Whats going to happen??

Next time I get pregnant, I'm going to be well informed. I've done so much research and I know I can go for a VBAC.

What are your thoughts on this....

DD was born via elective c/s at 34 weeks. I had preterm labour at 28 and 31 weeks, but never dialated as it was always stopped in time.
DD was a c/s because she has such severe IUGR and was in breech. Knowing what I know now I would have attemped a vaginal breech delivery.

They say that labour gets shorter with each birth. How does that work, as I've never been in active/real labour.
My OB is very pro-VBAC, which is great. I'm just worried that things will go wrong again and that I'll end up having another c/s.
I have such issues over DD's delivery to the point where, 10 months later, I can't say that I gave birth to her. I always say "When DD was delivered..." or "when I had my c/s".

So, will my next labour be like a first time mother's??

What are you thoughts?

If you have never dilated then you may find your experience of labour with your next baby will be like a first labour, so typically a slightly longer labour with a longer pushing stage. However there is no guarantee and some first time mums have very fast labours.

interesting i was thinking along the same lines, as i was induced but never dilated sounds like we will be starting from scratch charlotte

I asked my Ob this on wednesday, I was a failed induction with no waters even breaking but was 2cm, he said it still makes a difference and will not make the birth necessarily shorter but will increase the chance you will deliver on or before due date rather than be overdue like a lot of first timers. Attempting a VBAC in 2 weeks I sure do feel like it is a first time thing. best of luck for your next one!

Apparently if you've dilated to 5cm before having a c-section, your next labour is likely to be like a second labour. If you didn't make it to 5cm, it will be more like a first time labour. Also, VBAC labour has often been observed to be slower and gentler, which is great for protecting the scar. A VBAC should never be induced or augmented. I'd suggest going with a private midwife if you can, and/or getting a good, experienced doula for your next time around.

All the best!

Each and every birth is different. It doesnt matter if its your first or your 20th, you could have a quick first labour and birth and a long 20th labour and birth. It all comes down to factors posing on the day such as babys position etc. Ive had 7 and mine were all different times:

1st: 3hrs 20 2nd: 49hrs 3rd: 8hrs 4th: 1hr 4mins 5th: 3hrs 23mins 6th: 1hr 24mins 7th: 42mins

I would say that because you havent laboured yet your next labour would be your first "labour". Definitely gear yourself up for the birth you desire, but keep an open mind that it may not go exactly as according to your birth plan. I think its also extremely important to address your fears prior as fears can hold things back.

You birthed your baby though hun, whether it be vaginally or by c/s, you got your baby earthside safe and sound. I hope that one day soon you will be able to say "when you had" instead of "with my c/s" "when my baby was delivered".

I'd plan for it to take a long time and pace yourself when it starts. Stay at home till you REALLY think you have to go.

Thanks for all the advice. Being a country town, there's no independant mindwife. And I'd be very surprised if there's a doula. I'd never heard of one til I joined BB.
I don't plan on going to the hospital for as long at I can. The closest maternity is nearly an hour and a half away, that's what I'm most worried about. I'll go too early, or I won't make it in time.

Thanks again!

Charlotte, there are IMs working in Country Victoria, and many are willing to travel so when the time comes there may be one who will come to you at home or travel with you to hospital if that is what you want.

I also had to travel to a hospital, and last time i planned some parks and places i liked close to the hospital where i could walk around and labour if i felt we had travelled too early. Circumstances changed, but having a 'backup' plan helped me to feel comfortable.

I tried googling some IMs and the closest I could find was Ballarat or Bendigo. Both being 3 hours away.
I've sent some emails looking for a doula so hopefully I hear something soon.

Hi Charlotte

Check out this list here Maternity Coalition-State Branches

I am not sure exactly where you live but if you want i can ask my IM if she knows anyone in your area. Also, if you find someone close-ish to you on the list, give them a call and ask them if they know anyone who is closer.

Searched through that list, and again the closest is 3 hours away and that's still 1 1/2 to 2 hours away from my maternity hospital.
I'll send you a PM for my location.
I apprectiate your help, HotI. Very much.

Definitely call the ones even a few hours away. Many MWs might work independently but aren't on the lists. Track 'em down! :D

Would an IM be similar to a doula??
What's the difference??

An IM is a trained midwife. It's a medical degree from university. A doula doesn't have to be qualified but most have done some form of doula training. They are support person, and don't provide medical care.

Oh OK.... Thanks!

I have been a doula at three successful vbac's 2 of the women birthed like it was there second baby. One birthed more like a first but they were all beautiful, calm and in control. None of them used any intervention. The first two got to hospital late the other several trips over 2 days which I think played a part in her longer labour.

Like the wonderful Kristy14 I have had very different birth times birth one: 7hrs birth two: 2 hrs birth three: 10 mins birth four: 7 hrs. You can never guess what's going to happen.

Congratulations on picking your next birth. I am very sorry for the trauma you felt from your dd's birth.