same stating you know the risks but a section if best for you... if you don't get anywhere ask for a referral to another consultant.

My section was a hundred times Better than my vaginal birth by the way.

[StrawberriesTasteLikeLipsDo]

FWIW im having an ELCS this time having had an induction resulting in EMCS first time and although one consultant was dismissive, tried to push me to see a VBAC MW etc. when I saw my own consultant who is a diabetes specialist after GD occurring again, he'd completed the form before id finished asking the question!

[ATaleOfTwoCities]

Thank you all
Along with the other issues which has left me with physical difficulties. My first labour was induced due to preecampsia which is on the NICE guidelines. I'm not sure how to go about it. I've had a diff consultant each time. This one argued with me was very adamant and harsh. Dont want to leave it too late how would you approach this?

[StrawberriesTasteLikeLipsDo]

Whats tour Midwife like? Part of a mws role is to advocate and support you where possible. Firstly i would contact her, then your maternity co ordinator at the hospital. If needed PALS would take a dim View of the consultant dismissing you. You should be able to speak to someone else you just have to make a fuss, which I know doesn't come naturally to everyone unlike me but its your body and your mental well being.

[growyourown77]

I'll echo strawberries the NICE guidance is clear. It's here www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13620/57166/57166.pdf

Print off a handful of copies, highlight the sections useful to your argument/your feelings and go back to your MW first, then lead area midwife, then direct to hospital trust to ask to see a different consultant, complain about the first and refer them to the NICE guidelines too.

I'm 17 weeks today, first baby, but have a scar on my uterus from previous rare ectopic surgery and am bracing myself for these same conversations in a month or so's time....

Good luck!

[ATaleOfTwoCities]

Thanks you strawberry -I really tried but she was very argumentative and when my tears kicked in I felt i was on the back foot.
I'm in London you never see the same midwife consultant etc. Do you think it's worth talking to gp? I won't see this particular department until 37 wks. Until then it's just antenatal? which I will then bring it up with whoever I see.

She's also made me question my decision I feel like I've done this with my eyes closed even when I thought long and hard. I'm confused now.

[StrawberriesTasteLikeLipsDo]

In that case Id advocate similar.. Print guidelines make yourself almost a dossier of supporting docs - that shows you are serious an psychologically should make you feel supported. I think if I were in that situation I would speak directly to the hospital, go directly to the head of services, and try and get things moving ASAP, I only say that as mine is booked for 37+6, and most hospitals like to do them 38-39 weeks. You absolutely should not feel like you are being bullied out of your choice, and anyone who tries to say it is cheating or in some way easier is a raging fool!

[Fairylea]

Action plan -

See your GP.
Ask to speak to head of midwives in your area.
Tell them both you know risk of c section but to not have one would be detrimental to your mental health and would induce pnd.
Get them to write to consultant.
You also write to consultant.
Ask for another appointment.


If you get another no go back to GP and ask for referral. This is how I did it.

[ATaleOfTwoCities]

Ooh fairlea, action plan sounds good that's what I need.
You're right strawberry should've looked at NICE before I went, I was just so sure with my risks and my health issues, I wasn't even allowed to fall pregnant for years. I'm not allowed to push but shes very happy to suck And use forceps etc.
Im going to take action ASAP times running out
I've had some fab drs over the years but I've never felt so patronised before.

[StrawberriesTasteLikeLipsDo]

Tale absolutely no reflection on you, none at all, your consultant has taken the wrong action, you're absolutely right your previous history SHOULD be enough, the consultant is being a bully!

[ATaleOfTwoCities]

She's a bully. I don't want to quote the sentences she said but they were so rude and patronising. Thanks you strawberry you've given me courage . I should've come on here before seeing her.
Thanks so much all.

[StrawberriesTasteLikeLipsDo]

Thats disgusting! Good luck to you dont be bullied, do what is best for you and baby!