going to the hospital in labor, or not...

[Cian'sMama]

Has anyone planned a vbac at a hospital and then decided while in labor that they do not want to go? I am on the fence about hbac or hospital vbac. My hospital option looks like a great one, but I just have had such a hard time with hospital labor that I am aware of a deep seated fear of going at all. I am wondering, do I need to decide now? Can I just be prepared for anything and go when in labor, or just stay home if I feel better doing so? Staying at home would make me a UC as I have no midwife who will attend me at home seeing that I am a vba2c.

[ShwarmaQueen]

I think if there's a chance you might UC, you should educate yourself to the best of your ability NOW. I believe birth is normal and safe, but being prepared is a must.

Personally, I'm not comfortable with UCing, except for a crisis situation. Especially after the PPH that I experienced- I'd never give birth without a skilled attendant.

[HeatherB]

Totally agree with ShwarmaQueen, that being prepared is a MUST for a UC. I have a lot of respect for UC moms, but I believe the only time it's wise to do that is when you are fully prepared. That means having supplies at home, and also have a great amount of knowledge of what to do if a problem arises.

I completely understand the desire to avoid the hospital, and if I didn't have a MW option, I'd probably be in a similar situation. I'd likely choose to stay home as long as I possibly could, and if baby came, well, oops! And if, at any point, I felt the need to go in, I'd go. But, if I knew I might just stay home, I'd definitely want to be very well prepared - and make sure my DH was, too.

Oh, and I'd probably try taking the studies which show only a very slightly increased risk for VBA2C to all the local midwives... It makes me quite sad that MWs would refuse a VBA2C.

[phathui5]

Are you happy with the caregiver you've chosen for your hospital birth? If not, I'd recommend switching to someone you are really comfortable with.

Have you talked to all of the homebirth midwives in your area?

Do you have a doula lined up?

[Cian'sMama]

thanks for the reply's. I am planning a hospital birth and have met with the head of obstetrics although I see the midwives for prenatal care. The Ob was very supportive. My concern is that when I arrive at the hospital I do not know who will be there. I am concerned about the attitudes of the ob's I will meet there. I had a trial of labor with my daughter that ended in a repeat cs I think mostly because the attitude was "nothing has gone wrong, yet." We caved in out of fear. We got very little encouragement and they treated me like I was about to implode. This was at ta different hospital, however. I know to stay at home for as long as possible, but with just my doula and husband I feel a little insecure. How will I know when to go? With my last birth, we went way too early at the insistence of our doula. Should I meet the entire ob team? Do people do this? I know I need to talk with my midwife at the next appointment and hopefully will ocme up wiht some answers...so far I have been feeling that I need to make plans for myself and perhaps start to investigate more midwives for homebirth or prepare to UC, just in case. What I learned from my previous vbac attempt is that I need to take control of what I want and make it happen rather than rely on others...but i dont know where to start.

Unfortunately all of the MW's I have spoken with just point to the vermont regulations that say no vba2c. It makes me sad, too.

[roadfamily6now]

Originally Posted by Cian'sMama

Has anyone planned a vbac at a hospital and then decided while in labor that they do not want to go? I am on the fence about hbac or hospital vbac. My hospital option looks like a great one, but I just have had such a hard time with hospital labor that I am aware of a deep seated fear of going at all. I am wondering, do I need to decide now? Can I just be prepared for anything and go when in labor, or just stay home if I feel better doing so? Staying at home would make me a UC as I have no midwife who will attend me at home seeing that I am a vba2c.

well, with baby #6 I had every intention of birthing in the hospital. however, baby had his own plans and came in my shower.
I think that UC is a very real possibility for many women but I agree with the others that you need to educate yourself as much as you can and have great confidence in your self.