VBAC

[pootsen]

Is anyone here going to attempt a VBAC? I know we discussed this a while back, but I can't recall who is still planning on it versus scheduling a RCS.

[pootsen]

As for me, I'm still planning on trying for a VBAC. My first was breech. I cannot deliver with my midwife so I transferred care to an OB. We did the online calculator for VBAC success and I scored 66%. Seems kind of low to me but my OB is confident.

So far this LO is head down, although I know that can certainly change. I have to go to the hospital as soon as I go into labor because the OB needs to be present throughout the entire labor and I need a bit of extra monitoring. I hope avoid medications - I did the Bradley method with my last pregnancy and didn't get to use it but we've been reviewing a lot of the concepts/relaxation exercises.

All of that being said, if I end up needing a RCS, I'll be fine with it. I have a total "it is what it is" mindset this time since nothing went according to plan with my last pregnancy.

[cnf]

Me!

I needed and emergency section last time after laboring for 30+ hours and getting to 8cm. My doctors have told me I'm the best candidate because my section wasn't related to progression.

I do require continual monitoring which sucks, but I hired a doula who can do my monitoring with the walking monitor. Hoping having a doula helps.

I'm in the same mindset that if I need another, so be it, but the attempt to avoid it is my priority.

[peggels24]

Good luck ladies!

After much debate, I decided to go with the RCS. I only had a 37% chance of success and even though my OB was fully supportive, I just wasn't comfortable attempting it.

[pootsen]

cnf a doula sounds like a great idea. DH is my labor coach, hopefully I don't regret that decision 😬

[cnf]

Sept 18, 2017 16:13:09 GMT -6 pootsen said:

cnf a doula sounds like a great idea. DH is my labor coach, hopefully I don't regret that decision 😬

He was mine last time until thing went wrong and nurses bullied him away. We need someone who isn't afraid to be assertive for us when needed.

[pootsen]

Sept 18, 2017 17:35:38 GMT -6 cnf said:

Sept 18, 2017 16:13:09 GMT -6 pootsen said:

cnf a doula sounds like a great idea. DH is my labor coach, hopefully I don't regret that decision 😬

He was mine last time until thing went wrong and nurses bullied him away. We need someone who isn't afraid to be assertive for us when needed.

I plan on having DH as my main support and my mom as an extra advocate if needed. She was an ICU nurse for 39 years and has come to most of my appointments so she'll hopefully be able to help bridge communication with the nurses/OB as well.

[cnf]

So is it just the two of us then, pootsen? Solidarity high five for VBAC'ing!

[pootsen]

Sept 18, 2017 18:08:24 GMT -6 cnf said:

So is it just the two of us then, pootsen? Solidarity high five for VBAC'ing!

Lol looks like it! Good luck to you, my friend 😊

[jules1614]

Add one more to the list!! I'm hoping to vbac but am also in the mindset of if I need a repeat it is what it is. I have a 58% chance, my csection was related to failure to progress (stuck at a 3 during induction for post-dates) and fetal distress so we will see. I also need to see OBs instead of midwifes and am hoping that even if I need constant monitoring I can walk around with the wireless patches.

[librarylady]

I'm here! Just did the online calculator thing and I'm at a 79 % chance of success, so that feels good.pootsen I'm creeped out because we are the same person. I had my c-section because she was breech, this one is head down now. I also hope to avoid an epi, also did Bradley method to prepare for my first. The only difference is MH and I have not been reviewing our material or really been doing anything to prepare...oops.

I'd also be fine with a rcs. I didn't mind my first, it was fine.

[pootsen]

Sept 19, 2017 16:02:26 GMT -6 librarylady said:

I'm here! Just did the online calculator thing and I'm at a 79 % chance of success, so that feels good.pootsen I'm creeped out because we are the same person. I had my c-section because she was breech, this one is head down now. I also hope to avoid an epi, also did Bradley method to prepare for my first. The only difference is MH and I have not been reviewing our material or really been doing anything to prepare...oops.

I'd also be fine with a rcs. I didn't mind my first, it was fine.

Whoa that is crazy! I hope we both get to put our Bradley Method skillz to use this time

[librarylady]

So it looks like I most likely won't be pursuing a vbac any more. I either have or am developing ICP. If I end up getting it then I will for sure have c section since they can't induce me. If I never develop it, I'm going to schedule a rcs for 39 weeks because this itching is agonizing. If I go into labor on my own before 39 weeks though I would still want to try for a vbac.

[cnf]

Sept 24, 2017 18:13:35 GMT -6 librarylady said:

So it looks like I most likely won't be pursuing a vbac any more. I either have or am developing ICP. If I end up getting it then I will for sure have c section since they can't induce me. If I never develop it, I'm going to schedule a rcs for 39 weeks because this itching is agonizing. If I go into labor on my own before 39 weeks though I would still want to try for a vbac.

Totally understandable. When will you know your test results by? 

[pootsen]

So sorry about the itching librarylady. Definitely keep us updated on the results! I hope you can get some relief.

[librarylady]

Sept 24, 2017 18:31:39 GMT -6 cnf said:

Sept 24, 2017 18:13:35 GMT -6 librarylady said:

So it looks like I most likely won't be pursuing a vbac any more. I either have or am developing ICP. If I end up getting it then I will for sure have c section since they can't induce me. If I never develop it, I'm going to schedule a rcs for 39 weeks because this itching is agonizing. If I go into labor on my own before 39 weeks though I would still want to try for a vbac.

Totally understandable. When will you know your test results by? 

I think tomorrow at the earliest and Friday at the latest. If they don't indicate ICP, then I'll just ask to be tested every week until baby comes. I joined an amazing FB group called itchy mamas and apparently that is what you are supposed to do so you can catch it if it does develop.

[jj32]

I had a CS due to my first being breech. My OB says I am a good candidate for a VBAC and is willing to support me but for some reason I feel nervous to because they will not induce or do anything to help me along if I stall. I think I get nervous about having an "unplanned" section if I fail at a VBAC.

I went ahead and booked the RCS for 11/14 which puts me 39w2d. I have the option to change my mind or if for some reason I just go into labor I may wing it and try.

I dunno, hopefully as time approaches I will settle one way or the other which to do.

[cnf]

jj32 I'm definitely nervous to end up needing another section while trying. I mean, healthy baby is the only end goal, but I really don't want another section and if things fall apart again I'm scared of feeling like a failure or like my body is incapable.

[mrspiatt]

I really want a VBAC- my 1st 2 were vaginal deliveries, my A15 baby was breech. Jack is head down at the moment (I know that can change) and the issues with my placenta have corrected itself. The perinatal specialist said I'm the perfect candidate for a VBAC. The problem I'm running into is finding a combo of a doctor/hospital within my insurance who will do a VBAC... right now my option is to drive between 1 1/2 and 3 hours (depending on traffic) to the hospital. That makes me nervous, especially because I know that on a bad day... that can turn into a lot longer than 3 hours, it's in Los Angeles, off the most congested freeway... so I think I have to give up my hopes for one, but I'm not ready.

[pootsen]

mrspiatt - that's crazy! There are really no hospitals/doctors closer to you that will do a VBAC? Or is it more of an insurance thing?

[mrspiatt]

Sept 29, 2017 6:14:49 GMT -6 pootsen said:

mrspiatt - that's crazy! There are really no hospitals/doctors closer to you that will do a VBAC? Or is it more of an insurance thing?

It's a mix... so we just moved (actually in the middle of a move). 60 miles away. Even at the last place the hospital that was in our city won't do VBACs. There's another not too far, that will do VBACs, but won't do a tubal ligation (Catholic Hospital). Now that we've moved I changed docs, the office I go to doesn't have any docs that will do them, but the hospital I'm delivering at allows them. There are 2 other hospitals out here, one is in the 10% of in House infections nationwide (I'm staying far away from that one) and the other is a Catholic hospital that won't do the tubal ligation... the office I went with is the only office that takes my insurance and delivers at the hospital that I feel most comfortable delivering at. What it comes down to is we have an HMO and it's really hard to find anyone who actually take HMOs anymore.

[pootsen]

Sept 29, 2017 6:22:50 GMT -6 mrspiatt said:

Sept 29, 2017 6:14:49 GMT -6 pootsen said:

mrspiatt - that's crazy! There are really no hospitals/doctors closer to you that will do a VBAC? Or is it more of an insurance thing?

It's a mix... so we just moved (actually in the middle of a move). 60 miles away. Even at the last place the hospital that was in our city won't do VBACs. There's another not too far, that will do VBACs, but won't do a tubal ligation (Catholic Hospital). Now that we've moved I changed docs, the office I go to doesn't have any docs that will do them, but the hospital I'm delivering at allows them. There are 2 other hospitals out here, one is in the 10% of in House infections nationwide (I'm staying far away from that one) and the other is a Catholic hospital that won't do the tubal ligation... the office I went with is the only office that takes my insurance and delivers at the hospital that I feel most comfortable delivering at. What it comes down to is we have an HMO and it's really hard to find anyone who actually take HMOs anymore.

I just think it's crazy that some obstetricians just won't do them. I get that there are some increased risks, but from what I understand, those risks are very small. It's such a disservice to their patients.

[jj32]

Sept 29, 2017 6:34:59 GMT -6 pootsen said:

Sept 29, 2017 6:22:50 GMT -6 mrspiatt said:

It's a mix... so we just moved (actually in the middle of a move). 60 miles away. Even at the last place the hospital that was in our city won't do VBACs. There's another not too far, that will do VBACs, but won't do a tubal ligation (Catholic Hospital). Now that we've moved I changed docs, the office I go to doesn't have any docs that will do them, but the hospital I'm delivering at allows them. There are 2 other hospitals out here, one is in the 10% of in House infections nationwide (I'm staying far away from that one) and the other is a Catholic hospital that won't do the tubal ligation... the office I went with is the only office that takes my insurance and delivers at the hospital that I feel most comfortable delivering at. What it comes down to is we have an HMO and it's really hard to find anyone who actually take HMOs anymore.

I just think it's crazy that some obstetricians just won't do them. I get that there are some increased risks, but from what I understand, those risks are very small. It's such a disservice to their patients.

I agree, I had no idea that doctors refuse to do VBACs, my is so pro-vbac that I just assumed that most were that way. Sorry you are having such a hard time.

[cnf]

Sept 29, 2017 6:34:59 GMT -6 pootsen said:

Sept 29, 2017 6:22:50 GMT -6 mrspiatt said:

It's a mix... so we just moved (actually in the middle of a move). 60 miles away. Even at the last place the hospital that was in our city won't do VBACs. There's another not too far, that will do VBACs, but won't do a tubal ligation (Catholic Hospital). Now that we've moved I changed docs, the office I go to doesn't have any docs that will do them, but the hospital I'm delivering at allows them. There are 2 other hospitals out here, one is in the 10% of in House infections nationwide (I'm staying far away from that one) and the other is a Catholic hospital that won't do the tubal ligation... the office I went with is the only office that takes my insurance and delivers at the hospital that I feel most comfortable delivering at. What it comes down to is we have an HMO and it's really hard to find anyone who actually take HMOs anymore.

I just think it's crazy that some obstetricians just won't do them. I get that there are some increased risks, but from what I understand, those risks are very small. It's such a disservice to their patients.

It blows my mind some doctors won't consider it at all. One of the doctors at my practice said in the 30 years she's been delivering babies she's only seen.a uterine rupture three times and that most VBAC complications are rare if your deemed a good candidate properly.

[pootsen]

There must be a stigma with some OBs. The a-hole that did my first c section actually said "we don't like doing VBACs, but if you decide to try for one, I'm throwing in a nice double stitch" literally as he was sewing me up. And my MW told me that some don't like to do them because they have to be present for the entire labor (I'm sure this varies with some practices but it's my office's policy) and they just don't like waiting around that long.

My MW said that she only heard of one uterine rupture during all of her years of practice, and it wasn't even during a VBAC- it was because an OB was inappropriately increasing pitocin and the rupture was at the top of the uterus.

[cnf]

My OB will only show up for the finale, as per usual. I have to be continuously monitored, but they don't have to be there.