VBA2C - Sunshine Caseload question

Hi there,

I am new to this site. I have been inspired by some of the previous VBAC stories and advice on this site and thought I'd (finally) join.
I am 8 weeks pregnant with our third and I'm keen to try VBA2C at Sunshine Hospital (Caseload program if possible). I've sent in my referral paperwork and have been advised that I may or may not be picked up onto caseload, depending on demand etc. The lady I spoke to mentioned that it's not always 'first in, that gets picked up' and that one patient got onto program in her last 6 weeks. Just wondering if anybody else has had to wait long to get onto program (or didn't get onto caseload at all). I'm very keen to try VBAC again and hopefully avoid another CS. If I don't get onto caseload, have other people had positive VBAC experiences through the general hospital care model? Or can anybody else suggest another hospital that supports VBA2C?

Thanks
Three Graces

Hi, and welcome to BB :)

I can't answer your question about Sunshine but bumping so someone will see it. Wishing you all the best of luck with your VBA2C.

Not sure about sunshine but I have just had my second successful VBAC at the Women's. If you ask your doc for a referral you should get in regardless of catchment areas

Myself amd going for my 2nd vbac through werribee mercy and its been a positive experience.

Hi,
Thanks so much for your replies. I'm not sure if your second VBACs at the Women's and Mercy Werribee were natural deliveries after 2 caesars, or the second natural delivery after an initial caesar (?) I'm keen to hear back, as a lot of hospitals don't like VBAC after more than one caesar.
I attempted my first VBAC at Mercy in Heidelberg and ended up with a repeat cs. I remember being told that if I wanted a third, that it would have to be an elect cs. So, I'm not sure if Mercy Werribee also hold that view (and also the Women's?)
Still hoping that I get picked up onto caseload at Sunshine, but it would be nice to know what my other options are!

all the best with your VBAC and getting into the caseload program at Sunshine - a friend of mine just had an intervention free water birth through the Sunshine caseload program (first baby) and was over the moon with her experience :)

Sunshine has a VBAC rate a little above the Victorian statewide public hospital VBAC rate...whereas Werribee Mercy is well below the statewide average for public hospital VBACs and has also very high induction and c-section rate. Having said that it is wonderful to hear that there are a few women here who have VBAC'd at Werribee and have had really positive experiences :)

fingers crossed for you!

wow i am so impressed to hear that Sunshine now do waterbirths! I had my last baby there 2.5 years ago and they had just installed 2 baths, but I was under the impression it was for labouring in, not birthing in.

Last time I went through caseload at Sunshine and loved every minute of it. I am now booked in to the program again, with my 3rd and am going to enquire about VBA2C. Both of my caesars were "elective" to a degree, so I am going to try!

Hi Danni,

I've heard of others having a water birth at Sunshine (not sure if they let you, when trying VBAC?).
I was told that I didn't get picked up onto the caseload program - apparently I sat on the waiting list for 60 days. When I rang to find out about an antenatal appt this side of Christmas, they said that it wasn't likely I'd get picked up and that i have to see whoever. Not sure why, as I sent my referral in at 4 weeks.