wont induce due to past C

[Twinkle]

I've been told that due to the fact that I had a ceasarian last time (nearly 6 yrs ago), that if I want to give birth vaginally this time, it only be if my body goes into labour naturally.
Apparently it would be too dangerous to induce.
So now I'm worrying that I may not "naturally" go into labour, I'd like to avoid another C if possible.
With my first birth I never actually went into labour. My membranes ruptured at 25+5, I was put into hosp. on bedrest, and 2 weeks later they discovered Layla was in distress and did the C to get her out at nearly 28weeks.

I'm wondering what might be classed as induction, and what they may still be able to do to get labour going.
I realise they wont use gel, IV syntocin etc. to get labour going but might they be able to do something more gentle such as a stretch and sweep, possibly even break my membranes...
Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks,
Angie.
34w+6d.

[Maghan]

Hi Twinkle

Second time round I wanted a natural birth, however obgyn said that if I didn't go into labour naturally, then he would not induce me because there's a high risk of your uterus rupturing due to the insensity of the induced labour (apparently the contractions, because they are "false" are a lot harder).

The obgyn also said that if I was in labour for too long, then he would have to consider a c-section too. He said a uterus with scar tissue in it, can be quite weak, particularly when stretched. He said the last thing I wanted was for the baby to be born into my stomach and then have an emergency hysterectomy.

So I waited and I waited and at 2 weeks, 1 day overdue, there was no sign she was coming, he said I could wait another week if I wanted, but there were complications with that too, so went for the c-section. From about 36 weeks I tried raspberry leaf tea, sex, running, cleaning, nothing worked!

Better to have a healthy baby, then the birth experience I think with a dead/sick baby. Although I still ache and wonder what a natural birth experience would have been like. No next time for me.

[Twinkle]

[QUOTE=Maghan]
Better to have a healthy baby, then the birth experience I think with a dead/sick baby. QUOTE]

Absolutely true, couldn't have said it better myself. As long as bub comes out healthy and stays that way and I am ok that's all I really want, but I'll try anything (almost :o ) to bring labour on without being induced.

I'm already taking a herbal mix from my Sister who is a natropath, it has about 6 herbs in it, I can remember 2 they are rasberry leaf and squawvine.

Thanks, Maghan for sharing your experience.
Angie.
34+6.

[JanetF]

The birth experience and our feelings about our babies are actually separate entities. Babies also deserve to have emotionally, physically and spiritually intact mothers and women deserve to have birth experiences in which they are the decision makers. We have outrageously high rates of PND (and growing rates of PTSD) to show for our current poor practices in maternity care. This doesn't just impact mothers but has serious ramifications for babies and families. A trashed mother is no good for anyone.

Trust me, you will go into labour spontaneously but stressing about it won't help you along. It is dangerous to all women and babies to induce, and we know that more uterine ruptures occur in women who have had no surgery but are induced than mamas with previous surgery. VBAC is (almost) always a far safer option than ERC and we know that induction and the whole cascade only increases your chance of having major surgery. PM me your email addy and I'll send you the pack that CARES-SA made up for National Caesarean Awareness Day. It has loads of user-friendly information and ideas for you to use. You also need to learn about ways to manage your labour to avoid an epidural because they too lead to caesareans in about 40% of mothers.

Try these websites for excellent info :) I hope you have a beautiful birth and there's so much you can do to increase the likelihood of that. Your baby deserves a peaceful, undrugged entrance to the world and you deserve to meet your baby in good shape, not a drugged haze.

http://www.homebirth.org.uk/vbacinduction.htm
http://www.birthlove.com/free/safe.html
http://www.birthrites.org
http://www.victoriousbirth.com/
http://www.cares-sa.org.au/

[Funkychicken]

Hi Angie,
You are in good hands if your sister is a naturopath. The perfect way to having a natural induction without all the mainstream medical concerns! Relax and baby will do the rest!
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Sal-6 wks to go!