VBAC overdue

[chillipopcorn1]

I had an elective C-section 9 years ago (breech twins), am now 40+3 with an uncomplicated single pregnancy and hoping for a VBAC. I had a sweep on Friday (1cm dilated and 40% effaced) which seemed to release my mucous plug over the weekend but diddly squat else. My consultant (I'm abroad so see a doctor at every appointment) is supportive of my VBAC but hasn't been very forthcoming with what happens next really!
I am so so uncomfortable, anxious and only have a really small amount of maternity leave of which I've now used two weeks sitting on my birth ball eating dates! I just want the baby here. My doctor has said the only induction they would try would be cooks balloon - any success stories for a VBAC with cooks balloon or should I admit defeat and book in an elective c section. I'm scared of uterine tearing. Any advice?! I feel like I'm going mad waiting for something to happen!

I had a very successful vbac with balloon insertion 2.5 years after an elcs. I found the whole process brilliant despite it being the height of covid, a heat wave and the induction taking 5 days to actually work! I was monitored the whole time and the midwife was amazing.

I found hypnoborthing incredibly helpful both with the balloon insertion and labour. It's never too late to start that if you haven't already.

I hope everything goes well for you.

I've never heard of a Cooks balloon so can be no help there. I don't want to read and run but as someone who had a fairly chilled EMCS for failure to progress and then an unplanned VBAC I would simply say don't put pressure on yourself for any sort of beautiful birth experience. The recovery for a VBAC I found to be significantly more difficult. It's more important that everyone is safe and well.

Has your consultant said how long they will leave you go? At 40+10 you'd be induced but they won't do that for a VBAC so are you provisionally booked in for an elective then?
Have you also been told how long you'll be allowed to labour naturally for, before they'd move to a CS?

Getting answers out of doctors is difficult, it's obviously subjective on the day and a lot would depend on the babies heart rate, size etc. But they should be able to give you some general guidelines and you should be able to push for that info so you have some clue and hopefully some reassurance.

Thank you that's really helpful! Yes I've done all the hypnobirthing but probably need to apply it to my current anxious state. I'm glad your induction went well but a five day hospital stay would be a nightmare - I have two older children at home and my husband only gets five days paternity leave!

My consultant is happy for me to go to 41+5 before an ELCS. It's good to be reminded that a spontaneous labour also doesn't necessarily mean a healing birth experience - thank you! I think I'll just feel frustrated if it ends in C section at 41 weeks which I could have safely had 2 weeks before and had the extra maternity leave with baby rather than kicking my heels!

True and it’s tempting to feel like that BUT
-you've had some time with your older children, their lives are going to see some upheaval too
-your baby has had an extra two weeks growing time
-you've had some time to wind down after finishing work and hopefully feel prepared for whichever birth you have

I wont patronise you and suggest it’s been two weeks of rest and sleep at full term. 😂