Consultant anxiety - one for mums who have had c sections

[steben]

Hi all, some reassurance/experiences needed. I have my consultant appt next week and I am becoming increasingly anxious about it.

I suppose from some of the stuff I have read on here I really don't know what to expect. I had a fairly tough time with DD which ended in a EMCS after about 30 hours - (2 weeks overdue, failure to progress past 4cm, epidural, induction drip) - she was back to back and in a terrible position (was also a 10lb whopper) and the surgeon said when he pulled her out she would never have come out the natural way!

I want a planned CS - I don't want a VBAC and have made up my mind. However I am scared they will refuse/pressure me into VBAC etc...

I will also be attending the appointment alone as DP is away and I don't know if that will put me at a disadvantage

Has anyone just had a straightforward yes? Or do you always get pressured/talked out of it?

Also posted in Childbirth.

If you've already had a CS you (I believe) are allowed to have another if you are adamant. I had an emergency one with DS and elective with DD and although the midwives etc insinuated that I would have no reason not to have a normal delivery. I saw the consultant once and her first words were "So, do you want me to book you in for C-section?" I wasn't expecting that! She wrote it in the book and I had a date 2 minutes later.
I found the elective much much better. You can have them note down your wishes in the pre-op appointment and on the morning of the birth itself. DD was placed onto my chest, my wishes were respected and I was able to attempt breastfeeding in recovery. Would recommend it .
Good luck!

Surely they will always tell you about health risks of a (repeat) cesarean. i think docs just think a VBAC is "better" and also think about costs.

But your case is pretty clear. You will get your CS. Just stand your ground.

Be persistent and do not waiver they cannot make you have a VBAC and if consultant not helpful speak to the supervisor of midwives.

When I had my attempted VBAC and had certain things in my birth plan the one at my hospital was very nice and told me to call her if the consultant didn't respect my wishes.

If you put it in writing and they refuse and you can make a complaint.

Had EMCS with DD1. (She was 14 days overdue and all induction didn't work then she got stuck).
Went for consultant appt with DD2, admittedly this was on her due date, and he just said, 'right no way this one coming out on own, we'll book you in.

Up till then I had thought would try for VBAC, but actually, I didn't believe it would ever happen.

I think if I had said sooner I wanted an ECS, would have been easier all round!

Hope it all goes ok for you OP, sure it will.

I didn't encounter any problems. Had EMCS (for very similar reasons to you) with my first, tried for VBAC with second but ended up in same situation as with first dc. This time VBAC wasn't even mentioned by GP, Midwife, or Consultant and I'd expected to have to fight my corner. Just be firm even if there is any discussion.

I was in exactly the same position as you and a CS was no problem at all . I said I'd had flashbacks, the birth affected my bonding with DS and that I would rather not have the baby than go through labour. Also said I couldn't sleep for worry etc. I made it clear that I was aware of the alternatives and understood the process/ risks etc. she said yes within about 3 mins.

Good luck x

Thanks everyone - needingsomeadvice that would be my ideal scenario I am expecting to have a fight on my hands and I am not looking forward to it. I just want a date - I won't change my mind and I really feel like I could just relax and enjoy the rest of this pregnancy if this was not hanging over my head.

Obviously I know anything could happen in terms of health/baby coming early etc...

Hello steben, I had similar experience with my first - EMCS. Like you this time around I am adamant i want a c-section. I raised this at my appts early on at the hospital, initially they did say I should think about it a bit more (?!) so I asked to see the Consultant (am single mum, so was on my own at all appts) and told her I was fairly sure the surgeon the first time had recommended future CS. They got out my notes - I insisted on waiting whilst they did this at the same appt! - and the surgeon had written something along those lines. They then agreed to CS. At my 30-week appt I asked to get a date fixed there and then as I know the dates can get full, again I was asked if I was sure I didn't want a VBAC or to wait until 36 week appt to set a date. I insisted and they put the date for me. I have asked the Consultant if there are any scenarios in which I would have to labour and she said only if labour going very, very fast and it seems better that baby comes out vaginally. But this is unlikely given I will go in at the earliest twinge of labour before the date and given the length of my first labour. Good luck!

I had an emcs with last pregnancy and with this one they said it was completely up to me if I wanted an elcs this time. I'm completely undecided at this time, I'm 16 weeks. They said that they wanted me to decide by 28 or 32 (cant remember but its in my notes) weeks I think just so there was some kind of plan if I went into labour early, but even then I could change my mind if I wanted.

I saw my consultant last week, was scared like you. Very unsure what I wanted tbh.
Had a emcs last time due to the epidural slowing things down and dilation not progressing from 6cm....
Thought that my only option this time would be easier to have elcs. Consultant said as I laboured normally with my first ds (emcs with 2nd) then its likely I should be fine for vbac this time.
Although I felt no pressure from him that it was vbac or nothing, he just kindly pointed out all the pros and cons of having a second cs.
I feel happy trying for vbac, but I have until week 30-32 to let them know.

You may find that as you have never delivered vaginally they will see it from your point of view more and you can go ahead with elcs.

But don't be scared! Just ask all the questions you want and see how it goes, they know as much as you that it's your body your rules. :)
Lots of luck x

Thanks all I will report back!

Steben your story is almost identical to mine with my ds! He was 15 days late, had to be induced, never worked, baby was back to back which was just the most horrendous pain, ended up with emergency cs and 9lb 5oz ds. I am now pg again and have met with my consultant already. She asked me what I wanted to do and said based on the last birth it was highly unlikely I would have a VBAC and would probably book me in for a section. I've to see her again at 30 weeks to put a definite plan into action but there was no pressure to opt for VBAC. I think you'll be absolutely fine x

Steben your story is almost identical to mine with my ds! He was 15 days late, had to be induced, never worked, baby was back to back which was just the most horrendous pain, ended up with emergency cs and 9lb 5oz ds. I am now pg again and have met with my consultant already. She asked me what I wanted to do and said based on the last birth it was highly unlikely I would have a VBAC and would probably book me in for a section. I've to see her again at 30 weeks to put a definite plan into action but there was no pressure to opt for VBAC. I think you'll be absolutely fine x