Tell me about VBAC in NZ!

[odenata]

Hello NZ mamas...I'd really appreciate info on this. My dh and I are seriously considering moving to NZ in the next year or two. My first dc was born by c-section after I had an eclamptic seizure while laboring at home with a midwife.

If we move in the next year or two, it means I'll probably have our next babe in NZ. I know midwives are the norm in NZ, but what about VBACS?

Any info would be appreciated!

[Castle]

My SIL in Dunedin had an emergency c-section with her first, and really wanted a VBAC with her second. The hospital warned her of the slighty elevated risk of uterine rupture, but she was allowed to make the call herself, and went for the VBAC.

Unfortunately, she ended up being in the tiny percentage to experience UR, and had another emergency c-section. After a bit of a scare, it all ended up okay with mama and baby healthy. The care she received was exceptional.

So based on that one anecdote, it seems to me that VBACs are more accepted there than in the US. I know a bunch of hospitals in the US do not allow VBAC attempts.

[odenata]

Castle - thanks for the info. I'm sorry to hear about your SIL's experience (I know how traumatic an emergency c-sections can be :( ), but it is good to hear that VBAC is more accepted there.

[witt]

hi there
I had an emergency c section then second time around, was referred to hosp specialist (routine) and they were happy to let me try for a VBAC with my midwife being the lead maternity carer. So it was no problems.

Ended up with another c section unfortunately though, pushed and pushed but no babe! I have a small/odd misshapen pelvis apparently. In case you're interested third time around, they are not happy to let me labour - so it will be a scheduled c section this time.

But second time, no problems VBAC's pretty common place after one caesar here!

[kiwimumtomykidz]

I had a VBA3C's here in NZ. It was not easy but they let me - ok I threatened to have a home VBAC so they said they'd let me labour at the hospital! No prob's had a wonderful VBA3C's, waterbirth and totally against hospital protocol!

So yes, VBAC are very possible here in NZ!