Had ELCS with first child. Does this mean I can have ELCS with second?

[Lemonlimeorange]

I had ELCS 7 years ago because I was high risk (gestational diabetes and baby was breech)

I am now ttc at age 39 and wondering if I would be able to request ELCS again or would I have to have VBAC? The thought of giving birth naturally is quite frankly terrifying.

[SephrinaX]

No you can have an ELCS. I think with a first baby they encourage you to try it the traditional way, but if you've had an ELCS before I doubt they'll question it at all if you say you want another.

[Lemonlimeorange]

Such a relief to hear

[Connie222]

It depends on your hospital. I had to fight tooth and nail for my second section. I got it in the end but had to jump through a lot of hoops. It was very stressful.

I found Birthrights to be a great help.

[Connie222]

That was 7 years ago though - so it may be better now. I’ve just booked in for my third the only questions I had were “so I take it you want another section then?”

[Lemonlimeorange]

Thank you Connie. I did think the hospital might be a factor... Some have more facilities and funding than others I think?

[Connie222]

If you look on birthrights you can search for your local hospitals and see if they are green, amber or red in terms of letting mothers choose mode of delivery. My hospital was red. This time the hospital was green. It may help you chose your options and you can contact birthrights who will give you more information on your trust.

[Connie222]

Obvs, green means they are more willing to listen to parental choice.

[Lemonlimeorange]

That is really really helpful. Thank you so much. Will take a look.

[Lemonlimeorange]

Connie... I've scoured the birthrights website and can't find where it tells you about local hospitals... So sorry... Is there any way you can link me up?? Please xxx

[Connie222]

Go to the request advice and put in your trust. You can ask in the message box about various hospitals and they will get back to you with all the info. I think this is how I managed to find all the info I did on mine (I’ve dug our their replies to me and they were very thorough on the info on local hospitals).

www.birthrights.org.uk/advice-factsheets/request-advice/

[Connie222]

If you ask about the trust and hospital policies on electives they will let you know which policies the hospital has in place.

[MsChatterbox]

I just had a phone call about a month ago, they asked what I wanted and that was it!

[Lemonlimeorange]

My local hospital is green!

Ms Chatterbox... That's great, how easy!?

[Connie222]

@Lemonlimeorange - excellent news!

[Lemonlimeorange]

I know!