How and When- Requesting ELCS?

[CouldBeAGreatMum]

Hi all, as per my other posts, I am a total pregnancy newbie.

I've got my very first midwife appointment on Thursday. Is this the appropriate / best time to say that I want an ELCS?

Context is I have history of MH anxiety / desperation & attachment trauma from childhood disfunction resulting in tokophobia and I am literally liable to burst into tears or panic even just talking about birth. I have had weekly therapy for a number of years and my therapist would be able to write a letter of required. I am 40 years old.

My care is booked in at St Thomas's London, and I have read mixed stories about ELCS requests there, some straightforward, others not so.

I have no clue when the right time is to bring this up with my midwife who I've not met yet, or how to do so. Is this week's appointment too early, or should I get the ball rolling now? Is there anything I should prepare?

Thank you x

Yes, do explain to the midwife on Thursday. This is really important because you may find other areas of pregnancy which are triggering for you.
You would certainly benefit from continuity of care, so ask the midwife how they arrange care. There is a consultant midwife at St Thomas’ who offers specialist consultations for women in your situation. It is worth being referred to her as soon as possible because this is obviously a huge issue for you.
It may be worth you considering employing a private midwife who can work with you alongside the NHS care providers. Probably not a doula, and it would need to be a midwife who is happy to work collaboratively with the NHS team, some independent midwives are more comfortable working outside of hospitals. If you need more info/advice about this let me know.
Hope it goes well on Thursday.

Hello @CouldBeAGreatMum

I had my first midwife app at 8 weeks last week and I mentioned requested there and then. I couldn't have waited any longer as I was very anxious.

I went into great detail about my previous/current depression and anxiety beforehand whilst discussing my history etc.

My midwife advised straight away that if that's what I want then she will request it for me, basically that it's my choice etc. According to NICE guidelines this should be how all requests are handled but I do know that some women are subject to pushback but just stick to your guns and keep advising them that ELCS is what you want. You need to tell them that this will ruin the pregnancy experience for you if you have to worry about being offered one (this is how I've felt since the day I pee'd on a stick!).

Good luck xx

I have decided to have an ELCS due to MH reasons too (PTSD).

I told my midwife at 8 weeks when I first saw her. Told her my reasoning and she was so supportive, she referred me to a consultant who specialises in MH and I saw them today. They too were very supportive and understanding and said they were already 99% sure an ELCS would go ahead unless I changed my mind. Just be prepared to be as honest (as hard as it may be) - I was prepared to fight my case but turns out I didn't have to!

I wish you all the luck.

I told my midwife at my booking apppointment that I wanted an ELCS due to suffering from health anxiety. I made it clear that spontaneous labour/ a vaginal birth was not an option for me and she said she would refer me to a consultant at 20 weeks as ultimately it's them who make the decision (if they don't decide in your favour you can ask to be referred to another consultant who will sign it off for you - stand your ground if you get pushback).

The good thing about mentioning it early is that it's noted in your maternity notes so clear for any consultant to see that it's something you have wanted from day 1.

I am 35 and this is my first pregnancy (I'm 11+4 today and have my first 'official' scan tomorrow). I had private scans at 8 and 10 weeks for reassurance as I am fairly anxious about the pregnancy x

Ok, thanks everyone. This is all really helpful and good to hear from others who felt the same. I will definitely mention it on Thursday and make myself clear.