- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Natural Birth
nc@hotmail.com
member
Any tips on VBAC'ing naturally w restrictions?
nc@hotmail.com
member
First delivery a scheduled CS due to breech presentation and failed ECV. Hoping to VBAC this one naturally, but I'm finding out my labor will be somewhat restricted. I had a doula in line last time, but I think I'm skipping hiring one this time around because things seem really uncertain. The hospital will require continuous monitoring and an IV so I won't have the range of movement that makes me feel a little more confident in my ability to do a natural delivery. I'm also nervous about an emergency situation arising- without an epidural in place already I'll face a CS under general anesthesia. Any tips for working through this type of delivery scenario. I'm doubtful right now of my ability to proceed naturally and am considering going the epidural route. My OBGYN has strongly recommended waiting until at least 5cm before getting an epidural if I want one, so I thought I'd just labor at home as long as possible, but my husband is really nervous about the VBAC and wants to head to the hospital ASAP after labor begins. Any advice? If you read all this-THANKs!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Any tips on VBAC'ing naturally w restrictions?
Uterine rupture during a VBAC has about the same chance as happening as a cord prolapse with a regular labor - and you don't see many doctors insisting on epidural access, IV and CFM because of it.
You're going to be put under general if your labor turns into a RCS, no matter what? If so, that's really shady and I would try and find a different provider, in all honesty. Laboring during a VBAC without an epidural is totally fine, and not a huge risk.
I would hire a doula - the one I hired for my VBAC had 15+ years experience and was almost done with CPM school (and could do cervical exams, though that's out of the scope of traditional doulas).
CFM and a saline/hep lock are standard with any hospital VBAC. I would insist on not having a full IV, as that will tie you to the bed. Do you know if you have to stay in bed, or how quickly you have to labor?
My MW always told me to stay at home until I was in "full labor" with my VBAC - going in the minute labor starts is probably a bad plan, no offense to your DH!
These are some good links for your DH:
https://vbacfacts.com/category/vbac/uterine-rupture/
https://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10214
You might also want to try and contact your local ICAN chapter, and see if there are friendlier providers in your area, and if your current OB has a good VBAC record.
Good luck!
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
I had a c-section for the exact same reason and I'm also planning on a med-free VBAC (in a few weeks!).
The continuous monitoring: do you know if it is wires or wireless? At my hospital it is wireless, which makes it much better. I can even get into the huge labor tub or shower with the monitors on. As far as the IV goes, my doctor is fine with me just having a herapin lock, so no fluids or anything without reason, but full mobility for me and easy access for them should the need arise. Maybe see if this is an option?
I think all the uncertainty makes it more important than ever for you to hire a doula to make sure you are well supported and have someone who really knows birth on your side.
I think the best you can do is accept that you may need an epidural so you won't be disappointed after the fact, but plan whole-heartedly for a natural birth anyway. That way you'll be prepared for either situation.
Lots of luck!
My sister has had two vaginal births since her first one was born by c-section. The way she made it work was going for the epidural. She was able to stay calm and relaxed knowing that if a c-section was necessary, she wouldn't be put totally under, and she also didn't have to worry about managing labor pains while being so closely monitored. It's also worth noting that epis seem to help my sister progress well, so she never had any fears of stalling out. Having been through both the c-secton and the vaginal birth experience, she can't say often enough how much more comfortable and satisfying a vaginal birth is (especially post-partum), even if she's never had a pain-med free birth as she originally planned with #1.
But that's just what worked for her... I don't want make you feel like an epi is a "must."
ETA: Also, as pp's have stated, uterine rupture risks *are* quite low. So it's definitely worth it to try to minimize interventions and monitoring if you're able/comfortable!
Does your DH know about how you feel? RCS and VBAC are both valid options, planning a VBAC isn't taking a crazy risk. And staying at home until you're really in active labor is a better idea if you're planning a med-free birth, especially if you're not going to a very supportive hospital.
Definitely talk your friend who's a doula - with VBAC, I think it's extra important to have as much support as possible. She might have other people you can talk to about your worries.
You can do this! I was a mess the closer I got to labor during my second pregnancy, totally know the feelings
.
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)