Well, I did not have cause to meet with THE Dr. Easterling because my version was successful! It's been almost 2 days and baby is still head down. Yaaaaaay!
I have a few other reasons I feel I am better off in the hospital for this birth, so I probably would have ended up opting for a C-Section (unscheduled, of course) if I was not able to get a good vibe from a UW OB about the vaginal breech. So I'm super thankful for this. Now I just need to get this baby to rotate a bit so I'm more comfortable that he'll be anterior and not another OP and then I'll be in excellent shape. :)
As far as the UW/vaginal breech issue, I can totally believe that they would discourage them. However, interesting to note is that I did NOT find out about v/b being an option there because I asked about it. At the first appt where DS was confirmed breech, the first words out of the m/w's mouth were, "I want you to know that no one can force you to consent to a C-Section, and that vaginal breech is an option here". So I don't know exactly how they decide who is worthy of one ;) but she sure sounded like she believed it would be an option...and I hadn't said a word to indicate that I would NOT have a C/S...because I am not flatly opposed to that, either. This was one of the UW CNMs, btw. They work very closely with the OBs so I figure she would have a pretty good idea if they would take me for a v/b if I wanted one. And she also told me when I asked outright that she personally was not a fan of vaginal breech, so I give her more credit for offering me options. I am huge fan of the CNMs there!!
About the version, it was hella painful and long torture (and I have a super high pain tolerance) with the first attending who tried--I don't think she was quite as good with her technique, though, so this was possibly avoidable. She knew how badly I wanted the baby head-down, so she went hunting throughout the hospital for Dr. (Zane) Brown who is the known "best in house" at versions. He popped in for a few minutes...it took him one full turn, one attempt, about five minutes maybe? and it was a done deal. It barely hurt--probably would have hurt less if not for the first attempt pain. He has large hands (maybe helpful!) and a good technique according to DH who was watching both with an eye for the "mechanics" of the procedure. Dr. Brown told me that if DS turned again, to find him (Doc) and he would turn him again for me. I was soooo relieved. But today I am bruised and sore!
thanks everyone, this has been such a helpful thread. :)
et
banking once again on VBAC number 2!
Follow Mothering