Hi shellbear, Interesting to read all the posts. I had an emergency c-section in Nov 08 at King's, and i'm due to have baby no.2 in July. After a horrible birth experience, I initially thought only about elective c-section. However, I had a brilliant appointment a couple of weeks ago with Teresa Arias, Consultant Midwife at King's at their VBAC clinic on a Friday afternoon. I thought I was going to have a battle on my hands to argue my case for elective c-section again, but she listened amazingly to my story, went through my notes from my previous birth in detail (and photocopied them for me) to help me understand what had gone wrong, and didn't push me in the slightest. However, she talked about VBAC as an option in a really unpressurising way, and i've since decided to try for a VBAC. However, for me, I feel the best chance of this is to have a midwife I know with me at the birth, in the calmest possible environment. I was lucky enough to be with the Lanes last time, but now out of area. Therefore we've decided to hire an Independent Midwife. It's an expensive option, but I have been so impressed with their wealth of experience in dealing with VBACS and the success rate they have. It also gives the option to try and have the baby at home, but that if we decide to go into hospital, they will come with us as a birth support. I did phone Lewisham Birth Centre too, but they said to me that I wouldn't be considered as I had the c-section. Maybe you might have a different experience? Also, I was told too by another midwife that the birth pools at Kings can be used for VBAC (if free of course!), and they do have mobile monitors, but apparently they are broken at the moment! We were also encouraged to argue for what we want if we do go into hospital- you don't have to have the canular (sp?) in your hand (in case of emergency) if you don't want it, you can say you don't want to be on the bed etc. We were also recommended to get all of your wishes written into a birth plan and put into your notes so that it's clear what you want when you get to hospital. Anyway- just a few thoughts and good luck!
