Week 27: Frustration!

This week I am jumping through yet another hoop in my quest to have a C section delivery with Bump. Last time I gave birth 'naturally' in theatre with the help of a giant set of forceps. They call this assisted delivery but in my case the assistance led to over two years of recovery punctuated by procedures and pain and tears. Despite checking with two GP's that I would be able to have a C section if we tried for baby number 2, and despite this prolonged physical (not to mention mental) trauma, I don't qualify for a medical C section. Instead I am jumping through a series of hoops and bureaucracy to get an elective C section  as if I have simply woken up one morning and decided I don't fancy pushing this time... 

Not that it should matter. If I had woken up and decided I wanted a C section it is my right and the attitude of the hospital seems to mirror the experience I had three years ago with Little E; Your body, Our rules, our way. Today was a trip to the post-birth trauma councillor who was lovely but had to hear my story again from the top because on not one occasion have I seen the same person at the hospital. I feel like typing some bullet points and laminating them as a handout to speed up this process  Also, if I have to listen to the risks of a C section one more time I may spontaneously combust. Is no-one listening to me? I completely understand it is major surgery and there are a number of risks to me and baby. I have had them explained numerous times now, but didn't I just spent the last half hour explaining my experience of the statistically less risky, 'natural' birth?  We haven't even got onto the fact that Little E had to have six months of physio due to damage to her neck from the medieval torture device (forceps), so excuse me if I'm not on the vaginal birth cheer-leading squad.

To add insult to injury my post-birth notes still have not made it from one hospital to the other despite the nine week time gap and apparently no-one in the NHS has ever heard of this space age technology called email. Husband is coming to the consultant appointment next week to stage a sit in until I am given a C section date. If anyone has a good slogan for a placard tweet me.

N.B. I generally believe vaginal birth is the best option for the majority of women and I never would have considered an elective C section first time round. My delivery experience is unusual and the chances of it happening are slim, just like the majority of the C section risks. I don't believe a 'natural' birth would be sensible with the muscle damage and scar tissue I have from my first delivery which is why I am adamant a C section is the right delivery for me in this instance.