Questions for Dr. Bourque (8w2d)

Well, I finished reading Birthing from Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz yesterday as well as The VBAC Companion by Diana Korte last night.

Both were inspiring and informative reads. I had anticipated Birthing from Within to be a little more earth-shattering based on the stellar recommendations I was given on it, but I think it had more to do with that what I was reading I already felt inside. If that makes sense. It was more of an affirmation of, "I can do this" than anything else.

And I truly believe that I can.

I wrote out a list of questions to ask Dr. Bourque at my next appointment. I'm sure I'm being ridiculous, but reading all of this information makes me want to re-confirm that he is truly on board for this. Because I'm committed and I honestly don't see any reason why I'm not a good candidate for a vaginal birth. Here's what I'm planning on asking him:

• Can I labor at home before leaving for the hospital?
• Do I have to be confined to the bed or do I have the option to walk around? Can I labor in the tub or shower once I arrive at the hospital?
• Can I be monitored intermittently as long as everything looks okay?
• Do I have to give birth on my back?
• How will your backups feel about my VBA2C if you are unavailable for delivery?
• Are there any restrictions you know of at LGMC re: VBAC candidates?
• Do I have any sort of time limit? How many weeks can I go before we are talking a repeat cesarean? How long can I be in labor?
  
• Can I wait to push until I feel the urge instead of automatically pushing at 10 cm? If the baby (or myself) isn't in any danger, are you okay with me waiting?

Some of the questions I'm only generally curious as to his reaction. I already pretty much know that I'm going to labor at home for a bit, because I know that I'll do better in familiar surroundings without feeling like I'm being watched or timed. Ideally, I'd like to arrive at the hospital before transition starts so that I can get myself comfortable and acquainted with my new surroundings ... before things start to get truly uncomfortable.

I will be concerned if I'm required to birth on my back, mostly because that just didn't work last time. Hopefully the baby won't be in a posterior presentation, but we never know. And although I'm going to do everything I can do prevent a posterior position, there's only so much I can do. I'm betting, though, that Dr. B is fine with whatever I want. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that he's going to support me in this.

I'm also a bit concerned about Dr. Daigle and/or Dr. Hardey (assuming he still shares rounds with these two) if Dr. Bourque isn't around. But he's not missed one of my births before -- and it's not like he has a history of doing so. But I do want to ask just so I know if he's got a vacation scheduled around that time.

I feel like I'm getting myself prepared mentally. I've been dreaming about the situation and honestly, I think reading on message boards is clouding my judgment on what this is truly going to be like. Also, Melissa (René's delivery at Women's) really scared me with her story about her OB. I don't think I have to fear what some of these women go through. But I also want to have the peace of mind that I've done everything I can in advance.

Ahhh. Crazy like this at 8 weeks. Jason's going to want to leave me by the end of this.

Speaking of, when I said in passing last night that I just wish we could have a home birth so we wouldn't have to worry about this, he wanted to know why we couldn't! I couldn't believe he'd even entertain the thought. What a doll.