Breech VBAC? Or is that 'No way Jose'?

[ZombiePlanB]

Just found out ds2 is breech (longitudinal lie, RSA position - need to look up what that means). I'm 36wks so there is time to turn. But not sure I can really spend lots of time on all fours - I have an active toddler to chase!

Was planning a VBAC at St Thomas' home from home section.

I am happy to have a ECV to move him but if it doesn't work then does my previous section mean that I am unlikely to be 'allowed' to try a vaginal birth?

I am dithering, I just think that I'll have 12 hours of labour then a c-section whereas maybe I should just gve up my VBAC ideal and just ask for a c-section.

Just fed up really, I want a VBAC but think I will end up with a c-section so might as well have the benefit of planned c-section so can arrange ds1 childcare.

Anyone breech VBAC'd?

I have no advice, am going to be going for a VBAC myself, but I seriously doubt they would let you try, and as you say, they don't allow labour to continue for the same amount of time, so you might end up with another EMCS. Having said that I am sure there will be an MNetter out there that has done it. I am sure a very experienced independent midwife would be able do it if you were really determined?

Personally there would be too much risk for me, but I am desperate to have a more positive experience this time, whether that is a VBAC or an elective c-section - would try to avoid going down the emcs route again. Good luck whatever you decide, and hopefully the baby will turn or be turned.

My baby was breech from 34-37 weeks but turned spontaneously, and your baby may well do the same. You could try moxabustion, which an acupuncturist can do and is supposed to be effective. I understand your plight as 39+4 hoping for a VBAC at Tommy's myself and with a toddler at home. Good luck.

thank you both!

Just going to chill and try not to think about it for another week.

Good luck.

" I seriously doubt they would let you try".

Ahem. Presuming the OP is a competent adult there is no "let" about it. Bad choice of words.

OP, sorry I have no advice to give you. Have you looked at RCOG/AIMS website?

you can choose to do so if you want to

google mary cronk if you want to know more about breech deliveries.
also it might be worth looking on the homebirth website. I know you aren't looking for a homebirth but they do have lots of information and stories about virtually every birthing experience under the sun!

thisisyesterday is right. That website has the most balanced information I have found on a range of childbirth topics, whether you are after a homebirth or not.
My second twin was breech, super easy and speedy. But that is not the same, I don't think as the way has already been paved and she was only 6lb 7oz.
My midwife was a rare breed and was experienced in breeches (and vbacs). She said she was not at all scared of a breech and could deliver one with her eyes closed. She was an independent in East London, if you are interested.
I think the confidence of your caregiver is the biggest factor.

agree with e3chick

sadly the fact that breech babies are normally delivered by c-section has meant that midwives these days are no longer as skilled in delivering them as they used to be

i think if i was pg with a breech baby i would do everything i could to afford an IM who was experienced- unless of course my local hospital were happy and confident in their ability to deliver the baby there

IM cost about 4k so it's a bit much really for the chance of a VBAC. And although I am trying to be positive I just can't help but think, well I am going to end up with another C-section.

I'm 5 foot nothing and the bump is enormous. I know that it shouldn't have any bearing, but I can't see how I am going to push baby out in the time that they give me.

See how the turning thing goes and take it from there I guess. At least I hadn't bought a birthing pool!

Any updates? I'm possibly looking at a breech VBAC too...

My baby was breech at 28 weeks so plenty of time for it to turn, but my consultant said that I 'wouldn't be allowed' to try for another VBAC too. I thought maybe as I had already had a successful VBAC I would be OK but she said they wont try to turn a baby who is breech with someone who has had a c-section because of the whole scar thing.

I would love to know what 'not allowed' to means too as I am also 'not allowed' to have a water birth which I really want as epidurals don't work on me and I was hoping to try to get through the pain somehow as last time I didn't really cope very well.

I guess it just depends on the hospital policy, but I also think they can't make you have a c-section, but then they put pressure on you doing the best for your baby. That's what my consultant said - 'why wouldn't you want the best for your baby ?'. What's best and easiest for her, she means.

Sorry I have nothing to help you here, but I am also just feeling bummed about not having any control over this too.

Let's hope our babies turn. I have been reading they can turn last minute too.

Eh? I'd be "allowed" a water birth if this baby gets into the right position. Funny how every hospital's different... baby's currently transverse/breech though 33+4 too so I'm running out of time. I'm really hoping they'll do ECV cos I don't want a cs.

at 33+4, you have loads of time for the baby to turn - try accupuncture at about 37 weeks if you need to. It didn't work for me but the accupunctuist had lots of clients that it had worked for.

Good luck all - i was too much of a wuss to try for a breech delivery!

My update: I went for an elective Csection in the end. Just couldn't face being preg anymore. I'm a wuss.

In the end the baby was transverse, just like his brother was! So the right decision.

we're doing well.

Relieved you went this route. My sister had a vb with a breech baby, it wasn't even a vbac. Sorry, but it was horrendous.

I gave birth to an undiagnosed breech baby. My baby was two weeks past due date. I was given a sweep, and then induced. The contractions were so fast and strong the baby started to come very quickly. Next thing I knew I was whisked into the delivery room and the baby was coming out bottom first. The student midwife didn't know what she was looking at and said...urghh what's that! Every one panicked, the hit squad came into the room, I was majorly cut to aid the babies delivey, and the baby delivered breech. So yes it can be done, but the NHS don't like to take risks to the mother or baby because of the dangers. I was pretty distressed afterward I felt shocked, and violated and the fact the student said urgh was mentally quite a lot to come to terms with, as at the time I didn't know what was coming out..an alien? or a dead baby. The scarring was so bad that sex was an issue for up to a year afterward. So jeeze think you made the right decision to opting for csection.