I have searched for similar stories but can't find anything on mumsnet or elsewhere. I am 27wks with DC2. I don't want to start a surgical vs vaginal birth debate, and am looking for any similar circumstances. Particularly around the Hampshire area.
During my labour with dd I had to get out of the pool due to MW being unable to get a good reading on dds heartbeat. I was got pushing before fully dialated, then made to lay and wait in a lot of pain. I eventually had to have an episiotomy and ventouse after dd became stuck and distressed. I pushed so hard I burst blood vessels in both eyes and down my neck I couldn't look at myself or allow any pictures for a long time In addition dd and I were both so exhausted we struggled to start BF and I had to try and express colostrum. In my post birth haze I was so forceful I managed to bruise both breasts and was kept in for extra days by the midwives on their insistance dd would be labelled as failure to thrive at her 3 day check. She wasn't, and I then asked to be discharged whilst they told me I'd have to come back if I couldn't get her feeding better. Turns out she had severe tongue tie and the consultant I saw days later that snipped it said I'd done fantastic to feed at all.
I know this may all sound fairly normal for a first labour, but for me it was further complicated by the fact I had expressed my concerns about instrumental interventions and had consultant write in my notes I would not consent to forceps. I felt very dismissed by the consultant in to accepting other forms of intervention as a first time mum. I later found out at my birth reflections that they would have tried to turn dd with forceps should I not have had that in my notes.
I couldn't talk about the birth without feeling tearful and upset for about 12-18 months. I also struggled to have a sexual relationship with DH as I felt I didn't want anyone touching me.
We decided to try for DC2 just over a year ago. This resulted in 3 MCs. One at nearly 14wks (MMC) and two early ones around 5-6wks before falling pregnant this time. With the 14wk loss I had an ERPC and had a PPH in surgery which was borderline needing a transfusion. Again, I felt traumatised that I had no control.
I have had a lot of counselling after the miscarriages and feel that the best thing for me would be a section this time. It has not been an easy decision to come to and I have put a lot of pressure on myself to try and process another vaginal delivery in anticipation of consultant and midwives telling me that is the 'best' solution.
I know second deliveries are generally easier and my consultant has already offered to induce early, however I feel that induction is just another gamble and the certainty of knowing what and when would allow me to feel more comfortable. I understand a section is major surgery and will be no walk in the park.
So, really I guess I'm asking if my circumstances sound like I will have a big fight on my hands? I have heard my hospital (Basingstoke) do not do maternal request sections, so I am prepared to go to a different hospital if I must but would prefer to be somewhere I feel safe and comfortable. I am also ok jumping through a few hoops, but feel anxious about the amount of refusal I may face.
Sorry this is so long. I have read the NICE and RCOG guidelines and feel I will be able to express myself calmly. Any advice or views much appreciated.
.
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.
Childbirth
Requesting an ELCS
9 replies
SayItIsntSo1 · 25/06/2017 09:28
OP posts:
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.