VBACers?

[momma2libby]

Hi anyone else planning a VBAC? I had my first c-section for lame reasons by my former ob, I was given the 'big baby' card and went in for a section at 39 weeks. I tried for a VBAC with my second but I was dropped from the CNMs I was going to at 41 weeks, no labor by 42 weeks, ended up with another section. I want to VBAC this time and I have an interview with a homebirth midwife tomorrow. I also have the option of driving an hour and a half to a doctor who attends VBAMC. Or paying a doctor out of pocket in my area who said he would attend my VBAC but he doesn't take my insurance and I worry how expensive that can be (Ive been quoted at 1600/prenatals+vag birth+labs and ultrasounds...or 2200 if I end up with a section...sounds cheap but labs can add up)....so if i'm going to pay anyone out of pocket i think i might go with the homebirth midwife bc i have a bigger chance of a vaginal birth with her.

anyways...what's your stories???

[SuzyLee]

No VBAC experience but paying out of pocket sounds like a really big risk. That would scare me.

I am also struggling with hosp vs. home. I fell like I need to decide soon to start prenatal care.

[Robynee]

This will be my second vbac. If there was anyway I could afford a homebirth midwife, that would be my first choice. The vbac policies at the hospitals in my state are terrible. Many of them have an outright ban, the rest label you high-risk, hook you up to a monitor the second you walk in, heplock, the whole nine yards.

It is looking like I won't have a choice but to birth in the hospital again though, thanks to my HMO, and I am looking into hiring a doula to help me "fight the power"

[Stuckmama]

I'm getting close to my second VBAC and halfway through my care with an OB decided to do a home birth. I couldn't afford a midwife but my health is generally good so I bought a BP cuff and I check every couple of weeks. I'm not watching my weight and instead just eating healthy. I am lucky in that I have a close friend who was an EMT and has been trained to deal with emergency procedures and got birth training, she will be attending my birth.

I will admit that the Dr. I had was all for VBAC and is considered to be an excellent doctor. I objected to the constant tests (which my insurance wouldn't pay for) and that the Hospital was going to treat me like a time bomb. I have very negative reactions to being strapped down. Thus the reason I'm going for a home birth rather than a hospital. I don't want to fight and be in labor.

Personally, I think that if you're going to pay anyone out of pocket, pay the midwife. At least then you will know that if you do have to transfer to the hospital for a c-section, that you were given every chance to labor on your own.

[DocsNemesis]

I'm trying for a VBAC. I'm not quite in the same situation as most of you probably, I had 4 vaginal births and then ended up with a cesarean for my last one. Provided all goes well with the pregnancy, I'll be having a VBAC.

I had a cesarean because I got very sick with HELLP syndrome, very quickly. My labs were going downhill SOOOO fast. I was given the option to attempt to induce, but my cervix was still tight and closed, I had gone from having an angry liver to having an even more angry liver and angry kidneys, my platelets dropping, and my blood pressure going up even more, all within 2 hours. Between the pain I was in (having a liver freaking out hurts horribly), the drugs I was on to prevent siezures (uhhhh...forget what its called suddenly?), and my cervix being totally unfavorable, I actually made the decision to have a cesarean on my own. I really didnt feel like an induction would work, like I'd have the ability to push effectively in that state if it did, and I didnt want to risk my platelets dropping too low (which would mean I'd have to be put under general to deliver and would make a cesarean more risky).

Anywho, I hated it, and the recovery was terrible, but I dont regret the decision, I just hope it doesnt happen again!

I'm most likely delivering in the hospital (which is actually pretty decent for a hospital, its a baby friendly hospital, they are very pro breastfeeding and respected all my decisions) and probably with an OB, although I'll use a CNM if I can find one for that hospital. I'm totally bratty anyway though (see user name, lol) and I'll end up doing it MY way regardless, and probably be home within an hour of delivery-unless I have another C.

Hopefully most of us will get VBACs! I can imagine how exciting it is for those who have had all cesareans before. Good luck!!!!

[altbirthservices]

Originally Posted by Robynee

This will be my second vbac. If there was anyway I could afford a homebirth midwife, that would be my first choice. The vbac policies at the hospitals in my state are terrible. Many of them have an outright ban, the rest label you high-risk, hook you up to a monitor the second you walk in, heplock, the whole nine yards.

It is looking like I won't have a choice but to birth in the hospital again though, thanks to my HMO, and I am looking into hiring a doula to help me "fight the power"

Robyn - many midwives will accept payment plans, have sliding scales, do barter and will work with you if money is truly an issue. If home is where you feel best, I would definitely explore your options. You and your baby only have this birth.

Good luck.

Laura

[Robynee]

Originally Posted by altbirthservices

Robyn - many midwives will accept payment plans, have sliding scales, do barter and will work with you if money is truly an issue. If home is where you feel best, I would definitely explore your options. You and your baby only have this birth.

Good luck.

Laura

Thanks.
Home certainly feels best, I am still looking into my options. I am also considering laboring at home and just showing up at the local anti-vbac hospital while pushing. It is only 5-10 minutes away. Realistically though, I know dh won't be able to get me out to the car at that point.

[sharr610]

Totally hoping for an HBAC this time. We tried a homebirth last time and I plan on working with the same midwife. We'll see!