I'm feeling good about my VBAC

My doctor told me to bring my husband to my appointment today because we were going to talk about the birth.

I have to say I'm really happy with my doctor's attitude. Now he has said that the labour needs to progress well, but he hasn't put any restrictions on me. No time limits, no constant monitoring. I can come in to the hospital when I feel I need to or stay home as long as I want.

We are basically approaching this as a normal birth... and really, why wouldn't we?

I'm feeling pretty good about this. I know that I just have to worry about me and my baby, not fighting for the birth I want.

Now I just have to go into labour at some point. No rush just yet. This is a bit of a worry though I didn't last time. That is what led to the induction, etc, etc....

I don't mean to be negative, but telling you labour has to progress "well" is putting a restriction on you ;)

Have you considered hiring a doula to support you?

I'm so glad you are feeling positve about your vbac, a positive attitude is definitely an excellent start to achieving your goal ;)

Your doctor sounds quite supportive of your vbac too although I too would question what is meant by labour progressing well? You need to be really clear on this so that there arent any misunderstandings during the labour.

I wish you all the best for a spontaneous labour and a fabulous vbac!

i wish you the very best of luck with your VBAC im not even pregnant yet and scared of my attempt at a VBAC, your attitude is excellent which will make all the difference.
Fingers crossed for a successful VBAC and a happy and healthy mum and bub

Hmmm.... the point of my post was just to share my experience of a supportive caregiver. I had been expecting more resistance from an OB in a private hospital, especially after reading the experience of many women on this forum. I just wanted women to know that there are doctors out there who support women and their choices.

The wording I used about labour progressing well is my own words to summarise a long and thoughtful conversation I had with my OB. That doesn't mean he is insisting on dilating by the clock. He doesn't consider this to be any different to any other birth.

I know that a vbac may or may not work out. That is something we all have to face. One thing I don't have to face is a caregiver trying to scare me or force his own agenda. As far as I'm concerned that is a good start.

Holly it sounds like you've had a really good discussion with your doctor, that's great to hear you feel supported. I just wanted to wish you all the best for your birth :hug:

That's great news Holly! It makes a huge difference when the health pros are on your side. You'll be going into your vbac labour calm and ready!

That's great news! It will be great to go into your VBAC feeling so calm & confident :)

FWIW I don't think saying labour has to progress well is putting too much restriction on you - I do get the point ;) but IMHO it's not really any more restrictive than most 'normal' labours.

Are you thinking about natural induction methods?

Hi Jas,

Exactly. All labours need to progress 'well'. My doctor isn't putting any extra restrictions on me because I'm trying for a vbac.

And yes, I'm all about the natural induction methods at the moment.

I'm freaking myself out a bit. Yesterday my doctor said that this baby could arrive anytime in the next 4 weeks or so. So now I'm imagining everything is a sign of labour. I have actually been having occasional cramps, but I don't think they mean anything. But this weekend has now been devoted to getting everything ready for this bub.

That's great that your Ob is so supportive Holly. I too am hoping for a VBAC - at first my ob was a little negative saying the baby was going to be too big etc and he doubted how successful I would be which really made me think twice about even attempting it, but after the last couple of appointments with me firing questions and senarios at him he has been a lot more supportive. I notice your in Adelaide, which hospital are you going to? We're booked into the Calvery. Good luck with your VBAC I hope it all goes well for you ;)

Hi Boo, I'm at the North Eastern Community Hospital.

I think some doctors have the attitude that it probably won't work so why try. Not so much that they have a problem with the risks. I think they just don't see the point, but for me trying is the whole point.

The only thing that bothers me about my previous birth and c/s is that I didn't try as hard as I could. I gave up on natural induction and I was very passive during my induced labour.

I am trying to be realistic about the outcome of this birth. If I do end up with another c/s I want to be able to say that I did everything I could. I think that is all I can ask of myself.

Good luck Boo.

BOL Holly - glad you feel confident and your OB is approaching this like any other birth. I too thought Id have more resistance, but my conditions are 1. I have to come into labour on my own (not stressed about this one too much) and 2. No epidural. Im pretty happy with this approach. My OB even sent me for a scan to check my uterine scar and ive been given the all clear, its 100% healed so we are planning for a normal delivery and OB is more than happy now.

Its important that your comfortable withe OB and the 'agreement' you have reached regarding your birth, and your right, the second time around you are more empowered.

Have you started taking EPO or drinking RLT?? Im starting the EPO orally later this week..

Hope it all goes well and you have an amazing birthing experience, no matter the outcome.

Lisa

Thanks Lisa, hopefully something will happen pretty soon now.

I'm happy with the way my OB is approaching this birth. I have decided to try and labour at home as long as possible as well. I know that the longer I can stay away from hospital, the less chance that I'll end up with interventions leading to another c/s.

I have been taking raspberry leaf tablets and the tea. I'm not sure about epo. I have DH on the job to provide the prostaglandins instead :lol:

I have also been trying to stay active, but it is hard with the weather at the moment. I have been walking around the air conditioned shopping centre, but this also means I'm spending too much money. I'm hoping my yoga helps too.

I'm glad that your OB is supportive too and hope you have a great birth.

Just want to wish good luck and i hope it all goes well!

Not long to go now Holly, just wanted to wish you all the best for your vbac - hopefully we both have positive stories to share in the coming days/weeks :D

Good luck to all of you, Boo, Holly & Lisa :)

That is great, Holly. Having a caregiver who support you makes soo much different.

Can't wait to hear your birth story and wishing you a smooth labour and birth!

I get ya Holly. I had a brief conversation about my VBAC with my Ob on Wed and I got told the same thing. Again he didn't give me a clock to watch, just that it needs to progress. Sounds fair to me..... He is very supportive and wants to remove as much of the medicalisation as possible. But being in his job there are some 'restrictions' that they need to put in to place - for the reason is that they do see the possible disastrous effects of not having them, and also they do have a responsibility to keep everyone safe.

I can live with a couple of his conditions (see the VBAC support thread for more details), and have discussed the one I am not happy with, and he genuinely seemed supportive of what I was saying and why, and I really think that makes for a successful patient/doctor relationship. If he was putting strict unrealistic restrictions on me, and didn't seem to listen or budge on what I had to say then I would feel that all I was doing was defending my right to have a VBAC. But instead we are both working towards my goal in a fair and reasonable way. I'd much rather work with him than battle with him!!

I wish you all the best for your forthcoming VBAC. It sounds like you have a good doctor on the job and with your positive attitude I am sure you can't lose!!

Hi Mummytummy, thanks for your kind words and support.

I'm glad your doctor is supportive too. There are some horror stories about OBs and their attitudes towards vbacs in particular... but I have spoken to quite a few women who have the full support of their OBs.

I would hate to be in a situation where I was battling with my OB. He has been completely reasonable and I know that his greatest concern is for mine and my baby's safety.

I had an interesting conversation with a friend recently. She can be overbearing at the best of times, but she is a bit of a natural birth fanatic. She basically gave me a list of demands to make of my OB. I tried to explain to her that it wasn't necessary because we were on the same wavelength. I don't think she thought that was possible though.

Anyway, there are some great OBs out there who will support vbacs. Hopefully I can report on another success story soon. :crossfingers:

That's great Holly!

Just wanted to add my support and am glad that you're in tune with your ob. It's good that you're feeling so positive about it all - that can only help. Sometimes people are too willing to jump down the throats of who they perceive to be the enemy without understanding that it's all about your personal experience, not a crusade!

Would love to hear how you go. I will be pg hopefully soon and am also in Adelaide and want a VBAC, although not planning on using an Ob at this stage. Always good to have a recommendation, though.

I did it!

Yay, my daughter was born on 19/02/10 (her due date). 3.24kg, 50cm long and head circ 35cm.

It all went really well. I was in prelabour most of thursday and then things got serious at about 10pm. It all progressed quickly from there and was quite intense, I think that was good as there was no chance for anything to go wrong.

I'll have to post a birth story when I have a chance. I just wanted to pop in and share my good news.

Oh congrats :clap:

cant wait to read the birth story!

Congratulations Holly!!! So very happy for you.

Can't wait to read birth story too!

Congratulations Holly! Wonderful news.
Welcome baby girl :D :cheer:

Oh thanks for popping in Holly! And I am so glad you got the result you worked so hard for!

Congratulations on the birth of your little girl! :hooray:

Congratulations on the birth of your daughter Holly! I've been thinking about you over the past few days. I'm so glad it all worked out for you and I can't wait to read your birth story and any tips you've got for us!!

Fantastic Holly!! Saw this and hoped it was you posting positive news! Can't wait to read all about it- well done you - you knew you would do it, didn't you?!!!

:clap:Congrats Holly, glad to hear everything worked out, look forward to hearing your birth story.

Congratulations Holly on the arrival of your new baby girl and well done on having your VBAC. I Look forward to reading your birth story too.

Thanks everyone!

Haven't had time for the birth story yet. Bub is eating and sleeping well, but still keeping me quite busy.

Well done Holly, I'm so happy for you :dance:

YAY Holly Congratulations sweety, cant wait to read all about :dance: