elective c-section .. where to go?

[ranirani]

It's my first pregnancy, and I have a very LOW pain threshold. I have always been terrified of labour pain, whatever anyone may say. It actually put me off of getting pregnant in the first place. Now I am 34 y.o. so not a spring chicken which makes it more difficult. I'd rather opt for a c-section, but I am not sure I can get it just by talking to my midwife. Does anyone know how much would it cost if to do it privately and which hospitals provide this kind of service???? Please help!!

I had an emcs 1st then an elcs, I hated hated hated the elcs, wasn't a nice fluffy experience at all, much worse than the emcs, for me going into it cold was awful, and the actual section itself wasn't a bundle of laughs.

If I had another baby would deffo try for a vba2c, with proviso that any signs of distress etc would lead straight to c-section.

Is there a word for fear of c-section lol

Btw the person who said spinal anaesthesia lasts 24 hours is wrong, mine wore off after about 2 hours, else you would be paralysed for 24 hours. They do give you morphine though mmmm hazy, good job I was a good girl and never tried heroin lol.

And Btw the private bit of the hospital I wotked at was laughable, you paid what £400? quid a night for a doily on your tray, a proper quilt and ok your own room, which I suppose to some people might be worth it. They even got the same food as the plebs in the ward next door.

twinkle,
I'm between two consultants: Demetrios Economides and Hazem el Refaey. I know Mark Lupton is still available, but his secretary doesn't like to return phone calls...at this point there aren't very many consultants available to deliver my baby around the 20th of sept...but it looks like he'll be delivered between the last week of august and the first week of sept depending on what else is defective with my body.

do you know anyone who is still available?

twinkle,
you are a well of knowledge aren't ya? i'll look them up tomorrow morning before i put my deposit down with el refaey. but to be honest i feel most comfortable at the chelsea and westminster. (i'm incredibly picky)...

Ranirani

You really are not too old to have a vaginal birth. I can't quiet remember the stats but age in itself doesn't start being an issue for birth until after 40 and it's still not much.

I had my first son at 37 and my second at 39 without any lasting damage.

Age is a big factor actually, according to the www.csections.org website. Only 13% of mothers under 20 have caesareans, but the rate increases to 28% for those aged 35-39 and 33% for mothers over 40.

Twinkle
You don't know who "genuinely needs it". Walk in those women's shoes before you judge them. I'm glad your birth was marvellous but for many women it is really traumatic, even if it may not appear that big a deal to an outsider. It's the biggest event of our lives in many ways and we all react to it differently
To the OP, I would disregard the "I was running around the ward two hours later" comments
That is very unusual, I was in quite a lot of pain after my two for a few days and that would be more the norm, despite painkillers. Also bear in mind that if you want lots of children cses get more risky every time. But if you have the cash to go private then good luck to you!

Ranirani, get yourself booked into Queen Charlotte as a matter of urgency. (unless you happen to be in the catchment in which case I think you can just request it)

Queen Charlotte is fab, and they are quite willing to do sections. Some hospitals are not. They also have a nice birthing centre if you change your mind and decide to go hippy chick natural style.

I had an elective section at Queen Charlotte and they are fab.

Do you know what your choice of hospitals is?

Ditto on on the Queen Charlotte. Fab fab fab. Wonderful staff on the wards, wonderful anaesthetist and consultant (Mr Kumar).

I had Kumar too. Didn't want a caesar but had to have one (praevia and twins) but he was fab and got me through a very tricky pregnancy. I think he's quite pro c section and the private ward is excellent (nice rooms, good food). Plus my scar is absolutely tiny, which isn't the be all and end all, but does help. I have friends who are hip to hip and feel like they've been butchered.

And as AthenaNoctua says, the birth centre is supposed to be excellent, so that's an option if you did change your mind or want to consider alternatives.

The only downside to Q C's is that it is in the absolute MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. Unless you count Wormwood Scrubs there really is nothing else.

ranirani, if you want an elective CS you need to get in there and book a surgeon now. Mine is booked out from 6-7 weeks onwards. The best are all like that.

I can really, really recommend Mr. Teoh from the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Paddington. All scans & CS & aftercare wil be around £ 8k. I'd stay away from the Portland, etc. but would rather opt for St. Mary's because it has an NHS emergency department should things go wrong you'll be in the best hands there.

Cat me and I can give you all details. You don't need to pay him straightaway, I've been seeing him since February and haven't paid a peep yet. He is very careful, explains really well and is totally non-judgemental. If you tell him you want a CS, you'll get a CS. He might ask for reasons, but he will totally support you as you are the client and he will help you.

yeah, I've only ever heard amazing things about Teoh. I tried to get him when I found out I was pregnant (at 14 weeks) and he was completely booked.

I had a NHS section, 3 times all different the last one and this one planned. Couldn't fault it at all....just wish i hadn't gained so much weight in pg!!!!

can you go to QC as NHS if you live way out of catchment? what do you do/say to GP etc?

twelvelegs,
talk about weight gain! i've never been so huge.

I bet I win with 6 stones, from under six stone to start!!!!

you can try and transfer to QC but they are pretty popular! Give it a try tho.

Dinny, you can if you have the support of your GP. I live in Sunbury, which is definitely not in their catchment... but then I can be very annoying.

twelvelegs,
nope i win! i started with 8 stones and now i'm 15....

op, my mother in law had both her children here in london and had elective c sections both times on the nhs. she RAVES about how great the experiences were.

damn and blast.

any exp of St George's?

ranirani, if you are worried about the cost, I'd hammer your GP to refer you to St. Mary's Paddington NHS. There are fabulous and experienced surgeons there apart from Mr. Teoh. He's the total star but he's got that reputation for a reason: he's handled loads of multiple, complicated, dangerous births and cared for babies who needed intensive care/treatment.

The 'B'-Team at St. Mary's is good, too. This is the hospital with the best emergency services in London. Princess Diana gave birth in it. They are very well staffed at all hours and you do not have to worry about some junior doctor butchering you.

Either way, I hope you've started calling round and booking in or you might find your choices diminished. Wishing you luck!

what is the B team, Alexa?

can GP refer from a long way away?