What happens at the birth choices clinic?

[Rainbowsunshine81]

Hi,
I have an appointment next month with the birth choices clinic and just wanted to know what happens. Thank you.

In one hospital, I was referred to the birth choices clinic which meant that I saw the same consultant 3-4 times in the second half of pregnancy. The first appointment was joint with a senior midwife and the birth choices consultant, then after that I just saw the consultant. I think the appointments were longer than standard, which allowed for discussion about how my previous birth went and what I wanted to do that time (I got the impression that they would 100% support an elcs or vbac, provided I was aware of the risks and benefits of the choice I made).
In this pregnancy (new hospital), I had a birth planning appointment with a senior midwife. She asked me what my ideal birth would look like and talked about how the hospital could facilitate that and what they would reccomend.
In my experience, it's a huge benefit to be referred to them - I hope it helps you too!

I had one for DD2 at 28w. My appointment was around 90mins with a consultant midwife. We went through everything that happened in my first delivery with DD1, then the risks and benefits of c section vs induction vs spontaneous labour for DD2. We talked about pain relief and what that might mean for choice of location (eg. If I wanted epidural, I wouldn't be able to use the birth centre but would have to be on labour ward etc). I mentioned some plevic floor issues id had after DD1 and she referred me for physio there and then. At the time, DD2 was in a breech position, so we also talked about what would happen if she didn't turn. If I wanted a c section, she was able to book it there and then for me, but i decided to wait before making a decision as I wanted to think about all the information she had given me. It was such a helpful appointment and I'd recommend to everyone!

@NotQuitePeachy Thanks so much for the information! I had a c section with my son as he was breech, after he was born, the placenta became stuck and I ended up loosing two and a half litres of blood. I think my appointment is with a consultant midwife, so will be good to go over everything what happened as it's all a blur.
If it's possible this time, I'd like to try for a vbac. Sounds like it will be good to go along 🙂

@CrispAppleStrudels Thank you for the information! Sounds like it's definitely going to be informative to go along as I'd definitely like to find out more what happened when I had a c section my son as he was breech, it's all a blur really as the placenta became stuck and I ended up losing a lot of blood.
If I can this time, I would like to try for a vbac, but I'm happy to go with whatever will be the safest. Sounds like a very helpful appointment! 🙂