Need info/advice

[musikat]

Hello all,

I had an emergency c-section with my son (now 15mo) after 48 hours of failed induction (including breaking my water and 24 hours on pitocin!). I only ever dialated to five and they did a c-section. I was induced originally due to preeclampsia. At the time they did the c-section my OB told me she wouldn't recommend a VBAC because of the chance of rupture and not being able to predict in advance if I would rupture.

Well, now I am pregnant again (just 4 weeks and already thinking about this), and just saw her for the first time today. I asked her again about the VBAC. She still was against it - didn't absolutely say no, but she did say that she doesn't think I would be able to have a successful vaginal birth. Not becuase of the rupture threat, but because I never dialated past five before. She doesn't think I would the next time either. Does anyone have any information on this situation and whether that is true? It's looking like I will probably have a repeat c-section, but I do want to at least explore my options.

[Corriander]

Would you be willing to see another OB? I would, just to get another opinion.

Before the induction were you already dialated or effaced? Did she ever mention your "Bishop's score"? This is a way of determining how likely an induction is to succeed. Pitocin is a synthetic version of the hormone that controls natural labor, so if you body isn't ready it's just not going to happen.

If the only reason that she doesn't think that a vaginal birth would be successful is because you didn't go beyond 5 cms, she is not going to be supportive and will sabatoge your efforts for a VBAC.

[RainCityMama]

Well in my opinion that is totally bogus! :

I had a c-section with my first after being induced for pregnancy induced hypertension and only dialating to 3 centimeters - my waters were also artificially ruptured and I was labled failure to progress.

Just 6 months ago I gave birth vaginally at home after 12 hours of labor and 40 minutes of pushing - obviously I had no problem dialating.
I would interview some other health care providers if I were you, sounds like this one is fearful of VBAC and is trying to talk you out of it. I would also join ICAN ( International Ceserean Awareness Network) www.ican-online.org there you will find lots of info about VBAC and how to find a VBAC friendly provider.
Good luck and feel free to pm or email me if you have questions or just need support [e-mail]

[MamaOui]

Great advice so far. Do you feel comfortable posting where you live, so maybe someone who has VBACed in your area will be able to provide you with some resources in your area.?

[Luckymomma]

I just felt the need to post my favorite advice, get a copy of "Silent Knife" by Nancy Wainer Cohen. It'll really open your eyes to all the crap the conventional docs have been feeing us. I was told my pelvis is too small. Well, we'll see come August. I also recommend hiring a doula if you plan on birthing in a hospital. If you want a vbac, surround yourself with people who trust a womans ability to give birth without intervention.

Sorry for the soapbox routine, but I'mm gearing up for my own moment of truth. Good luck in your journey

[Cathi]

I agree with everyone else! Get a second opinion. The VBAC climate is very poor in our country so of course OBs are going to opt for repeat ECs. They're easier. But, if it's not what you want or feel is best for you, then you should keep searching for someone who is going to support your birth plan.

I recommend joining the International Ceserean Awareness Network (ICAN) at www.ican-online.org. You can post and ask for help in finding a good provider in your area.

Not dilating isn't a good reason for n elective csection in my opinion. If nothing else, your provider should encourage a trial of labor before making that decision. Inductions are very prone to ending in csections.

Good luck! Keep us posted here, I'm sure someone can lead you in the right direction!!