Melissa: What I am basically asking is if anyone has done it before, or known anyone who has, and how they achieved it. I certainly accept that natural and bleed is a possibility, and that is why I have opted for a hospital and canula, the two things that play on my one phobia (Blood-injection-injury). I don't really feel like I will feel guilty for trying when I have allowed just enough doubt to be prepared for it. I am just looking at all the angles before I start the long battle of re-explaining my wishes over and over ... and over in the public system.

Hoob: I have a BT in a week and have been working on trying to build my iron levels back up (it was 117 and that is already going to illicit a dozen flat no's) so that they might be more inclined to give me a chance. The calcium info is good. Wonder if thats why I am drinking so much milk, LOL. I also have ruled out any form of anti-coagulant for the third tri, such as asprin. There is nothing more I'd love to do than decline the canula! Unfortunately, I am going to let it be placed because I suffer syncope when a needle penetrates the skin. When they had to place the canula during my PPH, my blood pressure near enough bottomed out with the lack of blood AND syncope (60/20) - so its safer for me to have it done before hand. And yes - want to walk my road - just once. If we were discussing something to do with the birth - and the baby was involved, my decision making process would be completely different. I know I will walk away from this labour no matter what - but the only person I am asking to recover is me, and I wont let it get as far as it did last time, so I know I can do that too.

Cricket: I certainly can discuss it, but I doubt I'll ever see them again. *sigh* Public system is a pain. No continuity at all. I will certainly accept their call if they say its gone over the acceptable mark, or if I have laboured far too long (what caused it the first time) - but if everything else has gone right, then ...