VBAC after 12 years... time limit???

[moosmum2]

Hi Ladies,

I have some questions around VBAC's and hospital protocal.

I will be attending Frankston hospital and was wondering if after 12 years I will be subject to the same time limits and monitoring??? Have anyone had a very long time between births or know what Frankston Hospital is like??? I have hired a doula as well.

TIA:D

[mimsie]

In general, yes. I was told they only really cared that I was 12-24 months clear of previous, any extra time on that was irrelevant. So I'd still have had to do continuous monitoring and progress 1cm/hr or thereabouts.

I was vba2c but same rules applied to those after one. I was also 10 years since previous Caesar but not at your hospital :)

[mimsie]

Forgot to say I didn't test it as after 2 previous I had to go into spontaneous labour without induction and didn't by 42 weeks so had repeat caesar 4 weeks ago :)

With your doula you may have back up to request intermittent Doppler checking instead, as well as someone who can argue on your behalf while you're busy if steady progress is being made rather than their hourly thing.

[kazz84]

Hi Moosmum2,

I had my DS at Frankston Hospital in 2009 by emergency c-sect for FTP, and I actually received a letter not long after with a congrats on your first child by c-sect, blah blah blah, if you decide to have more children, we advise you attempt a VBAC and if you choose our hospital we will fully support and encourage you to have a VBAC.

One of my closest friends had her vbac there in 09 also. Not sure on the policy regarding gaps and monitoring, but I had the scalp clip, which allowed me to walk around the birth suite during labour.

Prior to being monitored I was allowed to labour in the bath, and it was wonderful. They have portable gas which you can also take into the bathroom, if you need it.

I couldn't really fault the care I got there, the obstetrician and midwives were fantastic (obviously you get the odd midwife whom you just don't like, and I encountered 2, but that will happen anywhere.

Good luck!!