Anybody had a VBAC at a midwife led birthing centre?

[iwantitnow]

I have another consultants appointment at 34 weeks, I'm nearly 32 weeks. So far they have said need continous monitoring etc... for a VBAC. The hospital has a new birthing centre adjacent to the labour ward for women who want to give birth naturally. I don't know if I can push to try and have my VBAC there rather than in the labour ward. Happy to talk/shout to whoever I need to to get it but wondering if I stand a chance.

First off, it's up to you whether you want to have continuous monitoring or not. While it might be their policy, you do not have to agree to it.

Not sure how easy it will be getting them to "let" you go to the birthing center (they often have various 'entry criteria') but if you're not getting much luck they may have a change of mind if you start insisting that you'll have a homebirth if you can't go to the birth center iykwim.

Asking "why" might be useful - what research do they have to demonstrate that continuous monitoring will improve the outcome for either you or your baby. Last I heard they didn't have any so I'd be interested to hear what they can come up with, if anything.

You might also find thehomebirth website, homebirthUK mailgroup and AIMS good points of reference and able to offer you lots of support.

I'd also be inclined to tell them you don't intend to give birth in a consultant led unit so, if they won't "let" you in the MLU you'll be having a homebirth instead (they don't need to know whether you'd actually do it, after all).

Good luck