VBAC SUPPORT

Widget I inboxed you. I'm only 5wks along but wld like to consider the vbac as an option but want to go into it with my eyes open. I had a horrible first birth and don't want a repeat of it. At this point I feel that a c-section would probably be better for my sanity but the thought of being up and about in a day after the birth is pretty appealing.

Widget, there are more risks to repeat c-sec than to VBAC. So you are making the best move. Here is a quick pic that shows some of the risks. Bring on the fears you have and lets discuss them on here, it might help a lot of people.

I've been having a bad day today &

Has anyone here ever felt, even just fleetingly, that their putting their unborn child at an unnecessary risk by attempting VBAC? Repeat c-sections also have risks as do first natural births and c-sections (elective & emergency), but less so than VBAC.

My midwife sent me a 23 page document on VBAC research just showing the facts. It is in no way disturbing or discouraging. Send me a private message with your e-mail and I will forward it to anyone who is interested.

Thank you Hasie. I never even considered that, but it makes sense. He can't be held liable for a pregnancy and birth that essentially he has nothing to do with. It will be better to move to a Genesis gynea for my 20 week scan then if he is going to be the one who is present at the birth in case I do need an emergency c-section.

I'm feeling more at ease about the medical records. I don't think it will be a problem to obtain my records from him. I guess I was worried that he could find a reason not to disclose them and then I will be denied a TOLAC.

Widget, you just have to ask for the records, by law he has to give them to you or send them to your new care-giver. But be warned most gynies aren't very happy to keep seeing you once you change over to a midwife. And with good reason, because as they are not your primary care giver any more, they will not be there for the birth, so doesn't want to take responsibility for something that they are not there for. Like if he says, yes you should be able to birth naturally and something happens, you can turn around and say its his fault, but he wasn't even involved with any part of the labor. So I would suggest rather getting one of Genisis's gynies.

Thank you guys so much for the feedback.

I really am very at peace about my decision to attempt VBAC now. It takes a lot of planning & research but I know, as I am sure you all feel, that I do not want an elective Cesarean unless it is medically necessary.

At my 12 week scan (only on the 18th of Sept) I will talk to my gynea about my plans so that he knows that I won't be coming to him as often or birthing with him. Elamsmom I'm very much like you with regards to loyalty there. I will also need to obtain my medical records from him RE my previous c-section as the midwife requested that I have it. Has anyone else had trouble obtaining these from their doctor?

That's great to hear about the reflexology & should I go past 40 weeks then I will definitely book as many sessions as is necessary or recommended by my midwife!

Widget - you asked about reflexology. Reflexology can definitely help induce labour. And if nothing else - it gets mom off her feet, and relaxing for a while! I have sent a number of clients (post due date) for reflexology - and they all LOVE it. Some of them feel baby moving a lot more even during the sessions. Reflexology is also commonly used by doulas to reduce pain during childbirth. Accupressure is also great to induce labour, and to relieve pain!
Just remember you don't want to rush baby out before it is ready - so I would wait until at least 40 weeks before trying this sort of intervention!