I am currently 36 weeks pregnant and have always leaned towards an ELCS despite being low risk (the unknown, uncontrolled element and higher risk of incontinence later in life for V birth were the main elements for my preference).
I told my Midwife at my last appointment and she was very patronising. She booked me in to see a consultant and i was hoping we could have an informative discussion about the risks, pros and cons etc. Wow was I wrong!
Firstly, the consultant took me to a room in the hospital and asked me to sit while she stood over me for the entire meeting (weird power dynamic move). When I said I'd like an elective she simply said 'no' and didnt even ask for my reasons. She then asked how tall I was and said 'oh you're tall and nice you'll push a baby out easily'. How is that a professional comment? She also dismissed my concerns around vaginal birth complications and said that she'd had three kids and was fine. I was hoping for data and statistics rather than a personal anecdote. She then became very keen on writing in my notes that l didn't want an induction (I hadn't even mentioned this) and said that if I got to 40 weeks without going into labour they'd book me in for another c sec discussion.
I left the meeting feeling extremely upset and disheartened. I don't mind the refusal so much but the way I was spoken to and the lack of actual facts/clarity is really disappointing. Would love to hear some advice or to see if anyone else has experienced a similar thing? My health board is in Wales so unsure if that makes a difference.
Thanks for listening!