C section request help?

[Bittersweet12]

So I am meeting with my midwife tomorrow for my booking appointment does anyone have any advice on what to say regarding requesting a section?
By no means do I think a section in any way shape or form is an easy way out but I had a very traumatic birth with my first! I was in labour for days at home without knowing, as the hospital put this down to a water infection witho it seeing me, I was lucky enough to keep pressing to be seen and when finally got them to see me, I drove myself to the hospital to find out I was 9cm.
I had to be stitched here there and everywhere I'm still stuffering now with bowel movements now, it was just a traumatic time which mentally scared me and j just believe a section would be right for me this time, I'm just not sure what to say on requesting this any help is appreciated.

You're best to mention it there and then. And see what they say.

I'm seen by a consultant but I had a traumatic birth with my second including a 3rd degree tear which needed surgery. Been having panic attacks about the thought of it happening again.
But the consultants aren't keen on me having a csection. Been sent for a second opinion because my first one refused.

@SnooperTrooper12345

You're best to mention it there and then. And see what they say.

I'm seen by a consultant but I had a traumatic birth with my second including a 3rd degree tear which needed surgery. Been having panic attacks about the thought of it happening again.
But the consultants aren't keen on me having a csection. Been sent for a second opinion because my first one refused.

Yes I'm going to mention it at my appointment tomorrow I'm just nervous for what kind of reception I'm going to get from it, my first was so traumatic and I had such poor treatment! Really sorry for your difficult time also and I hope your request gets accepted! X

Just say to the midwife that’s why you want one. She needs to refer you on to see a consultant I think. Don’t be scared to fight for what you feel is right. I had an emergency section with my first. And encountered zero resistance for an elective with my second even though it was 10 years later. Good luck ❤️

They have to accept it at some point I'm just not very good at standing my ground so I don't think I'll end up having one as I'm already 36 weeks.

I was super nervous going to my appointment and came away in tears because of it!

I did have a big hemorrhage with my birth too which is why they're saying no. Which of course I get. As it's more likely to happen with a csection.

Good luck!

So my experience was that I mentioned it at the booking in appointment, and mentioned to the midwife my reasons, fears, and anxieties (some from trauma). I had a legitimate medical claim, alongside this. She booked me in to see the Consultant doctor, alongside speaking to the consultant midwife. Both the doctor and the consultant midwife put a LOT of pressure on me to not have a C-section regardless of my reasoning. They did however state that if I wanted to go ahead, I would both need to speak to a psychologist and/or go to a different hospital which was likely to honor my request. In the end, it became an absolutely moot point - as after I had wasted all this time - my baby was breech anyways, and I got the C-section that I had wanted by default. I think you REALLY have to push them, push your case, and state that if they refuse you MUST be given alternative options to have your choice of birth.

@Hawse

So my experience was that I mentioned it at the booking in appointment, and mentioned to the midwife my reasons, fears, and anxieties (some from trauma). I had a legitimate medical claim, alongside this. She booked me in to see the Consultant doctor, alongside speaking to the consultant midwife. Both the doctor and the consultant midwife put a LOT of pressure on me to not have a C-section regardless of my reasoning. They did however state that if I wanted to go ahead, I would both need to speak to a psychologist and/or go to a different hospital which was likely to honor my request. In the end, it became an absolutely moot point - as after I had wasted all this time - my baby was breech anyways, and I got the C-section that I had wanted by default. I think you REALLY have to push them, push your case, and state that if they refuse you MUST be given alternative options to have your choice of birth.

Thank you very much that is very helpful! Do you have any advice on what I can say to help back my case? I'm sorry you had a hard time requesting but glad you managed to get your choice of birth either way! X

It doesn't hurt to remind coercive healthcare professionals that coerced consent is not legally valid.

There was a Supreme Court case where a doctor coerced a patient into attempting a vaginal birth she didn't want. The court found in the patient's favour.

OP, I was fully prepared to fight all the way for my CS request with DC2. I didn't even ttc until I had sufficient savings that private care could be an option if absolutely necessary.

I started the process by explaining my history and my request to the midwife at my booking-in. She was horrified by what I had experienced. Of course she did not have the authority to grant my request but simply hearing a HCP say that she thought my reasons were valid was really significant for me. She referred me to a consultant at my chosen hospital. There was a process that I had to follow and I had to see a member of the perinatal mental health team for an appointment but my request was ultimately granted and I didn't have to fight. Every HCP I encountered felt that my request was reasonable given my history, and I wasn't experiencing the type of long-term issues that you describe.

I really hope that your experience is similar. Good luck.

Hi OP,
I had an elective c section for my first and I've been ok'd for the same with my second (currently 30 weeks).
You should absolutely be given a c section as an option. Definitely bring it up at the booking appointment and go in armed with the NICE guidelines which state that women should be given the option of a c section after being given all the relevant information. It is likely you will be referred to at least two other health care professionals including a consultant at the hospital before they OK it. It's best to start the process early and be persistent.
Good luck xx

Completely agree with the above posters. Arm yourself for the appointment with NICE guidelines, also I would pre-check your hospital trust's policy on c-section births as not all trust's have the same policy. I would also highly agree with the poster above who mentioned 'coerced consent is not legally valid.' My doula told me this over and over and over to help with my trauma. You just need to keep saying 'I do not consent' to the birth plan they tell you (if it is other than the one you choose or decide in tandem with your healthcare professionals). At some point, if you do not consent, they will need to listen. This website may also help you: www.birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/right-to-a-c-section/

I mentioned my request for a c section at my booking appt too and explained why; I’m receiving consultant care anyway due to medical reasons and mentioned it to the consultant when I saw her initially too - she agreed to it and said they’d support my decision. It’s also been since mentioned by a midwife though in the context of “I know you’re thinking of a c section”. Yep - that’ll be happening!

As others have said, just be clear in your reasoning for requesting one. They will no doubt go through the pros / cons of a c section with you to ensure you’re fully cognisant of what’s involved. Ultimately, NICE guidelines state that you can’t be refused. If a particular consultant doesn’t agree, then they’re required to pass you over to a colleague who will do/ agree. Good luck!

Ultimately, NICE guidelines state that you can’t be refused.

This is true, but unfortunately NICE guidance is not statutory and there are NHS trusts with a policy of not granting maternal request CS: www.birthrights.org.uk/campaigns-research/maternal-request-caesarean/. Birthrights are a really good source of support if you need further help.

@YippieKayakOtherBuckets Yep that's true. That happened to my sister and in that case, they have to refer you to a different trust who will facilitate your request. So just be clear from the start OP and get going early. x

Thanks for the advice! I told my midwife at my booking appoiment yesteday who has referred me to a consultant she says my request is reasonable anyway but I'm I may have to go through a few people not it will eventually get accepted do hopefilly this runs smoothly

Keep pushing OP. Great news that she's agreed but at 36 weeks you don't want them to muck around for much longer.

Honestly I can't believe some Drs deal with this so poorly.

I’m quite the opposite- I had a traumatic pregnancy which resulted in a c section ore-planned due to placenta failure. I found the c section scary, even though it wasn’t an emergency one - the recovery was absolutely horrendous even though I healed well without infection ect. It was so incredibly painful and the worst experience of my life.

I’m now at the point where we want another baby but I cannot go through the c section route again, it’s too mentally draining for me. But there’s no guarantee that I can have a successful VBAC.

@SnooperTrooper12345 it's never too late! I was booked for a sweep at 38 and induction at 39 but decided against it when I turned up for my sweep appt, I declined the sweep and asked to speak to a consultant again about my options. Had a consultant appt at 38+4 and discussed, decided I wanted a section and was booked in for 39+4. No one said I couldn't just had to make me aware of the risks and be clear I knew what I was opting for. I can't believe people are refused and referred to psychologists!

I'm now day 10 post birth. It was rough for the first 2-3 days but now I've got no pain and the whole experience was lovely and positive.

I asked for c section with my first ( and only ) baby and I barely had any resistance. I was quite prepared for it and the nurse did tell me that ' most mothers don't want a c section voluntarily as it's worse for the baby ' but if that's what I didn't care, then I could have one.

I just didn't ignored the comments and moved on. Had the c section and that was that. If I ever have another child, I will request a c section again. Giving birth naturally has always really scared me and it's never something I wanted to do.

I'm only 12 weeks so got a while to try and sort it

@Hawse

So my experience was that I mentioned it at the booking in appointment, and mentioned to the midwife my reasons, fears, and anxieties (some from trauma). I had a legitimate medical claim, alongside this. She booked me in to see the Consultant doctor, alongside speaking to the consultant midwife. Both the doctor and the consultant midwife put a LOT of pressure on me to not have a C-section regardless of my reasoning. They did however state that if I wanted to go ahead, I would both need to speak to a psychologist and/or go to a different hospital which was likely to honor my request. In the end, it became an absolutely moot point - as after I had wasted all this time - my baby was breech anyways, and I got the C-section that I had wanted by default. I think you REALLY have to push them, push your case, and state that if they refuse you MUST be given alternative options to have your choice of birth.

I know this was a while ago but how did you find your first apontment with the consultant