Support thread for those of us who are requesting an ELCS after a previous traumatic delivery

[withorwithoutyou]

Hello everyone.

I have noticed a lot of threads regarding requesting ELCS lately, probably because I am in the process of trying to request one myself!

I just wondered if it might be useful for us to have a support thread where we can talk this all through as I know it can be a challenging process to go through.

Can I please also ask in the nicest possible way that anybody contributing to this thread can respect our desire for ELCS over VB? Thank you!

Anyway, I'll start - I have one DD, born 20 months ago by forceps after failed ventouse. She weighed 9 pounds 11 and I am concerned this one will be heavier! I am 30 weeks and have my first consultants appt tomorrow where I will be requesting an ELCS!

It might be worth trying to suss out what your consultant is like before you see him/her?

Maybe ask your m/w if she knows, or you could even do a thread on here asking - there are often "what's Mr xxxx at xxx general like?" threads on here. Another m/w gave me an idea of what my consultant was like that way and that was quite reassuring (basically that he was fairly pro c-s).

Sorry, I meant another mnetter!

NanBullen, I am 40, and MW said I wouldn't be automatically referred to a consultant. The reasons I was referred was because of 3rd degree tear, 2nd degree tear and previous molar pregnancy. When I saw my consultant at the beginning, she was quite clear that she was anti c-section, and was happy to sign me off as a straightforward birth.

Waited an hour and a half today for my appointment, was on the verge of leaving but knew that I would bottle it next time.

They didn't have my notes from previous birth so I explained as much as possible to the midwife(was different midwife than before) she was very simpathetic and said she had been through basically the same experience TWICE.

Then the consultant came into the room, not the usual consultant as the caseload was so busy today he had help. She was younger than me I think. The midwife thankfully explained to her all that we had just spoken about and my concerns with this birth.

She said the usual I expect elcs is risky but not anymore risky than an instrumental delivery. She explained the risks with surgery and I informed her that i am a theatre nurse and well aware of risks with surgery and anaesthetics.

She basically said that if I wish elcs then I will probably get one but I have to go back and see her(or the other consultant) at 36wks.

In the meantime the midwife is going to personally look into the where abouts of my previous notes.

I do have a 34wk scan to see if my placenta has moved up so fingers crossed that it is lying low enough to help my case.

I did think from what the consultant said that I should be able to go ahead with elcs.

Fingers crossed.

Here's hoping I get a pro c section consultant then!

Annoying though, it shouldn't really come down to the personal preferences of the consultant, the decision should be down to whats best for the patient

Mumtoblaire your appointment sounds like it was really promising, that's great. It's frustrating I know when they allude that you shouldn't have a problem getting one but then won't tell you for sure til much later.

I do think that sounds really encouraging though, keep us posted on what happens.

Nanbullen, I agree, it's so silly that people can have their fate decided basically upon the whim of whichever consultant they see. Do remember that if yours is against c-s you can request to see another one.

Hey all - sorry to see people are still being left hanging with these decisions. I mean fine to not give a date, but to refuse to agree a plan of action seems callous to me given the reasons we have all requested the elcs.

I have been lurking even when not posting Am just checking in now to say my recovery is going really well so far at 10 days post section.

I have had no pain (at all), discomfort or soreness from my tummy or scar area for many days now. I am still taking my volterol painkillers because I have horrid nipple pain and bleeding from the breastfeeding. I am mildly (though painfully) amused at the irony that my major abdominal surgery has caused me nowhere near the pain that a baby feeding from me is doing.

I am still resting as much as possible while my MIL then parents are around. I feel I could do loads but I know I should make the most of help to maximise recovery - and the wee man is determined to feed all night so I'm knackered anyway.

I cannot emphasize enough the difference to my first birth - I am enjoying the first week of DS's life in a way I never imagined possible. The bf pain is the only cloud and I had that last time as well. I've had visitors this week and have been enjoying reading and surfing while feeding - my memory of last time is pain, pain, tears and more pain.

Hoping and praying you all get good experiences too and will continue following the thread- nearly there for some of you! Hope it's not too anxious, I nearly camped out in the hospital carpark I was so scared it would kick off before my elcs date.

Thanks for posting lovethesea, I was just wondering today how you guys were getting on a week or so post elcs.

Good to hear that everything is sooo much better than last time.

Hi Lovethesea, I've been lurking too! So pleased to hear that your recovery is going so well. Sympathies about the nipple pain and BF. I had exactly the same, I was taking my pain relief for the cracked nipples rather than the CS wound! Things should hopefully get much better in that area very soon, I seem to remember that the worst was over after a couple of weeks.

I was pretty much completely back to normal at 4 weeks, and then caught a hacking cough in the last week. I'm now a bit sore again which is frustrating, I think it's muscle strain down there from all the coughing. Hopefully will be back to rights again soon.

Good luck to everyone still waiting for appointments and decisions, hang in there. One good final argument I once came across (but luckily never had to use) was to state that a VB would have to be enforced against your wishes, and that you therefore expect the hospital to take responsibility for any further damage. Put it in writing if need be too. Hopefully the sudden fear of possible litigation would outweigh fears of CS rates/costs for the consultant.

ealey - hope that cough shifts soon. I had two in pregnancy that got so bad I pulled muscles in my rib cage Much sympathy [offers chocolate smiley]

Your suggestion of the 'against my will' letter is really good too. Hopefully no one will have to use it but it might make the more glib reassurances dry up.

Lovethesea and Ealey, it's so reassuring to hear how good your recoveries have been. Sorry to hear about the b/feeding pain though Lovethesea. I remember it well and I'm not looking forward to it. I hope it heals up and improves soon.

Only 8 days now til my ELCS - I can't believe we're having another baby next week, I just don't feel ready at all. Trying not to do too much this week as DD and I normally get out of the house quite a lot it's already proving a bit of a challenge keeping her amused. I really don't want to do too much though as I don't fancy early labour at all.

Hi everyone - hope you are all OK - I have been up and down with SPD and only managing 4 hours sleep at the most at once with it but not long to go. Been seeking some support on the SPD sofa thread so thats been helpful.

Lovethesea wow 8 days! I am 2 days after you and getting a panicky at all the bits of jobs that need doing that I cant manage and relying on DH to do! Arggh!

I am going to try and go through my hospital bags this week and just double check Ive got everything.

Sorry not lovethesea withorwithoutyou LOL (baby brain) IM 2 days after you !

It's the final countdown .....

lovethesea am now singing 80's rock hit in my head LOL

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_IKcMl_a9A

Thats the one!!!

Thanks for implanting that song in my brain, I have a horrible feeling it will be stuck there until cs day!

Sorry to hear about your b'feeding pain, lovethesea. I am more nervous about that than the c-section, at the moment.

Can I admit to the fact that I haven't even packed my hospital bag yet I think I am using it as a way of stalling going into labour early!

It really is the final countdown!

Hazeyjane, I am all head in the sand at the moment too. Have done hospital bag, washed clothes and sheets etc etc.

But fundamentally am totally unprepared. The friend who agreed to look after DD if we end up rushing to hospital before my ELCS date now has to go to a funeral for three nights starting on Thursday. I haven't actually arranged anything else, basically vaguely thinking that if it all kicks off then DH will have to drive DD and I to the hospital then stay outside with DD until my parents do the 4 hour drive to get here.

Obviously that would be rubbish, as he'd probably miss the birth, but I almost feel like if I make any plans I will have to use them. If that makes any sense at all? Probably not.

Thinking as my parents arrive the night before my c-s DH and I might actually go out early evening as it will be our last opportunity for a while. Prob just go to the pub at the end of our road for dinner, but I think if we don't go out I will be sitting and stewing.

What did all you ELCS graduates do the night before, just out of interest?

Trying to remember now ... erm, night before... I remember feeling calmer that it was almost happening. I had my 'last supper' before the fast, drank a lot of water until midnight, took my antacid tablet as instructed, made sure I hadn't left a glass of water next to my bed as normal so I didn't ruin the fast.

I think MIL got DD off to bed and then I browsed online and aimed for sleep. I recall planning on watching a DVD with DH but he had to go into the office to finish off some work so he wasn't home until nearly midnight. To be honest I didn't mind as I was just so focused on the next day.

My bags were packed and lined up on the landing ready to grab, I had said Bye to DD so we could slip out at 0615 without disturbing her. I do remember some excitement managing to creep in too

Lovethesea, thanks for that. I'm sad I won't be able to see DD before I go, unless I accidentally wake her up I guess!!!

Did your DD visit you in hospital at all? I've never spent a night away from DD before so not looking forward to that part at all.

We had the grandparents down to babysit our toddler (they needed to be here for the CS anyway), so we and the hubbie went out for dinner the night before. It was nice to get out of the house, and meant that I brooded less! Although I wasn't that anxious the night before, two nights before was worse! Lovethesea is right, you just want to get on with it by the night before.

DS visited me in hospital about 4 hours after the CS, and every day after that until I came home. I was a bit worried about him visiting while I was in the high dependency ward, but he wasn't bothered by it at all.

I meant to say 'me and the hubbie'

Thanks Ealey, that's really interesting. Didn't realise they could visit in HDU. I've been worrying I won't be able to see her the day of my c-s. I've got my pre-op tomorrow so will ask them all about it then.

Just got back from my first session of traumatic birth counselling with hospitals clinical pyschologist. She suggested getting a letter from a hospital psychologist stating why elcs is imp in this case. ( I am moving out of area so future baby won't be at hospital that said I could probably have one). She has agreed to write me one to take with me when I move which is great and a weight of my mind. So ladies try and get such a letter too to add weight to your requests?

Hi everyone - I've been lurking too - I'm 11 days post-elcs now & have never felt better! I don't have any pain & thankfully seem to be through the worst of the pain on the bf front too! DS is just fab & I am loving motherhood! He slept from 11.50pm till 06.10am the again till 09.30am this morning! He's been really chilled so far, feel v lucky & hope it continues! He even put on weight at his first weigh in!

I'm going to be v frustrated at not being able to drive for a further 4 wks especially as DH doesn't drive. Anyone been able to start earlier if you've had a previous c-s - any advice? Might ring my insurance co to find out if there's any way I can drive before the 6 wks are up.

not long now withor and mookle!!