VBAC SUPPORT

SMA - look for doula's in training. They dont charge, they are looking for the hours. If I was in JHB I would help you out.

Oh no Hasie we won't be able to afford a doula ... I work at a mine, so we have an in-house medical aid, I promise you when I call to make appointments they think its a prank call, that's how unknown the medical aid is, and it's sooooo restricting.
We have to make a 20% co-payment for Genesis fees......we have to pay the midwife privately, they don't recognise midwives .... So ya, at least last time I spoke to a lady who actually knows Gauteng areas....yaaa..

Marijke hang in there, you'd be surprised how things can suddenly happen. But if you end up having a c-section at least your baby would have baked properly, I totally don't like this thing of c-sections at 38 weeks for no reason either than to be sure you won't go into labour...

Hi Marijke!

Nice to hear that you are still around. Sounds like you are losing trust, but I can completely understand why. It does feel like things are just not going to ever happen when you get past 40 weeks and there isn't much going on.

Could you try pressure points to help open up your cervix? Google "Debra Betts pressure points for labour induction" for a full guide with pictures. Sounds like you are already doing just about everything to get things going.

I do think that it might be baby's position that is causing (her) to stay up high. Have you had a look at spinning babies?

I can't remember, did you do HypnoBirthing? I so, you could ask your HypnoBirthing practitioner for an extra fear release session and we also have a "come on out" script now that has had some great success.

Good luck!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Sma, I'll send you a PM.

Hey everyone, still here, still waiting. 40 weeks and 5 days now. Had my last doctors appointment yesterday during which we settled on a c-sec date if nothing has happened yet. I'll be 41 weeks 6 days by then so at least I know I gave it as much time as I could.

Dr doesn't seem very optimistic since for the last 3 weeks things have only gradually started getting 'ready'. I think (like I was) she was hoping I'd come to the appointment yesterday and she'd tell me it's time and I can go to the hospital. I'm starting to think my body just really doesn't know what to do, baby is still not engaged, perhaps lower down but only a bit. Had a stretch and sweep again (my 3rd) and baby is still laying bum and back to my right side which isn't ideal either.

Over the last 3 weeks my Bishop score has gone from 2 to 4 and now 5. Have seen a chiropractor who knocked my pelvis back in line, have been running up and down the stairs, EPO, raspberry drops, got some homeopathic stuff from the midwife to facilitate going into labour (had that 3 weeks ago) been keeping busy around the house, have done the polar bear a few times, been on all 4’s, got a foot massage last night, sitting on the ball, jumping up and down on the ball. I’m still very much chilled about the whole thing but being in limbo sucks and hubby is really busy at work and work takes him on the road and he’s been trying really hard to stay close by but he can’t avoid it anymore.

So that’s my update. Will keep you posted!

Thanks Hasie

I see you are a doula. How far along must you get one? Like is she there only for the birth or before? What's the normal cost? I'll have to make a co-payment for Genesis cos my medical aid only pays in full for Netcare hospitals....talk about freedom of choice... You can send me a PM with the details. Cos ya shame my normally smart and in charge husband freezes when I'm in pain

Welcome SMA! I had to laugh at your descriptions of the gynies you went to!! They just don't understand the difference for a woman hey? And somehow they don't seem to care to much about the fact that a vaginal birth is so much better for baby.

I am so glad you are seeing Phindi, I haven't met her myself, but have heard that she is absolutely amazing! Good for you for keeping it up till you found someone who supports YOU and your baby.

Keep us posted about your appointments etc. And good luck with everything!! You hubby will feel much better once he has met Phindi. And consider getting a doula to help support you especially if hubby is unsure as a doula could be a great help in helping him to support you.

Welcome SMA! I had to laugh at your descriptions of the gynies you went to!! They just don't understand the difference for a woman hey? And somehow they don't seem to care to much about the fact that a vaginal birth is so much better for baby.

I am so glad you are seeing Phindi, I haven't met her myself, but have heard that she is absolutely amazing! Good for you for keeping it up till you found someone who supports YOU and your baby.

Keep us posted about your appointments etc. And good luck with everything!! You hubby will feel much better once he has met Phindi. And consider getting a doula to help support you especially if hubby is unsure as a doula could be a great help in helping him to support you.