VBAC -ers. Were you encouraged to have an epidural in case of intervention ?

[Wheelybug]

Saw consultant today - Am 32 weeks. I was asking about CMF and everyone keeps telling me there is flexibility. However, the doctor I saw today (a registrar) said that I would need to be monitored once I was in established labour as 'I would have an epidural in by then'. When I questioned him on this he said it was because there was more chance of having intervention so they would want an epidural in just in case.

Now, I had a c-sec due to failed induction last time so haven't laboured properly so don't know at this point whether I'll be able to take the pain or not but I am hoping for an epidural free birth.

Also, I remember during my induction asking whether I should have an epidural as it was looking quite obvious I would need a c-sec and asked whether it would save the need for a general anaesthetic and being told they would prefer to do a spinal tap for a c-sec and could do it very quickly.

So, just wondered what people's experiences were.

Thanks !

It's St Peters in Chertsey, Surrey. Have to say though, I had a fairly horrific experience the first time around there (hence the home birth plan this time), but I think it's just down to who you get to see and who is around on the day (unfortunately).... which is why I think its really important to be well informed and have your absolute no nos written down so you can stand your corner if you get someone unsupportive (or more realistically, your partner/doula/whatever can stand up for you, becuase to be honest, reasoning with a doctor/midwife is not really a priority when you're in full on labour!).

I agree Claire - I went through a number of MWs first time round - one told me I couldn't move from the bed because of CMF to the extent I had to wee in a bed pan. When someone else took over they asked me why I was weeing in a bed pan and got me a ball etc...

and agree - I was relatively well informed first time round (although more so this time) but, particularly I think with a high risk/sudden induction etc we were too shocked and tired to not do as we were told. Although having said that I was mostly under the charge of a wonderful senior registrar who did make me feel like I was taking some sort of control (even though I probably wasn't) - allowed me to call time on the induction and go for a c-sec, discussed how I felt about a c-sec. She's now a consultant at the same hospital (Kingston, so not a million miles away from chertsey !) but sadly am not under her.