What happens if you refuse a RCS? Very long

bancbev

I am thinking about TTC in the next 6-10 months, and am trying to figure out how to have a VBAC.  I live in Florida, and it is very, very, hard here to have a VBAC.  In my area, there is only one Dr, that will even allow you at attempt VBAC, and he is at a huge practice that I used to go to, and I cannot stand the practice in general. Obviously I would never attempt to VBAC if it's truely not wise medically.

Here is what happened leading up to my section:  I was induced at 41w 3d.  I was 3-4 cm when I checked in, and had been that way for over 2 weeks, and had been having false labor on and off for 4 weeks. I labored med free for 8 hours on the max dose of pit.  They tried to turn down the pit several times, but my contractions would peter out everytime they tried.  I gave in and got an epi at 6cm, hoping it would allow me to relax more and get some rest, so I would dilate fully.  I labored another 8 hours with the epi, and then finally pushed for 3.5 hours.  My epi was turned off for pushing.  My DD did not decend one bit, not a mm. So after all that, I ended up with a non emergency C Section. 

My OB said, that he believed it was because my pelvis is very shallow front to back, and my DD could not get her head into correct position to put enough pressure on my cervix to go into labor naturally, nor descend down through the birth canal.  This OB will not even attempt VBAC for anyone.

I did all my research, studied and practiced Hypnobabies, had a trained and qualified doula, waited it out as long as I felt comfortable.  I used every position possible while pushing (that was safe with an epi wearing off).  I used the birthing bar to squat while my husband applied counter pressure to my hips, on my side, all fours.  Blah blah.  I guess the one thing I will never know, is if waiting longer to go into natural labor, would have changed my outcome.

Anyway, so my question is- What happens if I have to find a provider outside of my immediate area, and s/he agrees that VBAC is OK,  but then go into labor and for whatever reason, cannot get to where my Dr, is in time?  I show up at my local hospital, and refuse a RCS.  Can they turn me away?  Call CPS?  Force me to have a CS?

nosoup4u

Ugh, sorry you're in such a crappy position for VBAC options. There's this link:

https://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/2-2/a-womans-guide-to-vbac/legal-rights-and-protections-for-vbac-issues-from-the-nih-consensus-conference/

It outlines your legal rights The whole site is good about VBACs, and can be found here:

https://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/2-2/a-womans-guide-to-vbac/

Are you comfortable with HBAC? My sister hired a traveling midwife who has done a ton of VBAC/HBACs, and had a successful HBAC with her. PM me and I can give you her info. 

Strawberrywine

First of all I think you're really brave to go for a VBAC. You need a supportive team for a VBAC, so I'd keep hunting until you found an OB, Doula, Midwife, Hospital etc. that was 100% behind you.

cchill01

Based on your previous experience, you have no reason to believe that you would go into labor quickly and need to rush to a hospital.  I'm looking at a hospital that's over an hour from my house in hopes of getting my VBAC.  It depends how far it is, but I would consider going the distance for a provider who would be supportive.  

shihtzu51

They can't force you to consent to a c-section.  The worst they could do is document in your chart that you are refusing a c-section to protect themselves medical-legally if something did go wrong.

bensbabe

They cannot force a c/s on you, unless you are unconscious & you/baby is in danger (this is super rare, so no need to worry about this).

I would think that you would have a better chance w/VBAC if you have a traveling MW & HBAC attempt. This way you could drop-in to the hospital if you should require emergency treatment.

Have you looked into ICAN for a provider who is open to VBAC? I've seen VBAC moms travel up to an hour to be w/a provider & not have any issues.

I wish you lived closer to Tally. I used to work @ the hospital there, and they are VBAC friendly, w/hospital MWs.