After much thought have decided I DON'T want a VBAC, how do I go about getting an elective section?

[ZamMummy]

I'm 19 weeks pg with DC2. DS was born 18m ago by emergency CS after 36hr labour. After much thought, research and heartache I have decided I want an elective this time - how likely is this to happen and how is it arranged, do I have to wait till 30+ weeks?
Haven't had booking appt yet as am overseas, will be back in UK at 24 weeks to sort everything out.
Any tips very gratefully received!

Just arrange to see a consultant at your hospital via your GP as soon as you can. State your case, listen to her/his advice and try and get a provisional date booked in, eg for 39 weeks. My consultant told me I could change my mind at any time until the day of the operation, and it does give you peace of mind and breathing space.

It's unlikely to be a problem at most hospitals -- just say when you do get a booking appointment that you have thought about it a lot, done the research and want to have a second c-section. They may want to discuss it again at 36 weeks or so, but then they'd want to do that if you wanted a VBAC too.

I've just had an elective section on thursday after an emergency one with ds 19 months ago. I mentioned it to my mw that i had decided to have elective and she just arranged an appointment at the hospital with a consultant at 36 weeks and i was 39 weeks when i has ds2.

dont' have heartache, zammummy, I wish I'd had enough sense to do the same; ds2 was, surprise surprise, and emC too and I wish I 'd done the sensible/easy thing and not insisted on VBAC ... no one comes round on the maternity ward with a medal if you do have one, you know. And at least you know to expect for the next 6 weeks.

good luck to yer

Stick to your guns. My midwife was awful at my last appointment, had a right go at me for not giving VBAC a try. Am seeing a consultant at 24 weeks and I think it's pretty straighforward, hope so anyway. There's no way I'm pushing this one out! Nearly lost the last one because of stupid midwives making me 'have a go'.

I had emergency C section with ds1 then elective with ds2. For the elective I had to see a midwife at the hospital, I talked through both options (knowing that I wanted elective) and showed that I had weighed it all up carefully.

Consultant was female and I had to then talk to her, again talked it all through (mainly her pointing out all the negatives) I was 22 weeks pregnant and she wanted me to come back at 34 weeks to discuss it again. I explained that I would not change my mind, that I had been thinking about it for the last 2 years even before I was pregnant and I didn't want to attempt a VBAC. Childcare also being an issue!!!!

Had elective C section, it was great because it was all planned so I had childcare in place for ds1 etc and it made me realise how much of an emergency my first one must have been because the elective was so calm

You have to ask for cons app to get one booked in, if you can take someone in for support it will help you. I asked for section for no 2 and was point blank refused as 'policies had changed', then on arrival at hosp - already 12hours early labour and waters breaking was told I should have had choice but 'no electives today'. A further 36 hours and one stuck baby i ended up having an emergency section anyway. Dont be bullied. This time round went in with DH expecting a battle and they suggested straight to section - oh the relief.
Good luck, hope you get what you want.

Just ask for a consultant referral and tell the consultant you want one. If the midwife gives you any stick tell her to bugger off! It's your body, your baby. Also if you can ask for a confirmed date by 30 weeks.

Ask the consulatnt. I imagine he (or she) will be delighted. My second and third sections were elective and it was decided at the booking in appointment. Then didn't see a soul until the day I went into hospital (I don't do antenatal stuff)

having the same problem .doctor i saw at 10 weeks ok a bit early i know wasnt interested in what i had to say .told me that they will attempt a vbac. ithought to myself you must be joking.so back to hospital in jan i will be 22wks and i am not leaving until i have a appointment for a c section i dont see why i should have to go through all the blood sweat and tears and still end up with a em c section like i did the first time stick to your guns and you will get what you want good luck

Agree with everyone else, ask to be reffered to the consultant.
Having had a CS previously you should find it easier to have either birth, IME.
My midwives said to me both times after my first CS 'have you thoguht about how you want to give birth this time' like it's a straightforward choice!

I am in same postion as you, when you see, MW/GP ask for a referral to a consultant, as you have already had and emergency section I think you are calssified as high risk anyway and get automatically referred. I am seeing mine at 20 weeks so fingers crossed will get a date then.