Unsure on what we want for #2..

CRich15

We had our first baby appt yesterday and it went very well. It was scheduled last minute and a little early since I have to attend a mandatory class over the next 6 weeks and can't have any appointments during that time. Anyway, to get to the point of this post, our doctor was telling us that since we had a c/s with DS that we could opt for a VBAC with this one. However, since we aren't stationed in the states and our hospital doesn't have the capabilities to handle an emergency if one were to arise with a VBAC; she provided us with the option of delivering in an Italian hospital (It's god awful; no drugs and they don't do c/s if I needed one) or going to Germany where they have an the largest hospital in Europe at Landstuhl. I hear it's a great facility and they have a NICU and everything I would need in case a c/s was necessary. I would really like to do the VBAC since recovery from a c/s is harder and I was out of the game for about 2 weeks last time. There are perks to going to Germany, I would go there at 36 weeks and just "hang out" until d-day comes and the military would pay for everything and then just drive home when we were discharged and take my maternity leave at home. But then if we just do another c/s we could pick the day and then have everything ready and only be 15 minutes away from home. We just don't really know what we want yet. I know it's early but we are the type of people who take forever to make up their minds and in our line of work we would have to give them some notice. If anyone has ever had a VBAC I would really appreciate your feedback because I don't know what to expect. Thank you! 

MAprincess

Tough cal.  Well, I can say that the place where they can't even DO a CS if you needed one would be out for me.  I'd be up in the air about the other option.  VBACing was really important to me.  Would your DH and first child be able to be with you in Germany if they sent you there?  Where are you stationed right now?  How far is the Germany hospital?  I think your two options are that or the RCS.  I can definitely see just going with the RCS just because of logistal issues with the VBAC that you described.  Good luck with your decision, it's a tough one!  Let us know what you decide.

iris427

I don't understand why you have to leave the country.  What do they do at the local hospital if a non-VBAC mom needs an unexpected c/s?  

CRich15

Italy is a very odd country.. LOL We have a hospital where I am currently stationed however, it's not equipped with a NICU or anything that would be needed in case of an emergency that could be possible with a VBAC. I delivered at our local hospital last year and had a c/s because my son just didn't want to come out, but they refuse to do VBACs here and if I wanted to deliver here it would have to be another c/s. Germany is only 8 hours away and I would fly up at 36 weeks with my husband and son and stay there until I deliver. I mean if I need another c/s then I need another one but I think we may be wanting to do things how we originally planned with our first. I hated the recovery time with a c/s but will be willing to do whatever for the safety of myself and the baby. Another reason why I can't do anything like that in an Italian hospital is because they don't c/s and if I would need one then I would be screwed. I don't know though, I am sure we will figure it out. Thanks ladies, I will keep you posted! 

iris427

CRich15:

Italy is a very odd country.. LOL We have a hospital where I am currently stationed however, it's not equipped with a NICU or anything that would be needed in case of an emergency that could be possible with a VBAC. I delivered at our local hospital last year and had a c/s because my son just didn't want to come out, but they refuse to do VBACs here and if I wanted to deliver here it would have to be another c/s. Germany is only 8 hours away and I would fly up at 36 weeks with my husband and son and stay there until I deliver. I mean if I need another c/s then I need another one but I think we may be wanting to do things how we originally planned with our first. I hated the recovery time with a c/s but will be willing to do whatever for the safety of myself and the baby. Another reason why I can't do anything like that in an Italian hospital is because they don't c/s and if I would need one then I would be screwed. I don't know though, I am sure we will figure it out. Thanks ladies, I will keep you posted! 

I'm still confused.  You say that Italian hospitals don't do c/s but you had a c/s in one?  Did they have to transfer you to a specialty hospital to do your first c/s? 

Just trying to understand your situation better so I can try and be helpful. 

iris427

CRich15:

Italy is a very odd country.. LOL We have a hospital where I am currently stationed however, it's not equipped with a NICU or anything that would be needed in case of an emergency that could be possible with a VBAC. I delivered at our local hospital last year and had a c/s because my son just didn't want to come out, but they refuse to do VBACs here and if I wanted to deliver here it would have to be another c/s. Germany is only 8 hours away and I would fly up at 36 weeks with my husband and son and stay there until I deliver. I mean if I need another c/s then I need another one but I think we may be wanting to do things how we originally planned with our first. I hated the recovery time with a c/s but will be willing to do whatever for the safety of myself and the baby. Another reason why I can't do anything like that in an Italian hospital is because they don't c/s and if I would need one then I would be screwed. I don't know though, I am sure we will figure it out. Thanks ladies, I will keep you posted! 

I'm still confused.  You say that Italian hospitals don't do c/s but you had a c/s in one?  Did they have to transfer you to a specialty hospital to do your first c/s? 

Just trying to understand your situation better so I can try and be helpful. 

lorryfach

They do cesareans in Italy. They do cesareans at Pordenone Hospital, and I'm sure at multiple other Italian hospitals you'd be passing on the way to Germany. Is there something different about your situation that would make them turn you away if you needed one? I don't understand at all.