Feeling a little discouraged...

kcvasquez

So every time I schedule an appointment I get a sheet of paper with my appointment time followed by a list of medications I take and a "list" of things I apparently have been diagnosed with. For the first 24 weeks the only items listed in my diagnoses were: C-section, cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) and Hx of migraines. Last week at my 28 weeks appointment all of a sudden they have listed these: High risk pregnancy due to c-section, Failure to progress due to cryosurgery on cervix and obesity (which I am pretty sure I am only considered obese now because of the weight I've gained during pregnancy, otherwise I would be just considered overweight).

Anyway, I am feeling discouraged because I almost feel that all these things were added to give reasons as to why I can't have a VBAC. Just looking at them makes me tear up and at the same time makes me angry. Somedays I feel like just giving up and giving into the RCS...I think I need a good pep talk. 

Brownie_222

Well, hmmm, it does seem a bit odd to me.  I say this because it seems to fall under the "pregnancy as pathology" outlook.  I'm sorry you're feeling like they're giving you a rap sheet every time you set an appt - I wouldn't like that either.  Do you think you can ask that they not print that second sheet?  Would your OB/MW be open to hearing how you feel about the second sheet?  You could ask why they give it to you in the first place, I suppose.  I can't quite figure it out to be honest.  It's not like you will forget you had a previous c/s or that you have had migraines.  

Your pep talk is this: you can do this!  Many women of all shapes and sizes have vaginal births every day.  My first was for "ftp" and my second was fast - less than 4 hours after getting to the birth center she was born.  My labor never stalled before getting to the birth center, either.  Every pregnancy, labor and delivery is different. Your body is NOT a lemon! 

gaughan258

I'm confused, did they say you are high risk b/c you had a c-section or the c-section plus the other things? 

I agree with all of the things the PP said.

In addition, is switching to a more VBAC friendly practice an option? Have you hired a doula that could help talk through these road blocks that your practice has arranged for you? 

Good luck with whatever you decide. Remember that you can do this!

cchill01

Hmm, that's a little weird, but maybe it's just for you to review your file and make sure everything looks right?  Kind of a checks and balances thing, to make sure you're getting appropriate treatment and that you haven't started any new prescriptions or something they should know about.  If you have concerns about it, I would raise it with your doctor.  Do you feel like they are VBAC friendly otherwise?

They can do all the CYA they want, but in the end you have the right to have your VBAC, even if the odds aren't perfect.  You can do this! 

iris427

Ugh I would be discouraged if I got a list like that every week too.  I have never heard of that.

What does your doctor say about all this?  Do you think s/he is supportive of your desire to VBAC?

We have had a lot of women on here VBAC "against the odds" so to speak.  I'm one of them.  So remember no piece of paper or statistic is going to dictate your child's birth.  

kcvasquez

Well the hospital started a new computer system in the past year where everything is printed on your appointment paper, I've always found it odd too....I mean why print parts of your medical records on a paper that could potentially be seen by everyone? But the thing I found even more strange was that it was not on there at my past appointments however they were added in between my 24 week and 28 week appointment. My OB says she is "VBAC friendly" however I would not consider her to be very high on that list. Living in a small town though she is one of the best OB's to go to besides switching to a Midwife, which after talking to DH's insurance company they will not cover services for a Midwife. 

Sometimes I feel like I have the world against me on this, all except for DH and of course this board. But I don't even mention my birth plan to friends or family because of the looks and comments I get. This board has been amazing for me though which is why I came here because I knew you guys would understand!