Hi girls,

Finally today after a LOT of thinking and talking and dealing with various medical professionals I decided that at the moment there is nothing what stops me from having a VBAC at home.

Obviosly support is minimal. I want to write a letter to the head of midwifery to inform her about my decision and to generally ask her to be allowed a home birth after c-section.

The problem is I have no idea where to start.
So if there is anybody there who could help me with the letter I would highly appriciate it

xx
Wombat

Forgot to say that I want home waterbirth

I'm afraid I've no idea where to start. Have you tried searching for something similar on the internet? When I was writing my birth plan I had a look for a template on the internet. I'm sure there must be some kind of group advocating home birth who will be able to help.

Littlekitten - tried to look for it already and can't find any And I am not the best writer in the world

I know Marley tried for a VBAC, she might be able to help, but she's just had her LO so she could be busy , hope you get some help soon x

All you need to put really is that you are pregnant, due on... and that you will be having your baby at home. You are aware of all the risks and you do not believe them to be significant. You expect to be fully supported in your choice by the MWs.

Make sure that you don't ask for anything - tell them what you will be doing instead. If you need any more help just ask. An HBAC is a wonderful thing when it works (which it usually does)

Another place to get really good help and advice is the ukvbachbac yahoo group

Thanks Marley

When you wrote your letter how soon did you get a reply and did you have any difficulties with them actually sending a midwife?

Well I just emailed them at the start of my pregnancy and got a reply within a few days. I had no problems with the MWs being supportive, though the doctors weren't. I think a lot of it is the luck of the draw.

I finally managed to write the letter. Posting it here in case anybody will want to use it as a sample.
Once again, thank you for your help



Dear X,

My name is X and I am pregnant with my second baby, due date X. My address is X. I am registered with X surgery community midwives. My consultant is X at X, who is happy for me to go for a VBAC (although we did not discuss a home birth at the time).

My first son was born on the X by a scheduled c-section due to what was diagnosed as SPD. Being a first time mum at that time I knew nothing about what type of birth would be best for me and had to agree to a c-section. This I now think was unnecessary, especially as now I know the diagnosis was wrong. I am having the same pains now, but this time I used private healthcare to check the symphysis itself and it is perfectly fine. I also had my c-section scar checked and it appears to have healed perfectly.

I always believed that the best possible birth for me would be a home water birth. And that is what I have decided to do this time. I also had an appointment with the physiotherapist at X and her advice to me was that due to my pelvic pain water birth would definitely be the best option.

I did a lot of research on the subject and am fully aware of all the risks a home birth after previous c-section involves. I do appreciate the concerns of the medical staff, including my community midwives, but I feel that I have all the information to make my own informed choice regarding my labour and birth and I appreciate and am looking forward to your support.

I would also like to state that I fully trust in the experience of NHS midwives, and I would point out that I live only five minutes drive from the hospital, and if the need should arise I will trust the midwife attending my birth to make a decision about transporting me to the hospital.

I should therefore be grateful if you could confirm that a home birth will be scheduled for me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sounds good