VBAC in the hospital

[msq]

Hi ladies!

I just wanted to get some insight, experiences etc from you about vbac. I had a C section in April 2011 for the birth of my daughter. They basically said it was because she was 'stuck' and my OB later told me that my pelvis is too small to ever birth a baby naturally but I'm 16 weeks pregnant now and going to try to vbac for this birth. But my plan is to do things differently this time, I will wait longer to go to the hospital, I am going not going to get the epidural or other pain medicine unless I absolutely can't handle it and I want to be active in labor and walk around if I can but my doctor says I have to be monitored continuously so I am really hoping the hospital I'll be going to has wireless monitors. Does anyone have experience with vbac in a hospital and were you able to birth the way you wanted to? Can you think of any questions I should ask my doctor to see how committed she is to allowing me the birth I want?

thanks so much!

 

[tristansmum]

Congrats on your pregnancy! I had a vbac with my second last year. Firstly was emcs at 10cm when it was discovered after 2 hours of pushing that he was brow presentation. Forceps failed to turn him and so emcs it was. I was told at the time there was no reason I couldn't have a vaginal birth next time. I knew straightaway that's what I'd do.
Fast forward 2 1/2 years and I went into Labour at 40+6. I went straight to hospital because my contractions went from painless bh to sudden incredibly painful contractions 2 -3 minutes apart. We had a half hour drive to hospital so decided to go as soon as my mum arrived to look after ds1.
Got to hospital and was 4cm. Got straight on the gas and air and they put me on the monitor. They offered me a Ball to bounce on and although I had planned to stay upright I found I was comfortable on the bed. I went from 4-10cm in 2 hours and pushed for 1 hour. They became concerned at one point and put a clip on his head and we're saying I'd been pushing too long bit the doctor let me carry on. His head was born fine but his shoulders got stuck so was emergency at the end. Thankfully they got him out straight away but he was very shocked so I didn't get the immediate skin to skim I'd wanted. But a few minutes later I got him back. Overall it was a positive experience. He was a big boy at 9lb 3 and I'm small 5ft lady so I guess the shoulder dystocia was one of those things.
I'd ask your doctor how far overdue they will let you go. Here in England they would go 12 days but I know in America some say not past dye date which seems ridiculous in my opinion. Also ask how long they will give you to labour/push. What is there vbac success rate. Luckily my hospital was very pro vbac so I never had to fight for it and I felt confident they were on my side to be successful. Therefore I felt I could trust them and do anything they recommended during my labour.... Like breaking my waters at 7cm, putting the clip on ect