Highly probable for another c/s really want VBAC

[Julie Doula]

Hi Nic, I just wanted to add that I once supported a woman who'd had previous cervical surgery. She did dilate OK in the end, it just took time.

All the best for your VBAC, go for it!

[BellyBelly]

OoOh yeah how's it all going nic? Have you met your doula? What do the family think?

[Carrie]

I just want to say that is is so fantastic the amount of support and information everyone is giving for us woman who want to have a VBAC.
Unfortunately it appears that some Obs are more intent on covering their butts and scaring us with misinformation rather than empowering us to trust in our body to give birth.
I have already learnt so much from reading about VBACs hear on BB and get so angry when I hear people say 'they wont let you have a vaginal birth if it has been less than 2 years since your c-section', or 'they wont let you labour longer than.....' etc, etc. What do they mean : 'they wont LET' us??? Whose body is it anyway? Without the information I have read here I would believe these statements - that I have no choice in the matter.
My point is - it is so refreshing and empowering as a woman to have such great support here. I, like Nickers, want a VBAC sooo badly, but not at the expense of my baby. At least I know that armed with information provided by BB, support from people here and a fab Doula - I'll have the best chance possible in trusting my body and having the birth I want.

[BellyBelly]

Thanks for the lovely thoughts Carrie, thats what it's all about Some of this stuff is challenging to take on and it takes strength to even start to think that there could be other ways against advice... so congrats to you hon.

[Julie Doula]

That's the spirit, Carrie. You go, girl!!

I agree there is a wealth of info here. I also appreciate very much the personal stories from so many women, everyone's story adds to our collective knowledge and confidence.

[becmc]

Good for you Carrie, I agree totally.
I wish you all the best for an fantastic birth!! And having such a great state of mind puts you nearly all the way there already!

[Carrie]

Thanks all!
Nickers - sorry to have hijacked your thread!!
I hope your appointment with the Doula has gone well - I'd love to hear about it!

[nickers]

Thanks ok Carrie, i loved what you wrote totally agree and i too hope you get your much wanted vbac like me.

Well since last posting i have met and gone ahead with my doula! She seems really lovely and definatley understands where i am coming from. (has had 2 of her 4cchildren were prem as well as V & c/s deliveries)
I have been doing lots of reading up on vbac and we will be getting a birth plan together in the next couple of weeks.
DH also met her so i think he feels a little more comfortable with the situation but still is just going along with what i want rather then what he actually thinks i should have.

My sisters and mums inital reaction was what i thought it would be.
Mum said she didnt want to see me wasting my money, my sister said well pay me and i'll do a good job!
I think she felt a bit shunted because she really wants to be at the birth if i do get a vbac. i was there for her first birth but reminder her i was only there at the end and her labour was extremley quick, i dont know that she will want to be at my labour the entire time if it is going to be a long one. she can still be there for the actual birth i just dont think she will have the support throughout my entire labour.
In the end i told them i am still doing this, it is after all my body, my baby and my birth and that dh & i have both agreed this is what WE want.

[becmc]

Good for you Nic. I know after I met my doula I felt so much more relaxed about the whole thing. I don't think you are wasting your money at all. Doula's are proven to reduce c/s rates, reduce use of pain relief which is obviously better for you and your bub so really you are investing in the health of you and your baby!! So nope-not wasting your money!!
Good luck with your birth plan.
I think most dh's are the same, they just want what is best for us but unfortunately they just take the doctors word for it and believe what they hear. We are the ones that have done the research though and have facts and statistics. While my dh doesn't like the idea of our hb, he is supportive and I think that is the most important thing.
They may not agree, but as long they know we are trying to do the best thing for our babies and support and stand by our decisions I don't think we can really ask for much more!

[Carrie]

Nic - Your Doula sounds great, especially since going through it herslef she will understand your prem birth/c-section experience.
That's unfortunate that your mum and sister don't understand why you are using a Doula. I really wanted my mum to be on board so she came to a meeting with me and Dh and got to hear what it was all about and ask questions. So that was good.
Goodluck with getting your birth plan together. I'm really glad to hear that it's all going well!

Has the obstetrician given you as much information about the risks of abdominal surgery as he has the risks of normal vaginal delivery? I find it hard to believe that having a surgical procedure would be safer than giving birth in this situation.
I second the suggestion of having a doula - when you are in a vulnerable position it's hard to stand up for what you and your baby need, and it's really important to have another person with you who will be able to stand her ground against bullying tactics in the hospital system
Good luck with your birth..