Questions to Ask Doctor at consultation/second oppinion appointment?

[pinkmoonlight]

Hi, I have posted on here a little bit in the past. With 4 months, to the day of DD turning 1 and 5 months until we start TTC number 2. I thought now would be a good time to make a consultation/second opinion appointment with a VBAC friendly OB so I can get all the information I need before I get pregnant. ( I am calling to make the appointment on Monday)

My question is what kinds of questions should I ask? I know this doctor is truly VBAC friendly for two reasons 1. He delivered me via emergency c-section when my mom was 30 weeks pregnant and in full blown labor with me. He then delivered my 5 siblings via VBAC deliveries. While he is in his 60's and will probably be retired by the time number 3 rolls around, I am sure that he would recommend some one for me. 2. He came recommended by a Doula and Home birth Midwife in the area saying I couldn't get much better then him. He up until recently would attend Home births in the area, but does not any more due to policy of hospital.

I have a copy of my surgical report that I plan on bringing with me, but what else should I be prepared to bring with. What are the questions should I ask?

[JessB]

I recently saw a question similar to this, but I can't remember if it was on this board or not.  I started keeping track of the responses posted on that topic and I also wrote in some of my own.  Here is my list so far.  Hopefully this is good starting point for you, and others can fill in the gaps.

1.  What is your overall cesarean rate?

2.  Would you support my decision to have a VBAC?

3.  What is your VBAC success rate?

4.  What are your feelings about natural childbirth for a VBAC patient?

5.  What medical procedures/ interventions are standard for your VBAC patients?

6.  How long would I be allowed to go past my due date before an induction?  When would you push for an induction, and how would it be performed?

7.  What if I refused an induction for postdates?  

8.  Can I labor in the birthing tub?  What are the limitations on this?

9.  Could I still labor at home for a while before going to the hospital?

10.  What if I am gbs positive?  

11.  If I were to have a very long labor, when would you put me "on the clock?"

12.  What types of pain management do you offer?

13.  Is continuous monitoring required?  Could I do intermittent monitoring instead?

14.  Would I be allowed to move around, walk, be on the birth ball, etc?

15.  Would I have to have an IV?

16.  How long do I have to stay at the hospital afterwards?

17.  What would you do about a breech baby?

18.  What are your feelings on different pushing positions?

19.  What factors would cause you to push me to have a repeat c-section?

20.  How are your VBAC moms treated differently than other patients?

21.  How many people are allowed in my labor room?  What about children?

22.  What are your feelings on big/small babies?  (ie:  Would you induce for a baby suspected to be small or large?)

23.  Would I deliver with a doctor or a midwife?

24.  Are there other providers at the practice that may feel differently about these topics?

25.  Can I have fluids during labor (ie: Gatorade)?

[labortrials]

That's a great list of questions, Jess!

I think you should probably pick your 'big ticket items' and focus on them.  Since he delivered all of your siblings as VBAC, he's been through the amazing shifts in obstetric practice over the years.  I'd be curious to know more about his birth philosophy and VBACing in the current climate.  What does that mean for him and for you?

My OB was going to make me labor in the OR.  I thought that was absurd and really focused on his fear of my exploding uterus.  Now this too was an older guy who had seen it all.  I went to him because he was doing vaginal twins and was supportive of VBAC.  However, I had to press on him quite a bit throughout my pregnancy.

I figure they can claim to have a super low c/s rate but it's hard to get that proof.  They can claim just about anything at an interview.  And you can go through most or all of a pregnancy thinking your provider is behind you when he/she really isn't.  The proof is in the pudding.  Seems like you've got some pudding in front of you.  That's more than the rest of us can usually say!

Good luck!!

[pinkmoonlight]

Unfortunately this is not going to be as easy as I thought it was going to be. I called to make the appointment this morning and unfortunately the doctor is no longer doing OB he is just doing GYN now. I mean I don't blame him he is 60 some years old. I did talk to the receptionist and she said all of the doctors do VBAC deliveries. I have posted on the my local boards as well as on a mom's board that our city has to see if I could get any recommendations. I don't want to go into this blind and just pick any old doctor.