VBAC doctor

Crystal42311

I went for my first appt today with my midwife.  She did all of the routine questioning and then noticed that my previous pregnancy was a c-section and said that they would schedule a repeat c-section.  I told her that I would really like to try for a VBAC because I had a terrible experience with my c-section with back pain for over 3 months.  I have a toddler now and with a baby added to this on top of surgery I just don't want to do it again.  My midwife told me that they do do VBAC's at the office just not many because the doctor has to be at the hospital the entire time of the labor.  She said she would have me have a consultation with one of the OB's that attend VBAC's there and it would be up to her.  The reason for my first c-section was I had a large baby 8lbs 15oz and my first doctor freaked me out saying it was a good possibility that they would have to break his shoulders to get him out. So instead of going through labor I scheduled a c-section because I didn't want to have a baby with broken bones.  Now this time around after speaking with my midwife I didn't get the vibe that the VBAC is very likely so I am not sure if I should wait to talk with the OB in my second trimester or try and find a completely new office that would support my decision to VBAC better.   It just seems to me that a repeat c-section is completely unnecessary if there is no medical need i.e. the doctor doesn't want to have to be at the hospital the whole time....uggh.  Any advice?  Should I check out new doc's now or wait to see this OB at my current practice?

Crystal42311

The doctor that my midwife is referring me to is Jane Rudolph and here is a statement from an article (excerpt below) from her which makes me think that I should wait to see her before checking out someone else.  Advice?

 

It?s a trend that Dr. Jane E. Rudolph of Women?s Healthcare Associates in Boca Raton said she?s also seen in her practice. Rudolph said more and more patients are coming in scared due to media hype, and are requesting primary cesarean sections not for any medical reason, but for simple fear of labor.

Rudolph said she and the other five doctors in the practice do as much as they can to educate the patient, providing a consent form that explains the risks of both cesarean and vaginal births ? as long as the mother is a candidate for a successful VBAC, Rudolph is in favor of performing it. She emphasizes that it is crucial to weigh the risks and review the previous history of the patient. ?It?s a crime to say that everybody can VBAC just as it?s a crime to say that everyone can?t,? she said. ?There?s no all or none in medicine.?

Rudolph is a mother of two herself, the first by vaginal birth and the second by emergency C-section. ?On my next birth, I would want a trial of labor,? she said, ?so I would be a hypocrite not to offer that to my patients.? 

chicsub

I would check out your local ICAN chapter to see what they know about her or if they have a referral for another practitioner.   Maybe this one?  https://southfl.ican-online.org/

And here is a great post about things to ask:  https://vbacfacts.com/2009/06/06/interviewing-care-providers-questions-to-ask/

You will find there are a lot of docs/midwives that will "allow" a VBAC, but they aren't really supportive of them. 

This board is great if you have any other questions!

LurkieLoo

chicsub:

You will find there are a lot of docs/midwives that will "allow" a VBAC, but they aren't really supportive of them. 

This.  I don't have any experience with VBACs yes (hopefully in November I will be posting here a lot more with my experience!) but in my research I have found that your best bet for a VBAC is with a fully supportive team behind you.  Personally I would go with the most recommended doc for VBACs in your area if at all possible- they will not only support your VBAC more but they will have more experience in doing them- what could go wrong, what could help it move on to a positive outcome... We found ours by contacting a doula in the area and asking who she preferred for VBACs.  She was extremely knowledgable and recommended the doc we went with 100%.