Where do I start!!

[KaM]

Okay so I was reading through some of the amazing VBAC stories and was in tears at the experiences you all shared and went through. They really were fantastic!!

I want to do some reading and research on getting myself a VBAC.

Now Im not pregnant. . nor will I be anytime soon as I am currently a single mum. But I like to plan ahead and know everything I can.

So I guess my first question is . . can I have a VBAC?!

Will give you a quick summation of what happened at the birth of my little miss.

I arrived at the hospital 3cms dilated. They did an examination to find that my waters had broken and that she had done a poo inutero. They monitored me and said that her heart rate was a little off. They gave me syntocin. Contractions hit hard. They had trouble monitoring so had to use an internal monitor in her scalp. I had only gone another almost 1cm. Her dropping heart rate was getting worse. They decided the c-section was my best bet. I was knocked out completely. Baby girl born in working order and just needed to be warmed a little.

I think that the c-section helped with my PND. That I didnt really have that full bonding experience at the birth. I can still remember those first few days. . looking at her. .thinking .I have a baby . .but not really feeling anything. .

So . .what can I do? can I have a VBAC? what should I read? . .anything and everything. . bring it on!!

[Kizmet]

cant help you but im on track for number 3 with your number 2!!

it will happen very soon chicky:hugs:

[Lissbee]

Hi, Krisseh - Melissa from Birthtalk Brisbane here.

That's great that you are trying to get informed as early as possible :)

Just wanted to suggest a starting place for looking at birthing after caesarean info...

Try the Caesarean Awareness Network Australia (CANA) at www.canaustralia.net. They have lots of info and ideas, and links to other resources as well.

Take care,
Melissa
www.birthtalk.org

[KaM]

Hi, Krisseh - Melissa from Birthtalk Brisbane here.

That's great that you are trying to get informed as early as possible :)

Just wanted to suggest a starting place for looking at birthing after caesarean info...

Try the Caesarean Awareness Network Australia (CANA) at www.canaustralia.net. They have lots of info and ideas, and links to other resources as well.

Take care,
Melissa
www.birthtalk.org


Thank you very much for that!! :D

[lilpearl]

'Birthrites' is an organisation for "healing after caesarean", and if you become a member, you'll be sent a quarterly newsletter, packed with info and wonderful birth stories.

By the sounds of it, you were bombarded with a "cascade of intervention", that can certainly be avoided. Here in Melbourne, I'm having a home birth for my second VBAC (first VBAC was in Sydney), as that is definately my safest bet in this city, were "the system" is all about money and control, not about birth rights and birth as a social issue, not a medical one.

If you'd like me to share my opinions/advice, just PM me.

The most important aspect in planing a VBAC is to find a care provider who respects the birth process,a nd who doesn't fear it. A VBAC is just as safe as a 1st birth, provided there are no underlying concerns that make a caesarean safer. Caesareans are only safer a tiny percentage of the time, so never let any ob scare you - always get a second opinion! Also, midwives are ones best bet in having an optimum, natural birth, as that's what they are trained in. Obstetricians rarely even have a knowledge of optimal positioning during labour, etc, as they are not trained in normal birth, despite many misconceptions....they have such MINIMAL training in normal pregnancy and birth....generally they are happier for a woman to play "patient" and be on a bed - not a good idea! A VBAC is not a "high risk" birth in most cases either. Yes, read, read and read some more. become empowered. And when birth day comes, knowing you have supportive people on your side, just let go, let your body take over, don't fight the labour, and don't think...thinking hinders labour, so it's really important that your in a place, and surrounded by people, who you feel safe with.

Best of luck!

Oh, I'm currently writing a book on VBAC in Australia - it hasn't been done, and is urgently needed!

[KaM]

Awesome. I will definitely have a look at that site. A VBAC book sounds like a wonderful idea. Every woman who has a c-section should be offered it I rekON!!:thumbsup:

[SassyMummy]

Go back and check out just about every thread within this section of the forum. There are HEAPS of links to websites and inspirational stories, as well as women offering advice to each other. It's probably the easiest way to start.

In my case though, I think one of hte biggest thing I'll have to do to prepare is to get more assertive. I need to be able to say, "No Doctors, get lost. I'm birthing how I want to birth, so get that scalpel away from my stomach!" I'm afraid that they'll say "caesarean," I'll cry, and then agree just because I am too scared to speak up. (I guess that's partly what I'll have a doula for though, to encourage me to speak up for myself).

...I'm actually thinking about postponing pregnancy until Liana's book comes out... lol. Will save me lots of hard work!

[Pixie]

The head of OBs at my hospital said there isn't any reason to not have one, just because you had a caesarean. Best thing to do is get your notes talk to a DR/obs and see what they say I did and it was great :)