Will I have to be consultant led?

[PR96]

Hi guys..
So, my last birth wasn't exactly smooth sailing, very long, endjng in episiotomy, forceps, hemorrhage and suspected sepsis.. I'm currently pregnant with my second and wondering if they're going to use that as a reason for consultant led rather than midwife as I'd much rather midwife led.
I'm assuming I can refuse consultant led?
Thanks!

I had a tricky first birth and was mixed care for second pregnancy. Mostly just saw midwives but I had a consultant appointment at 17 weeks and 28 weeks to choose method of birth this time round.

I haemorrhaged after my second due to a piece of placenta being left behind and ended up with sepsis, I was initially consultant led but they risk assessed me and as it was a clinical error that led to me being so unwell as opposed to an issue with my body they moved me back to MLC and cleared me for a home birth (which didn't happen due to completely new complications at labour unrelated to baby 2).

Go to the appointments, chat to the consultant (I'm assuming you'll see one at least once given your birth history) and then see what they advise.

Although despite being consultant led this time around (baby 4) I have only seen my consultant twice, once for the initial meeting and once to birth plan. All other appointments have been with a midwife and if baby had arrived of their own accord I'd have been birthing with a midwife not a doctor but on the labour ward with doctors at hand if necessary.

What are your reasons for not wanting to be consultant led?

Thanks both
@BlairWaldorfOG mainly place of birth. The consultant led ward doesn't have any pools and as my first was back to back and I couldn't have a pool to ease pain/get in to a better position or any extras really due to being in the pandemic I'd like to be on the midwife led unit where I could use these things. They're in the same building so hoping they'll let me. I'm only 8 weeks so got time!

Ah have that conversation and see how things go, there's a reason it all went wrong with your first one if baby was back to back so maybe they'll be happier for you to be MLC this time.