So I have a plan for my VBAC...(a little long)

bensbabe

My OB is awesome. She is one of the crunchiest OBs I know--and I've worked in three states & five L&Ds...My last appt last Friday was the first time I've sat down with her with a successful pregnancy. My RE saw me until 16 weeks, and the NP saw me on my first visit @ 17 weeks.

With my given history, she is very optimistic that I will VBAC. She is very patient, so I don't feel like I'd be on the clock--even if my water was broken, etc...

So, since I have a history of Gestational Diabetes, an asynclitic OP position, & not allowing me to labor into the night (induction started @ 9am, c/s was before 7:30pm. I was 8cm/+1 station & hadn't been on pitocin since 4pm, so I definitely didn't have adequate contractions), she feels confident that I could be successful. I also have a clotting disorder & I'm on Lovenox, which usually means an induction or scheduled c/s @ 38weeks due to risk factors.

 

So here's the game plan:

I suggested that on July 1st (38.6 weeks), I get my membranes stripped if they are able. I would love to deliver on July 2nd, if possible b/c if I havea girl, that would be 3 generations of girls sharing one birthday--my mom & sister currently share it. Right now, no weekend induction, unless necessary, but we'll see how the remainder of the pregnancy goes. I plan to get acupuncture/acupressure twice before that appt, and one more that day & possibly another on the 2nd.

If no delivery that weekend, another few acupuncture/acupressure visits before a pitocin induction on July 7th (39.5 weeks)--also my suggestion since I am not comfortable going over 40 weeks w/(probable) Gestational Diabetes & a clotting disorder. I am not getting the 1 or 3 hour right now b/c I am already on Metformin, so I am adjusting my diet & taking my blood sugars.

I already see a chiro & will start spinning babies @ 36 weeks to (hopefully) prevent OP again. I intend to go natural, but I might have the epidural catheter placed--depending who's on for anesthesia for our unit at that time.

 

I know most people on here prefer to go totally natural & wait it out until labor comes on it's own, but I don't have that luxury w/my existing issues. In fact, the OB actually lets her VBACs go to 41.5 before induction in some cases. I'm happy that she is comfortable w/low dose pitocin induction (her office is attached to the hospital), so I can still have my VBAC chance.

Whew, it's just a huge weight lifted!!

chicsub

I think it's much better to have a plan rather than just throw your hands up in the air and give up b/c of preexisting conditions.  That's great that she will do low dose pit too and I really hope that things all fall into place for you! 

P.S. July 2nd is my DH's birthday too! 

princess101

Good luck! I agree it's great to have a plan. It's something to look towards and gives the doctors a good idea of where you're at which is good. (but you already know that).

I don't really have a plan yet besides to see if I develop cholestasis again and to see how bad everything else gets towards the end. I would LOVE to VBAC but if I do have a c/s I have a plan in place for that, too. It's hard when you feel like you don't have much of an idea beforehand what might happen. I think plans help. :P

Good luck!

preg_amy

Thinking of my plans and the different ways I'm going to be proactive about my VBAC is majorly getting me through this pregnancy without fear of my birth.  It helps me feel in control (which I did not feel at all during my birth with DS and let to a lot of the emotional problems that I experienced after it).

I also think it's great that you are taking your conditions into account.  I think that's a much healthier attitude than knowing you have conditions that might get in the way, and ignoring them to get a VBAC or go longer.  

I hope everything goes smoothly for you.  It's awesome that you have a provider who you are so comfortable with (and is obviously comfortable with you and what you want).

iris427

I'm glad you have a plan!  And I definitely support the option of an induction for VBAC moms, so that's great.  I wish more doctors did because a lot of women who could probably VBAC with Pit if they wanted to end up having RCS.

And you don't have to defend your decision to have an induction  

A37licia

I'd recommend starting evening primrose oil a couple weeks before that, it can help soften your cervix.

I know it's your desire, but I'd try to forget about the July 2 goal.  

Hoping with you for a great VBAC!! If you do have an OP baby, do some reading now about positions to assume in order to get baby to turn during labor. Things will progress so much better if he turns.