Questions for Midwife/OB

[Faither]

What questions would ask a new midwife/ob if you were trying for a VBAC?

I have meetings this week and next with midwives (two different practices) and my OB. Besides "Can I have a VBAC" I'm trying to figure out what else I should be asking. I have copies of my medical records from when I had my daughter to bring with me. Other than "who's the backup OB and can I meet him/her in advance?" What else would you ask?

I'm sure I'll come up with a few more questions as we talk but I'm just trying to get an idea of what to think about.

TIA!

[womenswisdom]

Basically I would want to know how my being a vbac mom would change their normal protocol. I would ask at what point they would recommend induction and/or repeat cesarean if I had not gone into labor by then. Continuous or intermittent monitoring? Saline lock or IV fluids required? Is induction an option if it becomes medically necessary?

[HappyMonkey]

Maybe instead of asking CAN I... you let them know you want to vbac and go from there?

[Faither]

Originally Posted by HappyMonkey 

Maybe instead of asking CAN I... you let them know you want to vbac and go from there?

you're right. I did tell the midwives when I made the appointment that I wanted a VBAC, so theoretically they know but that's a better way to say it. Thanks!

[akind1]

I think the most important umbrella question was given already: how do you treat VBAC mamas differently? For instance, the first practice I was with (I switched when I heard their answers) said continuous internal monitoring, RCS at 40 weeks if not gone into spontaneous labor prior to, and they wanted an epidural placed at 5 cm. Doc gave me weird looks when I explained I wanted to be up and moving during labor . . . .also, ask about stats - rupture rate in general, their VBAC rate in particular (the practice I switched from gave me a ridiculously high rate of 3-5% for rupture - for only one low transverse incision!?)

I think these questions will help you spot any red flags.