What would you do?

[MyFillingQuiver]

I know this ultimately has to be my decision, and I'm good with that. I just respect ladies who have been there, for offering insights I may not have thought of.

Here's the deal. I have had all hospital births. 1&2 hospital birth. 1st one horrendous-could write a movie about how horribly I was treated. 2nd birth nice, but induced hospital birth-still a positive experience. 3rd baby was transverse with a tight nuchal cord, c-section. 4th, unnecessary repeat c-section. 5th was a wonderful hospital birth. I had an OB who was totally supportive of my VBA2C-virtually unheard of. Low interventions in labor, total quiet, trust, only 1 nurse who was more like a doula, the OB and my husband present...great birth. I labored well and delivered fairly quickly and without any issue. Dr laid hands on my belly to feel effectiveness of contractions and check how I was doing..it was gentle.

Now my LO is nearly 8 months old, and I recently found out I'm pregnant. For me, I guess all it took was a too long stretch of sleeping at night (not pushed to do so!) and that was it. We are surprised but very happy!

Anyway, I met with a midwife yesterday. I LOVED her. I was hoping I wouldn't, LOL, as that would be an easier choice because our state has a new law which makes it illegal for her to attend my birth, as I'm a VBA2C, but she has such confidence, (tempered with reality) she'll do it anyway.

Here's my dilemma...what to do? If I loved my OB/Hospital, but it's 50 minutes away, and still an OB/Hospital, I am not high-risk other than closer spaced pregnancies (no biggie to her as I'm very healthy and nutritionally focused) and a VBA2C with 1 proven vag delivery after, what would you do? I love the concept of delivering at home, being in our own environment, freedom to eat, move more, not working within any constraints really, etc.

Sorry for the book! Again, I'm not looking for someone to make my decision, but rather I'd love to hear stories with similar backgrounds, or advice, birth stories to help me and my husband (who is tremendously supportive) of what to do...I think since I'm coming to the quintessential site for homebirthing, I'm looking for reassurance that what I'm feeling I should do is good....

Thanks ladies!

[grcelizabeth]

I just wanted to say how lucky you were to have such an awesome OB and hospital birth with your VBA2C. That really is unheard of. The only issue with the pregnancies being so close together for a VBAC, since it's a hire chance of rupturing uterus. HOWEVER, YOU ALREADY HAD A VBA2C! Even if this was your first VBA2C and your MW was gun-ho for you, I would go for a homebirth. You asked what we would do and I would personally do a homebirth.

Ask your MW for statistics and info. on VBAC's at home so you and DH can feel comfortable on your decision. A homebirth is completely different, even if you had a great hospital birth experience.

[MyFillingQuiver]

Thanks for your input! I know I was very fortunate to have the birth I did last go-round. My OB is pretty much the "go to guy" if you want a VBAC in a hospital setting. I found him through ICAN, and they have really low c-section and really high VBAC rates. It was a blessing! I think that's why I am still not 100% decided...it's not as if I want a homebirth because my hospital birth was so bad. I've had bad, and this wasn't it, LOL! It's sort of the same reasons I homeschool...not because they other choices are horrible, just that homeschooling for us is best.

I do thank you for your take on it, and as I think this out, pray about it and discuss it with people who matter to me, I'm really leaning towards homebirth!

Thanks and take care!

[sweetpea_119]

I vote for a homebirth I had two c/s & am now planning my 2nd home birth, so I can say that I LOVE HBing! But even my friends who had relatively good hospital experiences who have since tried a home birth have remarked on how far superior their experiences during their HB were. No transferring in the middle of contractions in the car. No dealing with being hooked up to machines/IVs unnecessarily. Lots of good things about staying home!

[claddaghmom]

I would totally do a homebirth!

[onyxravnos]

Originally Posted by grcelizabeth

. HOWEVER, YOU ALREADY HAD A VBA2C! Even if this was your first VBA2C and your MW was gun-ho for you, I would go for a homebirth. You asked what we would do and I would personally do a homebirth.

you can always see the OB as well incase you do end up feeling you need to go to the hospital but plan on a HB ( I would) and then can always say 'oops happen to fast'

[Nicole730]

I vote for the homebirth! Especially if your midwife thinks you are a good candidate.

[Galatea]

Have you prayed on it? Stupid question, probably, but it sounds like you know what you want to do, so perhaps asking for higher help to make you feel confident would be the way to go.

From my perspective, you sound like a good candidate.

[MyFillingQuiver]

Galatea,

I don't think that's a stupid question at all! I most certainly have prayed! My husband and I prayed about it last night, and that's one reason why I'm really calm about it and not just jumping emotionally...I know that no matter what I do, God is with me and this baby!

Thank you so much for the advice on this ladies. I really appreciate and value it. I will keep you posted on my decision and hopefully post a healthy and natural birth story this summer!

Have a great day!

[iggymom]

I'm not a VBAC, but am slightly higher risk due to several previous preterm births.

The way I approached the decision to switch to a MW was that IF there comes a point when I need the care of an OB and hospital, they will still be there for me to go to. If I go into labor early again, I will obviously not attempt to HB a preemie, but there is nothing they can do differently in my normal prenatal care and normal delivery that would make me feel better getting care from someone I'm less happy with.

I'd choose homebirth, knowing that if there comes a point before then that there is a reason to believe HB is too risky, I'd switch my plans.