Requesting a CS

[Sastra]

Hi all, not sure if anyone has any advice. In a nutshell, I was quite badly abused as a young person, and as a consequence have suffered a lot with depression anxiety and PTSD.

The thought of giving birth in the usual way really terrifies me. I want to request a CS but I don't know how to go about this, or who I speak to? I'm 20 weeks so don't see a midwife for quite a while. Plus I find my midwife generally very dismissive and unfriendly.

I am really feeling quite stuck and panicky. Does anyone have any advice?

Many thanks.

Do you have your MH issues recorded in your maternity notes? Should have been discussed/asked about during booking appointment (all my MH issues are right at the front of my notes so they can't be missed, e.g. prof not to weigh me unless they are very concerned due to ED etc). I'm guessing that your ptsd is linked directly to the abuse and therefore I would imagine that you have a strong case for an elcs (not that I have any experience in that area) If your midwife is dismissive could you go through your GP/psych (if you see one)

I think you need to be very clear with prof that due to your past history you feel that giving birth will most likely trigger ptsd/depression etc. My experience of MH issues is that you have to kind of spell out what you need sometimes, if you know that CS will be best for you then tell them x

Sastra there's an ongoing thread on the Childbirth section entitled Petrified of Birth, I have tokophobia myself and have posted there along with other similar women. It would probably be really helpful to you. I have been granted an ELCS for when I'm 39 weeks in October, I've written all about it on other thread. Also happy to PM if you like x

Thanks for your reply. Yes, there is a mention of depression and anxiety, and the abuse is quite clearly in my medical notes ( that was a bit of a shocker when they just printed them out with no warning). My mother suffered from very serious PND with both of her pregnancies too.

I am seeing the " antenatal doctor" at the surgery next week after my 20 week scan. I'm not really sure what this is for, but do you think it would be an appropriate time to ask?