How far to travel for a VBAC is too risky?

jbrannin

 I had a c-section 10 months ago only because my son was breach. I am really wanting a VBAC next time around. My husband and I are going to start trying this month. I have researched my area and there is not a single doc that will accept a vbac patient. I really like my current Obgyn and hate to switch docs but the thought of another cesarean makes me so scared and NOT excited about having another baby. There is a great doc (per my research) about 80-90 miles away in Atlanta, GA. I am considering gong to speak with him and get his thoughts. I just wonder if it is too risky to expect to travel this far for a VBAC. How far and to what lengthts have any of you gone to have a VBAC or are planning to go? I need some reassurance that I am not being selfish. Thanks.

thefarmchick

I would maybe talk to that DR. office and see what they think.  I would travel that far if it meant a VBAC but we live in the boondocks and travel those distances a lot.

One thing to consider is the real possibility of if you can't make it to the hospital.

If you are going to be having a winter baby, how are the roads?

What about traffic? Can you feasibly make it to that Dr.'s office for monthly/weekly appts?

preg_amy

Personally, the routine visits would bother me more.  I think if the extra gas money won't break you... and you are prepared, I really don't think it's too big of a deal.

 

My hospital took an hour to get to with my first.  The extra 30 minutes wouldn't have been a much bigger deal.  Other than the fact that being in the car and in labor sucks.   I would be willing to travel that far for a VBAC this time.  The downside would be that you might not be able to labor at home as long as you would like.  They might want you to come in a little earlier, or you might feel more comfortable going in earlier.  So if that's something that's important to you, that might be something to think about.

+diana82+

I live in a pretty busy metropolitan area so admittedly the idea of being more than 30 minutes from a really really good hospital doesn't sit well with me (because it's not likely that I'd ever be in that situation).  

That said, how is the traffic in your area? I know your in GA but you guys still had some crappy weather this winter right? I would hate to have a winter baby and have to travel that far on icy roads.  I'm biased in favor of a hospital birth but in your situation I might consider this - are there any midwives/reputable birth centers that are closer?  

LurkieLoo

I live in Hilton Head and will travel to Savannah for my VBAC.  Its about an hour drive (on a good day).  I'm concerned because my first labor lasted less than three hours from first contraction to pushing and this time we have the added stress of dropping my son of somewhere first, not to mention hoping that those people we are dropping him off with are off work to begin with- I can't wait for my dad to get home from work because he is an hour away (and that is who we plan to have watch him).  I'm really nervous but I think its in my best interest to do everything possible for a VBAC.

I didn't think I could find a VBAC friendly doctor in my area but I contacted a doula who does VBACs and then asked who she recommend and thats who she mentioned so I went with her.  I'm VERY impressed with her as she doesn't induce, and the practice is just her and 2 midwives so I think its pretty "hippy friendly" if you will.

GypsyEsq

Definitely meet with the OB.  In our area there is one Dr who is known far and wide for his VBAC friendly office and people routinely travel hours to him for delivery, but he has allowed many women to do routine appointments with midwives in their own area to cut down on travel time early in pregnancy and just gets his updates from the midwives. A  win-win.  I'm considering him when I get PG and he's 45 miles from me but probably an hour/hour-and-a-half drive. 

iris427

I think I would be willing to travel that far for delivery, but the routine visits would be hard.  Could you arrange to do most of your prenatal care with a local OB?

mfc2b4

i'm travelling 90 min away....to the closest hospital. my doc doesn't seem concerned. i went to my local dr who did my appts until around 26 weeks, then i transferred to my vbac dr..... the drive to the appts is a big pain, and I wish I would've gone longer to my previous dr, but I wanted to develop a relationship with my vbac dr.

I think you'll just head to the hospital a lot earlier than before.