I forget to think of myself as VBAC, and now that I don't have home birth care, not sure what to do.

[velveeta]

Wow, reading some of these threads is freaking me out! I desperately want a MW attended HBAC, but it is not looking good. I hate to think that I should have to be grateful just to be able to have a VBAC in the hospital. Now, it looks like that is sort of hard to do.

I have many, many feelers out there for a MW since I just found out today that my CNM cannot attend me.

About me: I had two great home births, and then a C/S for my third. She was diagnosed as breech when I was in transition and the midwife didn't feel ok about home birth w/o an ultrasound. There were other issues with the labor, too. It wasn't straightforward -- it started and stopped and my DD was in an unstable lie. Anyhow, we high tailed it to the hospital (under the MW's guidance) for an emergency C/S.

So, now, I am in better health than ever before, and bc of the super weird political climate in my state, there is no MW willing to attend a VBAC mom at home.

My husband doesn't even know yet (still at work), and he is going to be very disappointed.

Please pray that my friend will be able to find some underground lady to help me! I am 33 weeks pregnant.

[Katielady]

That's such a tough situation. Best of luck to you, mama! Is there a chapter of ICAN in your area? That's our best local resource for all things VBAC. Even if you can't make a meeting, you may be able to reach out to local leaders by phone. And if you can't work out the homebirth, you may still be able to have a hospital VBAC.
 

[babycatcher12]

That does sound tough! I don't know if there are traveling midwives anymore, but sometimes they're willing to come to you and attend your VBAC birth. Maybe someone willing to cross state lines to help you? I'm surprised so many are hesitant especially since you've had successful vaginal births in the past. I second the vote for ICAN. 

[yenta esther]

Hi Velveeta!

I understand how the ideal of what you had envisioned for this birth is in contrast to the hard set of facts you have now encountered.

My fourth birth was vastly different from his vbac'ed brother.

#3 was an intervention free giggle and plop vbac... out came all 9lbs 8 ounces with hardly a pang of pain.

#4 I thought would be as easy as pie, 1.2.3   no problem. But alas that was not to be. I puked, writhed in pain, needed an iv with fluids, needed the fetal heart monitor... even though I labored on all fours like a cow, my son was determined to be born via my anus. The laid back non alarmist female doctor I chose for this birth turned into the unyielding ideologue  required to get me and my baby through this passage safely.

He is still a royal pain in the butt 19 years later...

So I ended up with AROM and an episiotomy. I called my doctor a bitch during transition. We both laughed about my vulgar mouth at my 6 week check up. I forgave her lack of bedside manners. she was relieved my son and I were no worse for the wear.

[julieinthesky]

Yikes!  I sort of know someone online who had an HBAC with a midwife in North Carolina around 18 months ago. I will try to reach out to her and see if she could share that information with you.  Must be so frustrating especially since you have already had two great births and you are a good candidate for VBAC. 
 

[velveeta]

Thanks, Friends! I may have found someone. I emailed her and haven't heard back yet. Staying optimistic!

[velveeta]

Julie, you are very sweet. Last summer was when all the midwives vanished due to no backing...

[Katielady]

any update, OP?
 

[velveeta]

Hi Katielady, thanks for checking on me. Yes, I am a go right now for my HBAC! So excited. We had a little breech drama for a few weeks, but now are good to go. The was a good program (short) on our local NPR station about the midwife situation here. It would be great to get more community awareness going.