ELCS - appointment with consultant this morning

[laulea82]

I am 34 weeks and this morning have an appointment with my consultant.
I am having an ELCS on medical advice. Had an emergency section last time.
What to ask? What to expect?
I'm very uncomfortable and hoping it will be between 38-39 weeks rather than later so want to ask for it to be as early as (safely) possible.
I've read a bit online about 'natural' c sections. What should I ask for? My dd has had many allergies and chest issues which I partially blame the emergency section for so want to do what I can to avoid the impact this time.
Any ideas from anyone who has had an elective section?
I will defo Breast feed unless something goes badly wrong and I can't.
Thanks in advance.

[LumpySpaceCow]

Hi!
NICE guidelines advise to schedule sections at 39 weeks to reduce the risk of breathing problems in baby.
I had a gentle section birth plan for my breech baby. It was lovely. DH in with me from beginning, ecg leads on back to facilitate early skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, DH cut the cord (they left it long and he cut when being weighed), we announced her sex, breastfed in recovery, bed side cot to make it easier looking after baby.
If your baby is head down, they can let the uterus contract to squeeze the baby out like it would a vagina. Google gentle section and watch the videos.
Regarding the allergy thing, there is some research being undertaken regarding how bacteria is colonised when a baby is born either section or vaginal. I have posted a link, but in a nutshell, they are swabbing section babies with vaginal fluids! It wasn't for me but you may he interested!
midwifethinking.com/2014/01/15/the-human-microbiome-considerations-for-pregnancy-birth-and-early-mothering/

[Junosmum]

I think you mean a 'gentle' section, request one if you want one but they aren't available everywhere as some obstetric surgeons simply don't know how, or alternatively yours may do, or may learn for you! All the best.

[megletthesecond]

There's a new tampon swab that you insert into your vagina then can wipe the good bacteria over your newborn. Unless it's still a prototype, saw it in a design show at the eden project this year.

[Laquila]

I am in a similar situation. When I mentioned a gentle section to the supervisor of midwives she looked politely bemused. I explained that it would mean immediate skin-to-akin, possibly music on during the procedure, a calm environment and delayed cord clamping, and she said that's what they already do. I said, with respect, that wasn't what I got last time! Definitely worth discussing with your consultant. The mention above of using the uterus to effectively squeeze the baby out is down thing I've read about, but I thought they needed to give an injection of something (it wasn't syntocinon but something similar) to make it contract.

Have you looked into any Hypnobirthing techniques for relaxation? You may find that's the most effective way of having a calm, relatively controlled section - at least your own breathing and relaxation is something you can aim to be in control of, even if you can't contorl everyone else in the room!

[wonkylegs]

Mines pencilled in for 39wks but I'm discussing it at 32wks because last baby turned up at 36wks. So it might end up being a 'planned emergency' section.

[laulea82]

Thank you so much ladies.
So after a two hour wait I was asked to sign a consent form and was told I would get a date in the post. Grr! No information at all and they had no time for me. Going to ask midwife at my next appointment and will go armed with this information. I think I could also do with some relaxation techniques because I will be bricking it after last time!
Does anyone know if I will see he surgeon before the op? So I can discuss my wishes? If not, when can I discuss these?
I tried to speak to the consultant yesterday but she just nodded and said it depends who the surgeon is.