Private Care question

[ArtemisM]

Hi,
DH and I are trying to conceive. I am however very nervous about the whole process of pregnancy, birth etc. My local hospital has an awful reputation. They have decided to use more forceps to bring CS rates down(eeeek!). Of course this is hearsay, but I know for a fact that the hospital is short-staffed, and overcrowded. Also, I want a CS and the hospital I go to does not allow them, especially for first time mothers. So, I've decided to go private, much to DH's annoyance.
I have a few questions for all the ladies who went private. Firstly, do they actually allow elective CS without medical reasons in private hospitals or am I assuming too much? Secondly, how soon can they do it? Do they insist that first time mothers should labor naturally before a CS or is it just scheduled for a particular date? I was reading all these threads by women who are 42 weeks and still waiting! I don't want that to be me!
So if I go private can I have a scheduled CS? I know its not done before 39 weeks, so what happens if I go into labor before that?
Any tips on how to talk to the consultant? Should I expect an endless argument:( I don't mind explaining my reasons, just so as long as my decision is respected. If anyone could suggest some nice private consultants I'd be very grateful. Thanks!

Anyone......no one?

Oooookaaaaay. I wish somebody would reply because I'm quite anxious.

I went private and had an emergency CS. Out of interest why do you want an elective

Artemis, I'm sure you've already realised this but it is not healthy to be so anxious before you are even pregnant. Have you thought about discussing your worries with a GP? Don't look at the threads on childbirth and pregnancy if you are still TTC, it's madness.

Did a lot of research and I strongly feel this is the better option for me.
Honestly though, I don't want to start a natural versus cesarean debate because those can get very ugly and tiring to be honest!

CombineArvester, Hi! I agree its is quite crazy to be looking at these threads.
I just feel like this is the best place to be asking questions. Furthermore, once I get the answers I want I'll know what to expect and that tends to make me calmer.

I think you should wait until you care more about having a healthy baby before you solely consider what's best for you alone, possibly at the risk of your possible future baby. Natural birth is safer!
Fwiw, I have had the whole range of pregnancies. Nhs, private, natural, assisted and an elective which turned into an emergency c/section.

In answer to your questions - I think generally they do elective CS at 37-38 weeks. I think you should choose your consultant if you genuinely want a CS as some are more pro natural birth.

I agree with some of the other posters though - you do seem to be stressed about something which is not yet applicable? I think you should think about the reasons for your decision and also consider that there is a reason generally why women go to term - you need to consider the welfare of the baby as well your own thoughts/beliefs.

I speak as someone who was terrified at the idea of a normal birth - but did hypnobirthing (didn't work, but calmed me) and ended up with a CS.

"I think you should wait until you care more about having a healthy baby before you solely consider what's best for you alone, possibly at the risk of your possible future baby"

Not even going to comment on that, because as I said this is not a debate, nor have I asked for advice regarding what is safer.
I am simply looking for advice from women who have had ELCS privately.

"In answer to your questions - I think generally they do elective CS at 37-38 weeks. I think you should choose your consultant if you genuinely want a CS as some are more pro natural birth."

Thanks! How do I choose though? There are so many out there, it is impossible to tell who is appropriate!

Not entirely sure about this. I would research some of the consultants you might choose/google/interests etc etc. Also, maybe phone the hospital and ask for advice as to who would be most sympathetic?

Please do think through this though - I was quite shocked as how bad I felt afterwards whilst my non-CS friends were up and about. That is not to say you haven't got a good reason - just want you to have thought through really well

visavis :) I have thought this through a lot actually. I'm quite confident that I'm making the right choice. It may sound strange that I'm not even pregnant and I've already thought about all of this but I like to be prepared well in advance.

Just one comment on your initial post - I very much doubt that CS are not allowed if it is considered clinically necessary. I think you may be referring to the fact that a natural birth is preferred? It would be extremely unusual for the hospital to try and change stats in this way?

I meant medically unnecessary cesareans. When I ask for one it will be purely out of preference, not clinical necessity. I've heard of a lot of people going private for ELCS, so I was just wondering how easy it is to have one. The Portland website seems to imply that maternal choice c sections are allowed.

In that case I would wait until pregnant - do some research/google/phone private hospitals and go and see a few consultants when pregnant to decide who would be best placed to look after you (and your baby)

I would like to look for a sympathetic consultant before getting pregnant. I don't want any nasty surprises once I'm expecting!
Perhaps some mums who've had babies at Portland etc. will post some replies soon.

Fine, don't respond. But consider this. I have paid private, I've also gone through the nhs. I would pay £3000, £10,000 to have a healthy baby. I would also pay any amount to have my beautiful stillborn baby still with me.
17 babies a day are stillborn or die soon after birth. Go private if you want (I prob will again!!!) but for goodness sake go with the consultant's professional advice over which way your (future) baby should be born. They have had years of experience and training. Find one you trust and then trust them. Natural birth is safer, and if they say that it would be crazy to stamp your foot, surely??
I had an extremely positive c section, but that wad to save my baby's life. I have also had the candle lit home water birth with independent midwives. Neither of those were "better", they were just different.

I am having my second DC at the Portland later in the year and on both occasions my consultant will not even entertain doing an elective before 39 weeks unless nature has other ideas! Before then your baby is at risk of breathing problems if their little lungs are not mature enough. You can get a section at the Portland if you choose and most consultants will offer pre conception counselling. It really is just a case of seeing as many as you can to see who you gel with.

That is interesting ajmama - I am probably likely to have to have a CS second time round (not necessarily my choice.....)

There are massive advantages to the baby having gone through the birth canal and most surgeons worth their salt will not do an elective without a medical reason and if I came across one I would question their ethics and wonder what else they do that isn't medically necessary and not in their patients interests.
Just because you pay doesn't mean you get what you want.

Killercat, I'm so terribly sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to you. My friend recently miscarried and it was awful to see her going through that.
I just meant to say, that I have made a birth choice and I will be looking for a doctor who accepts and respects my choice. Plenty of women make similar choices. I'm in no way undermining a professional's expertise, I simply believe that I have the right to make an informed decision.

Hi ajmama! I'm OK with scheduling one at 39 weeks if that is safer. However, I do have two questions. One, how easy is it to convince a consultant.
Two, what happens if I go into labor before the scheduled date.

I went into labour before my scheduled section and I just called my consultant went to the hospital and DS was born by section within the hour. I had to have a section as my DS was breech but reading other posts and friends experiences consultants will want to go through all options with you but the final choice will be yours.

If you go private then you can most definitely have an elective c section at the Portland...no question about it, no need to justify reasons etc.

Does any of this sound, er, FAMILIAR?