Can I refuse VBAC?
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Unfortunately you cannot force any provider to do what is considered an elective procedure The tricky part is whether or not it actually is considered medically necessary or not. If the doctor is medically certain that vaginal birth is safer and that c section is unnecessary then you won’t be able to force them to do it. It’s also riskier doing it “on the fly” if they are not prepared for it and they won’t just rush you to the OR after your water breaks just because you want it considering how many medical emergencies there are in birth. You could go to a different birthing facility or ask them to refer you to a provider who is willing to do the c section.
You can absolutely ask for a C section. This website has lots of helpful info about your options https://birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/right-to-a-c-section/#who
@Laura She can ask for one, the problem is that a doctor does not have to perform it if it is considered elective and medically unnecessary and that is the issue she is having
@Janis it’s just confusing because one consultant was fairly against vbac and was advocating for a C-section because of how close my pregnancies were together and the risk of complications during vbac and chances it would end up in an emergency C-section again but today another consultant was having none of it
@Janis Hey! Absolutely, and if that’s the case she can ask for a different doctor that’s happy to perform the C section and refer herself to the head of OBs. It’s a lot of advocating for yourself but better to start sooner if Millie is really set on it
@Janis I can see you’re in the US, in the UK women have a legal right to request a c-section. Whilst two drs might not agree, they have to then refer to another Dr who does within the health service. But ultimately she is legally entitled to the surgery. @Millie ask to see the original consultant again and insist on booking your section in. You’re likely to go into labour earlier so should be around 39 weeks. You’re entitled to give birth however you choose x
You can give birth any way you want to. It's your choice, and don't let them tell you otherwise
@Janis this is a UK group. Legally she can give birth however she wants.
Yes I went into Labour before my scheduled c-section and they were able to perform an “emergency C-section” however it took them all day to make the decision and I kept on asking, it also involved not being able to eat during the day whilst they could find the availability to do it in the day. I went on slow Labour at 10 pm the 19th of dec and had her via c section at 8:35 pm on the 20th. But was in hospital the whole time I was only 1 cm, when I arrived so they waiting until I became 2 cm to do the “emergency c-section)
You can give birth however you want to, so yes you can refuse vbac and say you want a section.