Petrified of VBAC

[LittleBugsMum]

Hi everyone.

I'm 13 weeks pregnant with my second baby. I had a c-section with ds after 2 days of agonising labour that just was not progressing. I had gone through labour then a caesarian and was so exhausted after I couldn't look after my baby properly. It wasn't nice.

This time, I had a conversation with my obstetrician who said I can't have an elective c-section. I have to try for a VBAC. I am absolutely terrified that it will be so difficult that I'll need lots of assistance that I'll be a mess afterwards (physically and emotionally)

She said (in rather a rude way, with a shrug) that it isn't my decision. Is there anything I can do?

You are entitled to a section, certainly for the reasons you have outlined. Either make an appointment to see another consultant or discuss with your midwife who you should see to take this further.

Hi I agree with cbmum....ask to see another consultant.

My hospital is very pro vbac but when I spoke to my midwife she said it was entirely my decision whether to try for a Vbac or elective section.

I couldn't decide and eventually booked in for an elective section after my due date but went into labour beforehand.Even then my consultant said I could request a C section or 'have a go' at labour.In the end my labour just wasn't progressing (like my first)and I had a semi elective section.It was fantastic and a great experience,SO much better than the first time.

I would seek help from your midwife.And you should definitely not be forced into a Vbac.(sorry for rambling about what happened to me!)

hi little

what a nightmare first birth you had.

you never know, it could be better next time, but it is absolutely your right to choose.

if you dont feel up to challenging the ob. yourself, maybe you could get someone to advocate on your behalf.

good luck with the rude ob. and with the birth when it comes.

i had emergency section with ds and at booking appointment yesterday mw told me anyone who has had a section previously must be offered an elective section or vbac so id definetley speak to another consultant.

I had a VBAC in April even though I was determined for the majority of my pregnancy to have a planned C-S. Eventually I thought I'd try a VBAC after being assigned a wonderful midwife who gave me confidence. Anyway, it wasn't a walk in the park and eventually had to have forceps as DS2 had his head looking to the side so got stuck, but all was over in 5 hours including a 3 hour second stage (at my insistence as I wanted to avoid intervention) and if I'd been less stubborn, he'd have been born in 3 hours.

But it was worth it and I'm really pleased that I gave it a go and had confidence in my body. To get to that point to an awful lot of talking though and I can totally and utterly understand why you would want to have an el c-s.

Your consultant is wrong by the way - after one c-s you can have another and they cannot insist on a VBAC, only give you the options. Can't believe she said that it isn't your decision! To be honest, I would make a complaint about that comment as it's your body so 100% your decision!

Change consultants. Hospital policy and indeed NICE Guidance is that VBAC should be encouraged...but your wishes should be priority.

FWIW I recently had VBA2C, and though terrified beforehand, it was fab, and the recovery was so much better. We'd agreed that if it looked like it was going wrong at any point to move straight to C/S, but tbh I only got to hospital an hour before birth. If I were you I wouldn't rule out VBAC at this point. (I hated my elective section). But in any case I'd be looking for a more sympathetic consultant.

Thank you so much. It's interesting to know that I have a choice. It's the white coat effect turning an intelligent 32 year old woman into a nodding, stammering 16 yo!

It's made me feel better that no one said 'what's wrong with 2 days of labour then a c-section, wimp' Ha.

My midwife isn't very forceful and she already deferred to the Ob. I will try to find someone to help me fight my corner. I do have another appointment with a different ob but that's when I'm 37 ish weeks & I'll be having nightmares until then if this isn't sorted!

To be honest, if I was guaranteed (I know, as if) a relatively 'normal' v delivery then I would obviously want that but I'm so stressed about what could happen that I'm sure I'm making myself ill...Mumcah, even a repeat of the first time freaks me out!

If you feel that some advocacy would help you deal with this, or subsequent obstetricians, contact Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS) or something similar which should be available via the website of the hospital. I don't think you will feel happy with this consultant whatever decision you go for as she clearly has power and control issues!
Good luck!

Thanks, Grumpy, that sounds like just what I need.

I'm new to this place & so far it's brilliant. I'm going to scour the topics now so I hopefully offer help/advice to someone else!

I'd second making a formal complaint about the consultant you saw (and stand up to your midwife too). I strongly suspect that if you talk to any clinical negligence lawyer in your area you will find that the person you saw and had such an arrogant attitude is on their list of people to avoid!!

Hello!
Theres tons of great advice on the support thread for those looking for an ELCS, lots of people have posted tips and hints and letters they've written to consultants to make sure they get their ELCS. Would be worth having a nosey.
This whole subject does make me very mad, Im so sad that people are having to fight so damn hard for something they feel so very strongly about.
Good luck