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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Waterbirth after previous c-section

10 replies

2greatboys · 26/11/2009 17:32

I've posted this in childbirth, but wondered if I might get more of a response here.

Had c-section with DS2 due to him being breach. Am currently expecting DC3, and would really like the option of a water birth. There are birthing pools at the hospital I will be going to. I will be seeing the consultant at my 20 week scan, and would like to discuss this option, but has anyone any experience of this?

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LunaticFringe · 26/11/2009 19:40

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Klaw · 26/11/2009 19:55

Waterbirth after CS is entirely possible and it's not up to anyone else to 'allow' you to birth your own baby.

You should do your own research, and make informed decisions.

check out this, the VBAC pages

WBAC, VBAC, VBAmC, HBAC, HWBAC, HBAC.... all are possible and entirely up to you.

LunaticFringe · 26/11/2009 20:37

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MumNWLondon · 26/11/2009 20:41

did you have a natural birth with DC1? If so you might get a more positive response. Don't let them fob you off!

Klaw · 26/11/2009 22:32

Sorry, LunaticFringe, wasn't having a go at you Really sorry, was really having a go at the system which we all find oursleves in and in which the medical profession tend to think they have the say so as to what women can and can't do, and then the language becomes ingrained in us. I'm always trying to use empowering language when talking about childbirth (birth no delivery, etc).

They can refuse women the right to use certain facilities, but the way round it is normally to call their bluff by saying that we want to have a water birth at home, and then suddenly the pool in the mlu suddenly becomes available so that you are nearer to their interventions facilities in case of things going awry (most oft caused by their help interventions).

whensmydayoff · 26/11/2009 22:40

2greatboys I was in same position as you. I had a c-section and was extremley high risk with first PG.

They decided this time I am to be treated as high risk because of the amount of probs with last PG and birth. (previa, restricted blood flow, GBS, high blood pressure, oedema)

Im now PG with 2nd (34 weeks) and this is totally different, very healthy.

I was devastated at the thought of being monitered constantly, not allowed in the birthing centre or pool - just the high risk ward (more like Prisoner cell block H). They also made the decision I would be treated as group B strep (without testing) as they found it in my waters during labour last time, even though it didn't effect DS.

I thought there was more chance of pigs flying than a nice natural birth.

I went on a hypnobirthing course and I learned so much. I made an appointment with a consultant at the high risk clinic and made my case to her about a highly interventional birth being the exact thing that would lead to another c section.

I also pointed out I had had 5 scans, the baby is fine, im fine, no problems and this is a different PG.

I didn't need to go in their with my A4 list of questions and demands (was so nervous) as they were more than happy to do what I wanted as long as I knew the risk of not being monitered constantly after a c section. Rupture obviously being the case but a tiny risk. She even wrote on my notes - "would like a hypnobirth style labour with little to no intervention, waterbirth if possible and please use new underwater mobile moniter if availale". I was shocked!

Apparently hospital has just aquired one but they should also have mobile moniters too. If they don't, they can't force you to use one and can just check with doppler every 15 mins.

You have all the cards in your hand and they have to honour your wishes and can't force anything. (consultants words).

So, just write down all your concerns re the birth you want and go in and get it! x

PS _ I have sent away for a private GBS test to make sure im not carrying it this time.

2greatboys · 27/11/2009 14:22

Hi, sorry only just had chance to log on, thanks so much for all of your replies. I had a natural birth with my first DS, and only had a c-section due to DS2 being breach. I'll do some more research on this and discuss with the consultant when I see him at my 20 week scan, which isn't until Janurary.

I had a long labour, epidural and tore with my DS1, took weeks to heal, and would really like a more positive birth this time. To be honest recovered so much quicker with the c-section I had with DS2. Would still a natural birth this time, and am really interested in the posiblility of a waterbirth.

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ILikeToMoveItMoveIt · 27/11/2009 14:37

I had a HWBAC and I can't recommend it enough. I had a Ind MW so I had no problems with the choices I made for a HWBAC, however no doubt it's a different story with NHS care.

The biggest reason they will be against a waterbirth is because they won't be able to strap you to the monitor and allow a machine to do a job that a mw should be doing, ie taking care of you and checking on you and the baby at regular intervals.

There are various indicators of uterine rupture and imo they should be picked up by a mw making regular checks (your heart rate, blood pressure and the baby's heartbeat using a doplar, as well as scar pain between contractions), while you get on with the job of labouring and birthing where you want and in the position you want.

Research, research, research and have a counter-arguement. Otherwise they'll try and scare you into doing everything their way.

Knowledge is power

2greatboys · 27/11/2009 15:09

Thanks again for all of the posts, very interesting to hear your story ILikeToMoveItMoveIt.

I will definately do more research into this, and good to hear that I don't need to rule a waterbirth out.

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LunaticFringe · 27/11/2009 19:36

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