Best VBAC provider in DC

[Anonymous]

OP this board is not a great place to find support for vaginal birth in my experience. There are other resources online you may find less critical of your priorities.

But since you’re here. I had to ask that question several ways before my OB practice could answer it, I got a lot of wish washy “welllllllll we’ll see” when I had made a priority of avoiding a c-section because my family has horrific recoveries. Frankly I don’t think most OPs give a damn about your recovery because they don’t see you for six weeks after discharge and if you can’t stand without fainting or eat without vomiting that’s someone else’s problem.

When I did get an answer it was as follows

If your baby is well positioned for delivery, the best thing you can do to avoid a c section is stay home to labor (where you’re able to eat, move, and maintain your energy), find techniques that will let you rest in early labor (many c sections are for “maternal exhaustion”) and wait for an epidural as late as possible, so you can move around longer.

This advice was successful for me, and I had the birth I wanted. I feel like to some extent asking my practice over and over also reduced any temptation there would have been on their part to suggest a c-section for convenience, but I am confident had there been a legitimate emergency they would not have hesitated.

Do you have the records and physicians notes from your first delivery? Is the reason you’re using “emergency” because they do not suggest it was an emergency?

[Anonymous]

There is no way that a board certified Ob told you to labor at home as long as possible. What the f are you going to do if your uterus starts to rupture. You would be dead in 8-12 minutes.

Cesareans out of convenience are not a thing at hospitals with 24 hour in house coverage-like GW or Kaiser. These doctors and midwives are committed to LD work when they are there and are not running between hospital and office etc. Don’t follow this advice. It’s not safe.

[Anonymous]

Is your baby breech? You mention spinning babies.

I had a c section after an attempt at ECV failed. I did all this stuff trying to get him to flip and honestly I wish I'd just scheduled the c section from the beginning. It just made me anxious and the ECV attempt was very painful. Given the rupture risk I don't think they attempt ECV on someone who's had a c section.

You're going to have to let go a bit. Even for a first pregnancy you might have to have a c section and that's okay. Most important thing is healthy mom healthy baby.

[Anonymous]

I had a VBAC and I totally get why you are determined to get one. A much easier recovery for the mom and better for the baby.

My suggestion is to keep shopping for a doctor who is open to it. However, my doctor would not commit to the VBAC until 2 weeks before my deadline. I just kept repeating that I wanted whatever was best for the baby of course but if possible, my strong preference was for the VBAC. I think most providers won't commit to the VBAC until the pregnancy progresses and they see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is no way that a board certified Ob told you to labor at home as long as possible. What the f are you going to do if your uterus starts to rupture. You would be dead in 8-12 minutes.

Cesareans out of convenience are not a thing at hospitals with 24 hour in house coverage-like GW or Kaiser. These doctors and midwives are committed to LD work when they are there and are not running between hospital and office etc. Don’t follow this advice. It’s not safe.

Yes, this. What god awful, life threatening advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP this board is not a great place to find support for vaginal birth in my experience. There are other resources online you may find less critical of your priorities.

But since you’re here. I had to ask that question several ways before my OB practice could answer it, I got a lot of wish washy “welllllllll we’ll see” when I had made a priority of avoiding a c-section because my family has horrific recoveries. Frankly I don’t think most OPs give a damn about your recovery because they don’t see you for six weeks after discharge and if you can’t stand without fainting or eat without vomiting that’s someone else’s problem.

When I did get an answer it was as follows

If your baby is well positioned for delivery, the best thing you can do to avoid a c section is stay home to labor (where you’re able to eat, move, and maintain your energy), find techniques that will let you rest in early labor (many c sections are for “maternal exhaustion”) and wait for an epidural as late as possible, so you can move around longer.

This advice was successful for me, and I had the birth I wanted. I feel like to some extent asking my practice over and over also reduced any temptation there would have been on their part to suggest a c-section for convenience, but I am confident had there been a legitimate emergency they would not have hesitated.

Do you have the records and physicians notes from your first delivery? Is the reason you’re using “emergency” because they do not suggest it was an emergency?

Laboring at home seems really risky for a subsequent pregnancy. With my second I went from 4 cm to crowning in 20 minutes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP this board is not a great place to find support for vaginal birth in my experience. There are other resources online you may find less critical of your priorities.

But since you’re here. I had to ask that question several ways before my OB practice could answer it, I got a lot of wish washy “welllllllll we’ll see” when I had made a priority of avoiding a c-section because my family has horrific recoveries. Frankly I don’t think most OPs give a damn about your recovery because they don’t see you for six weeks after discharge and if you can’t stand without fainting or eat without vomiting that’s someone else’s problem.

When I did get an answer it was as follows

If your baby is well positioned for delivery, the best thing you can do to avoid a c section is stay home to labor (where you’re able to eat, move, and maintain your energy), find techniques that will let you rest in early labor (many c sections are for “maternal exhaustion”) and wait for an epidural as late as possible, so you can move around longer.

This advice was successful for me, and I had the birth I wanted. I feel like to some extent asking my practice over and over also reduced any temptation there would have been on their part to suggest a c-section for convenience, but I am confident had there been a legitimate emergency they would not have hesitated.

Do you have the records and physicians notes from your first delivery? Is the reason you’re using “emergency” because they do not suggest it was an emergency?

My labors were about 3 hours long. What happens when OP is ready to push and the baby is malpositioned? Or her uterus ruptures? This is selfish, irresponsible advice. Having a baby isn't just about YOUR dream birth experiences.

[Anonymous]

Friend has the same kind of horrible first birth at Sibley. She did a vbac with a midwife for the 2nd child. Much bigger baby, much easier birth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP this board is not a great place to find support for vaginal birth in my experience. There are other resources online you may find less critical of your priorities.

But since you’re here. I had to ask that question several ways before my OB practice could answer it, I got a lot of wish washy “welllllllll we’ll see” when I had made a priority of avoiding a c-section because my family has horrific recoveries. Frankly I don’t think most OPs give a damn about your recovery because they don’t see you for six weeks after discharge and if you can’t stand without fainting or eat without vomiting that’s someone else’s problem.

When I did get an answer it was as follows

If your baby is well positioned for delivery, the best thing you can do to avoid a c section is stay home to labor (where you’re able to eat, move, and maintain your energy), find techniques that will let you rest in early labor (many c sections are for “maternal exhaustion”) and wait for an epidural as late as possible, so you can move around longer.

This advice was successful for me, and I had the birth I wanted. I feel like to some extent asking my practice over and over also reduced any temptation there would have been on their part to suggest a c-section for convenience, but I am confident had there been a legitimate emergency they would not have hesitated.

Do you have the records and physicians notes from your first delivery? Is the reason you’re using “emergency” because they do not suggest it was an emergency?

This advice sounds like it’s meant for someone who’s never had a previous c-section. As others have mentioned, it’s VERY dangerous for someone attempting a VBAC to labor at home due to risk of uterine rupture and you should avoid eating/drinking to the extent possible bc if you end of needing a c-section, a full stomach is a high risk of lung/other serious complications.

[Anonymous]

I had a VBAC at VHC with the AWC OBs, and I found every doctor I saw in that office to be encouraging, thoughtful, and realistic. They talked me through risks and benefits of various approaches, and they were always willing to spend time answering any questions I had. I don't recall aver feeling even remotely rushed at any of my appointments. VHC didn't have wireless monitors available, so I couldn't walk around during labor, but I was able to change positions pretty freely. I had an easy, unmedicated birth and a very straightforward recovery.

[Anonymous]

Vbac success at Gw! DC now 4 weeks old.
I read through the thread and have a few thoughts.
1. I did see the same Ob in Bethesda
2. I had very real expectations…Bc somethings I can’t control. For example, if my baby’s heart rate went south-I was going for cesarean. There is only so much one can do…flip to this side and this side and iv meds to stop contractions. There is nothing that obs can commit to.
3. I tried to exercise and took care of my mental health.
4. I have some OCD, so therapy was key for me.
5. You are in charge of your body and your baby. So, you can decline things but you are ultimately responsible for the ramifications. The ob would not reccomend/offer a vaginal
Delivery if they thought it was a bad idea. They are in the happy baby business.
I think you are in the right place.
I wish you well.
Congrats on the pregnancy!