Preparing for a VBAC?

[mitfordsisters]

I don't think there's a current thread for VBACers so starting one. I'm 25 weeks now, and had an appointment with consultant midwife yesterday. Will be giving birth at St Thomases in South London. I think they are going to agree that I can labour without Continuous Foetal Monitoring (CFM) - needs to be okayed by the consultant midwife at the Home-from-Home centre.

I'm feeling really positive about this one - first birth was an induction resulting in emcs - determined to make this one different if I can.

Also using a natal hypnotherapy CD to be as relaxed as possible when the time comes.

My first attempt at a link so if it doesn't work, go over to Birth Announcements for an update from Mawbroon...

Mawbroon Birth Announcement

bumble thanks for the link and a HUGE CONGRATS! for Mawbroon!!!

Mitfordsisters - what were your arguments for MLU and intermittent monitoring? I have a consultant appt next week and I want to be ready...

Hi tostaky, there is a recent thread on this as well - did you see it.

I have read info from AIMS and vbac.org.uk, which cites the research. You can then decide whether you accept the risks associated with going for VBAC without CFM. I have weighed it up and realise that following my previous birth experience, if I am wired up, I am not likely to progress in labour so well. There is also the suggestion in the literature that CFM can lead health professionals to assume the baby is in distress, when in fact all is normal. I think this happened with my ds's birth - this seems more likely to me given that two different midwifes have justified my emcs for two different reasons. I think I had an emcs because they saw a worrying sign on the monitor that was in fact normal.

I am cool with this - it happened. But it convinced me that CFM adds to the risk of another emcs in my case. So I have just firmly said, 'I am aware of the risks of going without CFM and accept them, but I do not want CFM'.

That was a bit wordy