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Childbirth

Painful braxtons are putting me off VBAC

9 replies

WowOoo · 20/06/2009 17:03

Spent last night in hospital as I thought I might be in early labour.

All OK, cervix closed but it has shaken me up quite a bit and reminded me of the pain I'm about to go through (35 weeks now)

Had emergency c-sec after long long labour last time and baby in distress. But went with it , was fine.Am now thinking shall I just book myself a c-sec as could end up as this anyway?

Can I do it? Baby in so far in good position. Was back yo back last time.

Have been reading old threads and thinking 'Yikes, what have I done again?!!'

tell me it'll all be ok and any more top tips for keeping calm.

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sarah293 · 20/06/2009 17:07

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WowOoo · 20/06/2009 17:11

Yes, maybe it's just actually started sinking in.
That teleport thing just isn't really going to happen is it?

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wonderingwondering · 20/06/2009 17:21

Try to prepare yourself - how long was your last labour (i.e. did you dilate quickly)? Based on your last experience, try to give yourself and your partner some boundaries - for example, if labour slows, you'll ask for a CS, or if you're in labour for more than 6 hours, you'll go for the CS. Be prepared to ask for an epidural so you're prepped for a CS and not in pain while you wait to see if a VBAC will work. Whatever works for you.

I had these groundrules worked out in my head, and I had a successful VBAC with gas and air - hurt like hell, but no time for an epidural, and I was pleased I'd managed to do it as the recovery was much, much quicker.

Good luck.

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WowOoo · 20/06/2009 18:01

Thanks wondering that's great advice.

I really shoud have another appointment with someone to discuss these things though, shouldn't I? To help me decide the boundaries and how far I can go/how far they'll let me nkow.

Am confused about epidurals too. Have read/heard that I won't be allowed in case of scar rupture. Think I need to call the hospital and get their policy? (have changed hospitals as other one far too far away)

I have written a lot of your post down to refer to later, wondering. Thanks again!

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Lulumama · 20/06/2009 18:17

thing is you will have pain after the c.s even if you don;t have labour pains!! there is no pain free option. sorrreeeeee

from my own experience, my VBAC was v v straightforward and quick once labour got established and i had lots of strong BH and false alarms, and i think they actually helped .

you have lots of pain relief options in labour.

starting from G&A and working up to epidural, with lots of things inbetween

i had a wibble at about 34 weeks and considered booking an elective, as it took away the fear of the unknown, but my desire to give it a go and not look back 6 months later and think 'if only....'

if baby is in a good position and you are having a lot of BH it is a good sign, IMO , and in your shoes, i would go for it

the pain will be a part of the birthing process whatever route you choose, until the teleporting becomes an option!!

i do remember that sudden cold panic of 'oh shit, this baby has to come out one way or the other'

i also can't forget how great it felt an hour or two after the birth, to get up , have a bath, pick up my baby and do everything myself and be involved so much in her first few hours , unlike after my c.section

but that is just my experience

a planned c.s can also be really positive, but wibble are the norm !

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Lulumama · 20/06/2009 18:19

re epidural.. it can depend very much on the policy of your hospital. some docs like them , some feel they can mask scar pain and prolong labour and lead to more intervention.

someone really should have gone over the VBAC policy with you, but at the end of the day, it is your body and you rbirth, and you can make informed deceisions about your care and accepting/declining any or all recommendations of your care givers

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WowOoo · 20/06/2009 18:45

Thanks Lulu. have written a lot of that down too.

Really have not been seen much at all this pregnancy. Need to get a bit pushy and start asking lots more Q's.

I really don't want another c-sec and recovery so you are right. I will go for it and hope for best.

Still wibbling though but less So ta very very much for replying.

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Lulumama · 20/06/2009 18:52

there is a thread in this topic called 'support for imminent VBACers' with good info re declining/accepting constant monitoring, having a venflon and taht sort of thing

my mantra for any birth is 'upright, active and mobile'

have a read of some VBAC threads, there are also sites dedicated to VBAC and read some empowering birth books , such as Ina May Gaskins guide to childbirth ...

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WowOoo · 20/06/2009 20:22

Had forgotten about those. Am on mAt leave now so have time to trawl.
Will look into other stuff too and keep trying to stay awake with my hypnobirthing cd! Ta