Hi, I'm new here

[becca_howell]

I don't know why I haven't checked in here before. My name is Becca. I'm 28 years old. I have two beautiful children and one on the way, due mid-May. My first c-section was after 24+ hours of labor, most done on my back with an epidural maxed out and pitocin maxed out. I got to 9cm and doc came in at 4AM (yeah, prime decision making time) and said, "You don't have the urge to push, you aren't dilating anymore, you need a c-section." I was uninformed and accepted the c-section. The more I read after, the more I realized how stupid the decision was. Hindsight, beautiful thing. Anyway, I got pregnant 12 months later, and asked the (same) doctor for a VBAC at 22 weeks. He said, "Sure, I don't see why not." At 37 weeks, he insisted i wasn't dilated, baby wasn't engaged and I needed a c-section. More educated this time, yet still accepting the "doctor knows best" line.

Fast Forward 18 months. DH and I get hit with "the fever". I tell him I don't want to have another biological child without trying for a VBA2C. He's ok with it. So, we "start" TTC and get pregnant first cycle. I see a midwife at a freestanding birth center for the first part of my pregnancy, then transfer to a VBAC friendly doctor (KVS). She's friendly, the other two OB's in her practice aren't. I "had" to see her partner before her ("rules" of the practice--yet I have had the runaround as far as that's concerned), when her partner came in (this was after the VBAC friendly doc approved my VBAC) the conversation goes...

"So, you've had two c-sections so this will be a repeat c-section."

"No, I'm going to VBAC."

"No you're not."

"Yes I am. I'm KVS' VBA2C patient."

"Then we're done here."

I refuse to see that woman again. I'd rather UC than have her deliver my child.

ANYWHO....

I have a great doula who is now a Hypnobabies certified instructor, I've got the Hypnobabies Home Study Course, I've got a killer non-invasive, KVS-approved birth plan, supportive "crunchy" friends, a supportive husband and that's all I need. Just thought I'd pop in and give an intro. I hope to utilize this group in the few weeks to come!

[Ms. B. Sprout]

Hey there! Nice to meet you. I am also a VBA2C mama.

[CookAMH]

Welcome! It's fantastic that you have a doula - I'm confident that if I had one with my first birth, I'd have had a vaginal birth. I have a doula this time!

I've gotten good resources from my local ICAN group, have you checked yours out? Maybe there is a much more supportive network of OBs you could find in case you become unsatisfied with yours.

[becca_howell]

I was completely stupid and had my mom "act" as my "doula". The most she did was walk around with me, push me to get an epidural, pick up my leg when it would fall off the bed when my epidural was over-numbing one side, and push me into a c-section before exploring other options (i.e., turning down the stinkin epi).

As far as ICAN goes, I've gotten some good resources from the local group online, but I can't make monthly meetings. There's basically two options for a VBAC/VBA2C in our city: the OB I'm with or an OB with another local hospital, and DH refuses to go to the other hospital. He (and I) are more concerned about the way we're treated after the baby is born than having to fight hard for a VBA2C. The way we see it, if we're not at the hospital until we're about to deliver, they can't force us into a c-section. I really hope to arrive as baby is crowning! LOL!

[Xerxella]

Good luck Becca!  I, too, will be going for a VBA2C.  I can't believe that second doc!  Why would she work in a practice where she knows that her other doc is doing VBA2Cs if she's not comfortable with them???!?!?!?  Have you considered a montrise or a non certified midwife?  Not that you'd deliver at home (unless you wanted to) but that they could check you and determine how far along you are and so decide when you should go to the hospital.  Just a thought....

Keep us updated! 

[jenniro]

I am in the exact situation!! I had a forced failed VBAC 9 months ago, my doc wasn't available for my birth so I got the hostile on-call doc that walked into the room and told me, "You can't do this, you should just have the c-section."  Wow, thanks!  My mom and my doula were rather ineffective at standing up to docs, and hubby was nervous about a VBAC anyway.  So, after fighting for 12 hours, and being stalled at 4 cm that entire time, I gave in and had the c-section.  I kick myself every day.  I felt more educated and ready, but I wasn't.  I am more determined than ever to have a successful VBA2C for our next child.  I also live in a small town with one clinic staffed with general practitioners that deliver babies, no OB in town.  There are 2 OBs in a town 30 minutes away, but the only hospital in that town has banned VBACs.  So, I am planning a homebirth.  I have tried to give birth in the hospital twice now and ended up with unnecessary major surgery both times. 

It sounds like you are ready and totally prepared.  Sending good vibes your way,  kup!!   

[justKate]

  I'm not a VBACer but hope to be some day.

Congrats on your pregnancy!  I just wanted to second the PP's suggestion about a non-certified midwife.  I'm not sure what the options are in your area--it sounds like you looked in to it with ICAN, but it might not hurt to push them for more options...maybe email the leader, if you haven't talked to her already.  And stay strong! 

Ms. B. Sprout, congradulations to you too!  I hadn't seen that you are expecting. 

[Ms. B. Sprout]

Thanks so much, justKate! You're sweet!

[FischK]

Also wanted to say good luck, becca! No advice on the VBA2C, as I am preparing just for a VBAC at this point.

@Xercella: Hi! Glad to hear you're expecting again. Our no. 2 is due late August.

[LisaSedai]

Welcome!!

[Xerxella]

Congrats Fisch!  I can't believe I'm here again!  :)