ELCS in Belfast

[Toddlermumni]

I suffer from severe tokophobia as well as a long history of anxiety and depression.
I attempted to give birth naturally with my first but had a near mental breakdown in the middle of it. It took about 36 hours and ended in emergency caesarean. The whole thing was awful and hazy. I had very bad post natal depression and ocd afterwards which ultimately impacted my first days of motherhood..
If I had tokophobia then I have it far worse now. I would love a second baby but I absolutely don't want to go through it again so would be very happy with ELCS as I found physical recovery very easy.
Does anyone know if I can have it in NI? I just moved here from England so not completely familiar with the dynamics. The idea of having to give birth naturally horrible especially after the first one.

I had an emergency C section in 2014 and when I was pregnant in 2022 I got to choose if I wanted an ELCS as I had previously has a C section. This was in Craigavon but I would imagine they would have the same rules across the different health trusts in NI.

Hi, I'm a student midwife in NI. Speak to your community midwife about your birth choices and they may refer you to the birth choices clinic to discuss the possibility of an ELCS.

Just read that you had a previous emergency section. Usually the doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits of an ELCS vs VBAC at one of your antenatal appts

Thank you. And would they likely listen to me or are c-sections seen unnecessary by default unless there is a medical need?

Thank you, that's reassuring!

I'm in NI and had my babies at the Ulster. I had a (very relaxed) EMCS on my first, and at my booking appointment on my second I said I wanted an ELCS and no one mentioned a VBAC to me after that. I don't think you'll have any issues at all with your history.

The number one reason for ELCS is a previous section. They should listen to you and I hope you get the birth you want!