VBAC under these conditions?

[MyCatDrinksFlatWhites]

Need to make a decision about VBAC vs ELCS in next month or two and wondered whether I should seriously consider a VBAC under the following conditions:

Cannula inserted on arrival.
Continuous monitoring, with option of wireless - I need to explore how easy it would be to go for wireless.
Not allowed to use MLU
Option of a pool if available (and wireless monitoring) - but only one available on ward.

I am very undecided as I’m really scared of another section (first birth was EMCS for failed induction/failure to progress) but am also scared of a VBAC - not very helpful. I found the continuous monitoring and cannula upsetting and uncomfortable last time and didn’t like not being able to be mobile, but I’m not confident enough that wireless monitoring will be available on the day.

Views, especially from those who’ve had VBACs or tried for them, would be very welcome!

Anyone?

You do understand it’s your choice ie you can decline a cannula/C fetal monitoring etc? You are in charge - you allowed to do as you. Wish!

I had a vbac 2 months ago. I was high risk, big baby expected and I have a high bmi.

After a lot of discussion hospital staff agreed to let me labour in the pool.

I declined cannula, current NICE guidelines says it’s unnecessary. I have telemetry (wireless monitoring) which was fine. They did ask to put a clip on baby’s head during the pushing stage as even with one midwife holding the monitoring it place it didn’t work.

The hospital staff can choose what they offer you eg pool access and you choose if you want to accept medical treatment eg monitoring and examinations.

There are very supportive vbac Facebook groups.

I was told very few people want the wireless monitoring as people who want to use the pool/be active tend to be low risk.

@EasterEgg80, thank you - I know I can decline their recommendations. Unfortunately, I am balancing PTSD/birth trauma from a previous EMCS against high levels of anxiety about whether the baby will be OK. (Sorry if that is a total drip feed.) Whatever birth choices I make, there will be a high degree of fear and emotional baggage hence “just have an ELCS” is not necessarily the answer.

They have confirmed that the current NICE guidelines support me in terms of a cannula - I would rather one be inserted at the first sign of trouble and my understanding is that most ruptures show some signs in advance.

As for monitoring, they have said I have to be monitored (I know I could refuse but I’m not sure I’d have the emotional energy for a fight). I know I won’t consent to being on my back on the bed with continuous monitoring and would find it very difficult to be physically restrained by wires like last time, so I have a lot of questions about wireless. If it sounds as though that is going to be tricky, then I think I just have to go for ELCS.

They have said that VBAC factors aside, I am low risk so could use a pool but only one available so no guarantees.

At the moment, it feels like a lot of variables around VBAC and that’s assuming I go into labour, which is by no means a given. I just can’t decide whether it is worth a try to see if I go into labour, or whether I should cut my losses and just ask to be booked in for a section.