VBAC, WBAC and monitoring

[DomesticG0ddess]

Just wondering what stories people have about successful VBACs and also whether anyone has had a water birth after having a c-section last time? My midwife mentioned constant monitoring, and I didn't pursue it as am only 13+4, but the idea of being confined to the bed for the whole time is horrifying, and not going to work for me! I went to a yoga class today and the lady running it is a doula and said there is no reason why I can't have a water birth if it is a normal healthy pregnancy, though the midwife stated "no water birth" during her brief chat about VBAC.

I can't actually imagine it all happening naturally as it is (only based on lack of experience as had emergency c-section 3 years ago), and am willing to give it a go, but feel like it is starting out as a medical procedure in the first place, rather than a natural birth.

I had a VBAC and the consultant was very suppoetive of that. I am glad I did as the prospect of not being able to pick up dd1 for 6 weeks was horrendous and I would have had to have someone with me all the time. The recovery was so much easier. I had constant monitoring and had to go in at first signs of labour. Not the usual stay at home as long as you can. I didn't have to lie down though. I stood up for a while and then knelt on floor - monitoring cable was lond enough for this. I wqasn't allowed a water birth as the hospital policy only allows them if you are midwife led and as a VBAC I was consultant led care.

IF a water birth is important to you then you will have to go for a home birth - against what your midwife will want probably. It depends how militant you are whether you fight them or go along with what they want. There are lots of people on here who can give you advice and stats if you want to go that route but it wasn't important enough to me. I also needed to be in the hospital as after a very traumatic experience first time round I wanted to be where I could be rushed into theatre if necessary. I talked through my first labour with consultant and we agreed how things would be different this time.

I couldn't see the VBAC working and was convinced I would have another EMCS but it did work!