Given 50/50 chance for VBAC

fatbarbie0226

Hello! I've been a lurker but post regularly on the May 2014 board. I am 31 weeks pregnant with my second. I posted this to the VBAC board but it's dead over there, so I thought I might get some better response here.
A little background, I live in an area with small hospitals which do not allow VBACs due to staffing issues. Recently, a hospital 30 mins from me started allowing VBACs again. In order for me to deliver at that hospital, I would need to switch doctors at almost 32 weeks.
My first c/s was due to failure to progress. Water broke at home and after 20 hours of labor, I never dilated past 2 cm. I discussed with my doctor and she said I didn't progress because my baby was "sunny side up" and wouldn't drop into my already smallish pelvis. She said if all the stars align, I have a 50/50 chance of having a vaginal birth. She also said that this is my one chance of a VBAC because no hospitals in our area will consider a VBA2C.
So what do you think? Is it worth it to change doctors this late into the pregnancy and drive 30 mins to every appointment and to the hospital when I'm in labor for a 50% chance of a VBAC?
Or do I stick with a doctor who I have built a repertoire with through two pregnancies, but face c/s with a toddler to care for and all other future pregnancies that may come will be c/s?
Decisions, decisions....

Abcollins57

That is a pretty tough situation. Maybe you could research the doctor that you would switch to and see what their success rate for a vbac is. It may not worth it if they don't have a very high success rate?

LyndseylovesHugh

I agree with PP, this is a very personal decision.  I personally have no interest in a VBAC and will be scheduling a RCS, but I think it is important to try for the type of delivery YOU want.  So if a VBAC is something you really want to try for I would at least set up a meeting with a doctor that is open to them.  Changing doctors this late is not ideal, but if you feel strongly enough about a VBAC then you should do it!  I know you said the VBAC board is dead, but maybe try posting on the c-section board. It is fairly active and I am sure a lot of the women over there have had VBACs or tried for them, they are very helpful over there.

fatbarbie0226

Thanks for the comments so far. It is a personal decision. The scheduling of a c-section appeals to me because I don't have any family who lives close and would like it if they were able to be with my toddler. But I do want a VBAC to avoid another surgery, to be out of the hospital sooner, and quicker recovery. Also to have the expirence of a vaginal birth.
We have a consult with the VBAC doctor set up but I guess I wanted to hear your opinions/thoughts whether to give up and just have a c/s or fight for a VBAC.

rainydayluck

fatbarbie0226 said:

Thanks for the comments so far. It is a personal decision. The scheduling of a c-section appeals to me because I don't have any family who lives close and would like it if they were able to be with my toddler. But I do want a VBAC to avoid another surgery, to be out of the hospital sooner, and quicker recovery. Also to have the expirence of a vaginal birth.
We have a consult with the VBAC doctor set up but I guess I wanted to hear your opinions/thoughts whether to give up and just have a c/s or fight for a VBAC.

Your reasons sound exactly like mine
ETA: I'm no help. I have my RCS scheduled for when my MIL will be here, but might need to go early due to complications. That makes it hard because I won't have help right away if I have the RCS.

seells

I would (and will be) trying for a vbac. I switched doctors (at 20 weeks) and really enjoy my new doctor.

If a vbac is important to you I would meet the new doctor (and research there vbac and csection %) and decide from there. I agree that a doula is a great resource to look into!

akwatson8@gmail.com

I am in your exact situation. I switched doctors at 31 weeks and am driving 1 hour each way twice a weeks for appointments. I really would like a VBAC because when this baby comes my dd will be 20 months and I really want to be able to pick her up after this baby is born. For me it was worth it to drive. We will see what happens

ncbelle

I would 100% try for a VBAC - although ultimately only you can decide what is best for you.  Ditto the suggestion to contact ICAN - it helps to talk to women who have been in your shoes.  I wouldn't worry about switching doctors at this point; I switched providers at 35+ weeks with my 1st and it was no biggie.  What matters is having the provider who is going to support your choices 100%.  I also wouldn't worry about a 30 minute drive - had that as well and it was fine.

Good luck!!

fatbarbie0226

So I can't really afford a doula and don't really know if it's my cup of tea anyway. I have looked into finding one in training, but my area is so small, I don't know if there are any doulas here.
Any other suggestions (other than spinningbabies) for getting the baby in the right position and increasing my odds for a VBAC?

GPeterson24

Your mindset plays a huge role in VBAC so you need to commit to it and make sure your partner and care provider fully supporting you as well.

Most doulas will work on a sliding scale or bartering system if you cannot afford their full fee. 

My recommendation to my clients to help avoid posterior babies is to avoid reclined positions.  Things like laying back in a lazy boy chair or a couch with a large angled back can cause baby to rotate sunnyside up.  Lots of hands and knees positions throughout the day can encourage baby to get into a good position.

Good luck!

jasrun80

im a major fan of vaginals but if i'd had a c/s before, id take that route again & this may just seem selfish but it would be because i'd know everything, the date, the recovery (at least from last time), and for me, i'd probably be annoyed that it turned out c/s if in fact, it does again. if you would feel let down at not having had the chance, then id def go the other hospital. my drive to my current doc is almost an hour so a half hour to "get your vaginal" sounds like nothing. besides, if that hospital allows vbac and this one does not, i think this one sounds like a less advanced hospital, id rather deliver (either way) at the other. 

hkm00a

I'm planning on a vbac and have a lot of the same obstacles as you...no family, 1.5 hr drive, etc. I had a full exam from my new Dr and given a 90 percent chance of success. I progressed to a 10 with my daughter and she was sunny side up. My Dr said if you don't progress your changes are a lot lower. If I was given a 50/50 chance I don't think I would consider vbac. That's just me though.

Rrrrrachel

If you want more babies I would try really hard for the vbac.  30 minutes is no big deal, I have no choice but to drive that far for a doc/delivery.