VBAC clinic appointment on Monday - what should I ask?

[maxpower]

I'm expecting DC2 on NYE and aiming for a VBAC. First section was an emergency as a result of a failed induction. Have never been entirely clear on why the section was deemed necessary as I received 2 different explanations (and there are two different explanations documented in my notes). It was either because of a failure to progress or because of fetal distress.

So, I have an appointment in the VBAC clinic on Monday and want to know what information I should make sure I get at the appointment. Any suggestions welcome, thanks

I'd ask what their policy is [with regards to VBACs] and make clear what your expectations are too.

I too had a VBAC and it went very well. I'd not been told too much about what to expect beforehand (ie: in ante-natal clinics) but during my labour my midwife talked about giving established labour a 'try for 6 hours' before they'd prep me for another c-section. DC2 arrived within this timescale.

TBH, I was terrified initially about trying a VBAC and actually wanted another c-section but it was very positive experience.

All the best

thanks mummy. I'm very c-section averse after last time round and I'm worried I'll be put under pressure to have to deliver within an arbitrary timescale.

I wanted a VBAC with my third (1st - awful delivery, 2nd - elective section) and everyone seemed to think it was a good idea.

I was quite scared about the thought of it (even though I wanted it!) and it was only when a middle eastern female registrar looked through my notes (and because they never seem to know why you are in their clinic...) said 'oh, so you want a section' and I burst into tears that I realised just how much I didn't want a section.

One thing I would ask and get reassurance about is what the policy is if you go overdue. My hospital was 7 days but I pushed for another week (and had to trek into hospital every day for monitoring) and DD2 was born on 40 + 14!

I gave birth 7 hours after arriving at hospital on just gas and air and she arrived in her waters. I did have a doula with me which I can highly recommend to 'feel brave'.

Number 4 baby arrived last year, and I was put under pressure during labour to be attached to a monitor which I refused (I ignored the registrar pretending to have a contraction ). I had argued that as I'd had a previous vaginal birth that should lessen the worry over the c-section scar and I felt that my fab midwife agreed with me. It might be an idea to discuss monitoring during the labour too. DS2 arrived after 4 hours again on gas and air.

Good luck!

thanks changer glad to hear you got your VBAC(s)

I've had 2 VBACs and have seen consultant and consultant MW both times for Q&A. Rememember you can choose what you want - they may tell you you're 'allowed' this and 'not allowed' that but it's your choice. I went along with them for VBAC1 cos I was unsure but for VBAC2 I went against consultant advice (but with full consultant MW support) and had lovely waterbirth - birth was treated as normal with no CFM. Ironically VBAC1 mainly happened in the waiting room cos they were 'too busy and I'm sure you're not really in labour dear..' and I got to 8cm with no CFM (or pain relief) so the rules are a bit pointless I feel when faced with the reality of the resources the NHS have.

Timescales my area seem to be 1cm per hour and with VBAC1 (2 years ago) there seemed to be a 30min limit on the pushing stage - hated that bit as real pressure then but they let me do 40mins cos he was on his way out (all the shouting and pressure completely opposite of what you should have at this stage BTW). Have heard my hosp has subsequently dropped the time limits on the 2nd stage.

Things I made sure I knew for my own peace of mind was how quickly I could get to theatre if it was going pear shaped and how often I'd be examined to see how I was progressing (didn't want to be left 4 hours without progressing).

VBACs were great and waterbirth absolutely fabby - such good pain relief. Good luck and go in with a positive view (not easy I know as I still wobbled to the end even with VBAC2) - you have about a 70-80% chance of it going well. I toddled off home 4 hours later with my baby after VBAC2 - such a difference to the c-section....

Hi, I had an emer csect with DS & am aiming for VBAC this time. All I'd say is make sure you do go in with an open mind but also to use your judgement for what you think is best for you & baby. I was shocked how my consultant just came out & said so you'll be wanting a csect this time then!!! Er no....not unless you can give me a very very good reason why I should be choosing one!! I also find consulants a bit vague,mine wouldn't even give me a 'likelihood' of rupture (have thin lower segment) he just said some can!! On the other hand, do listen to what they say you may want a vbac but they may have a very good reason why you shouldn't! But fingers crossed you'll be able to make an informed choice about what's best for you & baby!

Headed (hopefully) for VBAC end of November, so currently mid-process... And it can be a long one...

Make sure you DO get all your questions answered - if neccessary take a crib sheet. (I know I always forget what I'm supposed to be asking!)I went for a consultant appointment re VBAC and saw hopeless registrar who looked like a rabbit in the headlights when I knew terms like, erm 'VBAC' and 'CFM'. I was subsequently booked in to see the Community Matron (sort of head of mws I think) who was a LOT more help. Remember consultants tend to see the worst case scenarios, mws deal with the everyday realities of childbirth and are therefore more down-to-earth etc. I'm sure some consultants are fab but don't be too disappointed if they're not and don't be afraid to follow it up if you don't get all your questions answered.

Suggestions: Length of time allowed to labour. Pain relief. Induction/cs after due date. When to go into hospital in the first instance. Continuous monitering - generally they insist, you CAN insist right back if you don't want it. Extra mw appointments in late pg if you are anxious.

There is a vbac support thread on here somewhere...

Good luck on Monday.

thanks ladies, I defintinely need to spend some time writing things down this weekend!