Hellobee Boards

@Mrs. Lion: on the doula issue, I just wanted to say that I was so glad to have my doula even though I loved my doctor. She gave me tips for easing pain, checked with the nurses about things, etc. Since my induction failed without me ever dilating, she wasn't too involved in helping me labor, but my OB allowed her to come in the OR with us for the c-section. She took pictures, and then stayed near me because I wanted DH to go over where the boys were being examined. I would definitely consider a doula again. My OB was hardly ever in the room during the labor process, and had I been responding better, I think it would have been fantastic to have someone there all the time who knew different positions to try, what was happening, etc.

As for the VBAC, I'm pretty committed to trying a VBAC if I can because I'll have two toddlers at home to take care of and even if I have some vaginal pain/issues (which I'm terrified of, too!), at least I'll be able to pick them up sooner, etc. Another thing that weighed heavily in my mind was the NICU issue. E had breathing issues but only had to be on various respiratory help for less than 24 hours. I've always wandered if he had been born vaginally, which I understand helps squeeze liquid out of the lungs, etc., if he would have avoided NICU completely. While I had a good c-section experience, a lot of my feelings are tied up in wanting to avoid the overall experience I had last time with the boys being taken to NICU right away. I know a RCS doesn't equal NICU by any stretch of the imagination, but it's hard for me to not want the exact opposite of that whole experience. After reading everything I could get my hands on, I felt like the risks to baby were about equal, and my risks were slightly better with a VBAC, so that's what I'm hoping for, but I truly don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" answer here. If my body doesn't go into labor on it's own, then I'll happily sign up for a RCS & pray for the best either way. I think PP also gave great advice to wait and see how you feel when it's closer to time. Good luck!