Anyone been allowed an epidural while VBAC at the Rosie?

[llandb]

Have just posted this in Pregnancy as well, and will create a separate post about my other question :)

Have to decide between VBAC and ELCS, (neither stands out in my case as overwhelmingly superior). Couple of questions I forgot to ask the consultant and would like to know the answers before I see him again.

Has anyone had an epidural while attempting VBAC? Especially at the Rosie?

It's just that I read that in some places it's policy not to allow VBAC epidurals in case there is scar rupture (and then you would be able to report feeling to MW)

Not that I was remotely able to communicate while on G&A anyway - could think but not communicate...

Sorry to post and run but moving house tomorrow and last packing/DIY store shopping tonight :)

I had an epidural when VBAC at Thomas's - some years ago though. Nobody even suggested that it might be an issue - you're normally constantly monitored after an epidural so that would pick up distress from a rupture pretty quickly (not quite as quickly of course).

Hormonal induction is a no no for VBAC though.

Yup, I had an epidural and VBAC. Not a problem at all - no one ever mentioned it mightn't be on offer!

Good luck with the birth and the houae move!

The RCOG VBAC guidelines state an epidural is not contraidicated.

Thanks, everyone (last MN session before the move and not sure when I'll get back online!)

Dilys that's what I thought but I had an idea that there was still a bit of an old-school 'oh but you can't have epi' attitude in place

Oh yes, good point, nobody has mentioned this but I gather if I go overdue to the point where induction would be the norm then it would be a planned c-sec

Very glad to hear all your stories and information! :)

I had wanted an epidural with DD (not universally approved, but there you go) but the MW clearly was anti and it very much appears that she was deliberately stalling; wouldn't let ready and waiting anaesthetist touch me till too late (didn't get one).

With luck, they might be more forthcoming this time.

Thanks for all your replies! :)

Yes I know somebody who has had a VBAC with epidural at the Rosie. Good luck!

Yes, twice - will read rest of thread now!

Oh, and I was also induced at the Rosie for DD3 (DD1 was the c-sec, DD2 was my fist VBAC, DD3 induced for problems with her health).

Nice to see you, llandb - have not been near the Books thread for aaaaages.

Thanks, everyone! (Back online at last).

Hello, Pol! This MN is a small place :) I didn't know they allowed inductions after a c-sec (learn new things every day, especially on MN)

I saw the consultant on Weds and for better or worse opted to try for a VBAC - after saying 'I'd prefer a VBAC, but if I can't be sure I'll be allowed to come in early enough this time and have an epidural this time without anti, stalling-till-too-late attitude from MW then I'll feel more empowered with an ELCS'

So, as they are awfully keen for the sake of their stats to encourage VBAC, he told me that VBACers are allowed to come in and not fobbed off with 'stay at home and have paracetamol' (yay).

And wrote in big letters on my notes, 'early epidural - signed, consultant'. I am a happy bunny.