[Lovinmy2babies+1]

So I never did find an OB nearby to assist in a VBA2C. I really, really want a homebirth, but I can't afford a midwife.

And I considered unassisted, but I honestly don't think I'd be comfortable with it. Can I cry now?

:

 

[AllisonK]

have you talked to any MW's about payment plans, bartering? Some MW's are willing to trade for their services. Would your insurance cover the prenatal appts only and then you would only have to figure out the cost of the birth.

Sorry things are not going as planned but don't give up yet your due in October (from your sig) something could still come up. Have you contacted ICAN? www.ican-online.org

Allison

 

[grumpyshoegirl]

You might not be comfortable with this advice, and I'll be honest that I've never been in your shoes and don't know what I'll end up doing when we're preparing for #2. That said....

One major thing I've learned since dd was born is that there is prenatal care and then there is birth attendance. And there are laws that govern the latter.

There is NOTHING stopping you from continuing to see this OB or a CNM or anyone and allowing them to think you'll show up for your repeat CS when they schedule it-- if they do. If they don't, there is NOTHING forcing you to call the hospital and schedule it yourself. And, if one is scheduled, there is NOTHING compelling you to show up. Then, when you do go into labor on your own (you probably know inductions are generally a bad idea with VBAC, right?) you show up at the hospital. There is a law, EMTALA (I believe it stands for Emergency Medical Treatment And Labor Act or something awfully close to that), that requires hospitals to admit laboring women and people with medical emergencies and abide by their treatment decisions until their condition stabilizes-- which, in the case of a woman in labor, is until the baby is born. It is illegal for them to force you to undergo a c-section. If anyone even brings it up, mention that you are witholding your consent as outlined under EMTALA. Keep mentioning the law.

It is totally feasible for you to continue seeing whoever for your prenatal appointments, for the BP, urine checks, heart tones, weight, whatever you/they think is important. The key is knowing what to refuse and when. For example, say they want to give you an NST in the hospital. You might have to ask yourself if they'll want to keep you in there, and how much you're willing to fight it if it goes against your wishes. (Obviously, if you agree with their decision to stay in the hospital then you don't have to worry about fighting it

)

Some people don't like this game plan because it does mean you'll get whoever is on in the hospital once you get there. But that's usually the case regardless. There's also the option of showing up at a totally different hospital, but then you REALLY don't know the OBs.....but that might be a good thing.

and sending you lots of good vibes!

 

[wombatclay]

The pp gave you some great advice about working with your current care provider and avoiding a repeat c/s.

A friend of mine also spent several months negotiating with her insurance to have them cover a homebirth. She isn't pregnant now, but will by TTC soon, so she was able to take her time...but she DID get the insurance company to approve an eventual homebirth. She had to do a lot of footwork, collecting information on homebirth costs/safety/etc and she needed her primary care physician to write the insurance company several times.

Anyway, perhaps you could try to sway your insurance to cover a homebirth, or, if the VBA2C worries them too much for them to cover a homebirth perhaps they could at least be convinced to cover a midwife? It's a lot of work, but perhaps it would be worth it?

And as pp said...short of a court order (which is getting A LOT harder for a hospital to get regarding laboring mamas) they can't force you to have a c/s. If all else fails simply keep your current care provider and then decline the c/s when the time comes. Get a good doula (or two!) and hang in there.

Hugs mama...I hope you get the birth you want!

 

[pampered_mom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpyshoegirl There is NOTHING stopping you from continuing to see this OB or a CNM or anyone and allowing them to think you'll show up for your repeat CS when they schedule it-- if they do. If they don't, there is NOTHING forcing you to call the hospital and schedule it yourself. And, if one is scheduled, there is NOTHING compelling you to show up. Then, when you do go into labor on your own (you probably know inductions are generally a bad idea with VBAC, right?) you show up at the hospital. There is a law, EMTALA (I believe it stands for Emergency Medical Treatment And Labor Act or something awfully close to that), that requires hospitals to admit laboring women and people with medical emergencies and abide by their treatment decisions until their condition stabilizes-- which, in the case of a woman in labor, is until the baby is born. It is illegal for them to force you to undergo a c-section. If anyone even brings it up, mention that you are witholding your consent as outlined under EMTALA. Keep mentioning the law.

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[DreamsInDigital]

Do not let them force you into a needless repeat c/s. Stand up, mama, and fight!