VBAC Rec

bakemecakes

Even though my VBAC wasn't successful, I HAVE to rec my team of midwives for anyone in the metro considering trying for one.  I saw the midwives at University Specialists out of Fairview University Medical Center.  They were AMAZING! 

Throughout my pregnancy they were great to work with, but it really stood out to me the way they handled my VBAC.

I went in with some contractions that were worsening and when they checked me, my water had broken earlier in the day (turns out I didn't pee myself after all!) so I was admitted.  I immediately felt "on the clock" since my water had broken 18 hours earlier, but the midwives assured me that there was no "deadline" that they would vigilantly monitor my temp and until I showed signs of a fever and we'd go from there.

They induced me with pitocin later that day at my request, and let me decide when/if to do internals.  Even though I was only 2cm 10 hours after starting the pitocin they were still willing to let me continue laboring.  They never pushed me into a c-section and they never made me feel rushed to make a decision.  They offered opinions when I asked for them, but didn't push anything on me.

If you're looking for a super VBAC friendly practice, this is it.

angel1015

Thanks for sharing your story and congrats on the birth of your little one.

I have 2 questions for you: #1 - Did you work with an OB through that practice at all?  If so, who?  #2 - did you deliver at Riverside and what was your experience like? 

I delivered my first at Fairview Lakes, but am considering a VBAC with #2 (when we get pregnant) which would have to be at Riverside.

bakemecakes

I saw an OB twice.  Dr. Preston was a high risk OB that I saw after abnormal ultrasound findings, and Dr. Mahoney did my c-section.  I only ever had appointments with the midwives, but if you are interested in seeing one of the OB's, Dr. Mahoney was outstanding (although I only met her about 20 min pre-op and then post op).

Delivering at Riverside this time was different than when I delivered my daughter there 22 months ago.  They have become a "baby friendly" hospital which means no baby nursery (unless medically indicated), no pacifiers, and no formula (unless you sign a waiver).

DS lost a lot of weight the first 24 hours and became jaundiced and dehydrated with just BFing.  I knew I needed to supplement with formula (the same thing happened with DD), but I had to ask for the formula and sign a waiver-- which made me feel like I was doing something wrong.  When I said something to the nurse on duty she said that it was just the hospital policy and that they would support my decision to formula feed or breastfeed.....I was the mom and knew what was best for my baby.  That made me feel a lot better.

Overall my experience there was great, despite the push to be "baby friendly".  And the food is AWESOME!