Sarah, I so know what you mean. I wanted a VBAC with jess, was determined to have a VBAC, but she turned sideways in my tummy and I wasn't allowed home again once they found that out, or else I would have came on and asked everyone here how likely it was that she'd go head down, what the stats were about going into labour with her sideways. Looking back I wish I had've kept pushing, but they scare you by saying the baby might die etc etc. At the time, we lived 10mins from the hosp and I STILL wasn't allowed to go home and pack even! I was scheduled for another CS, the only choice I was given was which day within the next week. Looking back I think my body knew she'd turned. All the signs of impending labour stopped a day or two before the appt. That was when she'd turned and I knew she'd turned. Just didn't know which direction. I'd been walking and sitting forward etc.....part of me thinks she'd have turned back when it was time. That my body would have done what it needed.
I agree it comes down to empowerment. Both my births, the power was taken away from me, however, the second birth I was much happier with as even tho I felt I had no choice, it was calmer and smoother.
Next time, I am going to push for a VBAC again. If the baby turns, I will say "Yeah, keep me in, but I am having a VBAC and I will only contemplate a C/S if I go overdue/baby is at HIGH risk/something drastic happens (IYKWIM)." They can monitor me etc, but I want every possible opportunity to have a VBAC this time. I can't thank you girls here on BB enough for highlighting facts and helping empower us! Could you imagine what the world you be like without Kelly and the other girls here? The information you give and the advice is priceless! You are shining lights on the dark areas that dr's ruled and challenging their hold over us! You are improving our lives by giving us back the primal right of giving birth how we want, where we want! Thank you all so very much!