Who decides if you're allowed an elective C section?

[Baby2018]

Hey All

Does anyone know who you need to get "approval" from for an elective C section. I have congested womb / pelvic congestion syndrome and there's split opinion on if a natural birth is fine or if you're at risk of hemorrhaging blood vessels ( lots of veracious veins long story short)

Ive read a blog of a woman with the condition who was convinced into a natural birth but had a very traumatic experience and regretted trusting the advice that a natural birth would be ok.

As a result Im seriously considering an elective C section, but a few things are worrying me :

a) I dont know who I need to convince
b) As my condition splits opinion and this is my first baby they might refuse me medical grounds and try to send me on one of those "birth fear" courses
c) would the last resort be to go private and how much would a private c section cost

Ive read that now legally you are allowed to elect for non medical reasons but I dont know if anyone has actually managed this without having to jump through hoops

anyone got any experience in electing for a c section? Im only 15 weeks but its playing quite heavily on my mind

You need to get your consultant to sign it off. Start by telling your midwife and get referred to a consultant.

If that consultant refuses ask for another.

It should ultimately be your decision.

If need be change hospitals to get another consultant still on the nhs.

Yes you can get elcs for mental as well as physical reasons. Still needs signing off by a consultant.

Some areas make it easy and others you have a fight. Either way they often wait til quite late to confirm either way.

Yes, I spoke to my community midwife about my concerns who went to the consultant. My midwife really had my back and there was no resistance.

Thanks guys thats reassuring. I'll speak to my midwife then and make it clear I want one.

Hopefully my midwife will have my back like yours @ILikeMyChickenFriend :)

My midwife has been more than supportive of my choice of an ELCS too!
As everyone else said, they should refer you!
Good luck x