OMG VBA2C - pupuce - help!

[Jimjams]

Went to the antenatal clinic tday - met the consultant and he was keen for me to try a VBA2C. It's what I originally wanted- and having read Odent's book on sections (and from my experiences as well) if I needed a section I'd rather it was elective in labour rather that just elective. But I'm a bit scared as I have been told no way all the way through this pregnancy. To just be offered it as an option is a bit strange!

I requested- and he agreed- no induction, no augmentation of contractions, straight to section at first sign of problems, continual FH monitering (actually I didn't request that but I think its a condition).

Just wondered if you had any advice. I found Odents book very good but I'm a bit wary about reading other VBAC stuff as so much of it is anti c section and last time I ended up terrified about my elective.

pleased but definitely in shock!

Nooo! Just taking issue with your cavalier use of sections plural when talking about choice - you birth terrorist, you!

You don't have to repeat it you know...... I am not deaf

Only to reason, I hear

bloomin' site wasn't responding..

I know.... I wanted to see your reply and it was jammed... off to bed now though !

Glad to hear you seem to have a switched on consultant Jimjams. There is no reason why you should not be given a go at a spontaneous labour. I came across a support site for women having VBAC 2,3,4 etc. Have a search on google. Am going out now but will have a search if you can't find it. I know I did a link on an archived thread when we discussed it before but I don't know if that thread exists any more.

You can be fairly mobile and can sit on a birthing ball with continuous monitoring. Am excited for you

Jimjams, CAT me and I'll send article back. xxxxx

I'm really excited for you too Jimjams. Really hope you get a good birth and that it all works out!
I was sorry to see the way that thread deteriorated too, Pupuce

Pupuce - have followed that thread but decided not to touch it with a bargepole

Wow Jimjams,good for you, can understand why you are worried though, I have had 3 sections, the 3rd because i just assumed i had to and wasn't ever told any different.

I'd say go for it, i would of, although would of been very nervous.

Good luck

link from previous discussion

I am quite stunned, can't believe i could have tried for a vbac with Ds and nobody told me (the hospital i mean not you guys).

oo how exciting .. good luck Jimjams (wish I could add something intelligent and helpful but I've never even experienced labour pains after 2 electives .. I can't help wondering how I'd cope?

Thanks for all the good wishes and for the link mears.

I have found myself a kind of doula I think. My best friend is applying for midwifery and has offered to support me. I trust her especially as she's given birth every way possible! Water hospital birth, home birth and c-section!

very strange to only start thinking about labour at 33 weeks +

oh and suew

SueW I think I may have spoken to your friend before by email. If its the same person she sent me her birth story - was it a very long labour at home?

Jimjams- good to hear about your friend supporting you - great news !

JImjams- I had a VBAC in June, I was constantly monitored through out the labour but still able to stand up and move around with in reach of monitor. Every hour I was unattached and allowed to take a walk with DH.

I was told that you are not allowed to be induced after having c-sections. ON my due date I was given a sweep and it took 21hrs to work. (luckily as conssultnat wanted to section me 72hrs later if nothing had happened.)
DS was back to back and there were times when they wanted to take me to theater but midwife told them I was coping and to leave me a bit longer and I am so glad she did, DS came after 3 pushes. (first of which bought him into the birth canal, the second he crowned and third he literally flew out and landed onthe bed.

I really did feel so proud at delivering himn my self and avoiding another c -section. But at the end of the choice is still down to you.

Hope this positive story helps and GOOD LUCK>

Hello,
I would love to get some advice regarding home VBAC. Many woman and "experts" suggest that only at home (or an environment as private and intimate as home) is VBAC generally a success. I have had many promises from the NHS regarding the conditions and staff available to make my VBAC smooth and successful but some how I feel going to hospital is still a gamble - one simply does not know who will be present, if the "promised" room will be full and/or if there might be several other woman in my shoes on the same day all expecting the same treatment (but there is only one mobile dopler available etc.).? My first birth started at home - the transfer to hospital was full of surprises (which I would like to avoid at all costs) but this time we live just a little bit further from the hospital and I worry about travelling the 15-20 (traffic can be a total nightmare en rout) to hospital should there be reason to.
Looking forward to your words.

Hello,
I would love to get some advice regarding home VBAC. Many woman and "experts" suggest that only at home (or an environment as private and intimate as home) is VBAC generally a success. I have had many promises from the NHS regarding the conditions and staff available to make my VBAC smooth and successful but some how I feel going to hospital is still a gamble - one simply does not know who will be present, if the "promised" room will be full and/or if there might be several other woman in my shoes on the same day all expecting the same treatment (but there is only one mobile dopler available etc.).? My first birth started at home - the transfer to hospital was full of surprises (which I would like to avoid at all costs) but this time we live just a little bit further from the hospital and I worry about travelling the 15-20 (traffic can be a total nightmare en rout) to hospital should there be reason to.
Looking forward to your words.

I have supported VBAC's as a doula in many environments, home, consultant led units and midwife led units.
Its a case of weighing up the risks and benefits and deciding where you feel comfortable.
Have you considered a doula to support you?
IMO
Home- Best chance of having an undisturbed birth which progresses easily, can be mobile and relaxed, but, if there were problems you have to transfer in labour (I wouldn't worry too much about traffic, you would be in an ambulance for this). If you did have major complications then it is riskier at home, but the chances are very loew and you will have guaranteed 1 to 1 midwifery care which can pick up any issues early
Consultant led unit- Safer if any seriopus complications, but less likely to result in a normal birth, usual protocols can effect the progress of labour (constant monitoring, cannula sited etc) and make you less mobile
MLU- A possible compromise, to have your baby in a low risk unit but they may be keen to transfer you if anything is not progressing quickly (dilation or pushing).
I have had good experiences (successful VBAC) in all three. I've also transferred with a client from a homebirth who had a repeat EMCS (she had had previous cervical surgery). Its also important to plan in what circumstances you would consent to a repeat CS and how to make this a better experience.
Lots to think about!
S

Congrats on getting such a supportive consultant!

I was speaking to a consultant in our hospital recently who was telling me that the funding has changed for childbirth so that the hospital is not paid extra for the extra costs involved in performing c/sections as opposed to normal births.

So in other words, if hospitals do too many c/sections, they will be underfunded. So I think we may see more doctors keen to encourage VBAC in the future.

Incidentally, our success rate for VBAC is about 70%, so a very good chance of success.

Good luck:)