Private Consultant Recommendations (minimal intervention)

[Narnarn]

Hello! I’m trying to decide on a consultant (Lindo/Portland/UCLH) but hoping to hear of recommendations for consultants with a minimal intervention approach. I would like the continuity of care / seeing the same consultant throughout, but I really just don’t want to deal with being pressured to have an early induction or a c-section (if not medically necessary). I’ve had a few conversations with consultants already, and it seems some are far more likely to intervene than others, so hoping to hear of any experiences from other mothers!

Before it comes up: I am not looking for a midwife led unit. I also had terrible experience with antenatal care on NHS so am not considering it going forward.

I’m sorry you had bad experience on nhs. However I’d say it’s very consultant dependent, I’ve had 3 kids on nhs, and I’ve been talked at a lot for the induction and I was adamant that I don’t want it unless they can outline my individual risk. I also had an amazing consultant and she was not pressuring me, then she retired, I did had someone bad then luckily I met another lovely one who laid out objective facts for me to decide. In the end I did have an induction for my 3rd, it was failed and then my natural labour came up which saved me from a c section. Looking back I wish I didn’t do it, however when it hits 42 weeks, the stake becomes a bit higher, and it’s hard to determine right way to go ahead.

I think most private consultant are more accommodating if you tell them what you want. One thing you could also try is read their bio, usually they would lay out their approach. Whoever you end up with, with induction it’s a matter of risk vs intervention. There’s no right or wrong answer and I’m with you on no induction unless medically necessary, especially if you had previous long gestation.

Good luck in your journey!

If your aim is low intervention would you consider a private midwife? Some have reciprocal agreements with local units so they can look after you in a labour as well, others just attend in a supportive capacity.