AMAZING OB APPT TODAY! VBAC/RCS INFO INSIDE!

[CM6755]

First I am writing this for everyone who is stuck between to difficult decisions, regardless of what they are. My difficult decisions were, Repeat C-Section (RCS) or Trial Of Labor After a C-section (TOLAC) leading to a Vaginal Birth After a C-Section (VBAC). I had a bad C/S experience in 2008 (1st child) and was TERRIFIED of having another one, I just couldn't get past it and I also had/have a unquenchable need to get approval for a VBAC/TOLAC. I think I needed my OB to understand that I WAS INFORMED and CAPABLE of a VBAC (mentally/emotionally). I have NO FEAR of a vaginal birth, zero. I DO have awareness of the risks and benefits of BOTH types of delivery. There is literally NO DOUBT in my mind that I can birth my baby, even if I have another 10lb'er. That being said, if I experience some sort of road-block or complication I will adhere to the advice of my OB now, I strongly feel that he is definitely on my team and supportive of my choices and respectful of my knowledge and ambition. I hope that anyone who is having issues with seeing eye-to-eye with their provider gets some hope and encouragement from this.



Okay, so for those of you who do not know my history, here goes:
1 planned C/S in 2008 (big baby, 10lbs) I didn't know that women were fully capable of birthing a 10lb baby and went along with my OB's advice w/o asking any questions about anything. Fastforward to present day: Preggo with bio-baby #2, due Nov 14th, 2012. I have been DESPERATE to have a VBAC (or TOLAC) approved! I armed myself with research (credible sources) and questions and requested extra time for my 6 mo. ckup! Here is how it goes:

Alright, Ladies...My OB appt update: I went in ARMED with ACOG's 2010 press release, 3 pages of data (% of risks for VBAC v. RCS), 4 pages of questions discussing risk v. benefit for both VBAC and RCS, impact on future pregnancies, maternal and fetal health, and emotional well being (I am a research nerd, BTW so gathering this info was 'fun' for me...pathetic, I know). I was in the exam room talking to my OB for ONE HOUR (NEVER felt rushed or like I was a PITA...and the outcome is that he feels that I am so well informed (I only cited reliable sources, i.e. medical journals, ACOG's directives, and the Oxford textbook for OB care) and I completely understand all risks and benefits of either a VBAC or a RCS he will allow me to do whatever I am comfortable with (unless I turn into a selfish moron...my words, not his...LOL) as long as I am not risking anyone's health. There is not really a limit on how long I can labor/progress, even if my water breaks. Unless I stall for 3+ hours or baby shows signs of distress (I don't know of any mother who would be so stubborn about this as to risk injury/complications/death.). Bottom line: I am at COMPLETE PEACE with either avenue this baby is born. Truth is, I kinda want to schedule a RCS now...LOL I guess b/c the fight is over...LOL! I am posting this b/c I feel great about it and b/c I know there are countless women out there that feel 'jipped' with their birth...so, just go and talk to your OB!!! Request a longer appt time due to massive questions and ask, ask, ask...now I have thought of a few more questions so I am calling the office to get those answered too!

PS- Mod's, if you think this needs to be moved, feel free...I was not sure where to put it.

[MelDM]

That's great you are so well informed! I had a c-section with my first due to a failed induction at 31 weeks. My 2nd and 3rd were both VBACs and 8lbs 3oz and 9lbs 2oz respectively good luck with however your LO is born!