VBAC at home - would love to hear experiences please

[LLLaura]

Hi, I would really love to hear from women who have had great VBAC experiences or even HBAC (Home Birth after Cesarean) which I am leaning towards trying..

In brief, DS1 was born 2.5 years ago by ES under GA after 3 day induction caused fetal distress, got to 9cm.

The head of midwifery who is very supportive said that only 5-6 women in Bromley had been inclined to try and been sucessful, so I am hoping that one or more of you are on mumsnet!!

Many Thanks, L

Hi LLLaura,

DS2 was VBAC and went very well (and quick).

DS1 was ES as he has a large head and basically was never going to get through without problems

I was consultant led with DS2 and could have booked in for a planned CS (incase it was another big baby plus at one point he was breach) but decided to wait a couple of days after due date, but with an understanding on both sides that if I wan't progressing in labour they would take me to theatre.

DS2 arrived 8 days early, and I delivered in hospital just on gas and air (too late for drugs - gutted!) It was painful absolutely fine!

Pleased I had a VBAC, much quicker to recover and I was home after 6 hours!

Thanks BlueSky, it's good to hear! I am under no illusion that it won't be the hardest thing I have ever done, but the sense of achievement will be worth it.. I hope mine is early too :)

The hardest thing for me (and perhaps I am naive/daft for saying this), but because DS1 was born by ES, I didn't actually realise how much effort you have to put in to push a baby out. You actually, really do have to push!

Looking back though, I am pleased. It is an achievement. Fingers crossed baby makes an early appearance for you too!

thank you!

I'm hoping for a HBAC due to the crap care I encountered at my local hospital prior to them bothering to take the time to examine me before realising I was fully dilated with DD's leg and hand presenting - this in spite of the fact that they knew the random breech position she was in, that I'd been booked in for an ELCS but sent home because they cocked up their admin and then had to return because my waters promptly exploded everywhere.

I have no trust that I will not just be shoved in a room and ignored like last time and would dearly love a natural birth. Hence I believe being at home with a midwife present will give me the best chance to achieve this. Am happy to transfer in at the sign of any problem - think the hospital was great in an emergency situation - just a shame they caused the emergency last time round.

Would love to hear of peoples success stories, particularly as DP has it in his head that the baby and I will end up dying if I stay at home

Good luck OP with your vBAC/HBAC

SoozleQ, thanks for commenting, I know what you mean about feeling like the quality of care / agenda of the doctors was cause for the emergency, then they try to lay guilt on you afterwards if you express anything other than utter graditude to be alive!?

There are so many stories online, the more I read the more positive I feel. The most encouraging info is the booklet that AIMS produce on VBAC, def something your DP should read!! The last thing you need is nerves, though of course it's because they care, but they should also realise how important it is to you to be supported...

I am also meeting a few doulas, I have time to save before Nov/Dec!

Thanks for the good luck :) Same to you, are you pregnant now or are you thinking about the future?

Thanks Laura, currently pregnant and due mid October! Had another encounter with a different supervisor of midwives this afternoon - only went for a routine anti-d injection and ended up being there for 2 hours. Have to make another appointment with her to discuss home birth. I got the impression that she was going to try and dissuade me but that ultimately she would be supportive if I stuck to my guns. Fed up of feeling that I have to battle with them at every turn though.

that sounds stressful, it hadn't occured to me until I read the AIMS booklet that I didn't have to go to hospital meetings I didn't want to. If your un-bias research means that you feel you are making an informed choice, you don't necessarily have to sit through another stressful hour talking it over, you can just tell them and say it is your right to be supported in your informed decision... I am going to be tougher this time, ha ha, it comes across!

Also, good quality midwifery care hugely increases your chance of VBAC success, you will not have more attentive 121 care than at home, so it makes perfect sense!