Birth options
Birth Options and Vaginal Birth after Caesarean clinics (VBAC) are run by a consultant midwife and/or a senior midwife with expertise in birth planning for complex cases.
Discussion on birth preferences usually take place between a woman and her community midwife. If the woman feels she needs further advice, a personalised birth plan can be discussed and designed with your community midwife where necessary. Your midwife will refer you to be seen in the VBAC clinic.
The Birth Options clinic is run on Tuesday mornings and is aimed at women who have had a history of complex birth or those who would like to discuss their birth options when these are outside clinical guidance. Women referred to Birth Options clinic are presented with evidence-based information regarding recommendations for birth, whilst individual queries are answered and referrals to other team members are made, where appropriate.
The VBAC clinic takes place on a Tuesday afternoon at Watford General hospital and once a month on a Wednesday at Hemel Hempstead hospital and we see women who have previously had a caesarean section and have attended a VBAC class. If they feel they need more information to make a decision with regards to mode of birth they can book an appointment to attend the VBAC clinic.
VBAC classes
VBAC classes are group classes held every other Wednesday. These are often attended by couples. A midwife will discuss the subject of birth after a caesarean section, covering the benefits and risks of vaginal birth after caesarean section. Also discussed will be elective caesarean sections.
Other important subjects, such as optimum positioning of the baby in the womb, when to call the hospital, and induction of labour will also be covered.
