VBAC - Am I Being "Real"?
by Trish
I'd like to know more about your classes, after reading Empowered Momma where she speaks of needing HypnoBirthing - I need to make those plans. I want to know if I'm eligible - that I'm being "real" about this... (My OB - says that I'm not being "real" about the birth).
My answer:
Thanks for your query about whether you're being "real" about having a natural birth after Caesarean Section (VBAC). I have written a page about it and you can access it here.
Not knowing your personal medical situation I can only comment generally here. Personally, I believe that your OB is trying to protect him/herself against possible future litigation. Or he/she may simply believe that an elective C-section is the safest option. Arguing with someone in authority while you're pregnant is the last thing that your baby really needs. When someone makes up their mind, regardless of other contrary facts/information, it is often difficult to bring them around to your way of thinking and it just results in angst for all parties. Best that you seek a second or third opinion to be really sure.
While you may be "high risk", a VBAC is not impossible. It's not even "hard", it's just that it is a risk that medical professionals often don't want to voluntarily put themselves into. Put yourself in their shoes for a moment and consider how they have to protect themselves.
Using self-hypnosis is using the power of your mind to achieve an intended outcome. You know, I know, and millions of others know that it is almost always mind over matter when it comes to a desired outcome. (A good example is here where a successful Cesarean section was performed by hypnosis without anesthesia, in Iran). If someone doesn't subscribe to this, best not to try to change their mind for them. Just move on and find like-minded people.
I suggest that you seek another opinion to be sure that you are truly "high risk", and if you're not then further educate yourself about your VBAC options. Here are some places that you could start.
1) Private: Calvary Hospital. OBs here are, apparently, more open to VBAC than many others in Canberra or so I have heard, but an appointment with one may be hard to get, and expensive.
2) Public: Go to the Birth Centre at Canberra Hospital - book in asap, they fill up fast!
3) Talk to Maternity Services at Canberra Hospital. Some of them have some BMI hang-ups, so if you're overweight they may not take you on, but it's worth trying!
4) Talk to an independent midwife, about her attending to you in Hospital (you may not be able to homebirth with you) and she can give you more information about your options. Seeing a midwife for information doesn't mean you have to sign up for his/her care afterwards, but they are a valuable resource for information and a wonderful source of birth support.
5) When you find someone who will VBAC with you, consider using a Doula as well to provide that much-needed care and support during labour. Doulas are particularly good for keeping you mentally on track, especially when you're HypnoBirthing. They can also do the negotiating with doctors so that you can just get on with having your baby. We recommend Amy Chin-Atkins from from Birth and Baby Care, or ring one of the Doulas I have listed on my site.
6) Enrol in your HypnoBirthing classes as soon as possible. I know from experience that C-section women often have difficulty in "letting go" when it comes to birthing (which is often what lead to the use of interventions during labour in the first place, before a last-resort C-section) and they benefit from extra time to practice their relaxation techniques.
7) Be confident that even planned C-section women can benefit from HypnoBirthing as outlined here.
8) And lastly, I know of a couple who opted to go to Queanbeyan Hospital because they said it has a better reputation for natural birthing. If you don't get the support you need in the ACT, go to NSW!
Remember you don't have to go to hospital at the first sign of contractions. It is more comfortable and more effective if you stay home in familiar surrounds until you feel that you need the support of hospital caregivers.
I hope that this helps, and I really look forward to meeting you in my classes in the near future!
