Elective C Section advice requested

[JoJoManon]

Hi all
Can anyone help in a hopefully non judgemental way!
I have a massive fear of childbirth (among other things) so have requested an elective c section from the Chelsea & Westminster. They have said they don't offer that unless it's psychological. They have now made an appointment with the peri natal team and also with a consultant. (Have already had one consultant appointment on it) Has anyone pushed for one and what have you said to convince them? I'm trying all sorts but I don't think the new NICE guidelines will help my cause and that is why they referred me to another consultant.

If anyone has any advice on what you said to the consultant or the perinatal tea, which resulted in being offered a C Section, no matter how reluctantly, please let me know. I'll say anything!

(What I'm not looking for people to say that childbirth isn't that bad and epidurals will take the pain away etc because this isn't really the reason I want a section)

Many thanks so much in advance.
Jo

I wasn't at C&W but another big London hospital. I requested a c section at 32 weeks as I have a vomit phobia - if I feel sick I pass out. I was also being treated for antenatal depression and my mental health midwife supported my request due to my circumstances (pregnant and single). Not sure if there's anything specific you can say as it's down to individual cases I suspect. They will probably offer you some counselling.

Isn't a massive fear "psychological" - what on earth else can it mean?
Do research so you can show you are not blind to the risks of elcs. But keep reiterating your panic etc. I wouldn't give up till you get what you want.
I have had two elcs and have recovered well, bf etc so I am going to present a positive view - I know others might disagree!

It sounds like if you've been referred to the perinatal mental health team that that's the right people for you to see - I guess they'll be assessing whether you really do meet the hospital's definitions for an elective cesarean.

The NICE guidelines state that any woman should be able to have a cesarean and that if a consultant doesn't want to do it they should refer to someone who will. However they are just guidelines, hospitals don't have to follow them.

See how it goes with the mental health people and then you can always start waving the guidelines at them if you still don't get your ELCS.