Just got my BFP and I'm already nervous about VBAC

dcunningham2

Sooo, I guess this is my intro? hehehe

I was planning a natural birth with DD. Went into labor on my own, got to the hospital at 8 cm with a bulging bag. Six hours later DD was delivered via c-section due to fetal heartrate issues combined with my failure to progress past 8. I had an awesome midwife and labor nurse, I truly feel that they tried to help me achieve a natural birth. I was upset because all the mobile monitors were being used at the time, so I had to be strapped into a regular one, meaning I had to stay near the bed. The main issue I think was my daughter's positioning; considering I couldn't move completely freely this affected my ability to get her to move. The OB said they had to tug a little more than usual to get her out and she was sunny side up. So I think in my situation the hospital environment/policies failed me more than my body or labor support personnel.

So here I am two years later, just got my BFP and hoping for my natural birth! However, now my husband's in the military so we're on Tricare Standard which limits my options as far as OBs/midwives to choose from. Also, there's only one birth center in the area, but it's attached to a hospital. Because I am trying for VBAC they wouldn't allow me in the birth center. The closest free-standing birth center is maybe 1.5-2 hours away. Sigh. I really feel like a midwife in a birth center is my best option to get my intervention-free vbac. However in our situation it's not looking likely. I'm so afraid of 1. having to fight for a vbac 2. fending off an OB that wants to cut me open as soon as I'm a day overdue 3. getting to the hospital, laboring naturally for a while and some crazy happenstance leading to a repeat (emergency) c-section.

I guess I just wanted to vent and/or ask for advice from any of you in similar situations. TIA!

Jing22

Congrats on the bfp and good luck!

emaddock

I am in the same boat as you--recently found out I am pregnant with #2 and am already really focused on the VBAC.  No advice but just wanted you to know you are not alone!

lostaspen

My c/s was for similar reasons: I wanted a natural birth, but was pressured to be induced at 41w for no (good) reason, got to 9cm, broke my waters, still at 9cm 6 hours later.  Then I got an epi and the baby's heart rate started dropping with contractions and I was pressured into the c/s.  

 I hope you're able to find a doctor within your providers available that is pro-VBAC.  Start asking/calling around, and search the internet.  Also, have you considered a home birth midwife?  It wouldn't be covered by your insurance, but they are usually less than $3000 for all their services.  Just a thought!

Good luck to you, H&H 9 months :-) 

cchill01

Congrats!  I'd start by looking for a provider and location.  In my area, the birth centers don't do VBACs, so that wasn't an option.  The choices here are a homebirth or a hospital with a 41 week limit.  Personally, I am not comfortable with the idea of a HBAC, so I am coming to terms with the limits set by the hospital.  I think the most important thing for me is to find a provider who was truely supportive.  I found a solo mid-wife who delivers in a hospital, but definitely has a 'midwife' perspective on the birth process.  Maybe you could find that combination too.

Now, that I have my provider, I am working on my plans to go into labor on my own (which didn't happen with #1) and do everything humanly possible to push the baby out (which also didn't happen). 

If I do everything in my power and it still doesn't work out, then I think I'll be able to come to terms with both c-sections.  

Goodluck with your planning!