As you know, Katelyn was breech. This resulted in a c-section. Though not an “emergency” surgery, it was performed at the convenient hour of 4am since I went into labor with her at 39 weeks, six days before her scheduled arrival. Some think that’s a crappy situation. I, however, think it was my best possible scenario (minus the 4am part).
Finding a doctor who is willing and supportive of a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarian) is less than fun. Hospitals have this “rule” that the doctor must hang around for the entire labor and delivery. Since the doc’s job is usually whittled down to the occasional check (when convenient) and hopefully the catch at the end, they aren’t too thrilled about this situation especially when it doesn’t mean more monies for them. I asked around for a few suggestions from some gals in the ward. I met with one doctor (of a group of 3…plus 4 from another office…or something) who basically told me they don’t want crazies who will refuse a c-section if they feel it’s needed. Obviously. I didn’t care for his attitude too much.
Next I did a consult with a doctor that Devin’s boss recommended. I explained my situation with Katelyn (went into labor, dilated to 5cm, etc) as I had with the “no crazies” doctor. This one didn’t gloss over those facts like the other did. He said I was not only a good candidate for a VBAC but a great candidate since I went into labor on my own, my water broke on it’s own, and I was dilating well. He supported the goal and got me excited and hopeful about it. Much different from yet another doctor I had a checkup with who said, “oh, usually all your babies are breech if the first one is so you’ll do another c-section…”
Another plus for this doctor is that the hospital rules say he must be on the hospital campus during my labor. Since his office is in a hospital building, he can go about his regular appointments unless needed. The other doctors were located miles away from the hospital so it was more of an obvious inconvenience for them. The down side–his office/hospital is 30 minutes away. Frustrating when we have one less than 10 minutes from us but I wouldn’t go with someone else just for the convenience.
So, the plan is VBAC. That’s all that is for sure at this point. I am still debating if I want to look into a dula and a few other unmentionable things to make my experience better. But that all costs money. Lots-o-money.
Wow, I pretty much had the exact same situation. My daughter was breech, I went into labor early in the morning (about 3 hours before my scheduled c-section). I got to the hospital and was at 5 cm and had a c-section at 39 weeks, 6 days before my due date.
And then in June of last year I had a VBAC with my son. I didn’t have trouble finding a doctor to do a VBAC (I saw a midwife at Kaiser and she was awesome) and everyone was really supportive. I went into labor again on my own at 39 weeks, 6 days before my due date, and my son was born without any complications. The midwife did put a limit on how long I could push (2 hours) before I would have to have a c-section. I ended up pushing for 1 hour and 45 minutes. The VBAC was great and I was very happy with my decision.
Good for you for trying the VBAC. The recovery is SO much faster. Also, I have never heard that one breech baby means that you are more likely to have another breech baby (I do know one person that this has happened to though), so hopefully that isn’t a problem again.
Oh, I am so glad that you have been able to find a doctor who is supportive of your desire to have a VBAC! And who thinks you are a great candidate on top of that. That is so great! I had a planned c-section at 39 weeks to the day since she was breech for several weeks. I didn’t go into labor at all on my own, so hopefully I will this time. I look forward to seeing how it goes for you. And congrats on having another little girl!! It will be so fun. =)