Breech clinic tomorrow- Can I refuse ECV?

[Whatthefreakinwhatnow]

Just that really, I now a couple of people who have had it done, found it ridiculously uncomfortable and then they baby has returned to the breech position anyway!

This is DC3, I've had 2 natural labours, I won't feel I'm missing anything by having a c section, so if still breech tomorrow at scan (which he will be, I can see the head under my ribs!) I'd rather just get on and plan my ELCS.

Am I going to have a big fight on my hands?! And if they agree to my section are they likely to book it there and then, given I'm 37 weeks now?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Thank's all, your encouragement was what I needed to stand up for myself. Light if ECV isn't what you want, don't let them pressure you. I said I've read up on the risks and benefits of ECV,ELCS and breech delivery and decided the best choice for me is ELCS. She could see I'd made up my mind and was fine with it. When do you see the breech team?

So yes providing the little monkey doesn't decide to turn I'll have my ELCS in 2 weeks

Have added giant pants and peppermint capsules to my shopping list, any other things those who have had a section would say I need in addition to the usual stuff?

Make sure you have plenty of paracetamol and ibuprofen stocked up at home, as not all areas send you home with painkillers these days and expect you to buy your own.

Good luck!

Good tip, thank you! will stick those on the list too.

I found my snugglebundl useful for in hospital lifting baby and even after recovery for putting baby down after feeds. I kept it behind her when feeding.

Also get plenty if maternity pads. I did not have enough and dont rush to get better. Although walking after s few days up and down the ward was painful i think it did help

thanks first, I've got tonnes of pads in so I think I'm all set, DP will go out for more if I need them though bless him. Will have a look at the snugglebundle!

Will be up and walking as soon as my catheter is out as I plan on going home after max 24 hours so will make sure I take my pain Meds and not overdo it

I had an elective c-section for the same reason. My mum had ECV attempted with at least one of the two breech births she had to have vaginally in the 70s and told me how painful and pointless it was (plus you can have placental abruption and need a c-section within a couple of minutes), advised me to have section. I said no to ECV and no one batted an eyelid. DS did try to turn a couple of times close to his due date and it felt almost as though he got so far, then got stuck and gave up, bless him.
Two ELCSs later I can honestly say they were great. To my utter shock, I was able to breastfeed ten minutes into recovery - had a lot of help the first time from fantastic MW and baby who knew what to do whilst I was still numb from the armpits down.
My tips. GP said it was ok to take lactulose (over the counter) in the week running up to the CS and after. Do this . The worst bit is the spinal, after that it's like having someone do the washing up in your tummy. Ask to get the catheter out as soon as they can/you feel able. The catheter was the one discomfort lingering after 4 months. Ask to have a shower as soon as too. I was out in 24 hours both times (hate hospital, but if you like it, insist you stay). Plan in as much help as poss. Do very gentle pelvic tilts afterwards when you feel ready as it seems to relax the muscles higher up and in your back. Direct everything from your bed for the first two weeks, do not give in to guilt about older children, refuse to lift anything heavier than food or drink, make everyone else (DH could only take 5 days, so other family/friends were drafted in) run round after you on the excuse that you will be back to normal quicker. You will. Have a lovely birth and baby .

Serifinaaa have you actually had a breech birth vaginally? My mum still has trouble toiletting forty years later. And footling breech is extremely dangerous. I would have loved to have pushed for other reasons, but am pretty glad I haven't needed corrective fanny surgery.

Have you looked at the spinning babies website? DD was breech at every check from 24 weeks but sometime between midwife check at 37 weeks and presentation scan at 38 weeks she turned by herself. No idea if the stuff I tried made any difference, she might have turned anyway but might be worth a try.

Oh and I told midwife before the scan that I didn't fancy the sound of an ECV and I'd rather have a section and she just said 'ok' so there was no pressure.

Glad it worked out for you OP, I had a consultant try and pressure me last week into an ECV. Said that I didn't understand the process so couldn't fully understand the risks

He got short shrift - in a previous life I worked in a national medical standards organisation, and had worked on Induction of Labour guidance. I'm not often an arse around medics but he got the stare.

Turns out Turnip2 wasn't breech after being scanned, thank goodness.

I've heard of spinning babies, but the sonographer said he wasn't sure there was enough room now to turn on its own, I have pretty big babies

If it happens great, if not I've got my ELCS so will be happy either way.

Absolutely not willing to try a breech birth, far too risky

First ELCS I was in for 5 days! Second time I was out the next day!

5 days is my idea of hell, 24 hours and I'm off lol!

First time there was jaundice and BF issues tbh. I was also a bit of a jangley wreck.

Second time I was on my feet, feeding and laughing by teatime!

I had an attempted ECV with my second. Very uncomfortable and he didn't move an inch! (I was quite skeptical anyway). I was offered a section at 39 weeks but I refused, really couldn't face the thought of it. I went into labour spontaneously at 40+6, 55min labour (still breech position) and weighed 8lb 1oz. Barely made it to hospital lol. Go with your instinct, whatever the midwives think I believe mother quite often knows best!

stubble good on you!

I would have replied 'well you won't get me to consent to a procedure I don't fully understand either so you might as well book me in for an ELCS now'!

Bloody cheek.