Why I’m Trusting My Gut and Pursuing a Homebirth

When I found out I was pregnant with my second baby, I scrambled to find a new OB/GYN in Las Vegas. If I were still in Houston, I would have had no problem with selecting the doctor that delivered my 3 year old son. She was more than my doctor. She was someone I considered a friend.

I was very disappointed that few doctors & hospitals encouraged VBAC or vaginal birth after cesarean in Las Vegas. After my emergency c-section, my previous doctor assured me that I was a great candidate for VBAC. I had a low risk pregnancy and was progressing through labor (5 cm dilated) when my son’s heart rate began to fluctuate which lead to an unexpected trip to the O.R. (operating room). She supported a VBAC for me & offered to send research papers to my new providers, if needed. However, the providers or doctors here in Las Vegas were still a little resistant.

Finally, in my 2nd trimester, I thought I found the right doctor after learning that one provider was not certified to do VBACs and the other refused to see me due to my previous c-section. But in our last few visits he continued to warn me of uterine ruptures which are very small, less than 1% risk. I’m completely aware of the risks. I also know that a natural childbirth minimizes any chances of uterine ruptures. It was at this moment I knew the traditional hospital route might not be the best option for me. I had this gut feeling that if I didn’t go a different route, I would optimally end up with a repeat c-section. I tried to ignore it but my doctor continued to confirm that feeling.

Not wanting to end up with another c-section is one of the main reasons, I am pursuing a natural childbirth. Although, I informed my doctor that I was nervous about uterine ruptures, he continued to discourage methods that minimized my risk of uterine ruptures & medical intervention such as; laboring at home or forgoing pain medications like epidurals. I knew from my first pregnancy that laboring at home as long as possible decreases your chances of medical intervention & c-sections. Discouragement from your doctor has a tendency to amplify fear. This didn’t sit well with me, again, I got this feeling that I couldn’t ignore. I also explained the other reasons that I was seeking natural childbirth (see them below) and still wasn’t receiving the level of support I needed from my doctor.

Other reasons for a natural childbirth:

1.) I had a bad reaction to the pain medication the first time around. I felt an itching sensation throughout my whole body for nearly 24 hours after my c-section. Talk about annoying.

2.) I believe medical interventions like pitocin and an epidural caused my son distress during our labor.

3.) The risks associated with multiple c-sections outweigh the risk of a VBAC.

Secondly, the doctor advised me to get an epidural because of the hospital’s policies. Again, I’ve had a bad reaction to the epidural & they also heighten the chances of both uterine ruptures and repeat c-sections. I was disappointed that he would recommend this knowing my desire for a VBAC & risk associated with an epidural, in addition to laboring at the hospital exclusively.

I knew that would be our last appointment. I went back and forth for a while about my options but I had to trust the nagging feeling inside of me.

Ideally, I would love to labor at a birthing center, but you won’t find one in the state of Nevada. I could find another doctor but I was already entering my 3rd trimester and not having luck finding a supportive provider. This doctor was the 3rd one I’ve met with during this pregnancy. I needed a provider that would fully support and encourage a natural vaginal birth after ceaseran.

A Crossfit friend recommended her midwife. I scheduled a consultation and from there I knew I wanted a midwife for Pre-natal care. After about two pre-natal visits, I felt empowered that I could have a successful homebirth. I know that my labor and baby would still be monitored. I also know that the hospital is always there as a backup if wanted or needed. My midwife has highly recommended physicians on stand-by but she’s more than qualified to handle a low risk natural birth like mine.

I recently sat down to write out 3 reasons why I was pursuing a homebirth and wouldn’t you know it, I came up with something like 10 reasons that I will be sharing shortly!

Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers. I really appreciate it. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my peanut’s arrival.

~Tamara