vbac preparation class in Brisbane

[kadownie]

Hi everyone,

As I've prepared for my vbac (which is in about 8 weeks time!!) I've realized that there aren't that there aren't all that many classes for preparing for vbac- both for birth and emotionally.

As a doula, I guess I'm at a bit of an advantage as I have a lot of resources at the tip of my fingertips, as well as being quite involved in some hospital politics- I am aware of my rights and how to assert them.

so, I was thinking, once this baby is born and I settle down into motherhood again (as in after Christmas) I was thinking of starting up some vbac preparation classes, that incorporate the many aspects of birth after casearean.

Thoughts I've had to include in the course is- debriefing from previous births, uncovering and dealing with fears, how to prepare for a vbac, how deal with the hospital policies, education about uterine rupture, support during pregnancy and labour, beliefs about birth (and how they affect birth) etc.

So, I was wondering what you all thought- and would there be any Brisbane Mums wanting to do a bit of a trial run with me...cost would be just for resources...

If there are a few Mums interested in the next little while- I might consider running a one before this baby comes.

anyway- would love to hear your thoughts

thanks

[becca74]

I'll pm you with the contact details of the midwife who holds the Perth vbac classes, she might have some insights and advice for you :thumbsup:

[nats]

:yelclap: Soooooooooo important!

I have one son (by c/s) when I was pg I took antenatal class the hospital provided. (BIg mistake)
We talked about what drugs to use and were shown cartoon drawings of a womans face getting more and more pained and distressed (this would you believe was so we could gauge when we should go to the hospy - ie: if you are this distressed it's time to come in .... WTF!!! :mad: )

Didn't help me AT ALL! I went away thinking - Birth is gonna cain, breastfeeding is going to hurt even worse and childraising is going to be hell and ruin my life! I honestly began to regret being pg :(

What really galls me is that the woman taking the class ( a physiotherapist by profession) had a vbac herself! Albiet in the late 90's before the kuffufel but still! you think she'd have more of a clue!

Kadownie, I am often steering women to the vbac forum as I think it's often more helpful and more empassioned than the forum about just natural birth (esp, sinse natural birth to some people equates to vaginal birth- interventions and all)

How about a ante natal class that encompasses all mothers, primips or those with prior scars..

All mothers will find it useful to learn about hospital polilcy too I'm sure.

Anyway good luck with your vbac and with your class :thumbsup:

[SassyMummy]

I love hte idea of VBAC-specific classes!

I'm in Bris and will probably be here when I next have a baby.

While I suppose regular classes might help for a VBAC, a lot of them are often hospital-friendly, and I dunno... I think VBACs are a bit different to other VBs... partly because of the mindset of hte women wanting them (often REALLY REALLY wanting to avoid another c-sec...like me! lol), and partly because of the physical differences (like induction not being very good... not like they're great anyway, but even less with VBAC... you know what I mean...lol).

I'd DEFINATELY be interested! :D

[QTB]

I think its a FANTASTIC idea Kylie!! Im happy to give you a hand if you need back up/support etc!

[kadownie]

thanks for your support guys,

one of the reasons I want to do a vbac specific thing is cause I've found it's completely different than preparing for a VB- cause there's the dealing with the previous c-section factor- which for some women may not be a biggie, but for many of us it is!! and also learning to trust your body again- and deal with the 'rupture' factor!

I did a great course this preg (done a couple actually)- which I will draw from- but I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to share the experience with other women who had been through a c-section.

will keep you posted!

[kadownie]

Thanks Mel- just cause I get everyone mixed up online- are you a part of our doula support group in Brisbane? if not- send me your email and I'll invite you to our group- we get together about once a month- it's great having other doula friends!!

[PunkyDiva]

Sorry bit of a hijack:D
As I am about to have my 6th VB and the "rupture" factor is also thrown about because of uterine wall weakage?? and wondered if the VBAC training you have mentioned is something woman in my situation should also contemplate doing.
Is this "rupture" factor they mention the very same thing??

[kadownie]

I haven't actually done any official training in vbac- just my doula training (which includes child birth education) and preparing for my own vbac.

I know I have read that there is a higher risk of rupture the more pregnancies you have as in over 5- as well as higher incidence of PPH...though I would think there would be a lot of factors involved- spacing between babies, general health of the mother, how labour begins (as in induction) etc etc. I can find out the stats if you like-

vbac rupture is talking about the very unlikely event that the c-section scar will separate or rupture...

in your case it's probably more talking about a rupture in the upper segment of the uterus. It's pretty rare... my MIL has had 8 vb's and although the last few she was labelled as high risk, she had no 'rupture' issues - a bit of a bleed in the last birth- but not serious!

Let me know if I can find you some more info!

[OJandMe]

Hey yeah Kylie,

Great idea. I'd be in on that! But I think bubs is going to come before then..


(but then if you ever need anyone to talk about their VBAC experience... I'm all yours :thumbsup: ):fingerscrossed: I get one.

[PunkyDiva]

That would be lovely if you could point me in the direction of more info Kylie. :thumbsup:
I am really hoping to have unassisted home birth although DH has insisted and a compromise has been reached that a middie still be in the house, just in case.

With all the stats on unnecessary c/s and hearing that multiple birthers are considered at risk and often c/s are preferred, I have been reluctant to even see a GP yet but close to 9 weeks now so better I guess. Wish I could just go straight and see a middie but not an option unless ya pay down here:mad: maybe I'll spend my pregnancy caimpaigning for free home births & midwifery care:laughing:

[PunkyDiva]

PS think you were the wonderful doula with my baby sis Alyx in March xxx:D

[QTB]

Thanks Mel- just cause I get everyone mixed up online- are you a part of our doula support group in Brisbane?

yep i sure am :) iv only met you IRL once though, at the mater meeting...

[kadownie]

OMG Gretel- I had it in my mind we were due really close to each other- but your ticker says 5 days!! Hope you're feeling well and ready for it (I have so much to do at home!!) Hope your boys are behaving- I think mine sense something is up and have been a bit more challenging the last little while.

PunkyDiva- I will find you some concrete info- and it was a pleasure to attend your sisters birth- only wish I could have spent more time with her prior to her birth... she was amazing!

[MusoMama]

Hi all

I am planning a VBAC in November and am going to Ann Mclead Taylors (midwife) VBAC course. Also another midwife Sonya Beutel is starting a vbac class soon each friday at Meadowbrook, her website is www.nututreyourbirth.com.au (http://www.nututreyourbirth.com.au). Ann has a website too should come up if you google it. All the best to you VBAC'ing Mummies :thumbsup:

[kadownie]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I had my baby and my vbac! All went according to my wishes- which was lovely- well- I can't say I 'enjoyed' giving birth- it was a fast and furious labour (2hours from nothing to fully and then another 2 hours before he was born- slightly posterior bub so he had a bit of turning to do, and I refused to push as I wanted my body to do it all by itself..). I am completely thrilled (now) at how things went.

So now I feel ready to start putting some things down- am thinking that late Jan I will run the first vbac prep session- maybe even thinking of getting a support group together- so we can all learn from each other..

if anyone is interested please PM me- as I will be setting dates in the next little while!

hope all are well

[sanbertina]

Hello Kylie,

I read somewhere else that you had a successful V-Bac. Congratulations on big job well done! I sought your advise a few months ago and I'm still considering a vaginal birth - God Willing. It's in His hands now. In the meantime, my ob is supportive and we've reached an agreement that they will take off ECG machine intermitently during labour time in hospital so I can move about, have shower etc. I also made it clear that I would not be rushing up, as advised, and she was cool about that too. I'm finding I've had to really assert myself given the fact that I've had 3 c/s's. I think your VBac classes are a great idea and if I was due any later I'd say I'd be in. I hope you get plenty of responses and really wish I could join in. Perhaps I'll have a testimony for you to share at the first class by then!!!

Congrats again.
Sarah:wave: