Update

[littlerunt]

Hi everyone. I am 24 weeks along now and doing great. I have some back pain and still have the headaches, but overall I am doing great. My Dr. told me if I can keep the baby under 9 lb I can try for a VBAC! Remember Karstin was butt first so I had a c-section. So keep your fingers crossed for me. Karstin was 8 lb 2 oz....so I am sure this one will be big.

I am done with my masters! WOO HOO! I finished this past weekend.

So that is my news. I need to relax for a little bit before working on lesson plans.

[rachelrazzle]

Steph! Congrats on finishing your masters! That is just awesome!

Hope you get your vbac! Have you been to the vbac board? There are some great ladies there. KUP on all things pg related! And remind me, is this baby a surprise? Was Karstin a surprise?

[krispsmith]

My Dr. told me if I can keep the baby under 9 lb I can try for a VBAC!

Please find your local ICAN chapter and attend some meetings ASAP

http://ican-online.net/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=155

You don't need your doctor to tell you you "can try" for a vbac, it's not up to him. You hired him as a consult for your pregnancy and delivery, but this is your body, your baby and your birth. There are very few reasons that a repeat c/s would ever be required and I doubt you will be one of those statistics (placenta previa, fused pelvic bones, frank breech) - docs usually push repeat c's because it is considered safer for their malpractice insurance and pads their wallet, not truly for the mothers safety. Surgeons LOVE OR (operating room) time, don't kid yourself.

Rate of rupture for VBAC: approximately .06%- just over the rate of vaginal delivery rupture (non vbac)
Rate of maternal and fetal death for a C/S and repeat C/S: THREE TIMES that of a VBAC

Never mind the endless list of complications to both from anesthesia and post-op infection from the C/S that you wouldn't have with a VBAC...

I just want to arm you with a few facts and be sure you have a clear head about your healthcare with this pregnancy as well as for you and your family's futures. Doctors are educated in their fields, which is why we hire them. However they have their own agendas, their own beliefs (often inaccurate or outdated- the first doc I saw in my last pg gave me a lecture for shaving my pubic area- how up-to-date did I think HER info was?), their own biases, and a serious need to cover their butts in a very litigious society. We need to take their opinions and advice with a grain of salt, research it a bit to be sure it is accurate and that we agree, and then continue on from there. They are partners in our healthcare, not dictators. ;) Sometimes you just have to steer them in the direction you need them to go so they are with you the whole way.

I wish you a wonderful and healthy VBAC- but since what you are asking for is "against the grain" you do need to arm yourself with knowledge. Please, please join your local ICAN group and meet with these other women who are facing/have faced the same thing. They will navigate you through these last few weeks with the obstacles your doctor will likely attempt to throw in your path to steer you towards a repeat (such as the infamous "big baby" talk- garbage in most cases) and be there for support IRL and on the phone. I so love my local chapter, we chat often and I will be speaking about my HWBAC at the next meeting- which would NEVER have happened without their support and contacts. In fact I am submitting my birth story today to the Clarion, the national publication. :D The group is all about women educating and empowering each other, like La Leche does for bf'ing. Please go to at least one meeting and let us know how you liked it!

[EveC]

Congrats on finishing your masters! I hope you get your VBAC if that is your wish. Good Luck to you!

[bjrope]

Congrats on your MA... way to go! I hope you have a VBAC.. Can't wait to see pics of your newest arrival! Do you have to leave plans for the entire time your out or a few weeks?

[littlerunt]

As of now my last day will be Feb. 22nd. I will take the rest of the year off. There is no way I could go back to my current class after having a sweet baby.

[my2turkeys]

Congrats on finishing your masters! That's got to be a HUGE relief! Glad to hear the baby is cooperating for you. I really hope you get your VBAC.