VBAC SUPPORT

Hi Widget

What helped me with a lot of my decisions regarding the vbac was my absolute 100% certainty that I wanted a vbac, DID NOT want another caesar (unless necessary for baby's or my safety obviously), and so I wanted to give myself the absolute best chance for a vbac.

It's not easy. i have been through the back-and-forth. It was so hard for me to finally make the decision to leave my gynae. (I'm a loyal kinda gal ) and although he never discouraged me from my 1st caesar, I don't blame him for it. I have also had the debate around Sunninghill being closer to home etc. and my gynae did say that he would let me try for a vbac but that he would be more comfortable doing it at S'hill...when he said that, i was tempted. But I came onto this forum and a lot of the ladies said what I knew deep down. That I shouldn't change my plans to suit my gynae logistically or what was "more convenient" for him. And that Genesis really did give me a better chance of a successful vbac.

My feeling was that my gynae was not really keen for a vbac but he can't blatantly refuse because then I will leave. But i felt like he was like stringing me along and then when I am in labour, he will find the smallest excuse to say that the vbac is not working and that i need to have a caesar.

I am now seeing Dr Maasdorp and yes, he will do my emergency caesar should I need one. I guess with midwife-led care, the relationship with the gynae really isn't a big issue becasue he is not your primary caregiver. So i can't say much abt Dr Maasdorp.. I've only ahd one appointment with him and hopefully one more at 36weeks. Hope to not have to see him again!

You can ask me anything and i will answer as honestly as I can from my own experiences. Good luck!

Thanks Hasie.

I am with Dr O'Hanlon. That is why I immediately made contact with Midwife Henny from Growth spurts & enquired about giving birth at Genesis.

For the time being I go to him for my scans & check-ups.

Before I was even pregnant with my second I asked him about birthing the next one after having my c-section & he said he would let me go until 40weeks if I feel elective ceasar is too early at 38 weeks but should I go into labour before then he will do a c-section. End of story. So I knew right from then already that he is definitely not supportive of VBAC.

Hi ladies,

You have been busy on this thread!

Just some info on rasberryleaf, it doesn't cause labor or count as a natural induction. It helps to tone your uterus muscles so that your surges (contractions in HB language) are more effective. You will probably feel more practice labor surges (braxton hicks) or they could become stronger because your muscles are more toned so you feel them better... It is helpful to take in the later stages of pregnancy because it helps your uterus get ready for the big day, but don't overdo it, or else you will be soooo toned that you could struggle to release the baby...

There are plenty of other things you could try to get baby to come when you are withing your birthing month (38 to 42 weeks). Let me know it you want some tips.

Can't remember who, but someone is with O'Hanlin, I don't think he's very pro-natural of pro-VBAC. But only because he talked my friend into a c-sec and didn't even consider the possibility of VBAC with her second. Don't want to give to much details as its not my story to tell. But I don't think he ever supported the idea of natural with her.

@ Marijke, I didn't realise you were that far along already, congrats! Just a question out of interest: why did your doula say you may not go past 41 weeks?

@ Elamsmom - I feel like I am in a similar situation with my feelings towards my gynea with my first one. I was with Dr O'Hanlon at Sunninghill & he is such a great gynea. I went for my first scan 2 weeks ago & I haven't actually even discussed vbac with him yet (which I am pretty sure he doesn't support), because I wanted to be sure of my facts and options first & talk to the midwife and Genesis first.
Sunninghill is also so close to my home whereas Genesis is a good 40 minute drive.
I still have to discuss with him what my plans are & that I would still like to see him often during my pregnancy for my scans & check-ups if he is on board.

I have a question though, if you do need an emergency c-section will Dr Maasdorp not do it?

Anyway I have also made up my mind that being in an active birth unit is alot more condusive towards the success of having a vbac. I look forward to reading your successfull vbac story at Genesis!

Evestyles - Thx so much for the email, much appreciated!

I drank raspberry leaf tea, got it from the health shop cant say that it worked or didnt work as I got induced @ 40weeks.

Kiewiet,Widget & Marijke - cant wait to read all of your successful VBAC stories on this thread.

Kiewiet, wow well done! It is so inspiring to see all of you so motivated for your vbac.

I didn't realise having a natural birth takes so much planning! I also got loads of information sent to me from my midwive RE VBAC & natural birth in the mean time before I meet with her. I honestly thought that because my two pregnancies are so close together that I will not be allowed vbac but as it turns out it may just lower my chances of a successful vbac.

About the Raspberry leaf Tablets or tea, she says it is advisable to start it from 37 weeks. It makes your uterus more responsive to oxytocin, thus should speed up your labour. Drinks 2 tablets three times a day or 3 cups of tea a day.

She also suggested using Evening Primrose Oil from the start of the 37th week. It softens the cervix in preparation of labour.

Did anyone try reflexology to naturally induce labour?