VBAC / EBAC Discussion #5

[BellyBelly]

Are you looking to have a EBAC or Empowered Birth After Caesarean? Looking for some support or have a question? Post your thoughts here.

According to the Birthrites website, the risk for uterine rupture in a VBAC is extremely low. They state, "The likelihood of uterine rupture with attempted VBAC is 0.5%. (0.2% uterine rupture, 1.1% asymptomatic dehiscence from case control studies). The risk of hysterectomy and perinatal death from uterine rupture are 0.05% and 0.07% respectively in hospitals equipped to provide rapid laparotomy. (Australian VBAC study)"

VBAC RESOURCES

Birthrites (Aus) Lots of info on caesareans and VBAC
ICAN - International Caesarean Awareness Network
VBAC.com - Provides childbearing women and maternity care professionals access to research-based information, resources, continuing education and support for VBAC
CARES-SA

Books (some can be found in the Online Store).

Birth After Caesarean, Unlimited Possibilities by Caroline Daniels
Caesarean Birth...Making Informed Choices (Birthrites Booklet, AUS)
The Thinking Woman's Guide to A Better Birth by Henci Goer - good section on VBAC and other important birth topics
The VBAC Companion by Diane Korte
Silent Knife by Nancy Cohen
The Birth of Aasha (DVD) by Tara and Garfield Darlington - a VBAC birth
Obstetric Myths versus Research Realities by Henci Goer

Last thread can be found here

[Fleur]

Happylila, my VBAC was 10lb8 & went fine

FWIW my Drs knew she was going to be big, my others were big too (although not that big). They allowed me to go 14 days post-dates (she was born at 10 days pd) and actually encouraged me to give it every chance of happening naturally.
I went for an appt at 41 weeks & there was no sign at all of labour, they said I could have a CS if I wanted but there was no reason not to go the full 42 weeks. I went into labour 3 days later

From what you say everything seems fine & the only reason they are pushing for a CS is because of bubs size? I can understand why you are feeling the way you are. Like Mel said I think if it's going to happen it will, I think the size of your baby is one of the least factors IYKWIM, there are much greater risk factors such as being induced etc.

Sending you lots of VBAC vibes

[happylila]

Hi there Jasp,

Thanks for the post. Glad to hear that your VBAC went really well and your 10pds bub wasn't an issue.

At the moment size is the only issue but later on this week and maybe next week they will use Gest Dibetes to try and get to me to have one. BUT this is only an issue if bub appears to be distressed or that the placenta doesn't function very well, apparently this can be the case in some GD cases. But like ALL situations, one standard approach or policy isn't necessary for each case and I wish the OBs and hospital would understand this.

I also know that as soon as I walk into the hospital they will try and make me have contstant monitoring lying on the bed, insert a "just in case" IV plug and give me an internal exam, all things that hinder the natural flow of labour so I'll be fighting them off for these reasons, not to mention the constant pressure that will be placed on me for c-section and the time restraints. eg "will give you 3 hours to push out your bub but after that a c-section is necessary" etc. Thankfully my midwife and doula will be at the hospital to help me stay strong and really inform me as to what is happening.

I have been in pre-labour for a week, lots of regular (but not at all painful) contractions so am trying to relax and hiopefully things will happen in a few days.

Thanks again for the posts everyone.

[MummyTummy]

I just wanted to say Good luck Happylila. I haven't got there yet so I don't have any advice to add other than what you have already mentioned. It sounds like you are very well informed and you have an awesome support team. Just remember to listen to them first. When your Obs push for something tell them you need time to think it over and then go and discuss it with your support team. At least you know they will discuss it with your best interests at heart unlike the Obs who have their own.

[Fleur]

I also know that as soon as I walk into the hospital they will try and make me have contstant monitoring lying on the bed, insert a "just in case" IV plug and give me an internal exam, all things that hinder the natural flow of labour so I'll be fighting them off for these reasons, not to mention the constant pressure that will be placed on me for c-section and the time restraints. eg "will give you 3 hours to push out your bub but after that a c-section is necessary" etc. Thankfully my midwife and doula will be at the hospital to help me stay strong and really inform me as to what is happening.

Just thought I'd share my experience with this -
I did have monitoring. I spoke to different Drs prior to labour & there were different opinions on whether it should be constant or intermittent. When I did go in I asked the MW if I could have it off after a bit to move around & she said 'let's just see how this goes for a bit' - so I readied myself for an arguement
As it turned out bub was very high & I was 9cm, waters intact - she was worried about cord prolapse so I did spend my labour on the bed, but because of that - who knows if I would have gotten my own way otherwise, & been able to move around?

I agreed to have a canula in. It wasn't hooked up to an IV, just the bung in so I didn't view it as an impediment to my labour. I thought I'd save my arguing for the stuff that mattered more to me, like being able to be active. But that's just me.

WRT the time frame - what was given to me sounded reasonable but I had had 2 prior VBs, so it was kind of - if it doesn't happen in that time frame something IS wrong' IYKWIM?
I think that it should really be negotiable & depend on how things are going. If your labour is progressing well & bub is happy there shouldn't be any reason to all of a sudden go 'whoops, you're over time, off we go to theatre'... I was fairly confident in my case that they would not do this.
Maybe have a talk to your drs if possible & see what they say (with your mw & doula if possible?). I think if you can go in feeling strong & confident instead of feeling negative & like you are going to have to fight, will only help, ITMS.

Sounds like things might be happening soon! Good luck

[Laranna]

Anyone got any last minute VBAC vibes, tips, advice for me? I'm ready and waiting now and getting very excited! Saw the Ob today who said everything is looking great, bubs is down in my pelvis ready to go. He also said her head is on the small side which is advantageous for me.

So, I'm just waiting now!

[Fleur]

Eluned, sounds like you're all set & ready...no advice, I don't think you need it just lots & lots of VBAC vibes for you ....
looking forward to reading your BA!

[*Infinity*]

Eluned babe, no words of wisdom from me but I just wanted to send you loads of positive VBAC vibes for when things start! How exciting! I can't wait to read your BA! Good luck xx

[Laranna]

Thanks girls I think things are going to start soon, I don't think I'll make it to my EDD.

Jasp - reading your previous post about the monitoring has been reassuring too. Being monitored has been my biggest concern about it stopping everything, but I'm feeling better about it and more so that I am a bit more confident about saying yes or no depending on what's happening at the time.

[Arimeh]

WOOT!! lots and lots of labour vibes being sent to you my friend

You are gonna rock

Oh, and way to go on the small head - unfortunately my only VB was with the child with the biggest freakin head.. LOL

[boo]

Eluned - sending you lots of VBAC vibes, I look forward to hearing how it all goes!

Happylila - how are things going with you?

Jasp - with all the research i've been doing being stuck to a monitor is probably my biggest concern, thanks for posting your experiance.

I have a meeting with one of the midwives next week so i'm hoping to come from there feeling postivie about my VBAC chances.

[Fleur]

Yep, monitoring was my biggest bug-bear too, prior to going in - I guess if I hadn't been tied to the bed, it certainly would have gone faster, but it didn't hinder it all that much either.

Oooh Eluned how exciting! you will get to meet your little one soon...Can't wait to read your BA....

Sending lots of VBAc vibes to you all

ETA - Mel ain't that the way it goes ...

[MummyTummy]

Oooh Eluned - just read your blog... how exciting! Looking forward to reading your BA!

[Arimeh]

OOoh so did I!!!

I've got chills in anticipation!! Good luck babe!!!! *mwah*

[Fleur]

blog stalking here bahahah...

Good luck! how exciting !!

[*Infinity*]

Eluned....sounds very exciting girl! You are gonna be great. Good luck and I hope things keep moving along steadily for you. Officially stalking your blog too now

[Arimeh]

Wooot!! Congrats to Eluned - yay on your VBAC. Now I want to get pregnant and do it all again.. ROFL...

I'll live vicariously through you other girls though who are waiting.. LOL

[Jakabella]

Hey Ladies,

I am not preg as yet (hope to be by mid year!!) but I wanted to join in the thread as I would love to have a VBAC for my next if I can - so I hope you all dont mind! I dont have much to offer in terms of advice but can offer my support for the lovely ladies who are about to achieve their VBAC and hope to learn a thing or 2!!

Thanks!
Kate