home birth after two cesareans...is this safe?

[KnockedUpButtercup]

I just want to hear some thoughts.

Background: neither of my two c-sections were medically necessary, as such - my labors just seemed to "stall," or weren't progressing as quickly as the doctor wanted

Why? Honestly, I believe this was because I was sexually assaulted by an EMT when I was much younger, so whenever someone tried to "check" me, saying things like "hang on, almost there" and smelling like hospital, etc., my cervix would retreat in horror. And with the weekly visits during the last month, my anxiety about it would build and mount, never going away.

So I think with this pregnancy, I could have a home birth or scheduled c-section #3. I hated all the problems the c-section caused with nursing and bonding, the sense of helplessness engendered by being numb from the waist down, and I had problems with the anaesthetic both times, so I'm not in love with the idea of a three-peat. But, I don't want to be selfish and risk harming my baby, either.

Is this ridiculous? Am I being neurotic, or is this worth pursuing? I want to know what you mommas think.

Don't hold back - I can take it!

Holly

[MsBlack]

There are many women who have had homebirths and even unassisted births after 2-5 csecs. The risk of uterine rupture is only a very small amount higher after 2 csecs than after only 1.

Have you visited ICAN--international cesarian awareness network? ICAN provides support and research info for women seeking vaginal birth after cesarian, including homebirth. Also, your local ICAN chapter may well have info on home and hospital providers who are friendly to vbac.

http://www.ican-online.org/

Good luck! For many women, homebirth proves to be the safest, most reliable way to have a vbac.

[KnockedUpButtercup]

I have visited ICAN, actually - everything they say is very appealing. I guess I'm just afraid that it's too much like what I want to hear, and I'm missing something.

[MsBlack]

Well...if you're looking for information *against* vbac, especially vba2c....then I think you won't find it here! You'd have to talk to OBs who refuse to support vbac for that (distorted) view

My experience with ICAN is that their recommendations and research is solid. Seems to me that there are a couple things that stand between most women and vbac: lack of confidence in their ability to birth normally, and lack of options for vbac care. ICAN tries to address both--supporting women's understanding and confidence, helping keep track of vbac friendly providers.

You might try the birth professionals forum for further info on vbac risks, etc. I haven't seen anyone here disregard real risks of birth in any setting (here on MDC, in any forum); what I see usually is people trying to balance risks, figure out what works best for them in their situation. I mean, there is real risk involved in csec, too, after all--and those risks increase, with each successive surgery. And Life in general has risks--we don't get any guarantees, we have to simply do the best we can with what we've got.

[KnockedUpButtercup]

That makes a lot of sense! Everyone wants to talk to me about the risks of vbac (and by everyone, I specifically mean my mother), but the risks of cesarean are a factor, as well - I just need to put those numbers side-by-side.

Thanks!

[Belle]

I think that a homebirth would probably be your best chance at a VBAC. Especially with the assault in your past. I only had one VE when I was in labor and I was almost completely dilated at that point. I could have easily declined it too if I'd felt that way about it. I had none during my pregnancy at all. VEs don't really tell you much. The more they are done the greater the risk for infection.

[SleeplessMommy]

A huge advantage of midwife-assisted home birth is the opportunity to develop a relationship of trust with the midwife. (Instead of having a random pick of docs at the hospital.) Explain your concerns about checks to the midwife.

I know a very sensible lady who did VBA2C, at home, last year. Everything went fine.

[blessedwithboys]

i have had two forced csecs and tho i dont plan to ever get pg again, if i did, i would UC, and i am fully prepared to accept any outcome, both for me and babe...and my two kiddos already on the outside. i feel this way bc i know that the risk of a 3rd section is also very great, so while i dont really think an uba2c is dangerous, i trust it and my body enough to take that slim chance. GL!

[wbg]

I do believe that VBAC is safe. I feel that each person's unique history should be considered and as I do not know the details of yours, nor am I a professional health care provider, I can not give you an answer. But I will say this. If you do your research, you will probably find that you are a very good candidate for VBAC. Look for evidence based research and look into the facts about repeat c-secs as well.

From what you have told me from a non medical standpoint, I do think home birth would be wonderful for you. If you can connect with a midwife who you trust and she can support you through your past trauma and how it affects your current birthing journey, then you will most likely succeed. All women should give birth in an environment where they feel safe and supported and empowered. If they choose a support team, they should make sure that team is on the same page as they are, and develop a trusting relationship with them.

FWIW, when I had my HB I only had one VE, which was at my final pre natal and at my request. During labour no one came anywhere near my vagina except my new born baby!

Wishing you all the best and lots of warmth and positive energy for the upcoming birth journey.

[sweetpea_119]

I'm a happy HBA2C momma!

Go for it!! I was a member of the ICAN Yahoo group & read every research item that they shared on it & was so immensely reassured by what good, solid research had to say about VBAC/HBACs. I'm now planning a second homebirth after how awesome the first was...and have been converting others to the homebirthing movement!

[KnockedUpButtercup]

Ok. I talked to a midwife, and she said the first step would be to acquire my medical records from my 1st two births. She also mentioned that she doesn't do vbacs, b/c of the "climate" in this area, but wished me good luck in finding someone. So, I'm going to get these records and then start shopping them around.

I'm kind of getting excited! Which is a nice change from anxious and sad.

Holly

[Virginia884]

Good luck to you! Perhaps try posting in your 'tribal area' to see if anyone in the Texas group has a recommendation for a HB midwife who does VBAC.

[JessicaS]

Have you attended any ICAN Meetings? You might be able to get some good recommendations for a m/w from there.

[ACsMom]

You completely make sense! What happened to you could definitely be the reason why labor tends to stall for you in the hospital. I'm sorry that happened, by the way. That is awful and unforgivable, that someone who you're supposed to be able to trust to take care of you did that to you. Glad you're on the path to having a HBAC! I've gotten a lot of encouragement and inspiration from the book "The Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Experience" by Lynn Baptisti Richards. Had to order it online but very well-worth it.

[sunfish21]

Reading several posts, I have to agree that ICAN is a great place to start. Is there a group that meets near you? You could also meet with several home-birth midwives about the safety of VBACS. You might get great information from a 'live person' and you might find someone that you really want to work with. In most cases, especially if it has been two years or longer since the C-sec, VBACS are fine. Good luck!

[xmasbaby7]

From the little I know about this, the choice of birth provider is only one element to this, and I would seriously look into working with a seasoned, top-level trained Birthing From Within instructor who could help you work through your feelings of birth related to sexual assault. It is going to be a huge factor for how your body responds to laboring in your home. Quite justifiably, women with sexual assault history have very difficult times with opening up.

Healing that as best as you can will have a very powerful, positive impact on your birth. You would want to find the best practitioners experienced in this area to guide you. Many midwives have done training in this.

Good luck to you!

[KnockedUpButtercup]

I can see I definitely need to go to an ICAN meeting. I e-mailed the contact person on their website for information.

I've read Silent Knife, but it was a long time ago (between csec #1 and #2). I love book recommendations!

There seems to be at least one place in Houston that offers "Birthing from Within" classes. Maybe I need to see a counselor or something - I've never talked about this with anyone besides my husband.

I appreciate all this information and advice!

Holly

[John'sMama]

I think your decision to HBA2C is a step in the right direction for you. I think your reasoning as to why your labor stalled the first 2 times is likely right on; as a counselor I read a lot of research on the lifelong effects of assault, and being in a similar situation, even if it was "okay", is bound to cause mental and physical stress. Homebirth is all about being in your comfort zone, surrounded only by people you know well and fully trust.

I've printed off every article I can find about VBAC and HBAC and homebirth in general. I've put them all in a binder. I actually just told my mom last night about our decision to HBAC and as soon as I did I told her I had an entire binder of articles that she was welcome to read to help answer her questions and ease her mind. I think the fact that I'd clearly already done so much research helped put her somewhat at ease; she's not jumping for joy at the decision, but she was pretty supportive.

Was the first midwife you met with a CNM? I live in IL, which is not friendly towards homebirths, and only lay midwives will perform HBACs. It took a lot of searching b/c, at least that I know of, there isn't a listing of lay midwives like there is of CNMs. I e-mailed every CNM I could find, presented my situation, and asked if she could help. They all said they couldn't do HBACs, but most did give me names of other midwives. I also e-mailed tons of doulas, and it was through one of them I finally found my lay midwife. So it might take some searching, but it's possible