[ezrasmummy]

Hi- I am just about 8 mos post an unsuccessful VBAC attempt. Aside from all my emotional issues and trauma I am hoping that my family will grow by at least one more and would like to start looking for a good practice now.

I wondered if anybody here had had a successful VBA2C experience in the greater Boston area and if so with what practice they had it.
(I will also post in the tribal areas)

I had worked with an OB practice and was essentially forced into the first c/s. I switched to a M/W practice for the second baby but had trouble there too. Basically (first time writiting out any birth story type stuff so please excuse whatever needs excusing) I was scheduled for a repeat c/s due to dangerously low fluid and showing no signs of labor. While waiting for the surgery I was able to admit that I was actually in labor and had been having ctx all the previous night ( I was sure it was just false labor meant to tease me!). After discussing with docs and m/w was cleared for TOL. Labored beautifully for 16 hours with little dilation but a lot of pitocin. MW checked and said I was at 8 so I consented to an epidural. Epidural left a bad window of pain and when MW checked again she confessed she had made a mistake and I was only a 4 or 5. With no options left to move around or facilitate labor I lost my grounding. The pain increased exponentially, 1st MW left, 2nd MW said she was worried about rupture so I begged them to get the baby out. C/S was awful and I think they gave me sedatives against mine and my husband's requests. All in all it was very traumatic and I don't feel safe going back to the same MW practice. Someday I will write more about this.

So long story short I need a new MW!! I know the ones I was with would allow a VBA2C with doctor consent but I am hoping they aren't the only ones. Any help would be much appreciated. I believe I am deep in the throes of PTSD, PPD or just depression but am working with someone amazing (Lois Freedman who wrote Birth as a Healing Experience). I am just looking for that little ray of hope that says that I am not left to decide between another baby and another C/S.

Thanks. I guess this is also my sneaky way of starting to deal with some of these issues and reach out to the Mothering community I love.

Ezrasmummy

 

[spu]

Hi there,

I'm in the burbs of Boston too. I had a c with my twins at Beth Israel after a sheduled induction, and now that I'm pg with #3, I decided to switch to Mt. Auburn at 18 weeks pg since they're much more vbac-friendly. Where did you deliver your first 2? It's hard at the big city hospitals - the ones that are supposed to be so good. I found that they deliver SO many babies, that they have to plan things much more than allowing for nature to take its course. So far, I've been absolutely thrilled with the care and encouragement from Mt. Auburn. Because of my history, I see a peri, an o.b., and midwives - the midwives manage my care, and will do my delivery. (I also see a urologist at Mt. Auburn for my kidney stone - ugh) - so it's nice that everyone is on the same page.

When I was 8w pg with #3, I went back to my original dr. who delivered my twins, thinking I would automatically have him to manage my care as well. (I had IC, cerclage, 4.5 mos bedrest.) At that very first appointment, and every other appointment, he was pushing HARD to the point of using scare tactics, to schedule another c. (and there was no medical reason for it!, other than the fact that he would get the $... isn't that awful of me to think? but that's how I felt.)

Have you talked with anyone at Mt. Auburn? I heard that Newton Wellesley Hospital is another vbac friendly place. There are some hospitals a little farther west that I was told about from my bradley teacher. Where do you live? You could try calling some doulas or bradley teachers for vbac-friendly hospitals too.

good luck!!

 

[fek&fuzz]

You could try Nancy Wainer, www.birthdaymidwifery.com, she wrote the book (literally) on VBAC.

 

[spu]

I just thought of something else too. I know there are some great birthing centers in the boston/cambridge areas. Maybe they might be something to consider also. Are you near the city? or more west?

When I was looking for recommendations, in addition to asking bradley teachers and doulas, I also called la leche leaders, since they've probably heard a lot of stories too.

 

[ezrasmummy]

Thanks for the responses. I delivered my first at Mt Auburn and my second at Newton Wellesley. (I am in Belmont now and was in Watertown for the first) I would totally deliver at NWH again as the staff (other than the MW screw up) was AMAZING! They were so supportive of the VBAC attempt and helped make the first 16-18 hours of my labor wonderful and beautiful. It was just the last hours that were so awful. I was with the Midwives at what used to be the Birth Center at Wellesley but is now part of Womens Health Associates. I am not worried about the hospital choice but more the actual practitioners. I want to go with a midwife again but just can't feel comfortable with the chance of having the same MW who screwed up again. I will look into the website mentioned too- it looks good at first glance.
I know this may be premature as I am not PG and won't be for a bit longer but I want to make sure I am 100% comfortable the next time around or I know there can't be a next time around. I appreciate all the help!
Thanks again!

 

[Knittin' in the Shade]

Not sure whatit's like now, but I worked for Weston OB/GYN back in 98-99, they delivered at Newton-wellsley. They were wonderful - three female docs, all with kids, and really encouraging of VBACs (If I remember right, at least two of them were VBAC mamas themselves - I remember for sure that Dr. Lemaitre was)