C-section help

[Juno77]

I've just returned from an antenatal appointment. I mentioned that at the booking appointment, the MW I saw said I would hear from a consultant regarding my decision to have an ELCS, and I hadn't heard yet (I am now 24 weeks).

Today's MW said that she would make me an appointment, which is scheduled for when I am 36 weeks (seems a bit close..) and there is no guarantee the consultant will 'authorise' the ELCS.

Does anyone know what I can do? I've looked into private but we are a million miles away from being able to afford that, sadly.

Can they just refuse? Leave me to labour and have a VB? What will happen?

This happened to me. I got my way in the end, but I had to fight for it. Do you have a good reason for wanting an ELCS? It would do no harm to write down your reasons. Perhaps write a letter to the consultant you are under and say it is making you feel anxious that it has not been discussed. Ask for an earlier appointment. They might take no notice, but it couldn't do any harm, and your reasons will then be on file.

I'm due to have my elcs next week. From memory, my MW signed me over to "CLC" (consultant lead care) at my booking in appt.

I then had an appt with the consultant at the hospital at 20-ish weeks where they went thru both the pro's and con's of elcs and vb's. I stated that I definitely wanted an elcs, and they booked me in for another appt at 36 weeks, just in case I changed my mind.

Had consultant appt at 36wks just before Christmas where they approved it and booked me in.

If were you, I'd definitely double check you're getting that initial consultation sooner rather than later. I don't think it's up to the MW to decide your choice of birth?

Slinky, that's what I have been worried about. I am not scheduled to speak to anyone at all until 36 weeks?

What if I were to go into early labour? There would be nothing in my records to say I wanted a ELCS

this thread is rather long, but may have some useful information on it

I've read through that, and got a bit overwhelmed to be honest.

I'm afraid I'd be worried if I were you, too! Call your midwife and explain, might be time to get pushy?

I've been very fortunate to have had a smooth journey with no problems or obstacles, but have heard others on here have had a bit of a fight .

Is this your first baby?

No, second baby.

I spoke with the midwife today, and she got me the appointment for 26 weeks. I'm not sure what to say if I call her? She said it was the earliest available one..

As I said on the other thread, you've been phobed off if your midwife is using the excuse that you 'missed the window' to see someone because she didn't pass on information, and thats the bit of information that you've given that really has alarm bells ringing for me.

You have anxiety which she isn't taking seriously and its affecting how you feel. Its not acceptable and she has failed in her duty of care to you.

I personally would have very real trouble trusting her after that. What else is she going to forget or fail to pass on?

Is she acting in your best interests or because she has her own agenda?

You have a right to access to mental health support and you shouldn't have to wait 12 weeks for that.

Start making a real fuss.

Am I getting my wires crossed here? After she says she couldn't get an appointment before 36 weeks she suddenly finds one at 26 weeks?

If thats the case, thats good news. Two weeks is reasonable. But I would be cautious about what she says about other things as it seems she isn't exactly telling the truth about everything.

I know - two threads was my fault

The midwife I saw today wasn't one I have seen before. She told me that no request for an appointment had been done - but the last MW i saw said she would do it. That was at my last appointment.

I want to make a fuss, because I am determined not to be pushed or bullied into anything, or fobbed off, but who should I make the fuss to?

OOPS no sorry I have typoed there. My appointment is currently going to be around 36 weeks (I haven't actually been given a date).

So the midwife you saw first is actively ignoring your requests? Is that correct?

If it is I'd be making a complaint. They are not taking you seriously. You need to keep stressing to them how much it is affecting you and how it is giving you panic attacks. You need some sort of support or intervention NOW.

Who would I speak to though?

Can you ring the hospital you are booked in at and request a consultant appointment yourself (ie. self refer)?

This is what I did.

The hospital said they didn't usually take self referrals but I explained I was already 34 weeks and it was just before xmas holidays so I was worried about being seen in time (and my midwife was a bit disorganised). They were v helpful and happy to give me an appointment there and then on the phone.

I'm not booked into a hospital.

You said you'd had a booking in appointment?

Was this not booking in to give birth at hospital or is it a midwife led unit?

Um, I don't understand the question

I will be having the baby in a hospital, but I don't know which one yet. Apparently, you find out either when in labour, or when they tell you to come for ELCS, usually within 24 hours.

Why do you want a c section do you have a medical need? it's not an easy option and will be harder looking after a baby after having an operation

Really? Where do you live?

Harder than what though? We don't know the OP's experiences first time round.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/1961699-C-section-help?

Link to OP's other thread today (its same subject) with additional info from OP.

You find out which hospital you're giving birth in when you're in actual labour?!

Ah I see from the other thread you're in Scotland. Sorry I have no idea how things are organised there, but it seems very odd

Hopefully someone who knows the Scottish system will come along and help :)

How can you be booked to see a consultant if you don't get told where you are giving birth until you are in labour?

Something doesn't seem right here.