At my hospital there's a labour ward and a midwife led unit - literally 2 mins away. In 2020 I had my son in labour ward - was mid lockdown, so not a lot of choice, and frankly was just pleased my husband was allowed in. It was a VBAC, so they tried to come and put a cannula in, but I growled at the anaesthetist and they went away. All very straightforward, and discharged 6 hrs later.
This time I'm hoping for the midwife unit and the pool if possible. At my meeting with the consultant she was incredibly negative about this - saying it could be catastrophic if anything went wrong (risk of uterine rupture is what they're worried about). I've done my research, and having had one previous VBAC, my chances are good. So if I go into labour naturally, and everything's looking good, I'm going to head to the midwife unit and hope for the best. I spoke to my midwife about it, and she was very supportive - it's just round the corner from labour ward, so if anything does go wrong I can be whisked round in a jiffy. They can monitor in the water with a handheld Doppler. And from what I've read, an experienced midwife is more likely to be able to spot the signs of uterine rupture sooner than constant monitoring. I managed with gas and air last time, and fingers crossed I do again.
There's a lot that's up in the air, but that's my ideal.
I read the positive birth book before my last one - found a lot of it very helpful, talking about quiet and calm places being helpful. There are also loads of videos online. I think I needed to hear that VBAC was possible, as again, the consultant just highlighted the risks. I know they have to, but didn't feel amazingly encouraged to go for it!
Anyway, that's my plan. Totally aware that it can all go out the window, but encouraged that I've done it before. I know every birth is different though, so open to anything!
Have a chat with the midwife again @sunnyd67. You can be flexible - if everything seems to be going okay, then head to the midwife unit etc, and find out how long to transfer between the two.
Sorry for long reply, and hope your big baby isn't weighing you down too much! Feeling very heavy these last weeks...