[Issue 52, December 24]
My first child was born in 1996 via cesarean due to breech position. Thankfully my membranes ruptured before the scheduled cesarean date so I was able to experience early labor. I was rushed into the OR when I arrived at the hospital.
I am pregnant again and due within the next two weeks. My doctors are not very supportive with the VBAC but I am determined anyway since I had a low transverse incision. I am concerned because my doc says if I go over my due date they prefer to schedule another cesarean. Please help me; I don't want this birth to become another medical procedure. Is there anything out there I can take that will cause my cervix to efface and dilate?
-Jenn
North Carolina
[Issue 53, December 31]
In response to Jenn who wants a VBAC and whose doctor wants to schedule a cesarean if she goes past her due date [Issue 52]:
Please find a doctor or midwife who will be supportive of a VBAC! You have the right to change doctors--the doctor works for you! Good luck on your upcoming birth.
-Kelli
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A trick of the trade that works well was passed on to us from some Oregon midwives: Insert two 500 mg gel caps of evening primrose oil on the cervix at bedtime for three consecutive nights. They suggested opening the caps and squeezing them into a diaphragm or disposable menstrual cup for close placement on the cervix but our clients have just inserted the herb caps deep into the fornix behind the cervix. The prostaglandin qualities within this herb definitely ripen the cervix. We combine this with alternating oral low (12X-30X) doses of homeopathics caulophyllum and cimicifuga (the cohoshes) at 4 hour intervals during those three days. Works like a charm! Most important: A Huge Amount of Emotional Support and Trust of Your Body will carry you through your VBAC, Jenn. Best of luck.
-Midwives of Melrose
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I too had a c-section, for fetal distress after a long labor and 3 hours of pushing (my water broke at home one week before my due date). I was terribly distraught and felt like *such a failure* even though the logical part of me said it was needed. I did not establish breastfeeding, I was so drugged from pain, and by 10 days postpartum I was severely depressed and eventually medicated for depression. The unplanned c-section left tremendous scars, not only physical. I did deliver a healthy, beautiful girl at 8 lbs, 3 oz; she was posterior.
Knowing I wanted more children, I read about and researched VBACS completely. When I conceived my second child I went back to my OB. He was very supportive of my trying the VBAC but would not guarantee a vaginal birth. Baby's head was down from 28 weeks on, and I did have trouble with uterine irritability, some bleeding, and several trips in and out of the hospital, bed rest, etc. for about 6 weeks. At the end of 37 weeks, my doctor decided to induce me to help give me a good chance to birth vaginally before she got too big.
I went to the hospital the next day; I was having contractions. The doctor put a pill on my cervix and I dilated to 4-5 almost painlessly. He broke my water; an epidural was put in place even though I said I didn't need it. The doctor strongly suggested it in case I should need another emergency section. I agreed, and after two more hours of labor and 40 minutes of pushing, out came my second daughter, 7 lbs 12 ounces!
It was a wonderful experience, and I was out and about with just a few stitches when she was five days old, feeling great! I was able to breastfeed more successfully and I could not believe the difference I felt physically!
I think had I refused the narcotics during my first labor and insisted on a different labor nurse who I could work well with, I would not have been cut to begin with!
Take charge, find a doctor who is supportive, read and educate yourself, and be prepared that you might need another c-section.
-Meg
[Midwifery Today Editor's note: Scheduled induction, misoprostrol, breaking the membranes to hurry labor and just-in-case epidurals are potentially dangerous interventions. The kind and patient care of a midwife who believes in women's power to birth at the right time may have meant a much safer and even more satisfying birth.]
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Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issues 52 & 53, Dec 24 & 31, 1999)
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