Anyone had a VBAC at Lewisham hospital? Experiences please!

[louschmoo]

I just had my first VBAC appointment there and was pretty reassured by a lot of what the midwife told me re: their policies on CFM, going overdue etc. i was just wondering if anyone has got experience of what it's like in practice? She said that i would be monitored on admission to the labour ward, but that if all was well then i wouldn't have to be monitored continuously, just for about 15 mins every hour or so, also that i could be monitored whilst standing/sitting/on birthing ball etc so not strapped to a bed. She also said that if overdue i could go to 42 weeks without intervention if i wanted, and that i would have the same midwife throughout my labour (unless there's a shift change of course and allowing for breaks for the midwife). Does this ring true for anyone who's given birth there?

I did have my son there in 2011 but that was induction then emergency CS so different circumstances obs!

[louschmoo]

Bump. Anyone?

[Ushy]

Interesting question this because this has been asked under Freedom of Information about Lewisham.

www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/vbac_policy_11

It gives full and detailed info. (You'll need to download).

Is something strange going on in Lewisham with VBAC or was it just a chance question? Sorry to ask - it just seemed odd to have a Freedom of Information request about this subject.

Good luck whatever you decide to do

[louschmoo]

Ooh thanks Ushy, i will check that out. Nothing strange going on as far as I know, just wanted to see if what they say they do is actually borne out in practice i suppose. I had DS there in 2011 and was pretty pleased with the experience, but am getting a bit nervous about VBAC for some reason.

[JellyfishCarp]

Hi louschmoo, I was just wondering if you had a vbac at Lewisham, and how it went? I'm in a similar situation. Thanks!

[mrsvilliers]

Also currently in the same position as jellyfish! Any advice would be appreciated.

Jellyfish have you had a vbac appt there yet? I can't decide, horrified by thought of another section but equally horrified by thought of vbac going wrong.

[Jorior]

I had a VBAC at Lewisham for DS2 in 2010 and I had a great experience. I found that being VBAC meant I was assigned a very experienced MW and received very good care and support throughout my labour.

I'm due for another VBAC in November and I feel pretty confident. I've known the MW Cathy (runs the VBAC clinic) throughout my 3 pregnancies and I have found her to be trustworthy and supportive. I was monitored throughout my ladt VBAC which meant I was stuck in bed but I have been assured that I'll be free to move around this time.

It seems that things have changed since my last VBAC and some natural methods of induction are now on offer if required. If anyone has experience of these, I'd like to hear about it.

Cheers,
Jorior

[thegoldenfool]

is the freedom of information request related to the (now unlawful) plans to downgrade the maternity and A and E because the neighboring (!) hospital was bankrupt?