VBAC with a midwife?

PrimReaper

Have any of you had (or are planning) a VBAC with a midwife?  I'm currently looking for a new OB and am considering a midwife but worried about the logistics should I need a repeat c/s.

How did yours work?  Was there any reason (other than high risk pg) that your midwife mentioned she wouldn't take you?  Was there a required amount of time between pregnancies for your midwife to take you?

I'm interested to hear your stories!

Erica92

I switched to a midwife at 28 weeks with my first VBAC b/c the research I did and the more questions I asked I didn't feel like they truly supported my natural birth vbac plan.

I am with the same midwife practice this time around I have nothing but positive things to say about midwives in general. I like the idea that they are experienced in natural labors, much less likely to push a bunch of unecessary medical interventions, and they have NO motivation for me to have a c-section (unlike lots of Ob's who'd rather just get you into surgery b/c it's more convenient for them then dealing with a laboring mom).

My midwives have a relationship with an OB practice so that should a TRUE emergency arrive there is always an OB to perform a section. There is also always an ob on call at every hospital in the case of a true emergency

 good luck with your decision. For me it was the absolute RIGHT move

MAprincess

I VBACed with a midwife in a hospital.  The back-up OB was there in case I needed an emergency c/s, but I never met him.  I was not required to meet an OB during my pregnancy so I had all of my appointments and my delivery with the CNM.

BlinkingLight1

I used a midwife for my VBAC and loved it! She works in the hospital at the same practice as the OBs. She was much more naturally minded and trusting in my body then my previous OB. As far as restrictions.... she didn't have any. She could pretty much do everything the OB could do (except surgery). I feel like midwives are more inclined to offer natural solutions for things (for example: induction. She suggested a foley bulb and pumping whereas an OB might just say Pitocin).

She didn't require a certain amount of time between pregnancies, although I've heard some say 18 months. 

HTH!  

Geekchick921

MAprincess:

I VBACed with a midwife in a hospital.  The back-up OB was there in case I needed an emergency c/s, but I never met him.  I was not required to meet an OB during my pregnancy so I had all of my appointments and my delivery with the CNM.

+1  

chicsub

I had a midwife for my first pregnancy that ended with a c/s.  I switched to a new midwife group at 24w for my VBAC.  They were an independent midwife group, where my first midwife was part of an OB practice (she was definitely a "med-wife", imo).  I did have to see a backup OB around 36w, but it wasn't a big deal like I thought it would be.  I ended up with GD this time around and still delivered with the midwife in the alternative birth center at the hospital (OBs don't attend births there).

nosoup4u

I had hospital-based MWs for both my pregnancies. The first ended in an unplanned c-section, but the MW who was on call when I was laboring went to the OR with me, and helped out. I'm not sure if that's standard at most hospitals, and I'm sure is dependent on whether they have other women to attend to.

I was at a different hospital for my VBAC pregnancy, but my new MW was nothing but supportive about my plans. She wasn't there when I gave birth, though, because she's part of a pretty huge practice (15+ MW), as was my first MW.

I never met with any OBs except for when it was determined I was going to have a c-section with my first. But I think the OB consultation requirement just differs by practice/state/region.

catrinawaves

I'm seeing a group of three MWs who work in conjunction with a group of five OBs. I've seen the MWs for almost all of my appts, but I did have a VBAC consult with an OB at 34 weeks.

When it comes time for L&D, one of the three MWs will be attending the birth. But there will also be an OB at the hospital from the practice, in case I need a RCS. The OB isn't actively involved in my labor, though.

With my first, I saw a different group of three hospital-based MWs who had a separate practice, but had a relationship with a group of OBs based at the same hospital. My MW called the on-call OB at some point during my labor (unbeknownst to me) since she thought I would end up with a c-section. My MW was in the OR with me assisting the OB, and I believe that would happen again if necessary. 

cchill01

I'm looking at a solo midwife - first appointment is next week.  She delivers at a hospital, where there is an on-call OB, if I need an RCS.  I found one who specializes in VBACs (about 20% of her practice) and has a high success rate.  I've heard good things, so I'm excited to meet her.  I don't think she'll turn me down (hope not).

preg_amy

I VBACed with a MW in the hospital.  I had to meet with an OB in the practice at 16 and 36 weeks.  They recommended one to me who was very VBAC friendly.  Towards the end, I scheduled a c/s with the OB that I met with for almost 42 weeks (a spot that her and I were both comfortable with).  I went into labor before that, anyway.

There were OBs in the hospital for back up if I needed a c/s.  They were also available because they gave me pitocin while I was pushing to help make the ctx more regular, and they had to consult the OBs first.

Honestly, I contribute my VBAC to two important factors (other than the fact that I was very determined)... midwives and my doula.  I don't think I could have done it without them.  I LOVED having a midwife.

babyike

I switched to a midwife hospital practice after moving from TX to CO around 16 weeks.  LOVED them.  Seriously cannot express my gratitude in words to their group of women, my nurses, my doula, and of course my DH!  

They actually offered waterbirth as an option to me early on, they never acted even the slightest bit concerned about my chances to VBAC, and they were 100% supportive from the first consultation.   

We've since moved back to TX, and I've thought several times about returning to CO for my last few weeks of pregnancy next time around in hopes of another amazing VBAC with them...  GL to you!

angelina477

Our group does not allow midwives to attend vbac's. They have to be done by and OB.