Elcs consultant appointment - Q pls

[Yakadee]

Hi ladies,

For those of you that had an elected section and saw a consultant, when was it confirmed?

I have my appointment soon and a few people have told me you have to go back for several appointments before it's confirmed and I don't know whether this is right? I really don't want to have to keep going back, I'd really just like to know what's going on at the first (and hopefully only) appointment.

Anyone have any experience? Thanks xxx

Ps, please don't dread the meeting. I'm sure you'll get the outcome you want. Can you take someone with you for support?

I was very fortunate that I went in all prepared to fight my corner, stats at hand. When I said I wanted an elective section, the consultant simply said 'I think that's a perfectly reasonable request' and got the diary out. Fingers crossed you have a similar experience!

I was fobbed off until 30 weeks for my second c section.
They continually tried to convince me to have a bvac birth but for personal reasons and from the last pregnacy that was not an option in my mind.
Every time I they tried to change my mind I calmly stated my reasons why and eventually they booked it once the consultant was sure it was for the best.

Thanks everyone. I have my notes and will have another read up / look through ahead of the meeting to refresh myself x

OP apologies for saying it was your first baby, obviously I can't read today.

I would just go in and tell them what you have told us in this thread, ideally with someone else to support you.

If they push you another way just say no, don't waver or say you'll think about it.

They may not stick to NICE guidelines. It is luck of the draw, unfortunately -- it shouldn't be though. You might find this helpful to read or print and take with you
www.birthrights.org.uk/2013/10/do-i-have-a-right-to-choose-a-c-section/

@Daisy2990 - thanks for that, I will.

It's just frustrating that you have to wait. I can't relax until I know for sure. I am actually going on my own but I'm actually not bad at selling myself (in this kind of stuff) and I'm pretty thorough, I know having notes etc will make me feel better too.

I have a midwife appointment tomorrow so will ask her for any tips x

@Yakadee

I was the same and was relieved to have the form signed early on (but no date yet). Be firm - worst case scenario you can change consultants or even change hospitals, since you have lots of time to get it sorted.

Thanks @Daisy2990.

I've actually just had my 28 week midwife appointment. She was great, I told her about my concerns and she point blank said they cannot refuse a section if that's what I want.

She said that my first appointment will be more of an informative discussion where they will give me all the info on risks etc and I'll be booked bank in around 35 weeks to then agree and confirm date.

Feel better knowing that they simply can't refuse me. Will be glad to get the first one done so I can secure a date etc xx

Well technically according to nice guidelines they could refuse because no doctor can be compelled to operate if they don’t think it’s the right thing to do. However, they would need to refer you to someone else who would do it. I think this caveat is mainly for situations where cs comes with much higher than usual risks.

Essentially they can’t really refuse but they can make you jump through a lot of hoops and I think I would have done better in those appointments had I been more prepared for the ways in which they can try to fob you off!

You need a mantra: “my last birth and recovery were very traumatic. I’ve done my research and understand the risks but I want a caesarean”. Practice saying it, be prepared to repeat it even if they make you feel stupid or uncomfortable.

Hopefully you’ll get a consultant who listens and is very understanding, they do exist! It’s just good to be prepared in case you don’t.

@SinkGirl - thanks. I will defo do that. I've already been reading up and have made lots of notes to take with me. I am adamant I won't have anything other than cs.

You're right, I just hope I get someone sympathetic x

Well, had my consultant appointment about having a section this afternoon. No fight whatsoever! I have my appointment to get booked in at start of Jan. She was absolutely horrified that I didn't have pain relief for the bleeding / stitches and was very sympathetic. I'm so relieved x

I discussed mine during an appt and I was listed then and there, think this was around 34 weeks

I've been booked in just before 36 weeks to get my date booked in x