[JSquaredMom]

So lately I've been thinking that I should at least explore the possibility of a VBAC. It's our last baby, and if I'm going to do it, this is it. With DS, I induced because my doctor let me at 39 weeks and some odd days. I was a little dialated, but not a whole lot (1 would be generous). After 17 hours of increasing pitocin, water breaking, and a whole lot of nothing...we elected for a c-section. I never made it past a 3-4 (the number is debatable apparently. I thought the nurse said 3, doctor said 4, so whatever, it wasnt enough regardless).

So early on I was thinking c-section because hey, it's easy, and the doctor was on board willing to do it if I wanted. And now that I ask about VBAC at my appt this morning (31 weeks), she literally says "Oh no! You don't want a VBAC do you???" and I just didn't even know what to say. Apparently no was the correct response and I missed that train.

I'm not saying I want that vbac...but I wanted to explore the possibility and I feel like she totally doesn't want to do it...even though she does them. She didnt give me much chance to talk about it either...I did mention I might have a possible infection, so we went on to the culture and such...but still!

She said in total passing, just as she was leaving, that we could talk more about the whole vbac thing at 35-36 weeks, providing everything was normal and there were no complications or pre-term labor, spotting, bleeding or early dialation issues.

I still don't feel supported.

[THE angry uterus]

I'm sorry she isn't being very supportive!

[~~Que~~]

I'm so sorry. You might want to check out the local ICAN website for your area to see what sort of options you have. If you do want to VBAC, you should be given a chance. Dr's are so disrespectful sometimes when they brush us off like that. Your concerns matter and you deserve the opportunity to talk about them without them acting like you're joking. Your feelings aren't a joking matter- especially when it comes to your child!

[Krisztina]

I agree with the others, she shouldn't have just dismissed your concern..i hope you get to talk to her, and she will be supportive.

[hope71012]

I ditto about checking out ICAN and asking other mom's what their experience has been with VBAC. If your current practice isn't supportive and you want to explore that option you should be able to without being dismissed. On top of that, if they are having a dismissive attitude now they probably don't have faith in a VBAC and push towards a section the second something goes off the textbook. I know the hospital policy here is induction via pitocin and epidural are required for VBAC...yet both can increase risks like rupture.

Good Luck in your decision.

[~~Que~~]

Originally Posted by hope71012

I ditto about checking out ICAN and asking other mom's what their experience has been with VBAC. If your current practice isn't supportive and you want to explore that option you should be able to without being dismissed. On top of that, if they are having a dismissive attitude now they probably don't have faith in a VBAC and push towards a section the second something goes off the textbook. I know the hospital policy here is induction via pitocin and epidural are required for VBAC...yet both can increase risks like rupture.

Good Luck in your decision.

Wow wow wow! I can't believe pit is required for VBAC's! They barely EVER do that here. It almost DOUBLES your risk for rupture!!!! That's the most terrifying thing I have ever heard!

[hope71012]

Originally Posted by ~~Que~~

Wow wow wow! I can't believe pit is required for VBAC's! They barely EVER do that here. It almost DOUBLES your risk for rupture!!!! That's the most terrifying thing I have ever heard!

Yeah...it is very scary! And why I'm traveling over an hour to birth this baby(outside my city). The most natural birth friendly hospital with the highest vbac rate (single digits as only one doctor will attend them or allow a trial of labor) has a 60+% primary c-section rate. 80+% at the hospital I delivered dd1 at (primary section).
I'm not a birth nazi, but knowing your provider and policies, stats, etc about the hospital or wherever you birth is very important if a woman desires a certain outcome. Especially, if she is going against hospital policies, having a good support team is essential!

[LadyBugMommyof1]

I hope your OB is willing to talk more about it at your next appt!

[Bookish]

I am so sorry she brushed off your concerns and is trying to lead you away from what you want to explore, she's persuading you to do what she wants to.


From working with Drs, I know that sometimes they don't fully understand how they come across. Some docs just want to get to the next patient. It take YOU to speak up and say "I don't think I was heard." or "Please let me repeat what I HEARD you say to eliminate confusion." Don't worry if you take too long. Others wont' worry about you. No one is going to stick up for you, but you.

... I think that if you do your research, both on VBACs AND your OB / Delivery hospital's rate of c/s (it should be low. even 60% is high but low for this day and age). and try to decide what you want to do. Then talk with the OB and don't be meek. If you're meek she'll walk all over you and talk you into doing what she wants to do.

Good luck with whatever you do.