VBAC in Milan

[eccomi]

Has anyone had experiences in Italy with VBAC? I jut found out I'm pregnnt, live in Milan and wondering how to proceed. I started my first pregnancy here but then moved back to the states half way through. I was not very happy with my care in Italy; no one seemed interested in what I thought or wanted for my pregnancy/birth. When I got home I found a great birthing center that saw me through and I had a much more positive experience. I know there must be some resources, but I'm having trouble finding where to go. Anyone have any ideas? It's really important to me to have a VBAC this time around...

[Ilaria]

When I was pregnant and considering giving birth in milan, I searched for Centro Nascite, levatrici,...I found quite a few.
Do you speak Italian?
http://forum.gravidanzaonline.it/for...d2feb708142538

[eccomi]

Yes I speak Italian, although when it comes to medical terminology I can get a little overwhelmed (but guess that can be true in English too!). I did see this link and read a bit, but I haven't had time to really go through it. I didn't know they were called Centri Nascite, so I will give that a try... Do you know if they work on the public health insurance, by any chance?

Thanks for your help!

[Ilaria]

Now I cant find anything with Centro nascite...hmmm, I think the one in Milan was called Via Lattea maybe...sorry, it's been a while!

Some resources here
http://www.corriere.it/cronache/08_d...4f02aabc.shtml

I am not sure if it's covered by the 'mutua'

(I am from Milan, btw)

[alilu]

Hi
I live near Milan.
This is a nice organization in Milan dedicated to natural birth: http://www.lalunanuova.it/
They may have info on VBAC - it's private, though, so not funded through the health system here.
You could also do a search on Case Maternità
I had a homebirth here (the cesarean rate is pretty high), but I've heard some good things about the Buzzi hospital in Milan. You might try talking to them - if you felt comfortable there, you'd be in the system and wouldn't have to pay.
Good luck!
Mary

[CelesteInItaly]

I live just outside of Milan and have recently found out I am pregnant. The more I read online about foreigners experiences giving birth here the more terrified I become! I don't speak Italian, so this complicaes matters.

I have set an appt. with an ob/gyn by the name of Sarah Montefusco. She has her own studio but evidently also works out of Mangiagalli. Has anyone heard of this doctor or that hospital???

Is it possible to have private rooms in these hospitals??? I was told women are basically corralled like cattle in one big room with no concern for a women's privacy or anything!

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Celeste

[eccomi]

Thank you alilu. Unfortunately I called La Luna Nuova and, while they were helpful and kind, the obstetrician I spoke to said that there is a law in Lombardia that forbids health care providers from assisting a home birth for women who have previously had cesareans. Yes, a LAW.
In any case, she gave me the name of an obstetrician to get in touch with and hopefully he will have some suggestions.
Thanks again!

Celeste, in general actually I think birth is treated more like a natural process here. Lots of mainstream hospitals have tubs so you can labor in water. You usually aren't quite so restricted physically as in U.S. hospitals. You can usually stay with your partner throughout. Again, I say usually. The tricky thing here is that doctor tend to have difficulty with the idea of patients having opinions of their own. So you really have to demand what you want and be ready to be labeled "difficult." I think you just need to meet with different obs until you find someone that you click with.
That said, if you want any help, I would be glad to talk or even help you with research, translating, etc. PM me and I'll give you my number.
Everything I have heard about Mangiagalli has been very positive. In fact, think I will give them a call as well!