Speaking to midwife about elective section

[duckling3]

I have my midwife appointment tomorrow and I've decided to ask her about a maternal request c section. (I know it can be a controversial decision, but I've done my research)

Its probably silly, but I feel really nervous about it. Like I need to prepare myself to be judged, or have to justify that my reasons are valid. My friend had the same midwife as me but two year ago, and whilst I dont know the midwife very well yet, she is apparently a tough cookie.

Not really sure if there a point to my post, other than to try and get some of the nerves off my chest by writing them down.

Sorry to hear you’re worried about your appointment. I was the same with my Consultant. I felt like I’d be interviewed and have to justify/be granted a section by a panel on the strength of my ‘case’! It’s a bit nerve-wrecking.
What I found helped was to be informed about what National policy is (NICE guidelines state that you are entitled to elect for a c-section and if your hospital won’t grant you one, you are to be referred to one that will) and also the Birth Rights organisation who publish info on the various Trusts and their policies/stats on elective c-sections. I’m in Manchester and my Trust totally supports women’s choices. I gather Oxford for example however, doesn’t grant many elective sections. You do obviously have the choice of where you have your baby and may prefer to potentially travel further if you were at a Trust that didn’t support your decision, to go to a hospital that would.
In the event I worried about nothing! My Consultant was very empathetic at my 35 week appointment. He talked me through everything and said he could tell I had done my research and then promptly booked me in for 39+2. I didn’t have to be referred for counselling or assessment at all. Nobody tried to change my mind.
Don’t be nervous. Hear the midwife out but be firm about it being your baby/body and your choice - because it is.