VBAC v elC

[eml71]

I posted this question in another conversation but realized that is probably not ideal since it distracts from the original conversation ...
So, my issue is that at just over 28 weeks I have been fighting to get to see a consultant as I am on my second pregnancy and my first delivery was an emergency C-section. I wanted to talk to the consultant about delivery options, most likely that I would request a c-section this time around.
I did consider it, but realized I do not feel confident enough for a VBAC. I think it's a really admirable choice if you feel supported and empowered to try.
For our first child we tried to have a natural birth outside of hospital and due to mechonium and stalled labor after 24 hours, which then caused fetal distress, I needed to have a c-section. This was also after 2 inductions of gel. And because I wasn't booked for the hospital, I had no connection there, I was left alone by the staff for the first few hours which was frightening. Therefore, this time I feel very guarded about trying VBAC, as much as I think it can be a wonderful thing.
Our issue is that when we spoke to the midwife about seeing a consultant we were told from our midwife that if we tried to get a c-section 'we would face a fight'. I ended up switching midwives after that conversation because I think every choice should be considered by the midwives, and that support is integral to a positive birth.
That conversation with our midwife happened around 20 weeks and we are still trying to get a consultant appt booked. However, our new midwife says it might be after 34 weeks before I get to see anyone. She told us 'it's a healthy pregnancy' each time we ask about it and are told the consultants are busy with people with 'serious issues.' Is this normal NHS behaviour? I feel really sidelined about my choices but wonder if I'm worrying too much.
We are based in Wiltshire. Any thoughts appreciated.

No this is not normal behaviour, as you have already had a c-section you are classified as high-risk and should see a consultant at least once even if it's to say I want a VBAC and be looked after by midwives. Can you ask to talk to the head midwife?

Consider contacting the hospital direct, or go via your GP for a referral if you aren't happy with the midwife?

How rude of them! I am booked in at Salisbury hospital for a VBAC I had twins 5 years ago by emcs 6 weeks early due to pre-eclampsia, so no labour. I may have chosen a VBAC but I would certainly hope that if I had chosen an ELCS then I would be supported in my choice by the midwives/doctors....maybe I am being naieve but My baby, MY body and MY choice.

Hope you get exactly what you want x

Thanks for the feedback. I just made a big stink and finally got my appointment booked to see the consultant. It's the second big stink I've had to make.
Our experience has been really rubbish. Our earlier midwife described me as 'first time pregnancy' in our 3 meeting. The first meeting we discussed the birth of my daughter -- who was also present.
We checked my notes and the last birth was listed as 'normal' so we had several concerns which caused us to move to a second midwife. We don't care for the second midwife at all. She's a cold fish, and seems to hold a grudge that we complained, but she seemed reasonably competent compared to the first one. Hopefully we don't get more backlash for pushing to see the consultant.
BTW, the thread about vbac vs elC seems to show alot of women have had similar issues. It's really too bad, because if a women wants to consider VBAC I think a women needs to be fully supported. I could never seriously consider it now because I don't want to be cared for by one of these cruddy midwives.

Sadly, I think you experience is not that uncommon in the NHS. There are also hospitals who are more willing to listen to the mum's choice. So, not all are bad.

If I were you I would mark up the maternity notes loud and clear stating a clear preference for an elective caesarean. I would copy the notes. I would then hand them to the consultant and let him know I had copied them. If my request for a section was declined (or even discouraged) I would point out that a vaginal birth would be his/her doing and not mine and ask him/her if the hospital was prepared to accept any liability for what could go wrong in a vaginal birth.

This all sounds very harsh, but it not at all disproportionate to the way the hospital has been treating you.

Then, if need be, I would send in a letter restating my absolute unwavering prefrence for a planned c-section.

I had an emergency section, followed by a planned one two years later. For the planned one, no one said I couldn't have one but they did keep putting off scheduleing it. I went to see a consultant at about 20 weeks. She said it was too early to talk about it. I said there was nothing wrong with planning and 36 weeks was way too late to just be thinking about scheduling it. I made it quite clear I was not interested in a VBAC. When I got my notes back she had written something like "Strix wanted to discuss birth options. Concerned about scra rupture. Happy to wait until 36 to make a decision". So, I marked up my notes with my recollection of the conversation, and copied them. And the next guy I saw could obviously see I wasn't going away quietly and he scheduled my section.

So, if you have to stomp your feet, do. Don't let them talk you into something you don't want.

One of the things I pointed out to the consultant was that a planned section was the only way to avoid an emergency, which was my first priority.

Thanks everybody. I will be tough when I go to my appt and be clear about what I want. I kept thinking 34 weeks was leaving it late to plan anything, and kept thinking they did it on purpose.
I don't understand why the hospitals need to be this way with women who have already had a c-section. They could do lots of things to avoid having them occur first time, but forcing us to be all stressed out isn't helpful for anyone.

At the end of my first appointment I got told that I had obviously thought everything through but they would get me in at 34 weeks to discuss it again and book the date. I sat there and said I had made my decision and would like to book the date now so I wouldn't have to spend the rest of my pregnancy worrying about it and then I smiled and sat there. I have a date.

I was really firm when I went today and saw the consultant and we got the date booked. The man I saw was really kind though and didn't push me too much to try VBAC. I was actually impressed after all the fear of dealing with the midwives! YAY.

eml71,
I also had an emergency c-section at for the birth of my son (at Salisbury District Hospital), and one day may be in a similar position to yourself as I would love to have another child.

Without describing the details of my previous labour, I suspect I am unlikely to have a normal birth next time, and I would like to speak to a consultant in early pregnancy to see if vbac is worth persuing,cos I dont fancy going through labour if its a waste of time again, especially due to the added risk of uterine rupture

It is dismaying that they were reluctant to let you see a consultant,and you had to push them to get your appointment. I was under the impression that you were offered a consultant appointment early on if you had a previous c-section, but apparantley not.

If you don't mind me asking, in which part of Wiltshire are the midwives and consultant that you are seeing?

Good news that you got your planned section. All the best with the rest of your pregnancy