I'm 22 weeks. My doctor, who I love, has been saying all along she supports VBACs and I've been dreaming of my natural birth. Then at my last appointment she sprang on me that a VBAC requires not laboring at home, coming in as soon as labor starts, and an epidural. I was taken back and just assumed this must be what all VBACs require and just sort of agreed to everything she was saying. After reading some articles, this doesn't seem to be the case. I wonder if I can have a walking epidural under this senerio or if it has to be a classic epidural? I hate to intentionally ignore my doctor's advice--a woman I respect and admire, but I am feeling like I should if I want to have a successful VBAC. What are your thoughts/advice out there in bump land?
Re: Must you have an epidural?
I agree with pp that a lot of this stuff is to protect themselves, not you. Talk to your OB about the epi; tell her you'd rather not. My OB recommended an epi and I said no thanks. I was we'll aware that in case of an emergency, I'd be knocked out. I preferred that to having an epi 'just in case.'
Advocate for yourself. If you're not comfortable with these things, tell her you're not. Talk about alternatives. Tell her that you want your birth to go a certain way, and if she doesn't support it, find a new provider. I know it's hard; I'm very non-confrontational, but I was firm when it came to certain things about my VBAC. Labor at home, no epi, no unnecessary ultrasounds, no induction. And it all went perfectly because I stuck to my guns.
This is the birth of your child, not a medical event. Good luck! You can do it!
Once my water broke I went straight to the hospital. But, my DR let me labor naturally and as I wished.
Baby #4; 7/7/2018