WWYD.. induction, ELCS, Xmas??

[stressedmama23]

Okay short backstory, I’m 35+5 and my consultant wants baby out at 37 weeks due to reduced growth, so he’s booking my induction/elcs at my appointment on the 20th when I’ll be 36+5, my only worry as selfish as it might sound is that I’m going spend Christmas in hospital without my 1 year old, I’ve never left him before and the thought of him being 2 hours away at my mums is freaking me out. Dp doesn’t drive so he’d be staying at the hospital with me and baby after birth until we’re discharged as hospital is just over an hour away and public transport is shocking.

So my question is, if I get any sort of choice what would you do in this situation..

1. Hope and pray that he books the induction/ELCS for that day or the day after (20th/21st), and that it all goes smoothly/quickly and we’ll be out before Xmas day! Never been induced but aware it can take days and I know recovery for c section is long, so I know I might be being naive!
2. Or beg him to let me go after Christmas (on the 26th I’ll be 37+4), baby is fine she’s just small, so I’m hoping going an extra few days over 37 weeks wouldn’t be a problem for him especially with my hospital being quite small been told that although they would induce/elcs over Xmas they do prefer to keep it free for emergencies.
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Please be honest, wwyd? Also if you’ve got stories of induction/ELCS, good and bad I’d love to hear them!
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I think you need to follow their advice.

If they think baby would be safer out before 37 weeks then that needs to be the priority, not being at home for Christmas as tough as it sounds. They wouldn't have suggested it without a good reason as neither route is easy.

I would 100% follow their advice. Can you push for an ELCS rather than induction though? If it's on the 20th, you're much more likely to be out quickly. Inductions can take days and result in an EMCS any way.

Thanks everyone!
@Lookingforadvice123 I'm the one pushing for the ELCS anyway, since my first labour went so badly but tbh I'm just getting so anxious about both options I'm not sleeping, my mw has already said consultant would probs have booked it sooner but my hospital is so small he's only there one day every fortnight!

I’ve had both induction and ELCS, and actually the recovery from ELCS was easier and quicker. Induction took 3 days and was miserable.

So definitely push for ELCS.

Don’t worry about being away from your oneyear old though they’ll miss you obv but they have no awareness of it being Christmas at that age.

OP I'm in the same boat!!

My baby has a heart condition so will need to stay in hospital for 48 hours afterwards and have to consider that my induction might take 48 hours so if I consider the 20th will I be home in time for my kids at Christmas?!
It's such a juggling act!

I'm seeing my obstetrician tomorrow so I'm going to suggest the 20th. If she suggests a date before than then maybe then instead.

I also don't want to try an induction before he is ready and don't want to stress him out.!

As others say I wouldn't worry too much about the date for sake of Christmas, your older DC is so young they won't know the difference if you celebrate on another date! More important to follow your consultant's recommendations for the safety of your baby.

I do wonder about your logistics, you say your DP will be staying with you at the hospital but while most 37 weekers are absolutely fine, some will need some extra help and not be ready for discharge so quickly - would it really work to have your DP staying at the hospital for a whole week for example? Both from the hospital's point of view and that of your mum and older DC? You should give this some thought too, you don't want it to add to an already stressful situation.

Good luck, you'll be meeting your lovely new baby soon!

I’d have the ELCS personally.

You’ll get a definite date that way, rather than a window, and baby is less likely to get distressed during the birth.

I would check your hospital’s policy with your partner though, mine had to go home last night so don’t rely on him being able to stay over.

Hope everything goes ok with the birth :)

@TruckLoadOfSubtleGlitter Good luck to you!! I hope your baby is all okay and you're home for Christmas!

Already checked with the hospital and unless the wards are ridiculously full (very unlikely for this small hospital) they have a ward where dads can stay with mum and baby.