Consultant appt next week: what questions do I ask to help me decide about VBAC?

[mazzystar]

DS born by emergency C/S - eventually - aftr 18 hours active labour and full dilation. He'd become distressed after moving into a bad position (chin first!). Section actually incredibly calm and positive experience, 10 on Apgar and no problems B/F.

I'm undecided whether to go for a VBAC or elective C/S this time, and seeing consultant for first time next week. What should I be asking them to help me make up my mind?

Mazzystar, if this helps, I had a vbac last year. I was told that I'd be closely monitored all the way through labour. Although it was a long labour (back to back and big baby) I'm glad I didn't have a section as I recovered so much quicker and felt back to my normal self sooner.

cheers annie...

so - what sort of monitoring? good question!

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I had a vbac (epidural/ventouse/epis)- like anniediv - big baby/back to back - and while I felt pleased I had done it - I had more probs afterwards than with the section e.g. catheter irritated my tubes, got pelvic infection, complete lack of bladder control etc (tmi!) A serious amount of stitching...atleast 80...

You will basically be given a trial of labour - they will try for natural delivery and if looks like in difficulty are quite likely to end up in theatre - so basically a repeat of last time - or it could all go great and have no probs at all. I spent months and months thinking about it and swayed between the two - in hindsight would have gone for another section! Am expecting my third and still waivering which way to go! Currently on natural delivery option...

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mazzystar, I was expecting to have the straps on my tummy type monitor, but they didn't do that, just kept sticking their heads round the door and asking if I felt okay!

Hi mazzy, I'm making the same decision at the moment. I had my 1st appointment with my consultant a few weeks ago, he said they would let me try VBAC for max of 10hrs and they wouldn't induce me due to stress on the scar. He was very keen on continual monitoring though (I've read your other thread with interest!).

A friend of mine has just had her 2nd section (elective 1st time, emergency 2nd) and said the 2nd was much easier to cope with, she recommended getting a private room at hospital if possible. She's recovered really quickly and although she was initially disappointed she didn't get her VBAC she's been pleased overall with the experience.

I'm still waivering though ....