Headed for my 2nd VBAC

[JustVanessa]

Just found out that I am pregant with #3.
I had a hellish VBAC (still way better than a c/s) last time. It was 43 hours of back labor. I can't believe how wonderfully awesome my OB is. I think I asked for a repeat c/s 3 times during labor and he said no because baby was fine and I didn't need one. (Yes, I know, he is a GOD )

We now have a midwife in our little community and I am so torn. My ob is so wonderful, but so is the midwife. What to do?

[lovebeingamomma]

Congrats! To encourage you subsequent labors are *usually* shorter and easier! If you didn't have a doula with your last you may consider one to help you through those intense emotional ups and downs that we all have during labor. And as far as the midwife vs. ob, if your ob was wonderful & supportive I would just stick with him personally. I really advocate midwives for their usually more personal care, but there are some really great ob's out their too that are awesome.

[CookAMH]

That is awesome you had a a great OB. And I wouldn't be surprised at all if this birth was a breeze compared to the last one! Your body has done it all before now.

Was there anything else about the birth you would want differntly that a midwife could provide? If you go with a m/w, would it be a home birth or hospital birth? If all else is equal, and you love your OB, I'd stick with him. But, if there are other things that you want differently about the birth other than the care provider, then that is where I'd weigh my decision.

[JustVanessa]

I had a doula with #2 and she was great (I actually ended up having 2 because it took so long ). I think what really appeals to me about a midwife is having her present more of the time. My doc was pretty in and out

[MNHall]

good luck in the decision! I know I have one of those rare OB's, which sounds like you do to, who really believes in a woman's ability to vaginally deliver, supports natural birth and so on. So I feel 110% comfortable having an OB as my care provider. I do understand what you mean about having a m/w present more though, so that makes sense. But at the same time, if you'll have a doula too, she'll be there the entire time as well, right?

The other thing that I thought about is, you said you had back labor...was baby posterior? Maybe you can work on things like spinningbabies and visits to the chiro and so on so you can avoid that for this time! I bet not having back labor would make a huge difference!!!

Good luck!

[cairomama]

Try Back Labor No More
http://www.backlabornomore.com/

Midwives are not usually there as early as a doula. If it is in the hospital they can be in and out as well so I wouldn't make any assumptions. You could visit her and ask her some questions. I had a great midwife for my VBAC, but if I were you, I would probably stick with the OB unless you are considering homebirth.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!