NHS antenatal and then switch to private for ELCS

[Sazzamac1983]

I've decided to have an elective C-section (with help from this forum).

Now I have to decide where to go and get one!

I've heard the Lansdell Suite is good and I'm keen to go to Dr Kelleher for the C-section. I'm happy to pay etc

The only thing is - can I reduce my bill a bit by going to the NHS for the antenatal care and then just transferring to private for the last month or so?

Has anyone done this?

I've heard that they do get booked up! And I don't really know how much you'd really save?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Who said no to you? That doesn't seem to be following guidelines? Did they give you a reason? Perhaps they are waiting for you to ask repeatedly before they can agree!

Sazzamac I had a google and found someone on netmums (years ago though) saying the same hospital refused to do an elcs except on medical grounds, and in order to prove she had a ground (mental health in this case) she paid a psychiatrist privately. Still cheaper than paying for the section privately.

Iggi999 a MW told me 'you've come to the wrong place'.

She said categorically that they will not do i and I would have to pay.

My financial situation has changed and I can't afford a private one.

I don't think I would have decided to have a child if I knew I would end up in this predicament.

I'm going to try to keep my head up on go to UCLH.

If they ask me to go thru the traumatic reasons why then I'm ready.

I really need to get ready for this fight.

Yes I think maybe Guys and St Thomass are aware of their standing globally and would like their C section rate to be a certain figure. I'm sure they have many departmental meetings about how to keep their figures in check.

If they want to have authority in the medical field then they have to keek their own ink dry I suppose.

I feel that it is a clear down side to going to a more prominent hospital.

Their viewpoint is not exactly parochial.

My hospital does not do CS on "maternal request" (no NHS units do) but the consultants here give a sympathetic hearing to women who have strong reasons, including psychological ones, to avoid a vaginal birth. Women who just don't fancy a vaginal birth without any particular reasons, would not be booked for elective section. Women with a documented phobia of birth ("tokophobia") or a previous problematic or traumatic birth are offered all choices, from home birth to CS. They are offered an appointment to talk it through. I don't think we are unique and follow NHS guidelines.

If you are planning to change units, it's not realistic to expect to rock up in advanced pregnancy and demand a CS. It might be worth contacting the units where you fall into their catchment and speak to a senior midwife, such as the one responsible for antenatal services, about likely outcome s to your request.
It's a decision made in a process of care.

Given the situation you're in, can I just say that if you were to continue your care with st Thomas you'd be in amazing hands. They really are one of the best maternity hospitals in the country and you can be sure they'll do the best for you and your baby. I don't know the whole background to your story but I would much prefer to give birth naturally at a top hospital than to go to a not so great hospital particularly for major abdominal surgery like a c section (obviously not talking about uclh which is great too)

My elcs was about 15k I think. Each night in hospital is about a grand, which is a good incentive to get up and about and get discharged!

Since I have posted I have been offered to go to a Tokophobia clinic in St Thomass and I am prepared to go and talk through my reasons for being Tokophobic. I got a call from the lead midwife there who was great on the phone and offered this route.

I think I may be too late to love to UCLH.

I went to Tommys in the first place because it is such a god hospital and I know my baby would be in the best hands. So - I do hope this works out.

I'll keep you posted!

Good luck OP. I've had two maternal request c sections. Not scared of natural birth, just well informed about risks.

The first was an epic battle. I was told "no" a lot and I just kept asking them to follow NICE guidelines and refer me to someone who do the section. In the end they agreed to do the section.

Key thing seems to be to demonstrate that you fully understand the risks and that a natural birth isn't an acceptable option for you.

My first was almost 4 years ago, the second almost 2 years ago and I'm currently pregnant with my 3rd!

I was booked for a ELCSast st Mary's (ended up with a 35 week emcs) the registrars I spoke to were very resistant but once I saw the consultant (mr Teoh) he agreed and booked me in

This is OP (I changed my name!) I'm really sad that it's such an epic battle at Tommys

I have to go to a psychologist and delve into my deepest darkest times (past crazy shit) which is something I've had 6 months therapy for 2 years ago. I have laid my demons to rest and feel incredibly strong. Having to go back over past trauma and stuff that I really have left in the past is ridiculous.

I was told at Tommys that any hosp I go to requires a psychological assessment like this but I don't believe it.

Such a shame.

Me and hubby going thru this emotional upheaval is so crap. Really annoyed I selected Tommys.

I had Guy Thorpe Beeston at Lindo. I had c section few months ago with him. I booked him when I was 8 weeks pregnant. I heard that good OB get booked very fast, so booked him immediately. Please bare in mind that some private OBs want to take you from the beginning of pregnancy, as if there are any complications and somebody missed something it is going to be more stress and work for them without knowing what happened before. In addition, the amount you save is not that big compare to the total cost of delivery and hospital costs. Therefore, I decided just to book him from the beginning. Guy Thorpe Beeston was absolutely brilliant and supportive the whole pregnancy and delivery. I liked especially the fact that he did all the scans by himself.

I've had a maternal request elcs on the NHS due to childbirth phobia and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I was treated amazingly, the atmosphere was happy and calm, and the recovery was easier than I expected. I had it so much easier than those I know who went for a vaginal birth.