Need some advice.......

[bpato]

Hi All

I am after some advice and thought this was probably the best place to post. (if not mods feel free to move it to the right spot).

We have just found out that we are preggers with number 2, due late in July.

My dillema is what to do with the whole birthing thing???????

I ended up having an emergency c/s with DS, after 28 hours of labour, and didn't mind that at all. I recovered well and have really enjoy being a mum.

I saw my OGYN for the first time on Monday and he basicially said he want's me to have VBAC. He didn't give me any reasons apart from I should be able to do and there is no reason why I shouldn't. I then looked at his fees. He would charge us and extra $800 if we try and VBAC. I do honestly think this is the reason why he pused it so much :thumbsdown: . I am quite happy to have an elective c/s.

What should I do?????????

Belinda

[PMS]

Hi Belinda. I've no doubt that the ladies here will give you some great advice on vbac. I would listen to it all; maybe write down the pro's and con's of vbac and of an elective ceasar then really think about what is best for YOU and for your baby. Myself; I had a ceasar for first birth and elected a ceasar for my second which my Ob supported without any negativity. Best of luck with making your decision and I hope your Ob supports you fully whichever way you go.

[Briannabear]

Its a decision that no-one but you can make.
Generally speaking, a VBAC will be much better recovery wise. Coming from personal experience, I found it hard having a c/s and coming home to a toddler. My healing has been much slower this time because Im so busy.
It just comes down to what you are comfortable with. No woman should be forced into a birth they arent comfortable with - find another ob that will give you the choice.

[SassyMummy]

Why on earth would it cost more to have a VBAC? :confused: It sounds a bit odd that he'd be charging you MORE for a VBAC than a c-sec... especially since I'd imagine c-secs would cost more to do (all the anesthesia etc, and the OBs doing the work themselves)...whereas a VB (VB or VBAC regardless) shouldn't involve as much hands-on work for the OB, and shouldn't involve as many medicines to work with. It just sounds weird!

Anyway, that's not the issue at hand...

I've had a c-sec with DD, and it was something I really did not want. As a result, I want a VBAC next time. Since you're fine with having a c-sec, then I guess it's not so much your own emotions you're going to have ot worry about, but rather the wellbeing of both you and your baby.

When you're planning to VBAC, you often need to do a fair bit of a research to support your views... so you come across a lot of repeat c-sec VS VBAC stats.

What I have gathered from all I read... generally speaking, a VBAC is safer for both mother and child if there are no complications. As you probably know though, an Emergency c-sec is more dangerous (generally) than an elective c-sec...so I guess that's why it's hard for many to decide what to do.

Perhaps if you check out the VBAC section of hte forum, there'll be numerous links to comparitive research - outlining the statistical differences between repeat elective caesarean and a VBAC.

Here are a few links I have saved in my favourites which might help you pick between a VBAC and a REC.

http://www.vbac.com/chapter38.html#3

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10210#c-section

Becca should have tons more info laying around (she's like a VBAC-vs-Caesarean guru!).

[suemp]

in my experience i was also found the medical team push towards vbac. everyone said y are you going elective i had to explain because my son was an emergency and it was the route i chose.
i got both information on vbac and elective c/sections and went with my gut feeling
like you i had a positive experience the first time and HATED labour But everyone is different
all i can say is dont let anyone push you one way or the other, as long as you have all the info and dont go in blind say bah to anyone who tries to tell you "youre wrong"
good luck with the decisions:hugs:

[Minke]

Why on earth would it cost more to have a VBAC? :confused: It sounds a bit odd that he'd be charging you MORE for a VBAC than a c-sec... especially since I'd imagine c-secs would cost more to do (all the anesthesia etc, and the OBs doing the work themselves)...whereas a VB (VB or VBAC regardless) shouldn't involve as much hands-on work for the OB, and shouldn't involve as many medicines to work with. It just sounds weird!


My obs was the same - we would have had to pay more out of pocket for a v/b than a complicated (c/s) as she was paid more money for a c/s from the health fund, and i think medicare. Anesthesia is billed separately.

Honestly, go with whatever you feel comfortable with. A v/b is a MUCH easier recovery, but an elective c/s would be a far (i assume) easier recovery than an emergency c/s (keep in mind I have only had an emergency c/section, and a v/b ;)).

Good luck with which ever way you go!

[becca74]

I find it interesting that he charges more for a vb.....is this because he cant book it in his diary so therefore he sees it as working 'overtime':confused:

I would shop around for a different careprovider if you feel suspicious about anything.....interview several till you are happy.

You have to ask yourself what your instincts are telling you about what you want for your baby's birth.

Write up a pros and cons list....the vbac section of bubhub has threads with some brilliant resources to help you make an informed choice.

The best place for advice on decision making is www.birthrites.org

They have support groups both online and irl. These girls were so very wonderful in helping make my birth choices this year. They are my friends for life. I strongly reccomend getting in touch with them and reading their resources. If you decide vbac is not they way to go for you, they have a link to an email group called 'novbac', to help you plan in a different direction.

good luck, and I hope you enjoy a sacred birth experience no matter what!:hugs:

[poodysmum]

Hi Belinda:wave:

Like the girls have said, it really is up to you and what is best for you and your baby. If you want an elective c section, I say go for it:thumbsup: . Im aiming to have another c section when we have our next baby, as in the end with Isaac (emergency c section) this worked well for us. Goodluck

Alli:)

[bpato]

Why on earth would it cost more to have a VBAC? :confused: It sounds a bit odd that he'd be charging you MORE for a VBAC than a c-sec... especially since I'd imagine c-secs would cost more to do (all the anesthesia etc, and the OBs doing the work themselves)...whereas a VB (VB or VBAC regardless) shouldn't involve as much hands-on work for the OB, and shouldn't involve as many medicines to work with. It just sounds weird!



The reason why he charges more for a VBAC is he classes it as a complicated birth due to trail of scar. An elective C/S is classed as a standard delivery. Go figure.

There is around a differecnce of $300 out of pocket between the two.

Belinda

[petal80]

Hey Bel

thats odd that he would charge more.

Im still unsure of what to do too... its such a big decision isnt it!! big hugs to you:hugs: I know we will both make the right decision.

[bpato]

Brooke

You always pop in just at the right moment with the right thig to say.

Love ya heaps

Belinda

[Peaceangels]

Don't let anything the Ob. says sway your decision in any way.
Make a decision based on what you feel is the right option for you (& bub).
As someone mentioned earlier writing a list with two column's (one for / one against) may just help!;)
I had an emergency c/s with #1 then went on to have a vbac with #2 15mths later, but that was entirely my decision (in fact I was determined to have a vbac).

[becstar]

What was the reason for your first emergency ceaserean? Maybe he is pushing for a VBAC because he thinks that this time a natural birth could work for you? But really I guess the question is : what do YOU want? It is ultimatley your choice, you could always change doctors if you want an elective ceaserean.

My doctor pushed me for an elective ceaserean
due to the reasons behind my first emergency ceaser. I agreed with him and there was no way I was going to risk going through an emergency ceaser again. I had a terrible recovery. I had my elective ceaser 4 weeks ago and have had a brilliant recovery and have had no problems at all doing things around the house or looking after my 3 year old and newborn. I am happy with the way things have turned out....

I wish you all the best,
Bec

[Shabbychic]

:hugs: Do what your gut feeling tells you to. I had emergency c-section with my first ds and it was very hard emotionally because we almost lost him. I am having my next ds by elective c-section in 11 more sleeps so I know what to expect and feel 100% happy with my choice. Good luck

[egyptgrl]

Hi there,I wish id found this site a long time ago..have read many enlightening stories!!!Not sure if i am asking in the right area but I am 30 weeks pregnant and have made the descision to have a caesar.I have spent ALOT of time researching elective c-sections and am sure i am making the correct choice for me..but i am unable to get even an average cost of having this surgery.I am in NSW and will be going to a public hospital.Please if anyone can give me any ideas i would really really appreciate it..Many thanks and kind regards..

[Lissbee]

Hi - just wanted to mention another site that has been set up to support Australian women with issues and information re caesareans.

It is called the Caesarean Awareness Network Australia (CANA), and can be found at www.canaustralia.net. You can search for support groups in your area, or contact the midwife on the helpline directly to ask any questions. Or look for articles to help with your particular Q.

You can even download their excellent "empowered caesarean birth plan", that was actually used by one of the women who set CANA up. They have info on repeat cs *and* vbac.

Hope this helps,
Melissa from Birthtalk in Brisbane

[lilpearl]

Gosh, it really frustrates me that the term "trial of scar" is used at all. A VBAC is (in most cases) a normal birth, and it is no more 'dangerous' than a woman having her first baby. A caesarean, on the other hand, has far greater mortality and morbidity rates for mother and child. I find it funny that your ob thinks a VBAC is the way to go, but then decides it is the more difficult of the two options.

I'm all for choice, and you should do what feels right for you, but I'd be going with a different care provider if I were you, one who sees a VBAC as just another birth, because that is what it is (so you shouldn't be charged for it!) I had my VBAC in a birth centre, with one midwife, in water, and not an ob in sight for my whole pregnancy or birth. There are choices out there, it's just a matter of finding them, which can be really tricky. Oh, and I wansn't monitored, and I didn't have to be strapped down to a bed, or examined more frequently, it was treated as any other birth. Because of that support and trust in my body that I recieved from the RPA's Birth Centre (in Sydney), my labour and birth was quick, straight-forward, very managable, and allowed me the chance to experience those first magical moments, in a dark, warm room, with just my baby and husband, that I certainly didn't get following the caesarean.

All the sites that have been mentioned are great...there is also the Birthrites group (www.birthrites.org), as well as Maternity Coalition - both have a mailing list if you would like to join and receive quarterly newsletters, packed with information, and wonderful birth stories, both of VBAC and caesarean.

Most of all, never let an ob sway you! Do your own research - if you read all there is to read on the subject, you'll certainly have more up-to-date information in your head than most obstericians. The fact that he refers to a VBAC as "trial of scar" really shows a lack of knowledge on his part.

Good luck! :)