How to prepare for birth choices appointment?

[TakeMeToYourLiar]

Can anyone advise?

Finally have appointment booked for when I will be 32 weeks.

Doctors and midwives have been very dismissive of me wanting an ELCS instead of a VBAC so want to feel prepared, especially as my DH can't come.

In normal life I am assertive but when faced with a dr telling me I'm being silly I tend to go to pieces.

Arghh

Do your research - look at risk statistics and NICE guidance. Quote actual numbers if it helps your case. Take notes with you if it helps keep your thoughts straight.

Acknowledge the points they make but explain that you have reached a decision based on what is right for you as an individual. If they refuse, ask to see someone else.

Good luck OP

Make notes! Note down how you feel and why so that in the moment when it's gone out of your head you can still say what you want to.

Take a copy of the nice guidelines. Tell them what you want, let them explain the relative risks and then tell them you understand the risks involved and you are choosing a c section.

AIMS have good advice too.

Read around the subject. Know the risks of each option as well as the benefits. Look into the likelihood of each and understand your right to request an ELCS.

I had an appointment at 24 weeks to discuss ELCS vs VBAC. I tilt the midwife I had read the statistics, I understood the risks and I am 100% sure an ELCS is what I want. I talked through my plan with help after my section, how I would get to shops, how long my husband would be at home to help, what relatives I had nearby etc. She said that she wasn't going to try to change my mind but I needed another appointment at 34 weeks to discuss the medical risks with the consultant, so am awaiting that now.

I plan to say exactly the same thing and as a PP mentions, if I'm turned down I'll be asking to go to someone else. Good luck x

Thanks all. I've actually written a bloody essay on the risks, so they should get I understand them!!

I just made a list of my experiences and reasons. I spoke with an utterly fantastic consultant midwife who made me feel a million times better and was so so supportive. You might not have a battle on your hands. The birth choices team are supposed to advocate for your wishes so hopefully you’ll have a good experience.

@FizzingWhizzbee123

I just made a list of my experiences and reasons. I spoke with an utterly fantastic consultant midwife who made me feel a million times better and was so so supportive. You might not have a battle on your hands. The birth choices team are supposed to advocate for your wishes so hopefully you’ll have a good experience.

I hope so, but it's with the sane dr who was a total dick to me last week, so not sure.

I now have my serious list of justifications and if they push it I will ask to be referred to someone else