Risk Assessment for VBAC waterbirth in hospital

[minimenace]

Has anyone else gone through the process of completing one of these with their consultant ?

Is there anything I should make sure is included ?

Is there anything that maybe included that I might want to question ?

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Hi minimenace, I'm not sure I have any advice to give, I just want to wish you good luck. I had a HWBAC and it was a fantastic experience.

From the Consultants point of view he would probably want your labour and baby monitored to the max, however I truly believe that than can be the thin end of the wedge (on your back stuck on a bed).

If hospitals are willing to entertain VBAC's then I believe there is no additional risk with it being a waterbirth. If you and the baby are monitored correctly and frequently by the MW's (doppler, bp, pulse, temp, any scar pain) then there is no reason why you shouldn't give birth in water. But that is my opinion formed from my experience.

Good luck xxx

[minimenace]

Thanks so much, it's great to hear that someone else managed this with a positive outcome. I am very positive it will go well - providing I can actually get into labor. I'm 41 weeks today and been in latent labor for over a week now.

My consultant is very pro VBAC and has written an assessment to guide the midwifes and registrars regarding my wishes so that I don't get lectured at every turn on admission to the hospital.
It agrees that I am monitored on CTG for 20 mins on admission and then intermitantly by external auscultation without exiting the pool.

I am agreeing to exit the pool for continuous monitoring if complications arise, such as meconium stained liquor, fetal heart rate abnormalities detected on external auscultation, scar tenderness or delay in labour.

I wonder if this last part is too vague and that I may be asked to exit the pool for the slightest abnormality detected ?

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Whatever is agreed, it is not set in stone, so stick to your guns on the day if necessary.

Latent labour is good. Although you're probably knackered, it means things are happening. Have you thought about sweeps or are you happy just to see what happens?

[minimenace]

I've been having sweeps every other day for over a week which is probably why I am getting all the irregular contractions.

Cervix is about 70% effaced but only 1cm dialated - head engaged so it's looking good so far.

no shows at all though

Not too tired as managing to get good sleep during lulls - just wish it would all kick off (have tried everything) - 1 week left until the dreaded deadline.

Once we are there and I am in labor DH is ready to step in if I need him too. he is completely clued up on my birth plan so will not take any bullying.

I'm SO READY for this ... I just want to get started

Thanks for the advice - any help, hints or tips very muchly appeciated

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

At 4.30am my cervix wasn't effaced and I was 1cm dilated, by 8.40am I was holding ds2 And both times I didn't have shows well into established labour.

I didn't get as far as having sweeps the 2nd time, however my MW suggested that if it came to it and my cervix was favourable she would do a sweep three days on the trot. Maybe it's worth mentioning this to your MW?

Tips? Just stay relaxed, let the pain wash over you and go with the contractions, don't fight it.

Have sex with your husband in a really deep penetrative position (otherwise known as cervix banging, pokey sex!) It worked for me

I remember that I AM SO READY feeling. Make sure there is nothing mentally holding you back, and make sure there are no last minute things that need to be done but that you keep putting off (eg putting the moses basket up and in your room)

I WILL see you birth story on here within the next week or so, and it WILL be a vaginal birth. You go girl

[CarmenSanDiego]

Another HWBACer here. How fab you've found a supportive consultant. Giving birth in water is amazing. It made the pain bearable for me (no gas and air in the US ). I found blowing/breathing onto the water helped me focus during contractions.

Good luck!

[minimenace]

Thanks so much for the motivation - your story really has made me feel even more positive.

the baby's cradle is already made up and ready to rock !!

DH will have a huge smile on his face later

[minimenace]

Carmen thanks so much for the advice - I will remember that while I am trying to concentrate on my hypno birthing ... 1...2...3... Relaax

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

lol at your dh, he won't know what's hit him. 'No, not like that, like this. Come on, more pokey.' There's nothing more desperate than an overdue woman!

Here is my birth story for some more motivation. Enjoy!

[flooziesusie]

what a bloody brilliant story! VBACing soon I hope, but not at home though.

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Did the pokeyness work?!

[minimenace]

hmmm not yet, still here - am walking like John Wayne this morning

Such a lovely Birth Story - thanks so much for sharing it, It all happened so quickly for you in the end it seems. had you also had a long latent labour beforehand ?

Send out some of those waterbreaking vibes

DH is a little worried about knowing when to leave for the hospital and I'm worried about them filling the pool in time. They will want to examine me to see that I am at least 4cm's before they fill the pool. but if it happens as quick as it did for you I may miss the window of opportunity.

Goodluck flooziesusie with your VBAC

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

I didn't have a latent phase, by written birth story really is from the very start of labour to the end. My sister is the queen of latent phases though, so I totally sympathise with you.

You will know when to leave for the hospital, and try not to focus on the what ifs and whens. You can't control them, they will be what they will be, trying to second guess everything is a waste of energy imo.

Before you go in, phone the ward and ask them to start filling the bath then. They have enough hot water to keep topping it up if you're not quite ready to get in when you arrive, and if it's a quick labour it will be an oasis waiting there for you to hop into.

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Hmmmm, have you not returned because you're having/had your baby? I do hope so

[minimenace]

hiya, I'm finally home from hospital.

Baby Isaac Michel was born on May 21st at 12:55pm by emcs he weighed 7lb 3oz.

Waters broke on Wednesday evening.

Didn't get my VBAC or Waterbirth as I had hoped but we did try for 17 hours before running out of time and that was enough for me.

I'm happy with the way the C-Section went and feel positive about the whole experience.

I'll write a full Birth Story soon and link to it.

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Many congratulations on your darling boy

It's good to hear you're feeling positive. Take care and make sure you get enough rest

[LuT09]

Hi girls
I'm hoping for a WBACS but at a hospital unit. Just doing some research as I wasn't sure whether it was ever allowed. I'm so pleased there are consultants out there who are supportive, but it seems dependent on personalities. Any advice on convincing mine in 2 weeks?
TIA
Lu T

[LuT09]

Forgot to say - Minimenace - congrats on the birth of your baby boy. Sorry it didn't go as planned. Is there any way you could share the consultant's assessment? I'm sure it would be useful to more than just me.