VBA2C in Mackay QLD

[SRTM]

Is there anyone who has had a VBAC in Mackay Queensland. I'm 27 weeks and have been advised by both my private Ob and the Ob at the Public Hospital that they will allow me a trial labour. Both have set very heavy restrictions, I'm trying to figure out who is best to go with. I know a year ago there was a member on here from Mackay who was planning a VBAC through the private hospital (Mater) and I'm hoping she is still around. Thanks in advance.

[tellytubby]

I'm from Mackay. Not sure if I can really help, but if you want talk your thinking to someone PM me.
I've had plenty of friends and family go through both hospitals

[SRTM]

Haha it's like a guessing game, well my Ob is H erron, guessed that one right. Ob N egesh but don't know who Ob R is. Yes, H erron has said he will give me a trial labour. I have met with Ob B raniff from the Base and she will also give me a trial labour. I've been advised my an ex-IM in Mackay that I would be better going through the Base as the Midwives there are a little more informed and think for themselves a bit more than the Mater where they pretty do whatever the Ob wants. Restrictions, well there are a few, this is with the Base:-

1. Won't be allowed to go over 41 weeks;
2. Want me admitted as soon as labour starts;
3. CFM and they don't have a wireless monitor therefore, restricted movement and no hot showers, unless I can convince the Midwife otherwise once I'm there;
4. Canula inserted as soon as I get there;
5. Expectation that after 4cm that dilation will progress at 1cm per hour;
6. That I not eat or drink after the 4cm period once labour has fully started;
7. If baby is too big, or too small there will be no VBA2C - go figure?

TBH, I have not got into this exact discussion with Dr H, he did say he will treat me as any first labour, however we didn't talk about exact expectations. Unfortunatley he is on holiday until beginning of July, so can't confirm exact details.

I plan on labouring as long as I can at home, however I am 1.5 hours drive away, so will most probably drive to Mackay once labour has started and just hang around until I absolutley need to go in, therefore cutting the 'time' pressure I am sure to get from the Ob at the Base.

My next appointment at the Base is at 32 weeks and

[jaspen]

SRTM - I am 2hrs west of mackay and didn't even try for my VBA3C in mackay for numerous reasons - accom, family location, our location at time of birth. I am headed to Nambour which is still not 100% supportive but to compare restrictions for you I have been given the following:

Can go right up to 42 weeks;
Should come in at active labour;
CGT monitoring - although wireless is available but was told if bath or showers affect reliability of monitoring ie holding a signal I may be pulled out but otherwise allowed to wander;
canula not discussed although I have my own issues with canula - wouldn't mind it but my veins don't hold up for too long so if ended up being long labour and then c/section canula isn't going to last the 24hrs after the c/section;
no 1cm per hour requirement but do want to see progress after 4cm ;
eating and drinking shouldn't be a problem although the OB was pretty sure that I probably wouldn't want much but I'm allowed the same as any other labouring mother;
if I end up with multiple pregnancy conditions eg GD and big baby and blood pressure issues - it could be off the table but just one issue alone is not necessarily going to put it off the table neither is diet controlled diabetes.;
am allowed an epidural if at the time we all feel it is necessary/best (eg I am exhausted) - not looking to use one as I didn't think this was an option but my ob discussed it in a very interesting manner and the occassions where it may benefit the situation.

my obs never call it a trial of labour they just call it a vaginal birth and we are always discussing it in terms of providing the best birth possible for mother and baby.
yes they are still nervous - and want to make sure I know the risks - and have their doctor hats on but from their perspective they are being as positive as I can imagine any medical based person can be and once the risks and limitations were discussed we are now back to just talking about having an awesome birth whatever that turns out to be

[tellytubby]

I'm sure there are plenty of women in here who have experienced the same things (at different locations!).
But it sounds like you're very informed, and know what you're doing.
I take it you're enrolled (is that even the word I"m looking for!?) in both hospitals, which is awesome! Take your pick, see how they both are as the time lingers closer (this is what I would do).
If ob H is saying he will treat you, as he would any woman in labour for the first time - I would find that very reasurring. But yes, the midwives at the base really are unreal Bit of a pickle... lol. And then ofcorse, the mater is much nicer for your after birth stay Private room and all!
I don't really know if I'm helping in the least. Sorry!
Good luck with your decision, and good luck with your birth
TT

[Ilithyia]

Hi SRTM,

Would you consider hiring an IM?

If you arent comfortable with staying home you could always hire an IM to go to Hospital with you.

Di Longworth is an IM practising in Mackay.

Perhaps it would be worth giving her a call and having a chat.

Otherwise, a Doula may be a good option.

Good luck!
x

[SRTM]

Thanks for the replies. I have spoken to Di Longworth and unfortunatley she is no longer operating as an IM. She was very happy to speak to me however and gave me some good advice from the 'inside' as someone who has worked at both hospitals as a Midwife and also been there with clients as an IM. I have tried to locate a Doula and from what I have found the closest Doulas are in Townsville. I have spoken to one of the Doulas up there who is working in a teaching role and from co-ordiantes the contact between client and Doula. At the moment, a couple of the Doulas have just had babies themselves and travelling down for my birth is just something that they can't do at the moment. So Doulas are out too. I have been in conatact with a student midwife from the local uni who has said she is interested in supporting me, however, she has been really slack in contacting me which is becoming annoying. Good news though, one of my mother's group friends is a Midwife locally here and she has offered to come support my Husband and I during labour if she is not working and also if she can find someone to look after her little boy. I am very grateful to her, she offered and I would have never asked her myself. So still deciding on which hospital. I have another meeting with the Ob from the public hospital at 32 weeks, in two weeks time. I will be giving her some of my own conditions on how I want to labour. I will keep you all informed on how I go. Thanks again.

[mackaydoula]

I know its an old thread but curious as to how you went?

[SRTM]

I know its an old thread but curious as to how you went?

Hi, lucky I'm still on this website, I never vist here anymore. I am very proud to announce that I had a successful VBA2C through the Dr Lance Herron (Dr Naguesh delivered) at the Mater in Mackay. I went 40+10 and was due to have a c-section the following day. Went into spontaneous labour and the support I recieved from Herron and Naguesh was amazing. I was basically left to labour on my own, I did have CFM through a telementary monitor, so I had full range of movement etc, no canuals inserted etc. Drug free birth, it was a forceps delivery though. Amazing experience. I chose to go through Dr Herron (he was my Ob for a previous pregnancy) as I felt he was more fluid with his conditions of a VBA2C in my circumstance where I found the public system to be very black and white especially with the amount of time I would be 'allowed' to labour. I also felt like I had no support in the public system, that I was an accident waiting to happen and that at any stage during labour they would take me off for another c-section. Dr Herron was very supportive and I trusted him to the ends of the earth. Naguesh was equally as supportive and was great during labour. Let me know if you would like any more information.

[tellytubby]

That's really great to hear! Congratulations!!