Elective c section- advice?

[Pink Pamplemousse]

Hello, just looking for a bit of advice. I'm currently 36+2 weeks and pregnant with my second child.

My daughter was almost 2 weeks overdue so I was induced. Long story short- pessary failed, waters were broken 30 hours after this, hormone drip followed. Held out on an epidural and when I eventually had one it only worked on one side. Labour was very slow to progress, almost ended in c-section but managed to deliver- forceps and then a significant PPH. I found the whole induction pretty stressful and traumatic to be honest.

Discussed my concerns with my midwife, said I'm happy to go for vaginal birth if labour happens spontaneously but reluctant to have another induction. For this reason and following discussion with obstetrician, I've been booked for an elective c section at 39+3 weeks.

I feel my midwife thinks c section isn't necessary as 'second births are usually quicker and easier'. I know only I can make this decision but I really don't know what to do for the best. Ultimately I want the safest birth for both baby and me. I'm worried about recovery post c section but the thought of being induced again fills me with dread, should labour not happen spontaneously!

If anyone has been in a similar and wouldn't mind sharing their stories and advice it would be really appreciated x

@Pink Pamplemousse oh no!!!!! That's so unfair 😫 especially after getting yourself all psyched up! How dare they try and guilt trip too when 1. They booked YOU in and 2. It's obvious it's only not going ahead because it's too busy! (Nothing wrong with 26th percentile btw, there's 25 under him!).

How're you feeling today? Really hope you're okay and however he gets here goes well (on second attempt...) x

I know- I feel so stupid, essentially I've been made to feel like it's MY fault?!

Thanks for the support, really unsure as to what's going to happen now. The thing is even if I labour naturally it could still end in an EMCS anyway 😂

@Pink Pamplemousse you've got absolutely nothing to feel stupid about!! (I meant they were in the wrong to use the 26th as the reason, so not on AND you're full term) - I'm just so sorry for all the faff!!

How're you doing today? Hope you've got your feet up x

Bloody hell that’s horrible OP! So they’ve rebooked you for 41 weeks? I would get an appointment with your midwife and lay it on really thick just how much this has affected you. It’s very bad for your mental health to be messed around like this and also not have your wishes respected at such a vulnerable time. My ELCS was considered a maternal request and there was never any suggestion of cancelling on the day because I supposedly didn’t need one. Im so upset for you! Do not feel bad or guilty, speak to your midwife and make clear this is not acceptable.

Aww thankyou @MummyJ36 and @dkedm15 💜 I've made a lengthy written complaint to the hospital this morning and I'll get in touch with my midwife this afternoon. The consultant I saw yesterday said she'd rebook the c section for the end of next week but then disappeared without telling me any further details?! So it's all a bit in limbo.

I've woken up today feeling a bit low and my 4 year old isn't too happy as she said I've tricked her about the baby coming 😂 so I think we'll head out for a big walk and some fresh air today to take our minds off it all!

X

How're things @Pink Pamplemousse ? Hope you're okay! Xx

Aw thanks for asking @dkedm15 😊

In a complete turn around, I ended up being induced and it was actually a really positive experience this time, despite being adamant 'never again!'.

I had my waters broken as I was 2cm dilated already, then contractions were slow to start so I went on the hormone drip. From contractions properly starting it was about 3.5 hours until our little boy joined us, weighing 9lb 8oz- so not the 25th percentile baby they'd predicted at my growth scans!

I had an epidural as soon as I went on the drip but unfortunately it didn't work. I was able to manage on gas and air this time and thankfully no forceps or PPH.

My little boy is now 18 days old and doing really well, so a much more positive experience this time round 😊

Oh wow so you decided to go for vaginal after all?

@BiscuitLover3678 Yes- I was never 100% on the elective c-section, I know it would have been fine if I'd had it but I had something at the back of my mind telling me to try vaginal again.

Ultimately I wanted to labour spontaneously, this didn't happen and again I ended up overdue so accepted induction but going in to it this time I knew what to expect. Of course I was apprehensive about another PPH or instrumental delivery but fortunately it didn't happen this time and the labour was very straight forward, I found it pretty healing to be honest 😊.

Glad to hear it all went well.

I've requested my section but also have it slightly in the back of my mind if I go into labour do I try again. I think I've blocked out a lot of what happened last time and actually for me the recovery was worse than labour so I probably should just stick with my section.