I haven't blogged in a while, don't really have a good excuse for that! I guess I should be grateful that there have been no more maggot attacks to inspire me to write!
I have been very busy lately researching VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean). I have this friend who is a total legend/BIATCH for lending me a book called "Delivery by Appointment". It opened my eyes to the c-section process and the pros, cons and risks involved. My first section was elective, I thought I had totally valid and major reasons that I have since found out were pretty weak. I trusted my OB would help me make an informed decision. Hmmm. It is totally my bad though, I should have researched harder!
I then watched a movie called "The business of being born" (again, thanks/feck you dear friend!!) which made me want not only a VBAC, but a home birth! Over my husbands dead body though... we'll see. At any rate I am determined to have a successful and drug free VBAC (I CAN do it!!) I want to be able to squat or birth on all fours. I want my baby on my chest where she belongs, STRAIGHT after birth. I want to breastfeed without being drug affected/hooked up to tubes and monitors/stuck on my back. I want to go home and be with Butterfly and the new baby, instead of a 5 night stay in hospital followed by 6 weeks of Mummy being sore and unable to function properly. I want to experience birth, not be a spectator in an operating theatre. I want their birthday to be a surprise, not chosen because my OB does C sections "on a wednesday". I want I want I WANT!
Yes, I am aware that vaginal birth isn't a walk in the park, and that I may end up with stitches etc to recover from. I am aware that there is a slight chance that I may need another c section anyway (and if so, I will not consider my labour to be a "waste"). I am informing myself fully this time, so that I can make an educated decision. I am finding out the truth behind some myths. YES there is a risk of uterine rupture. It is extremely low, most ruptures occurred after they used drugs to induce women attempting VBAC. The risks to mother and baby are higher during a c section. So I am not worried about rupture at all.
What I AM worried about is being labelled "high risk" at the hospital, and watched like a hawk. That if I don't progress fast enough they will cut me. That I have a higher risk of unnecessary intervention. Sigh. This is why some women choose HBAC (home birth after caesarean), to birth naturally outside of the hospital setting. Bloody tempting!! (The birthing centres have VBACs on an exclusion list. *Insert string of expletives*)
I still have a long way to go in regards to informing myself and developing a solid plan. Oh yeah, FYI I'm not pregnant, not even trying for that matter! Just super organised! I will have to make sure I don't get pregnant before Butterfly is 18 months old to increase my chances of VBAC success...
Know confidently that you can do it. A friend had a vbac very well and did it at home with midwife. All went fine and she was so happy she did it. I say go for it. Dont let doctors worry you and always tell them what you want to do not just do what they want because they must know what they talking about. I have had two natural births and it is something to experience for sure. xx
ReplyDeleteThankyou!! I know there will be roadblocks but I am pretty determined to succeed!
ReplyDeleteI have a special place in my heart for you my dear, you know we will chat more about this soon :) I am delighted to see your passion & hope all great things come to you. With the right knowledge & support you can do anything! (& you will)...
ReplyDeleteawesome :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited and proud of you for making this choice.
ReplyDeleteI know you can do this!
I think it is total garbage that birthing centres can't accept VBAC! I thought birthing centres were meant to be places to birth peacefully and naturally? Insurance just can't cover happiness huh?
How many weeks were you when you had your section? Did they let you go even the full 40?
I hope you find NO roadblocks :)
Ahhh I'm pleased the book was a decent read, and EVERYONE should watch 'Da Bizniz'. I'm pumped! You even inspire me to homebirth next time.
ReplyDeleteI'm just sorry that you can't even go the birth centre, even though they are friggen attached to a hospital where you could go if need be!
So is there a recommended time frame for a vbacca to wait before delivering a second butterfly?
Ooh I just stumbled across your blog from the SM blog and am loving them both : ) I had an emergency c sec after a failed induction at just over 41 weeks and my daughter turned one last month so we are waiting also so that I can have a better chance of vbac (I hate the waiting, everyone around me seems to be popping out babies, always the way isn't it?) for some reason I had in my head it was more like 3 years wait, to be honest I think the Dr's at the hospital just wanted to deter me from trying and it super sucks we can't use the birthing centres I would love a nice water birth but I don't think I could do a home birth not that brave and my husband would be having kittens lol, My GP is great though and fully supports it so hopefully we can both have vbac success stories in the not too distant future, best of luck and thanks for blogging : )
ReplyDeleteThankyou for your support everybody! Makes me even more determined, I was actually expecting a whole bunch of Mums to roll their eyes at me and say that I will want drugs when I'm in labour! I'm sure a few will be thinking it anyway...
ReplyDeleteBecka I was cut 3 days before my due date (although I was offered 10 days before, but declined!!)
The recommended time is 18 months between pregnancies, I don't really buy it but I think I have a better chance of being supported by an OB (if I go there) if I have the "required gap" *snort*
Anonymous, let us know how you go! Would love to share my VBAC journey with you!