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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

I dream of having a home water birth; having had a c-section previously (and a vbac between) would this be a stupid idea?

23 replies

cupcakes · 19/09/2006 20:01

I wouldn't have considered having a home birth with dd as I had had an emergency c-section 2 years earlier with ds (I had been induced but had to have cs due to fetal distress and my raging blood pressure). Dd however was born in hospital as a succesful vbac with just one midwife and I came home the same day. It was great but what I would really like is a water birth. At home. (especially as the chance of getting a water birth at the hospital is slim).
My obvious main concern is that if there was a complication (possibly linked with my cs) we live a 30-45 min drive from the hospital (and that is with dh flooring it).
Am I stupid to even consider it as an option?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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TooTicky · 19/09/2006 20:04

The consultants will probably kick up a fuss. My dd1 was an emergency c-section and for subsequent 3 babies have had to go to big hospital - not even a midwife unit, let alone home

SoupDragon · 19/09/2006 20:06

I think SueW has a friend who had a home waterbirth after, er,3 c-sections. Probably with an independent midwife though.

lulumama · 19/09/2006 20:09

not stupid, no. if had a succesful VBAC - you have' proved' your pelvis, as it were - a baby can pass through and be born vaginally. as it was a good delivery with no intervention, not unreasonable to have a VBAC at home. never stupid to consider going for the birth you really want. if consultants kick up a fuss - try independent midwife or different consultant! if complication -i presume you mean a rupture - your midwife would pick up the early signs before things became really bad if that was the case with careful monitoring .

3andnomore · 19/09/2006 20:21

this link might help you a bit

Toady · 19/09/2006 20:59

also this website and this forum

Daisymoo · 19/09/2006 21:21

Hi, I had a home birth last year after 2 previous c-sections, with NHS midwives. I think if you've had a previous vbac then you have a very good chance of a successful homebirth, with a very low risk of uterine rupture, which is the big worry, as you've already 'proved' your scar.

I would say go for it, but obviously it's your decision!

motherinferior · 19/09/2006 21:30

Wilbur had one, but with an independent midwife. You'll be lucky to find a community midwifery team to support you in a home VBAC I think, as the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obsetetricians and Gynaecologists are both very cautious about them (and look I'm not saying I agree with this, I'm just saying what they've told me).

largeginandtonic · 19/09/2006 22:06

Go for it i had a homebirth after a section at 29 weeks with twins. With my dd who came after the twins i had third degree tear and still went on to have 2 further home births. I will be having a homebirth with baby #6 in may. I have encountered negativity even bully tactics by consultants but i stuck to my guns. It is so lovely beeing at home i highly recomend it.
Hope it helps and good luck

kittywits · 19/09/2006 22:31

Not at all, do it, it'll be fab.

barmybinky · 19/09/2006 23:16

Cupcakes,

I don't think you are stupid at all! I know a number of women who have had HBACs and 1 or 2 who have had HWBACs, so one things for sure you are definitely not alone

Remember that in the unlikely event of a transfer, you would be travelling by ambulance, and you'd be amazed how quickly they cut through traffic

Also, bear in mind that one to one care from a MW attending you at home is MUCH more likley to spot any potential problems than a MW who is popping in every 20mins or so in the labour suite!!

You do not have to ask permission to have a HB, after a previous CS or not. State your intentions in writing to the SOM and ask to be provided with confident and supportive MWs.

Good luck, Maria xxx

barmybinky · 19/09/2006 23:20

PS. I too had a 'plain old' hospital VBAC myself and it was amazing! But, IF I ever convince DH to have another (crossed fingers very tightly! lol) then I will definitely be opting for a HWBAC and I don't consider myself stupid!

kittywits · 20/09/2006 07:19

I've had three vbacs after 2 sections. The first 2 were in hospital, the lasy at home. The next I hope will also be at home but in water. Dp isn't into the water idea though, but hey he's not trying to pass a large melon, so I think I've got rights!

Original poster

cupcakes · 20/09/2006 11:43

sorry for not returning sooner - I was watching 'Home' and fell asleep on the sofa.

I will ask my midwife about it at the next appointment. I like the idea but am not so stuck on it that I feel I would fight my corner for it. Or go independent.

At least you don't all think I'm crazy!

OP posts:

ProfYaffle · 20/09/2006 11:51

Hi CC. I guess you and I prob have the same midwife team, I don't want to be negative but i think you will probably meet resistance (not saying this is right btw) At my booking in appointment my midwife (clare) asked where I wanted to have my baby, I said N&N and she lectured me on the dangers of homebirth (I had c/s last time) I pointed out that I didn't want a homebirth and she just continued to bend my ear 'it's just as well because ...' etc etc

Forewarned is forearmed I think!

Enid · 20/09/2006 11:53

not stupid cupcakes

I hope you get it

Original poster

cupcakes · 20/09/2006 11:56

PY - I have Claire too. She didn't seem too negative when I first suggested it - possibly because of the vbac inbetween.
I'm seeing her next on the 3rd.

OP posts:

Original poster

cupcakes · 20/09/2006 11:57

Enid - I did love the sound of your birth with dd3.

OP posts:

ProfYaffle · 20/09/2006 11:59

Oh that's good, I'm sure the VBAC does make a difference. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Enid · 20/09/2006 12:00

fingers crossed

Toady · 20/09/2006 12:31

cupcakes - just remember you do not need to fight anyone Find out as much as you can about a home water birth and TELL them what you are doing, dont ask. Ask your midwife if she is happy to support you and if not can you see a midwife who will support you. Then put your feet up and enjoy your pregnancy.

Original poster

cupcakes · 20/09/2006 13:00

good, because I haven't got the energy for a fight. I do want the midwives to be on my side though. If they're not I know I will just cave and do the hospital option. I am scared of the birth going wrong. Maybe I just got lucky with dd's birth.

OP posts:

kittywits · 20/09/2006 14:38

Actually now that I've had 3 vbacs the midwife today said that they wouldn't be worried about scar rupure at all anymore ( how refreshing, at last), now their concern is post partum bleeding 'cos of my knackered womb gotta laugh!!

barmybinky · 20/09/2006 14:59

You don't have to fight and you don't have to go independent.

It was not just luck last time! Allow your last experience to build your confidence in your body.

Please don't refer to your first experience of being induced! Trying to force a baby through a pelvis that isn't ready is a recipe for disaster imho, and no doubt why you ended up with a CS first time round.

Toady has got it right. STATE your intentions. Do not ask permission! There will be MW's in your health trust who will support you in your endevours and if it is not the one you are seeing at present then she can step aside!

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