VBAC at GW Hospital in Washington, DC

[je031709]

Looking for anyone willing to share their successful (or unsuccessful) VBAC story at GW Hospital in DC.  I am planning on a VBAC in late June.  DD #1 was csection after hours of pushing and failure to progress - a posterior baby.  I did have an epidural that time, but it was administrered at 8 cm - so I am not sure if that interferred with an otherwise fast progressing labor or if didn't make a difference given baby's position.  Just trying to gather any helpful stories to prepare me this time and to help me ask questions of my OB.  Thanks. 

[CookAMH]

Try posting in the tribal area for DC - you'll get locals there to give feedback. Also checkout http://ican-online.org and see if there is a local group - awesome support and resources.

[sweeetpea]

I have supported quite a few births at GW.  As a hospital, it is ok, but your birth experience is HIGHLY dependent on your care provider.  On one hand, I have seen a birth of twins in the LDR rather than the OR, which is extremely unusual in most of the hospitals around here.  On the other hand, I have had a client who was restricted to bed SOLELY because her water had broken, nearly bullied into an enema that her OB said was mandatory because, as he yelled at her that he did not want to get her sh*t on himself, and had procedures done without consent (is - AROM and pit).

As pp's said - go to ICAN and learn about your provider options.  There aren't too many really good in-hospital VBAC-supportive OBs around, but there are a few.  There are several ICAN groups active in the DC area - you can probably find one close to you, depending on where you live.

[BirthLove]

Hi there,

I have heard that GW's Midwifery program - WISDOM - is truly wonderful. Have you talked to the midwives there about VBAC? I feel as though they would be so helpful.

Best of luck to you and your baby!! 

[azohri]

A good friend of mine just had a fantastic VBAC waterbirth there, after a first C-section for a posterior baby!