Moms planning to VBAC « Back to Group Discussions

[jr'smom]

I'd like a thread where VBAC moms can support each other.  I know I could use it! 

This will be my 4th VBAC attempt.  That in itself is amazing considering I live in an area where even VBA2C is practically unheard of.  It's a shame!  I'm nervous about my first appointment with my OB on Tuesday.  I really hope he's willing to take the postion he did last time of not scheduling a RCS and being willing to support me in a TOL at the hospital.  I searched high and low through 2 pregnancies for an OB like this.  I found OBs who believed VBAMC was better than RCS, but none other than this guy who would actually take a patient in this category! 

I ended up with a RCS last time only because I broke 1-3 ribs due to bronchitis and even breathing was excruciating. It was done at 39w+5d.  The earliest any of my babies was born and she was 10lb 11oz.

I'm toying with the idea of seeing if I can find "underground" homebirth midwife support.  I think I stand a better chance of sucecss at home.  (I'll keep the OB in case of a transfer.)  I'm only a little scared because of all the crap "they" fill your head with.  I don't believe it, but it still wears on me a little.  I will really have to work on mydeep down inner fears through this pregnancy. I want to start using Hypnobabies as soon as possible.

A brief history of prior births:

1st:  Planned homebirth with alternative minded MD in attendance (their practice specialized in this!)  My water broke 2 days after EDD.  No real labor.  After 24 hours checked into hospital for pitocin induction.  Dilated to 6cm and ended in CS for FTP.  I trusted my MDs who specialize in HB, but realized afterward I never should have let them check me or indece me just because my water broke. Baby boy 9lb 6oz

2nd:  Planned HB with same providers.  Water broke 2 days after EDD.  Labor started quickly and intensely.  Contractions were 2 min apart within 2 hours time and doctor at the house diagnosed pre-E.  We transfered to a hospital (2 hour drive in construction!)  They gave me the choice of an epidural or Magnesium sulfate (?) to reduce my blood pressure.  Since family members have had a terrible burning reaction to the Magnesium before, I chose the epidural.  What a relief but then I sat in bed and 24 hours later and dilated to 6cm I had another RCS for FTP. I don't think there is anything I could have done differently this time except let the epidural wear off and walk around and wait longer. Baby boy 10lb 3oz

3rd:  The MDs I used previously could not take VBA2C patients.  I found an "underground" midwife.  I searched high and low for an OB to do concurrent care, but could find none in a 2 hour radius.  I loved the mother-centered, non invasive prenatal care.  I did have one ultrasound to locate the placenta.  At 41w + 3d my midwife did not feel comfortable supporting me any longer.  Because of the birthing climate where I live she copied my records removing any info that could identify her and changed my EDD to one week earlier.  She accompanied me to the hospital as my "sister."  I simply walked in cold and asked for a RCS since I had no support.  A frightening experience, though it mostly turned out alright. This is why I will not hire only a midwife without being under an OB's care too.  Baby girl 10lb 6oz

Sorry so long!  I'd love to know about others experiences and plans for this birth.  I hope it will be a good place to voice concerns/ fears/ struggles and find good resources and support!

[womenswisdom]

I am also planning a vbac - my second. My first birth was a no-good-reason induction by arom followed by 9 hours of unmedicated labor and 4 hours of pushing with no descent then c-section for persistent posterior presentation - and was cut across the face during surgery. My second was a home birth - no arom, 3 hour labor, 1.5 hours of pushing. She did come out anterior but was posterior during labor as confirmed by the one cervical check I had the entire pregnancy/labor (at my request) when I felt the urge to push but it didn't feel "right". I had a lip and had to breathe through contractions for 30 minutes, which was waaaay more excruciating than the rest of the labor. Eventually she rotated and was born in the water with a 2x nuchal cord and a very asynclitically molded head (the pics are crazy!). Planning another vbac, at home if appropriate. We are very lucky here to have a practice of 2 OBs who will provide parallel care to women planning a home birth and I have a good relationship with them. Since I've had 2 malpositioned babies, I know there is something "off" about my structural alignment. I will be focusing on chiropractic care, massage therapy, prenatal yoga and working on my alignment and I'm hoping to just wake up with a baby in my bed one morning

[circle vortex]

I am planning a vbac after 2 c-sections. With my first two, I was in the wrong city that didn't support it. Now I am going to try at Unc.

[jr'smom]

I'm a bit relieved today after having my 1st OB appt.  He ran through what to expect in pregnancy (as if I don't know) and then asked, "Did I forget anything?"  I replied, "Well, there's the fact that I've had 4 cs and I don't want to just sign up for another."  He simply said, "I know." 

Well at least he remembers me and while he doesn't exactly advocate a VBA4C, it's practically a miracle that he will take me as a patient with my intention to VBA4C.  He IS a VBAC advocate and has the lowest cs stats around (5.5% primary and 18% total compared to the overall 40%!!! at the hospital he delivers at!) I do like him.

[LorienIslay]

Me! My first was an induction at 41+3 due to 'low fluid' and 'big baby' but my Bishop's score was basically a three, so unsurprisingly, it failed. No pain meds during 28 hours of pitocin-fueled contractions before c-section as my son's head was swelling due to the pounding on my pelvis. I never got more than 4cm dilated.  I'm only a little bitter :( 

So, different midwife group this time, I'm going to ask for HBAC, but my age (38) and health (hypothyroid) might risk me out. Fortunately, in BC, VBAC is actively encouraged, so I can deal with a hospital birth -- I think. Since having my son, I've done doula training and feel myself to be shockingly well informed, so hopefully that will save me... 

[Tenk]

Originally Posted by circle vortex 

I am planning a vbac after 2 c-sections. With my first two, I was in the wrong city that didn't support it. Now I am going to try at Unc.

I'm pretty sure that MidCarolina OBGYN supports vbac ... they deliver at REX

[jr'smom]

Originally Posted by LorienIslay 

Me! My first was an induction at 41+3 due to 'low fluid' and 'big baby' but my Bishop's score was basically a three, so unsurprisingly, it failed. No pain meds during 28 hours of pitocin-fueled contractions before c-section as my son's head was swelling due to the pounding on my pelvis. I never got more than 4cm dilated.  I'm only a little bitter :( 

So, different midwife group this time, I'm going to ask for HBAC, but my age (38) and health (hypothyroid) might risk me out. Fortunately, in BC, VBAC is actively encouraged, so I can deal with a hospital birth -- I think. Since having my son, I've done doula training and feel myself to be shockingly well informed, so hopefully that will save me... 

I'm 39 (will be 40) before the baby is born and have hypothyroidism too.  I'm still really hoping for a HBA4C.  I figure if any midwife is willing to take me in my area (terrible VBAC support) it won't be my age or thyroid condition that prevents it, it will be my 4 prior c-sections with past due very large babies.

[Sassicaia]

I'm planning to have a VBAC also - maybe HBAC. Still working on finding a midwife/OB though (I'm at 9weeks). I should have already figured that out but have been so nervous about thinking this is for real - had a m/c in January. I guess it's getting real though...maybe?

[circle vortex]

Tenk, thanks for the info. UNC works with Rex, I am having my u/s there. I did have to meet with a specialist there to review my case.  The doc. said, according to a computer test, that I have a 40 % chance and a successful vbac. That was based on my age, height, weight and bmi. She said if I keep my weight gain low I have a good chance. They can reenter the info with even more options when I am  about 38 weeks to give me an even more accurate % rate. I will also have a u/s at that time to measure and weigh the baby. My first was 9.7 and second was 8.10. 

We will see what happens...

[Tenk]

Well, good luck!!  I had 2 ultrasounds a week at the UNC location inside REX with B and L ... Steve was my ultrasound tech pretty much every time!!  And Dr. Menard was the one that called my emergency c-section with L at 33w5d :)  I adore them!!
 

[circle vortex]

wow, that was early. are you still in Nc?

[SpicyTunaRoll78]

Yep. I'm planning to.

[Tenk]

Originally Posted by circle vortex 

wow, that was early. are you still in Nc?

No, we moved down to Hilton Head, SC in May of this year :)  ... our favorite vacation spot EVER !!!

[LorienIslay]

So, an update: my midwife group is FANTASTIC. They are 100% willing to consider me for a HBAC and even told me to expect my baby to be at least 10 days late :)

[jr'smom]

Originally Posted by LorienIslay 

So, an update: my midwife group is FANTASTIC. They are 100% willing to consider me for a HBAC and even told me to expect my baby to be at least 10 days late :)

Awesome!

I'm jealous!

[jr'smom]

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/183444955077965/395280863894372/?notif_t=group_comment_reply

I want to tell you ladies about an awesome VBAC group on facebook.  Such great info and support there!  It's a private group so you have to request to join.