"VBAC with J incision"

After approaching another service for Obstetric appointments prior to the birth of our 2nd child, we were informed of the risks associated with TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean), due to a J incision on the uterus which was performed with our first born via emergency c-section 3 years ago. The midwives and specialists Ob's were unsupportive of this and strongly recommended / advised an elective c-section was required. 

We were also aware of the risks as we had completed our own research and asked the hospital to refer us to King Edward Memorial Hospital. We were fortunate to have the support of our community midwife (Sandra) from the Narrogin Midwifery Group Practice, and as a known care provider she was able to support us with this request. 

Our known midwife was also able to support us through visits to our home, as well as over the phone which helped us to prepare for the birth of our second child. She ensured that we did everything possible to assist the baby to get into the right position and give us the best chance of success which allowed a very short and straightforward labour. 

When we presented at King Edward Memorial Hospital, we were fortunate to have the support of midwives in the NBAC clinic who were supportive of our choices, and assisted us to have an appointment with Dr Nic, who was our consultant. 

Dr Nic listened to our wishes, and outlined the risks. He was very supportive of our choices.  We saw him at 31, and 38 weeks (we had an appointment with a different consultant at 34 weeks who was very unsupportive and, I felt, used scare tactics to dissuade us). At our 38 week appointment, Dr Nic was very positive and reassuring. He was happy with the progress of the pregnancy and took a copy of our birth preferences. Our next appointment was booked for 40 weeks.

We never made that appointment. We went into spontaneous labour at 38 + 1. When we presented at hospital, all midwives were very positive and efficient. As the labour was already very progressed, there was little time to go through our file, however the midwives asked all the right questions and followed our birth preferences with no hesitation.

After presenting at the hospital at 19:30, our happy healthy baby was born naturally at 21:32. 

We would like to thank all the supportive staff (our known midwife who provided face to face as well as phone support throughout our journey, the midwives at King Edward Memorial Hospital, and Dr Nic) who helped us to make our birth experience to be so positive, rewarding and healing. Without the support of these people, we would have had a very different story to tell.