Calling all VBAC hopeful ladies!! « Back to Group Discussions

[beccabus]

Hi Ladies!

Hoping to find some July ladies who plan to VBAC!!  Have you spoken to your practitioner yet?  Are you planning to be at home, hospital or birth center?  What are your plans or strategies?

I spoke with my OB very briefly about it last week.  She was not encouraging.  If I hadn't mentioned that I knew I could do it at a hospital an hour away she seemed shocked that I knew and resigned that it was possible.  Has anyone else faced this objection?  How is your spouse or partner with this??

Sorry for all the questions...just thought getting a conversation going would be good for all of us!

[MaerynPearl]

I've been lucky enough not to have any issues that necessitated a c-section, however the views on them have changed greatly in just the past few years alone to the point where ACOG has actually issued a lot less strict guidelines and actually promotes VBACs.

Good luck to you and any others venturing down this path! I hope you find a practitioner who is supportive of this decision.

[lbkw]

Beccabus: Were both of your first 2 babies c-sections?

My first baby was vaginal and my second was c-section due to breech presentation. The midwife I saw has had a VBAC herself and she was very sure that I could VBAC my third, no problem. I have not met the other 3 medical professionals yet, but I am aware that they are all VBAC-friendly as is the hospital. My doula is a friend of mine who is very familiar with the practice and the hospital. Though, I don't know if she's attended a VBAC delivery. I don't think it will be that different since it's not like I've never labored before. I am concerned about my placenta being in a weird spot again leading to a mal-positioned baby, but not much I can do about that. My husband is pretty ok with VBAC, but he's like, you have to face the fact that you could have another c-section. I know, but I would like to think that I'm at no greater risk for a c-section than I was for my first baby. He is quite assured that rupture risk is very low.

[beccabus]

My first was a vaginal birth with an epidural that resulted in a 4th degree tear.  My son was 9lbs 1oz a very large head and 23 inches long.  I pushed him out very quickly in just 40 minutes.  The second time around, my son was estimated to be even larger and because of fear of another bad tear and life long damage, I elected to have a c-section.  He was born two weeks earlier than my first and was also 9lbs 1oz.

Third time around, I am feeling strongly that I want to do the best and healthiest thing for my baby.  I don't believe that my choice to elect for a c-section was well-informed or the right decision.  I feel that if I labor with a doula, avoid all medications and an epidural, labor and push in different positions that are more protective to the perineum, that I may be able to deliver this baby vaginally without tearing as badly. That is my goal anyway.  If I tear again, at least the risk was with me and not on the baby electing to have a c-section.

By the way, I am in NO way saying c-sections are bad!  Honestly the recovery for me was better with a c-section than my vaginal birth.  Sometimes c-sections are necessary and the best for the baby and momma.  I just feel like it was a choice I made, unnecessarily and wish I had done differently.

[ThreeLittleBirds]

I had a succesfull homebirth VBAC with my daughter. When I was a vbac hopeful I drew so much strength from watching positive birth videos and reading positive VBAC stories.

I want to return that back to the homebirth community

Here is my VBAC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p47vPNschw

[deborahbgkelly]

I hope for a VBAC, but will have a C-Section if absolutely medically necessary. I refuse to schedule one.

[MaerynPearl]

Originally Posted by beccabus 
 I feel that if I labor with a doula, avoid all medications and an epidural, labor and push in different positions that are more protective to the perineum, that I may be able to deliver this baby vaginally without tearing as badly. That is my goal anyway.  If I tear again, at least the risk was with me and not on the baby electing to have a c-section.

Also look into perineal massage. At the very least, it wouldn't hurt to try.

[FloMomma]

I had a C-section after 27.5hours of labor at home (planned home birth)...6hours of pushing in every position imaginable and my big girl got stuck on my pelvic bone.  We did a hospital tranfer and a C-section was determined neccessary...she came out with a cone-head and a ridge on her forehead from where I had pushed and pushed and she just got stuck.

That being my first birth....my OB who did the c-section said I could surely VBAC for another birth and stiched me up accordingly.  I met with my midwives today...in CT it is literally impossible to find a homebirth or even free standing birth center that will allow me to VBAC, but the Birth Center Midwives will do a Hospital VBAC with me.  I talked to them today and they said I basically have to keep this baby smaller and after the first tri-mester of nausea, cut out ALL carbs (even fruit)...and that since I progressed normally and was able to push that it was likely just that the baby was too big and in a bad position (posterior).  They also said that they aren't allowed to let me go past 41 weeks...I went naturally at 40W 5D last time.  I was told to stay home until the very end and that that would help me with my VBAC, because once I'm in the hospital it will be tough to get up and move around (thier hands are tied as to hospital practice).  Since we did a homebirth last time I'm not worried about staying home this time and we're 15-20mins from the hospital.  I know the car ride will be the worst part, but it will be worth it for the VBAC.  Honestly, no carbs and virtually no fruit for 6 months that's gonna be very very hard.  Also, I didn't know this, but once I call the midwives when I am in labor they are LEAGALLY required to tell me to come to the hospital....so, she said to keep that in mind when calling.

I will have to do a 20min strip once I get to the hospital, but hopefully I won't have to be stuck in bed, since that is not optimal for anyone, least of all a VBAC.  Wish me luck and good luck to you!  My husband is very very supportive...I hope yours is too!

xoxox

[lbkw]

FloMomma: Danbury Hospital has "triage" where you have to go for the initial monitoring before you get checked in. Someone told me not all L&D units are like that. I was only supposed to be monitored for 15 minutes, but they got too busy to come and check on me so I know I got stuck there longer. Are you planning to use a doula? Does Danbury still have the doula program? That's the most affordable doula around, but they won't call her until you are admitted! It took forever for the OB on call from my practice to come and check on me for me to even be admited and they let the woman in the curtain next to me order food. I know that sounds pretty "nice" for a hospital, but I was way further along in labor than her and the idea and smell of her food made me nauseous. Sorry, everyone else, for the tangent....

[deborahbgkelly]

Whoops. Got confused about terms. This is my first, so I have not had a c-section. Sorry about that.

[beccabus]

FloMamma--thanks for your story!!  I am most intrigued about the diet restrictions!!! I've been planning to stick with the Brewer's Diet, in hopes that that might help with baby's size.  Have you researched cutting all carbs for baby size?  I'm going to have to look into that.  I'm so glad you have supportive people around you!  I've been told that the OBs at the hospital where I will deliver are very VBAC supportive, but I don't get to see them until 36 weeks.  So I just feel like I have a long ways before I find that kind of professional support.  Thankfully my husband is supportive and so is my doula :)

[MovnMama]

VBAC hopeful here.i had a mw with my last birth, which resulted in a (IMO not medically necessary) csection. Now I must deliver in a hospital with constant external monitoring with my ob.

There is one ob in town here that is THE VBAC guy, but his bedside manner is AWFUL and he is not my doctor, thankfully. He was absolutely traumatizing when I went to him in my last pg (which was a miscarriage, only he used the phrase "dead baby" - repeatedly. ) I refused to go back to him weeks later (when my missed mc did not progress on its own and I needed a d&c ) and found my now ob.

I started crying when I was in with him because the pelvic with the other doc was so awful and he asked, "if he was so terrible why were you there?". I said he's the only VBAC dr. In the area, and my ob explained that he himself is the other option, he just doesn't advertise it. 

 So when I went in with this pg, we reviewed that I'm VBAC, he asked if I knew the risks, I explained that I did, and we are good. He seems to have no misgivings for me at all, which is nice. And DH is super supportive - he wants to buy some books, etc, so hopefully we can avoid some of our own miseducation pitfalls from last time. 

Im still terrified of failing, though. 

[Altair]

We are trying for a VBAC.  My last birth was a home birth transfer c-section for a 70 hour labor, 15 hours of pushing stuck baby.  He was very big and very stuck!  I'm working with the same midwife now and trying for a HBAC, but I am still worried about the baby's size and pelvic fit.  My son was positioned perfectly, there were no issues there.  If I have to transfer, there's a VBAC friendly hospital that she could continue my care at, but they are far away so it couldn't be an emergency transfer (my last wasn't).  Also, I do not like at ALL that at the hospital they take the baby to the nursery after birth for a check.  My c-section hospital didn't do that (they were the only mother/baby friendly hospital in nyc, and they closed).  So I think I will be arrested clinging to my baby.  

[thearrys]

Me!

C-section with DS after a 2 1/2 day induction due to pre-eclampsia and late decels. 

The midwife I had with DS is amazing.  I <3 her.  She had a VBAC herself, and I know she will fight for me. 

My challenge now is staying healthy! 

[beccabus]

Any progress in this area for anyone??  I met with my OB today and inquired again about when I would consult with the birthing hospital I will have to go to.  Again, I was told she didn't support the decision, but didn't think there was any harm in going to the consult.  I was met with long looks and frowns :(  I know I'm going to have to be strong as the time gets closer.  I am praying the consult goes well.  I believe I am a perfect candidate for a VBAC, so I'm not expecting too much push back, but I'm nervous.  I'm thinking about bringing my doula with me...

anyone else??

[lbkw]

 to you Beccabus!

So far, I haven't been met with any resistance to VBAC. Meeting second midwife tonight! Next week is ultrasound to see where placenta is at this point. I think I'm feeling things in the front so hopefully it's not anterior. I've been trying to do headstands daily to help with everything. Was thinking of starting a thread for people who have done a lot of research into fetal positioning beneficial for birth. (to learn from them!)

[onemomma]

I have had 2 home births after a c-section for "CPD", which my heart believes was really about ineffective care givers and a lack of knowldege. My first vaginal birth was the greatest gift to my self esteem, and confidence as a mother. It was so healing. Hands down, best day of my life. I absolutely with HBAC again this time.

I did want to comment on a couple of things though, first the dietary restrictions. I'm all for eating healthy. Total carb denial seems painful to me. Birth complications relate to head size and baby's position. They might get a big fat belly and some nice juicey rolls if you eat a bit more fruit, but their head won't get a whole bunch bigger or smaller depending on what you eat. I was way more careful with baby #2 and gained 26 lbs, vs baby #1 where I gained 45. Baby #1 weighed 9'11", baby #2 was 9'1". Worth the restrictions? I'd say no. So for baby #3 I ate what my body wanted and baby was 8' 13". All 3 of my baby's heads were the exact same size.

Also I firmly believe that the number one factor in my success was surrounding myself with only people who believed in my body and in my ability to birth my babies. I travel to my caregiver and reloate my family to birth and it is totally worth it to me. I refuse to spend labour fighting, I need to be on the same page as my care providers and trust in their care.

[XanaduMama]

Originally Posted by beccabus 

Any progress in this area for anyone??  I met with my OB today and inquired again about when I would consult with the birthing hospital I will have to go to.  Again, I was told she didn't support the decision, but didn't think there was any harm in going to the consult.  I was met with long looks and frowns :(  I know I'm going to have to be strong as the time gets closer.  I am praying the consult goes well.  I believe I am a perfect candidate for a VBAC, so I'm not expecting too much push back, but I'm nervous.  I'm thinking about bringing my doula with me...

anyone else??

Originally Posted by onemomma 

Also I firmly believe that the number one factor in my success was surrounding myself with only people who believed in my body and in my ability to birth my babies. I travel to my caregiver and reloate my family to birth and it is totally worth it to me. I refuse to spend labour fighting, I need to be on the same page as my care providers and trust in their care.

I think this is so true. OP, having read the whole thread it makes me really nervous for you to hear how discouraging your OB has been. It sounds to me as though your chances of having a successful VBAC with this doctor are really low. Have you looked around at other practitioners? OBs, MWs, thought about homebirthing? You're already getting push back, so I'm betting that you'll have a fight on your hands by the end of your pregnancy.

[MaerynPearl]

yeah, it's very important. I haven't done one... but it does make a world of difference. That was my first question when I found out my sister-in-law is planning a VBAC... that she had found a VBAC-friendly doctor that she is comfortable with (she has!) so her chances of actually getting one are much higher! I already know the entire family will be supportive, I didn't hear a single bad comment about my homebirth so I know they are natural-birth-friendly!

[beccabus]

Originally Posted by XanaduMama 

I think this is so true. OP, having read the whole thread it makes me really nervous for you to hear how discouraging your OB has been. It sounds to me as though your chances of having a successful VBAC with this doctor are really low. Have you looked around at other practitioners? OBs, MWs, thought about homebirthing? You're already getting push back, so I'm betting that you'll have a fight on your hands by the end of your pregnancy.

:(  I know..  I really don't understand the strong push back.  I had zero problems actually delivering my first big baby--I just had no sense of my body (with an epidural) and pushed too hard and too quickly while on my back.  My CS was purely elective.  My placenta is posterior.  It will be about 30 months since my CS when I go into labor.  There are zero reasons why I shouldn't "attempt" delivering vaginally.  Yesterday my OB just said I'm combining the risks of the VBAC itself and tearing again.  So really that's it.  If I tear again, that's on me--I take responsibility!  And the risks of a VBAC in my situation are so low...  :(  It seems so simple to me, I don't understand why it's not so simple to them :(   I'm thinking maybe they just don't want to lose my business...?