What do I need to ask/tell the OB?

[~Amy~]

Around here, you don't see an OB unless you are high risk (and thankfully, a previous c/s doesn't put me in that category).  So, I have been seeing a family practice doctor (whom I really like a lot...very respectful, listens well, etc).  However, at my next appointment (27 weeks), I am supposed to meet with an OB (same clinic) instead to talk about whether I will plan a VBAC or if there's a reason for a repeat C.  This will not be the doctor that performed my c/s (he's still at the same clinic, but not in the day my appointment is scheduled).  So what kinds of questions should I ask the OB I see?  My major concern with attempting a VBAC is being restricted in movement by an IV and continuous monitoring.  I have no idea if these things are standard in my hospital for a VBAC or not.  I also want to be able to use the labor tub again, but am not sure if that will be allowed either.  Is there anything else I should ask about?  I'm probably only going to have 1 appointment with the OB so I want to make sure I don't forget anything important.

[TiffanyToo]

Ask about protocols, and standing orders this will give you some idea of what,  if any your restrictions might be. Talk about the ones that concern you the most.

Call and talk to the L&D nurses. Compare what they say with what the OB says. Ask for any clairifications should something not match up.

Ask about the BEST and the WORST  OBs on a VBAC support style scale, same for L&D nurses. Make a list, call ahead when labor starts to find out who is on call and likely to be there for your VBAC. This may help you decide when to get to the place your birthing at. Should a non VBAC friendly person be on call you might take a really long time getting to the hospital so you avoid that negative energy and possible influence.

Happy VBAC wishes!

[~Amy~]

Thanks so much for your thoughts, Tiffany.  I had my appointment yesterday and it went very well.  The OB I met with was very open to the idea of me having a VBAC.  She assured me there will be more restrictions than were placed on my last labour (so very minimal...no IV, no restrictions on eating or drinking, tub use allowed, only intermittent dopler monitoring).  She also encouraged me to stay home as long as I wanted, but to come in if I felt "off" or baby didn't seem to be responding well to contractions.  We also discussed my DH using a fetoscope to monitor the baby at home during early labour.  She said the successful VBAC rate at the hospital is 50-60%, which seems low, but is probably pretty standard, especially if they're including inductions & attempts with epidural.  She also said that since my previous section was due to DS's poor positioning, my chances would go up considerably if the baby was properly positioned, so that will be my focus over the next few weeks.  All in all, I feel much better going into this.

[TiffanyToo]

Proper positioning is very important. Chiropractic care is amazing for this! I saw my chiro hours before labor started.

I would recommend a Begnell or Webster trained Chiropractor

  http://icpa4kids.org/Find-a-Chiropractor/ 

[~Amy~]

Originally Posted by TiffanyToo 

Proper positioning is very important. Chiropractic care is amazing for this! I saw my chiro hours before labor started.

I would recommend a Begnell or Webster trained Chiropractor

  http://icpa4kids.org/Find-a-Chiropractor/ 

My chiro is on that list!  I've been seeing her for several years and she'll be starting some Webster work in the coming weeks.  I'm going to try to get in to see her in early labour this time if possible.