Refused c section - what now?

[Jamyesterdayjamtomorrow55]

I'm 36 weeks and yesterday was refused a c section by my consultant. I've been asking since 20 weeks but was told we'd discuss it at 36 weeks.

I had a long and difficult labour with my first baby ending in a forceps delivery. The recovery was very difficult and I don't want to go through it again.

My question is- where does this refusal leave me? My consultant basically said that my hospital trust will not carry out a c section for reasons of fear/anxiety. I was visibly upset in the meeting and I am very upset now. Any advice would be welcome.

I'm expecting to be contacted by a specialist midwife but I think that's just for handholding; not because the decision could be overturned. I see the consultant again in 2 weeks (routine appointment).

Thanks for reading x

i'm in Ireland so can't help in terms of what next but i'd really recommend getting the book "a caesarean birth". it outlines all the pros and cons and risks to mother and baby of C-section vs vaginal delivery and I found it really really helpful in coming to my decision to request a section. on my first I had a 2 day induction, 2 hours pushing, forceps, episiotomy, bad bruising, 11lb baby and long recovery.

what I did was read this book cover to cover and did up a kind of spreadsheet on my laptop of all the relevant info. sounds OTT but I didn't want to enter into the decision lightly and I felt really certain of what I wanted.

after reading the book you might feel better about a vaginal delivery or you might still want a section but at least if they see that you have really thought it through, done your research etc they might take you more seriously.

best of luck.

I had this - similar labour to you.

I came home after a similar appointment and wrote a long letter to both the consultant I saw and the department manager saying that I was fully aware of the risks involved but under NICE guidelines they needed to grant me a section or refer me to a consultant who would. I said if they didn't agree to it I would sue them for material stress and the subsequent depression and pnd I would experience.

They invited me in for another appointment and booked me in for my section. Best experience ever.

Don't give up. Badger and badger! !

I really feel for you. Had a bad birth with DS and was told that a should be able to get an ELCS. Being told no is one of the reasons I've not yet gone for a second child.

Is there another hospital you can ask to go to? Have you spoken to your GP?

Sorry OP, wish I knew what to suggest. Hopefully this will give your post a bump until the right person comes along.

First option i see is make a complaint, quote NICE guidelines - although these are not legally binding they do set down the expectation of what care should be given to meet the emotional and physical wellbeing of patients - if a hospital chooses not to follow them, they need very good reasons and to be able to show how they will still serve to meet your emotional and physical needs, otherwise they leave themselves very open to being sued. - Hence it is very rare for a hospital not to follow NICE guidelines. You'd need to get your complaint fast tracked to get heard.

Second option - demand an immediate fast track referral to another consultant - NICE guidelines state that if your consultant is unwilling to carryout a "maternal request c section" (this is what mental health comes under in the policy), then they should refer you to somebody that will. They should also really have had you seen by a counsellor for assessment - so perhaps press for this too.

Third option I see is more hospitals and request to be urgently seen by a consultant

Are you UK based? If so, they can't refuse you outright - see NICE guidelines below:

•When a woman requests a CS because she has anxiety about childbirth, offer referral to a healthcare professional with expertise in providing perinatal mental health support to help her address her anxiety in a supportive manner. [new 2011]

•For women requesting a CS, if after discussion and offer of support (including perinatal mental health support for women with anxiety about childbirth), a vaginal birth is still not an acceptable option, offer a planned CS. [new 2011]

•An obstetrician unwilling to perform a CS should refer the woman to an obstetrician who will carry out the CS. [new 2011]

Book another appointment, take these with you and a strong-minded person to advocate in case you get upset - possibly DP? Calmly but firmly state that you are aware of the risks, but that a vaginal birth is not an acceptable option for you and that if your consultant is unwilling to ok the CS, he/she needs to refer you to someone who will.

- it's so hard sometimes when you're anxious and upset. Take deep breaths and stand your ground!

Oh and fourth option try doing all three at once.

Thank you so much for your support, it means a lot.

I think I will draft a letter to the consultant/supervisor of midwives/anyone else I can think of setting out my case and referring to the NICE guidelines. Will they have to see me as a result of the letter? Or should I also request another appointment before 38 weeks? Don't want to leave things too late.

I'm v reluctant to move to a hospital further away at this stage - there's nowhere that close and I suppose I really feel that my hospital should respect my wishes and the nice guidelines and not force me into a move at such a late stage.

That said, I feel so bullied by the consultant that I've already lost a lot of faith in the hospital

Ps I'm in the south of England

I had this with DC2, was refused ELCS even though is had a traumatic labour ending in EMCS for DC1. My consultant referred me to another consultant at the same hospital who immediately agreed and booked a day at 39 weeks. So it's worth changing consultant, with DC3 it was presumed that I would automatically have a ELCS due to my previous ones and my age (42)

My first labour wasn't great, ending in fetal distress and an emergency vontouse then after that falling off the babies head twice, forceps delivery. I tore and was very very bruised. But I went on to have 4 subsequent successful vaginal births that didn't go the same way. I was very scared the 2nd time round going into it, but I need not have been. I was pushing a trolley around sainsburys 2 days after baby 2 was born. So if you do end up with a vaginal birth don't panic that the same will necessarily happen again.

Hi, as far as i am aware it is your decision at the end of the day. I had an emergancy section with my first, an elective with my second as i had been for so many growth scans and seeing as she was tiny at full term i didnt want her getting stressed and ending up having to have another emergency. I am currently 7weeks and had my booking in appointment this morning and straight a way my midwife said she assumed i would go for section, she wasnt saying not to go for vaginal but she knew my fears of trying naturally. I am hoping this time to get my desired section and also discuss sterilisation during the procudure!!! We will see at 34weeks. Seems ages away but i am sure it will fly with 2 littlens under the age of 3. Good luck

Where in the south? I recommend st Richards. As suggested quote the nice guidelines in writing and see how you go.