VBAC consultation

[TheTravellingLemon]

I have my first meeting with the consultant next week and I'm not really sure what to expect. Is it an opportunity for me to ask questions or is it just a formality?

I had quite a traumatic experience first time round and I have not made up my mind what I want yet, but I get the impression that you really have to push for a second CS from the beginning.

Can anyone shed any light on how this all works?

I had an appt. with a specialist vbac midwife at about 21 weeks, after having an emcs in my first pregnancy. I found it quite useful and is definitely an opportunity to ask some questions. I hadn't made up my mind either, still haven't, but I've been given the option of an elcs all the way through. If you've had a traumatic experience and may want an elcs then that should be respected by the consultant. Good luck.

Thanks. I really don't know what I want. I know I don't want that horrific drip again and I know that if there is a problem with the baby again, I just want the csection. I don't want to be left to watch the its little heart struggle . I hated the experience of the csection, but I'd rather them just get the baby out if there are problems. Last time they left it and left it and left it and I spent hours in terror listening to the heartbeat stop and start. I don't mind the vbac as such, but I can't go through the panic of not trusting that my baby will come through it

Do you mean induced by the drip? You won't be given anything to start or speed up labour as it increases the risk of your section scar rupturing, so it'll be natural vbac or section either way :)

fluffy do you know how long they will let you be in labour for? Just as long as it takes or is there a time limit?

It's the pessery you can't have. They can still give you the drip (they did with me)

No time limit for me for mine but other hospitals may impose one

You see this is what panics me. I do not want the drip again. I had a really bad experience on it. But if I go for a vbac like they seem to want then I am not really in a good position once I'm actually in labour to start refusing certain things.

I don't want a csection, but I'd rather that than a repeat of last time. I felt like last time they stopped listening to me once I was in labour and I'm worried that will happen again.

It will be fine. Consultants are usually much better at supporting ur decision for another section than midwife's. If u have had a previous section, however long ago, it is YOUR choice how u choose to give birth at subsequent births. Do not feel pressured into trying for a vaginal. I didn't come up against any problems asking for 2nd section. As I said, its usually old fashioned midwifes who push you towards vaginal births. Consultants are usually very good and support YOUR decision. Good luck. Xxxx

Thank you all for your responses. This pregnancy has brought back more bad memories than I anticipated and I've found myself feeling very anxious about it all.

It will be fine. My vbac consultant was actually very lovely and told me the information and pros and cons of both vbac and an elective c-section.

Although, I had already decided what I wanted. I'm trying for a vbac but got a c-section booked if I don't start naturally 10 days past my due date :)

I just went on the VBAC course today. My hospital recommends it before seeing the consultant. It was quite good and balanced actually, so I'd recommend going on it. They covered research into risks of both, what happens during VBAC monitoring, options if you go overdue and answered any other questions.
I'm still undecided but I feel more prepared for seeing the consultant now
Good luck

sorry if you don't mind me asking.. what is a vbac?

VBAC = vaginal birth after c-section

Shootingstar2289 that's comforting because it means you can specify no induction beforehand.

Last time I had meconium when my water broke. Do you think I would be able to say if that happens again I want to just get the baby out ASAP by csection?

thanks chch