Probably a silly question about elective c sections

[Ahorsecalledseptember]

When and who do I tell I want an elective section?

I am now 35 weeks and nothing about childbirth has been mentioned!

It is causing me some worry. People keep saying I need to tell them but I don’t know who ‘they’ are - the midwives?

I hope you managed to get your elective c-section approved. Good luck! @Ahorsecalledseptember

I'm also requesting a c-section, still in the process of getting approval, but I'm only 15+5 weeks now. My booking midwife was very receptive (but she did confess she also requested a c-section in her last birth), but the consultant tried to ignore my request and scare me out of it, I mentioned it was non-negotiable for me and that I need an answer as soon as possible to be able to change hospitals if necessary, so I got another consultant appointment next month.

Yes give your midwife a call and ask to be referred to discuss it. When discussing it they may try to sway you, everything they said to me I repeated back I feel safer with a c section. They realised they weren't getting anywhere so agreed! Mine was booked in at 37 weeks for 39 weeks.

Sorry didn't realise this was an older thread I hope it worked out for you.

It didn’t, it’s a bit of a mess still. I wish I’d been firmer earlier but I was repeatedly told they didn’t discuss birth plans until 36 weeks. Now I realise that’s a lie and they just don’t discuss birth plans!

Oh dear. You could ask for a different midwife?

I’ve only seen the midwife twice. My next appointment is Monday and I’m hoping to raise it then but it seems awfully late in the day?

Are you the OP with a name change @Justtheskies?

I'm really sorry to hear that. In which hospital & city are you?

Maybe try asking for advice from this NGO, they might be able to recommend you a hospital or consultant nearby to approve your c-section or give advice on how to best push for it in your current hospital: www.birthrights.org.uk/advice-factsheets/request-advice/

Also, I recently read in a support group for c-section choice, that it could help to write down in a letter your reasons and position, and give that to the midwife/consultant. You can write why you want a c-section, for example, mention mental health, anxiety or tokophobia if that is an issue, mention that you are aware of the risks of both options and that you still feel safer and think it will be best for your health and baby health, etc. Apparently, that work in some cases, and is something tangible the midwife can add to your file, plus that way the hospital cannot pretend you did not clearly asked for it.

The support group mentioned is this one if anyone is interested: www.facebook.com/groups/403330643071622

Forgot to tag you in the previous message @Ahorsecalledseptember. Good luck, I hope the letter technique helps.