Hi Didispunk, I'm also 21 weeks pregnant with twins and had a cesar with my first 2.5 years ago.
My anti-natal care is at Monash Clayton and as I'm having twins I seem to be seeing an Ob at each appoint. (we're aren't privately insured). I'm also booked in for a homebirth with GP/homebirth Ob (the only one left in Victoria) and 2 midwives. I'm keeping my antinatel care going at Monash in case I need a transfer which I'm open to. I figure better that the hospital has a history and running record of my pregnancy in case this happens, I've also informed the Ob of my intentions for a homebirth.
I know of a woman who just had twins naturally at RWH with no intervention at all, not even fetal monitoring. Not sure if she had had a cesar prior but I do know that prior cesars, twins and breech presentations are all reasons that doctors want to intervene (and these days even 'normal' healthy women are having more cesars!) This comes mostly from thier own inexperience and not your body's ability to birth your baby. Bold statement but true.
My sister had a successful VBAC at Monash Clayton. She transferred from another hospital very late in her pregnancy because she felt she wasn't getting the respect she wanted with her wishes for a VBAC. Another friend had a successful VBAC at the Mercy and took her own midwife with her. Having your own midwife go with you to hospital increases your chances of a VBAC because they can be your 'wolf at the door', as well as giving you that all important continuous care.
From what I've read and people I've spoken to, if you're going private you have more chance of being coerced (sp?) into having another cesar or being induced. The Ob I saw said if I went beyond 37 wks she would want to break my waters and have a drip at the ready 'just in case'. Even though she was very encouraging for me to have a twin VBAC it would still be under conditions. I can choose to argue my point or have a homebirth and be better supported throughout my pregnancy journey. I'd rather conserve my energy for a healthy pregnancy and relationships at home than put it into having to say 'no' to things I don't want done to birth my babies.
At the moment you have a less that 1% chance of uterine rupture (actually only 0.35%) which is minimal. Uterine rupture is the reason alot of hospitals will give as a reason to book you in for another cesar.
There are loads of websites on VBAC - try
www.ican.org
Also look at
www.maternitycoalition.org.au They run Choices for Childbirth which are information sessions on normal birthing and have a night on VBAC. You can also check out
Home - Midwives Naturally who also do VBAC information nights. I went to one in April which I found encouraging.
I would also encourage you to go to a BaBs group (Birthing and Babies Support), you can find information on locations and times at the Maternity Coalition website under 'support groups'. I attend the Box Hill group and have done since my son was about 6 months old. There is a midwife in attendance at each group who can answer questions you may have and you will find a great support network at any of these groups.
Ultimately whatever is done to you, you have to agree with and the choice is yours. It's your body, your baby, your birth experience and your choice. Take 100% responsibility for what happens and try not to rely on other people to make the right decisions for you.
You're doing the right thing by asking questions already and you do have time to research, educate and inform yourself.
Keep posting and good luck!
Kate.
VBAC
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dd Jasmine 10/3/02
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