VBAC at Royal Surrey, Guildford

[manyhatson]

Anyone have any experience of VBAC at the RSCH...? I have a consultant appointment in a few weeks to discuss options and would like to hear from anyone who's done this already or knows what their trial of scar policy is. Or which consultants are the most amenable to being flexible (home from home room/water/no CFM etc).

I'm also looking for a doula - recommendations greatly appreciated.

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looks like there's no one here who has then...

I had 2 ECS there after another 2 previously, so they weren't really into discussing VBAC with me ... Sorry I can't be more help.

I did think my care was very good, though if that encourages you.

I had a VBAC at the Royal Surrey ! I felt that I was pushed into it by Miss Hutt. I was lucky and had a good VBAC (even though the epidural didn't work and I had no pain relief, but that is particular to me and not the doctor ! Scar tissue in my back or something.) Anyway, the midwives were so lovely and I felt so cared for. It wasn't a busy day and I was lucky as the baby was in the right position and by the time I went in, the baby was born in 4 hours. I was only 2cm when I went in, but quickly got to 10cm. Pushing only took 20 minutes. Miss Hutt said that they would monitor me and the baby vey closely and make sure I dilated by 1cm an hour and if there was any sign of a problem with me or the baby that they would sort it out very quickly. I wanted a caesarean, and was scared of a natural birth, but I am happy I had a VBAC. I could still move around whilst they monitored me. I realise it's not particularly nice however the baby comes out, but it has to be done.

Forgot to say that I don't know any doulas, but if you are lucky enough to get Penny (midwife there), she was just like a doula and gave me so much support all the way. I didn't go to any classes as I thought I would have a caesarean (don't know why). She told me when to push and when to stop and so I did have the best birth I could possibly have. They were all very good actually. She gave me a big hug before she left and made sure I was comfortable. You do need a bit of luck to know who's on when you go into labour though.

Forgot to say (again !) Penny specialised in home birth etc. Miss Hutt would support VBAC I think as she was quite anti-caesarean if you are healthy and your baby is healthy (so it may depend on what happened last time as to whether she would support a home birth) and I think Mr Curtis is up for anything - my friend had a horrific natural birth first time and asked for a caesarean and he said fine. Mr Curtis is very nice as he helped through an ectopic and Miss Hutt also very nice (if a bit direct, but I suppose that is what you want). I don't know about the other consultants. Remember that you have the right to a second opinion of another consultant if your original consultant doesn't give you what you want. I am not sure about any other consultants at the Royal Surrey.

Thanks for your comments DefNotYummyMummy - very useful.

Thankfully I have managed to speak to a doula today who is also a midwife at the RSCH so I'm happy that I've found someone suitable.

Hi, just joined the website tonight. Although i personally have not had a VBAC I do have some insight into the hospital policy there. The hospital has a VBAC protocol which they must adhere to. This has been collated with input from the obstetricians and midwives and is based on the NICE clinical guidelines (Check out website will give you lots of info re VBAC).You don't say why you had a section first time and whether elective or emergency so without knowing your history i can only tell you a little about the protocol. You will be (or should be given) info on all your options, you may hear about uterine rupture, but be aware that research shows the incidence of rupture is less than 1%. You will be monitored by means of a machine called a CTg which monitors contractions and the babys response to them. As far as I am aware the hospital is open to VBAC unless your medical history suggests otherwise. they usually do not use drugs to stimulate contractions if this can be avoided. Your care will be overseen by an obstetrician. The most important thing for you is to be equipped with the right and unbiased info to make YOUR decision. I hope that I have not bombarded you with too much info. RSCH is a busy hospital but has some very experienced and caring midwives and staff there. Good luck.

PS: although you already have a child, a VBAC in many ways is a unique experience in that it wil be your first vaginal delivery and this in itself confers many benefits to you both both physically and psychologically. I really hope that you have the birth you want, I feel passionate about women believing in their innate ability to give birth by whatever means. Good luck. x

no idea about vbac, but my friend had a baby there last week and said they were wonderful

Madge79 thanks for that. DD1 was elective due to breech presentation. Should be OK for a VBAC. Which website are you referring to? NICE or RSCH's...?

Also, have found a doula who is also a midwife at RSCH. Perfect!