A few questions about natural birth/water births?

Question

My hubby and I are TTC, and are very interested in a natural birth outside of a hospital (possibly at a birthing clinic). I had a high risk pregnancy w/my first (toxemia), and ended up on bed rest at 33 weeks, induced at 38, and after 20 some odd hours in labor had a c-section. Has anyone here ever had a natural or water VBAC? Can I be cared for by a midwife and by my regular OB/GYN? I'd like both in case something happens where I am unable to have a natural birth. I'd also like at least one sonogram to determine gender, are there midwives who can do sonograms, or is that only with an OB/GYN? Any info anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I haven't any personal experience of VBAC, as I have had homebirths without complications. Though a lady posted her experience of VBA3C(!!) on our facebook group.

She tried for a natural birth each time and final managed after 3 c-sections, here's her video of her journey:

http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/vie...

Answer 2

With a VBAC you can certainly have both a midwife and an OB, but you would be considered high risk and therefore they would prefer you deliver in a hospital (or if there is a birthing center connected to a hospital). Who your provider is also can dictate where you deliver because doctors and midwives do not have legal priveledges to practice in all hospitals or birth centers. So if there is a specific facility you want to give birth at, you should call them directly and ask what midwives and OBs deliver there.

And yes, midwives (Certified Nurse Midwives) can order sonograms just as a doctor can. They do them routinely to check for growth around 16-22 weeks and at that time if they happen to be able to see gender then you will find out. If not, they will not generally order another sonogram for the sole purpose of determining gender, as that is not a medical necessity.

Answer 3

I'm very nervous of water births after a dear friend of mine had some horrendous complications. If you had a high risk pregnancy you should really focus on the well being of your child not trying something new.

Answer 4

In all honesty, I don't know that I would recommend a birth outside a hospital setting with your history.  It really doesn't sound like you would be a good candidate for this.  You can see if any hospitals in your area allow midwives to deliver there.

I can appreciate wanting to look into alternative birthing plans, but not at the expense of your health and your baby's.

Answer 5

i also had toxemia with my 1st and was induced and after 23 hours of labor had a c-section. i have since had 2 children. the 2nd was a c-section and the 3rd was vaginal but delivered in another city with many complicaitons during the pregnancy. he as supp  to be a c-section, that didnt happen though.  everything i have been told is that after a c-section they dont usually like to let you deliver vaginally unless you are in a bigger hospital with certain capabilities incase your incision would rupture.   i think it would be in your and the babies best interest to be in a hospital just in case you need a dr.

i also think you will have a hard time finding a midwife willing to put herself in a risky situation, you might though.

either way good luck!!

Answer 6

Sadly, the answer to your question depends on where you live and the birthing climate there. A lot of midwives are not allowed to accept VBAC patients without a OB back-up (due to either legal or hospital/insurance reasons) and a lot of OBs flat refuse to do VBACs. I haven't had a VBAC (one baby, naturally), but I know a lot of women who have, and most have had to fight to get their VBACs. I strongly suggest you get in touch with your local ICAN chapter (International Cesarean Awareness Network) - they will be able to give you the lowdown about your area and may be able to point you to specific providers.

I hope that you get the VBAC that you want - in the majority of cases, it is the best option for both baby and mom.

Answer 7

A VBAC waterbirth is an excellent way to heal through birthing. To avoid toxemia this time you can look at Dr. Brewer's optimal eating plan for two. This will reduce your risk for the next pregnancy. Yes, you can choose a midwife, if necessary your care will be transferred to an OB. Anyone can order a sonogram. Suggest you wait until later in the pregnancy for this as it reduces the risk of miscarriage or premature birth when the scan is done at a later date. The links below will give you more information. Best wishes, G