Please tell me your ELCS stories!

[MyGrassIsBrowner]

Just that, how was your experience(s)?
I'm due to meet with the consultation on Monday with my request for one. I'm currently 22+4 with baby no.2. My DD is 14 months now, my birth with her was on an MLU. Midwife at the time was not supportive, I pushed at all the wrong times, didn't get any pain relief (G&A) until the last minute when at that point I couldn't focus on it as I was in so much pain, she was back to back also (contractions were off the scale pain wise) ended up with 2nd degree internal tear and graze on labia.
Pretty sure I've got a mild prolapse now, rectocele and I'm fairly certain as I have had a good look down there (okay, it hasn't been formally diagnosed but was dismissed by the nurse when I had my smear after DD) so haven't bothered to follow it up. Took me months and months before I could sit down normally without being in agony. Now I'm getting heavier it's exacerbating all my previous symptoms (especially feels uncomfortable when I sit on the loo and sometimes find I have to manually remove stool as I'm too fearful of pushing.
Anyway, midwife pretty much said no off the bat, straight onto me with the risks etc (which I have made myself fully aware of through my own research) must have then felt sorry for me as I cried down the phone to her she then arranged for me to meet with the consultant on Monday which I am so happy about. I know I may have a bit of a fight on my hands for one but I just want to get myself prepared!

So... did you have one? How did you find it? Am I being daft? I look forward to reading your replies! 😊 x

@MyGrassIsBrowner ooooo please could you share your list? :-) xxx

P.s just had an additional appointment letter through the post with my consultant where I'll be 31 1/2 weeks, also my birthday lol! But I also have a grow scan booked in two days after that which has been in for ages, assuming the app letter I've had through for a general app is my booking section app? Xxx

I was told if I was to go into labour early to just phone the hospital and they will still do the c section xx

@sarah13xx Oh bless you!! When is your section date?

Mine isnt until 4th October so I'm hoping restrictions are a bit lighter by then, but to be perfectly honest being in the hospital with baby on my own will just be lovely. Although I know after a few hours I'll be ready to get out and get into my own bed. DH said he's gonna wash the bedding and have it all nice ready for our arrival 😊

@jessicakxx So, my list consists of....

Maternity notes
Loose fitting pjs/nightie
Big knickers
Nursing bra
Nursing pads
Toiletry bag
Lucozade/water
Snacks
Charger
Socks
Flip flops
Dressing gown
Nappies
Muslins
Sleep suits
Hats
Scratch mittens
Cellular blanket
Pre-made formula (just in case)
Paracetemol/ibuprofen
Joggers/baggytshirt for going home
Lip balm
Nursing pillow

Xx

And yeah they say if you go into labour to ring the delivery suite ASAP. They'll get you in, examine you, if you're too far gone it'll be basically a case of trying for a vaginal or emergency section. Personally I want to avoid an emergency section. However if you're say only 1cm dilated you can have an essentially 'emergency planned section' which wont be as panic station than if you were very heavily dilated. Xx

@MyGrassIsBrowner @jessicakxx yeah the rules make no sense, especially with the huge crowds at all the sporting things just now 🤦🏼‍♀️ My date is 9th August! Reality is sinking in now it’s July and its officially happening next month. I think it would almost be easier if I was waddling about in agony desperate to not be pregnant anymore but I’m actually still finding it quite easy 🙈 really not struggling with much at all! Would just like to be able to lie on my back at night 😂 It will be quite nice when we get out of hospital that I’ve been able to get to know my baby really well. My partner will barely have met him but at least I might have a clue what to do by then to help him! Yeah really hoping I don’t need to worry about going into labour before it, just going to be more and more careful not to overdo it with walking or anything the closer it gets! Xx

Hello all. Been watching with interest. I had my request for an ELCS approved yesterday at 32 weeks. Have a tentative date too, but no confirmed date until another growth scan in 2 weeks.

Am so relieved. Had zero issues convincing the consultant. She read notes, said yes.

@sarah13xx Wow really not long for you then!! I'm sure you're going to be absolutely fine in the hospital. Your partner will be allowed in with you, will wait whilst you're getting your spinal block, then will sit with you whilst baby is delivered and then I think they can stay with you in recovery for an hour or so then they have to do. At least that's what my hospital is doing. Mine has announced allocated visiting times too for 2 hour slots, they just have to take a lateral flow in with them.
It's brill that you're coping so well with your pregnancy. I'm struggling now and my PGP is awful, just walking is agony, well, I'm not walking now I'm waddling 😂
The only thing I'm finding soothing is Epsom salt baths but can only enjoy them when DH is looking after DD.

@Noodles4Me congrats lovely! Seems that most people aren't having too much trouble requesting sections which is really positive! How are you feeling so far? X

@MyGrassIsBrowner yeah that sounds about the same as mine. The partner visiting hours have just changed, it was 30 minutes per day they got after baby was born but now it’s an hour. My sections in the morning so hopefully he’ll be allowed back in that night. Oh no! I definitely expected mine to be like that but I’ve been so lucky. Shouldn’t speak too soon though, there’s still time 😂 hopefully it will ease off for you x

@Noodles4Me congrats 😊 it’s the best feeling isnt it! I had my first consultant appointment at 29 weeks and that was the one I really had to go for it with my reasons, saying how anxious I was etc (which wasn’t a lie). Then I didn’t know but she booked it there and then, just never told me. She sent me out the pack to read and was a bit negative about the risks and kind of trying to put me off that way but all I had to say was yes to everything then she was happy to go ahead with it. On my second appointment I was told the date but found out it had actually been booked since 29 weeks. I found that quite reassuring because I know of people with the same consultant who were told it was too busy and weren’t even given a date by their 36 week appointment. I can’t imagine being 36 weeks and still not knowing what’s happening 🙈 I think because I mentioned to her about the fact I knew it can be too busy at times and asked what would happen in that situation meant she was just like book this girl in now 🙄😂 It’s good we’ve all been able to have it agreed with not too much trouble though! X

@sarah13xx Glad you got sorted too. My consultant never tried to dissuade me once. Only had one midwife emphasise the risks.

@MyGrassIsBrowner thanks. I feel relieved and can't believe in 7 (possibly 6) weeks my boy will be here. Just need to sort his room out now!

@Noodles4Me sounds like il just be the week ahead of you! I found the midwives to be a lot more dismissive of a section. It was anything they could do to pass me further down the line or suggest hypnobirthing etc, the consultant said as soon as I spoke to her that it wasn’t her job to tell me no so that made me relax a bit

@sarah13xx Sadly I doubt my PGP will ease off now and only get worse as I get heavier. I dont have time for physio so all I can do is just keep taking paracetemol and try to do as little as possible. Well as little as possible when looking after a 15 month old 😑
I'm so excited to add another one to the pack but god this is definitely going to be my last. I dont think my body could physically take another pregnancy. I really take my hat off to women who have more than 2! Don't know how they do it frankly. Xx

@Noodles4Me Such an exciting time decorating the nursery 😊 I remember my first time so well, it's super special! Xx

Hi all. I’m joining this thread too. It has been so reassuring to read your stories here! I’ve also been approved for a c-section. I’ve had anxiety around giving birth ‘naturally’ for as long as I can remember but I also got diagnosed with a rectocele last year after a year of being told there was nothing wrong ‘try changing your washing powder’ etc! My consultant approved the c-section no problem but booked me in for another appointment at 36 weeks and I don’t think I’ll have my c-section date until then. I have a midwife appointment next week (week 29) so I’m going to ask then too.
I’m so relieved to be approved but also worried about going into labour early.

@D0nut Hiya! Congrats on being approved for a section. I too have rectocele and it's disgusting how quickly you are fobbed off. I've been told by midwives and nurses I'll look different down there because I've had a baby. Non of them actually wanted to entertain examining me either.
Is this your first baby? If so, the chances of you going into labour early will be fairly slim. I think the concensus is that most first time mums end up going well passed their due date. Just think positive and try not to exert yourself!

Hi ladies

Might be a bit early but I suffer from Vaginismus and at almost 40 years old, with my first baby, I am getting anxious about the internals. I want a C section as first choice or, if that’s denied, then an epidural. What is the best way to broach this as one midwife wants me to attend a birthing options class first before making a request but the other midwife who I see regularly is really dismissive. I’m also suffering massively from HG and I am absolutely miserable and mentally really low, my own GP wants to refer me to prenatal support for mental health so I’ve had to arrange with my midwife. Given how much this pregnancy is affecting me, I’ve been to hospital minimum 9 times in 22 weeks for dehydration, and extra scans now needed due to an issue with a high resistance reading on my arteries at the abnormalities scan, I can’t cope with the stress of thinking about an internal when I’ve suffered massive physical and psychological issues from vaginismus which has blighted my marriage for over a decade. The baby was supposed to signify a new start and new beginnings but I just feel depressed at the thought of everything.

@ComebackQueen bless you, that sounds completely miserable 😔 The mental health side of it will really help your argument for a c-section! I was originally told early on that I’d be referred to the birth reflections service but by 22 weeks when I still wasn’t getting anywhere I really went for it at one of my midwife appointments (with a different midwife) about how anxious I was and how the fact I wasnt getting to speak to a consultant anytime soon was making it worse. That midwife took me seriously and just skipped the birth reflections stage completely, referred me straight to the consultant. When I spoke to the consultant at first she questioned why I hadn’t been to the birth reflections service and asked if I wanted to speak to them. I said no, felt it would stress me out more with more hoops to jump through when I already knew exactly what I wanted. I think it’s good for people who aren’t sure either way or people who would think about hypnobirthing. Decide what it is you want, if it’s a c-section, be firm and you’ll get one

@D0nut congrats on getting yours approved, hopefully won’t be too long til you have your date. I think my hospital generally gives the dates at 36 weeks too but for some reason the consultant felt sorry for me and booked me another appointment at 33 weeks to tell me the date 🤷🏼‍♀️ Knowing the date just makes you feel like it’s 100% happening and at least if you were to go early you can say I’m booked in for such and such a date. I’m worrying about going into labour before my date too. Mine isn’t til 39 weeks 4 days, it’s those 4 days that are stressing me out 😂 Will literally have my legs crossed by that point I think

Thanks @MyGrassIsBrowner! Yes it’s shocking how women are continually fobbed off. This is my first baby. And that’s really encouraging to hear. My trust also does a routine scan at 35 weeks so I’m hoping by my appointment at 36 weeks we have a good idea of where we’re at. And I don’t plan to exert myself much at all!

@D0nut I think what's sad is the fact that prolapses aren't even spoke about, like it's a totally taboo subject. The mind boggles. It's debiliating and embarrassing at best. I feel like my body is shot to shit after my DD and there is literally zero support.
I'm also booked in for a scan at 36 weeks, it'll be nice to see baby again! They'll determine if they're head down/breach and look at were your placenta is positioned.
I've been lucky that my consultant has already booked my section date in, as I'm only 26 weeks. My local hospital is a small one though and I dont think they do a huge amount of sections on a regular basis so they've been able to book mine so far in advance. I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well! Keep up with those pelvic floor exercises too, I have an app on my phone called KPFL which gives me daily reminders and a guide to follow. Not sure if it's making a huge difference to be frank but it makes me feel better just doing them anyway.

@ComebackQueen So sorry you've been suffering, sounds bloody awful. You can request a maternal section, they cannot refuse you, and if they do, they have to refer you to a consultant who will do it, so basically either way, you can have one. The midwives are the first to dismiss it as they'd rather advocate a natural birth, but fortunately the decision isn't theirs to make. They'll just make you feel bad about it, I learn to let it go straight over my head now.

@sarah13xx eeep yes those extra 4 days! But you’ll be able to take it easy and like you say, so great to have a date! I guess later is best in a lot of ways too.

@ComebackQueen I’m so sorry you’re having a tough time. I actually think I’ve potentially some vaginismus myself which I think is why I’ve always had such a terrible fear of having a baby (and sex has always been tough). Please don’t be discouraged, this is your body and you are allowed to decide the delivery of your baby. I also think everything you’ve said is grounds for a c-section (if you want). I mentioned wanting a c-section frequently at my first appointment at 8 weeks and it was very much dismissed. I think key is insisting on seeing/speaking to a consultant about what you want, for you.

@ComebackQueen it's your right to request an elective c section. It will be maternal request and women have this agreed all the time. It's your birth, your choice. Be firm with them.
If you decide to have a vaginal birth put on your birth plan that you want an epidural. Let the hospital know immediately you want one and when you're in the labour room tell the midwife you want one asap.
I had an epidural. I was induced, only allowed G&A. Epidural was fantastic. From the point it kicked in, it was effortless, I went to sleep and woke up when it was time to push. You do need to be in active labour before they'll give it. When I went into active labour there were no anaesthetists available. Luckily a new shift was starting and I got an epidural an hour or so later. I had intervention & never felt a thing.
If I knew I was guaranteed to get an epidural when I go into active labour I wouldn't hesitate about a vaginal birth, but there aren't any guarantees.

Omg thank you so much ladies for the advice, I definitely feel much more confident now for requesting a C- section.

I’ll broach the topic again at my 28 week appointment and hopefully get the ball rolling.

Hi everyone
I wondered if anyone has any advice on underwear post c-section? I was planning to get large cotton full briefs (I'm a fan of these anyway!) but I was also thinking I'd like to get something with some gentle support too that might aid in toning/flattening. Any suggestions?

@D0nut mine isn’t for 2 weeks but I have the high waisted cotton ones and I’m also thinking of ordering the John Lewis ones for a while after. The reviews seem to be good and say they hold you in a bit www.johnlewis.com/cantaloop-caesarean-section-briefs-pack-of-2-white-black/p587769