Has anyone been "counselled" when trying to get ELCS without a medical need

[StrawberryRiceCake]

I have this appointment tomorrow. I have requested ELCS due to my last birth being very traumatic (distressed baby, long labour, intense pain, forceps, episiotomy, PPH, ongoing damage) and the protocol is that I have to be counselled by a consultant midwife before they will agree to it.

Due to admin problems at the hospital I have only just got this appointment at 35 weeks so I don't feel that I have many options if they won't agree at this late stage. I know it is to make sure that I understand the risks (I do) but the midwife I am seeing is a "natural birth enthusiast" according to her page on the hospital website. I can't go through another natural birth :(

Just wondering what others have experienced. Is it going to be a challenge to be listened to?

[StrawberryRiceCake]

Lucy that's a great idea about seeing my GP in advance about PND as this was a problem last time. I too had sertraline and it was brilliant for me.

Thanks for your wonderfully informative post RedToothBrush I will try to get the book as it would be good to read something like that. Isn't it great how they will play up the risks of a CS but rubbish the ones for vaginal birth. The more I think about yesterday the more angry I get. I dodged one ordeal in that she would normally attend the appointment with the consultant but due to the admin cock up this won't happen now.

She was very keen to point out that they don't have to follow guidelines too. She did not discuss my age and number of children at all. I'm 34 and this is probably my last so I don't need to worry about a next time.

My GP is supportive so I may go to her if next week isn't a success. She herself has worked on the unit and been a patient in my position so fully understands where I'm coming from.

I think I'll start a separate post about the hospital to see of anyone has any experience there.

[RedToothBrush]

My GP helped me with getting ELCS. Its worthwhile doing.

[StrawberryRiceCake]

Just want to thank everyone again. I spent the whole evening going over the NICE document in detail and I feel much better about arguing my case now. I think the document actually makes sections seem a better option and the evidence for bladder damage etc is indeed not there. I will come back and let you know how I get on on Tuesday when I meet with the consultant.

Thanks again

[Luckygirlcharlie]

What is it with the bloody NHS? They fob you off on all manner of things - c sections, inductions, pain relief. Why can't there just be more choice and autonomy for the actual patient as long as they're not harming themselves. I'm sure other countries treat expectant mothers better. Stand your ground OP and good luck.

[3luckystars]

Well I think a c section will cost them a lot more than a natural birth so they are trying to keep costs down and that's all this is about.
I would advise bringing someone to your next appointment, someone who will sit there and support you and not open their mouth but take notes.

Do not break, keep fighting, you have gotten great advice on this thread and I just wanted to offer my support to you too. Best wishes to you x

[Junosmum]

any up date OP?

[Jw35]

Op it's absolutely your choice whether you have a section or not! You've been told absolute bollocks about the op. I had a planned section with dd2 because my first dd was a horrible labour then an emcs. You don't have to see anyone for advice it's just what they advise. What this midwife has told you is horror stories and a load of crap. My elective section was smooth, I was out the hospital in 24 hours and back in my feet in a few days. I'm having another section with this pregnancy now and no questions asked. You might need to make more of a case because you haven't had one before but it's till your choice! That baby has to come out somehow! Demand it don't ask

[StrawberryRiceCake]

Section agreed! I'll be 39+6 which is a bit scary but there is now some concern over the baby being big and gestational diabetes so if I fail a glucose tolerance test next week then it could be earlier. I didn't actually get to see the consultant (another cock up as it was 100% supposed to be) but the doctor I saw went to speak to the consultant and I heard her say "she can have one if she wants, I'm not bothered". Bit unprofessional I thought but at least I got one.

Thanks everyone for all your supportive posts. So relieved.

[Treats]

I second the book recommendation - I found it very informative and it does counter some of the myths of having a C-section.

The upfront cost of a section might be greater, but not that much greater, and a planned section is generally safer and more cost effective than an emergency. It surprises me that hospitals are so reluctant to do them, actually, and I think the pressure is more political than financial (the whole "too posh to push" mentality).

But I'm pleased that you got what you wanted and you didn't have to go through too much stress to get it. Best of luck for the birth

[Jw35]

That's great news op! Hope it goes smooth

[Haggisfish]

Haha-the ennui of a consultant. Glad you got your Cs.

[Junosmum]

Great news OP.

[lucy101101]

Great news! I wouldn't worry too much about being 39 + 6 as if you go into labour I am guessing you can still insist that they do your CS (this is what I agreed with my hospital). I have to say that I physically did find it hard going after my (very good from what I can tell) ELCS (unlike everyone else I know who had them and seemed to bounce back) so perhaps try and make sure you have help lined up in case you need it (and if you can of course). However, even though it was hard going for a few weeks I have had absolutely no problems with my recovery after that point and am still very glad that I made that choice. Best of luck!

[kiki22]

I would bring up the fact that this midwife clearly could not put her own personal opinion aside, sending you to be counselled by someone who has clear vocal preferences on what she thinks it right is not on you need a neutral person to give you facts on both sides not opinions.

I had a really similar experience with my first and both midwives I've spoken to at appointments have been really understanding of my feelings gave me facts and told me to mull them over, make a list of questions and points for the consultant. I feel like you I just can't do it naturally again I'm not scared of pain it's the fear and confusion of what's happening to me that i cant deal with.

[DartmoorDoughnut]

Really glad you got your elcs OP, hope all is progressing smoothly