Vaginismus and homebirth

[Icecreamandsorbets]

Nc for obvious reasons.

Does anyone have experience of this or at least some kind of vaginal l birth?

I had an emergency cs first time as labour wasn't going well and I was in hospital, which I think made things so much worse. I couldn't cope with the VEs. Was so bad I pushed for a c section and found that far easier which is crazy but true.

Looking back I would love to have been at home as I think hospital brought on so much anxiety. I wish I had been empowered enough to refuse VEs.

But I never got to the pushing stage. Would someone like me cope? It would be wonderful to see someone who has experienced this.

I have no advice as I'm ftm but in the exact same position as you. I'm nearly 38w now. I had to be referred to the consultant midwife and had a looong conversation with her about what to expect, what my options are, and the circumstances under which I would agree to a VE (eg yes to check if stitches are required after the birth, no for just checking if I'm 4cm dilated when I present at labour ward!!) I didn't have to talk about my reasons too much thank goodness, the word vaginismus was mentioned and I just said yes and I don't want to talk about that please. Actually it was the midwife, who referred me to the consultant, who suggested a home birth (I thought my trust weren't doing them cos of covid, it still says that on their website even). So I'm so glad I can have one hopefully (unless anything goes pear shaped in the meantime!)
I'm all set now with my rented birth pool and everything, I'm feeling really positive about it.

Hello, I'm not sure if you're asking about the vaginal examinations or the pushing in the pushing stage?

I have had two children by vaginal birth and have vaginismus. Both were induced and for the first each bit of the induction (pessary and waters being broken) was horrendous. As in had to have muscle relaxant drugs, pain relief, midwife try and fail then doctor try and fail then consultant manage to do it. It was unbearable. But then once in established labour the examinations were fine - I think once cervix very dilated and everything else there was so much going on down there that the examination by midwife wasn't really noticeable if that makes sense. And definitely in the pushing stage the vaginismus had zero impact - both in terms of the pushing and in midwife seeing what was going on.

Is this of any help? Happy to answer any questions, I know what a solitary place vaginismus can make things...

I was so worried about vaginal birth before my first and whether baby would even be able to come out and I remember the consultant saying that vaginismus makes it hard for things to go in but has no impact on things coming out!!