Why Did We Switch Hospitals for Our Second Pregnancy?

"Why are you still at the same hospital where you had your C-section? Do they support vaginal birth after C-section, and have you checked their policies?"

These questions posed by our doula gave us a new perspective and led us to change hospitals, which wasn’t originally part of our birth plan for our second child.

Finding the Right Support

Anna giving birth to Jere, our firstborn, via a C-section was a daunting experience we don’t want to go through ever again.

So, reflecting on our doula’s questions, we delved into the policies of the hospital where we had Jere.

We quickly realised the said hospital isn’t as supportive of vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) as other hospitals.

The hospital’s standard protocol was to direct us straight to the labour ward, with no consideration for our desire for a vaginal birth. This revelation was disheartening but also a necessary wake-up call.

With our doula's guidance, we began exploring other hospitals in our area known for their supportive VBAC policies.

Eventually, we found a hospital that aligned with our birth plan and philosophy.

This move was more than just a change of location; it was a strategic step to ensure we had a supportive environment that respected our birth choices.

Our doula emphasised the importance of being in a supportive setting, especially when opting for a birth plan that might be outside typical guidelines.

Some hospitals are more accommodating and have staff trained to support vaginal births after Cesareans. These hospitals can make a significant difference in the birthing experience, reducing unnecessary interventions and fostering a more natural birth process.

When we finally made the switch, the idea of a home birth became more appealing and feasible.

Though we were initially hesitant about home birth, questioning our readiness, a consultant midwife at the new hospital recommended we consider it.

The new hospital’s level of support and encouragement introduced new possibilities for our birth plan and allowed us to build our confidence in home birth.

Our doula highlighted that such support is rare and invaluable.

Many hospitals, despite legal obligations, do not specialise in or promote VBACs, and their success rates reflect this.

In England, vaginal birth after C-section procedures have a general success rate of about 63.4%. Globally, the success rate varies, ranging between 60% and 80%.

Yet, according to our doula, many hospitals fall short due to restrictive policies and a high-risk approach that often leads to unnecessary interventions.

The Bottomline

As we navigated the complexities of our second pregnancy, we discovered that the right hospital can make all the difference in achieving our birth goals.

By switching to a hospital that genuinely supports VBAC, we not only gained confidence in our choices but also found a supportive environment that respected our birth plan.

Our experience highlights the importance of careful consideration when selecting a hospital, as it can significantly impact the birthing experience and ultimately, the success of any birth plan.

If you’ve previously had a VBAC or you’re opting for it, do you know whether or not your current hospital supports it? Let’s hear your thoughts! Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

Continue reading here to learn more about how else we’re preparing for a home VBAC.

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