VBAC Melbourne West - Public vs Private Hospital vs Independent midwife?

[Chrissy26]

I had an emergency c-section after 11.5hrs of labour & 9cm dilated with my DS because he was posterior and his heart rate had started to drop with every contraction. Next time around, I want to do everything in my power to have a natural vaginal labour. I am not yet pregnant as I want to be well informed and have the best chance at getting my VBAC but I don't really know where to start.

I previously had my baby in a public hospital with a private ob but my ob has since told me that he will not support me going for a VBAC. I am also weary of obs & hospitals that say they are supportive but work against you ever step of the way in achieving a VBAC with excessive monitoring, restrictions etc.

I am happy to go with a private or public hospital and like the sound of an independent midwife but birthing at home is not an option for me as my husband is terrified of the idea (I think we are all a bit traumatised from our first experience). Can I have an independent midwife in a hospital? If so, how does this work? Can I participate in a midwifery program within a hospital as a VBAC patient?

I'm sure a lot of what I'm asking has been posted elsewhere but I'm having difficulty finding VBAC friendly hospitals/Obstetricians in the Western suburbs of Melbourne and hope someone out there can help. I am willing to travel but would prefer not to go too far as I don't know Melbourne very well and will also be dragging a toddler with me to my appointments.

I would also love to hear some positive stories as a lot of people I've spoken to can't seem to understand why this is so important to me.

Thanks

[feeb]

I suggest that you try caseload at Sunshine hospital, you get continuity of care which is known to increase chance of VBAC. Its a public hospital offering various models of care from high risk, midwife lead care, caseload and homebirth program.

Private hospital and OB wise I really like Preggs Pillay at Freemasons.

An independant mw generally can only be a support/advocate for you in a hospital.

good luck

[JoJoG]

I did caseload at Sunshine Hospital and I would NEVER recommend it to anyone. The midwives are all young and very inexperienced. I was assured that I would have one of the two midwives I meet with me during the birth but I had a change over of three times and after 24 hours of labour, I had a c-section and they could not give me a valid reason why this happened.
I would suggest finding a private midwife that supports VBACs to accompany you at the hospital.
Goodluck