u/-have-a-good-day

I had a T-incision/classical-style c-section in 2024 due to a breech baby. There will be about 29 months between that birth and this baby’s due date.
I’ve been trying to research VBAC/TOLAC after a T-incision, but a lot of the studies and recommendations seem outdated or based on limited/skewed data. I also know many women who attempt VBACs after classical or T-incisions end up choosing home birth or midwifery care because so many OBs refuse to support them in any capacity.
I fully understand there are risks, including rupture, and I’m not denying that. But because of that risk, I actually wantmonitored hospital care so that if something were to happen, I’d have immediate access to surgery.
My biggest question is: how do I advocate for myself with providers? So far, multiple OBs have told me there is “no chance” of a trial of labor. But with my previous pregnancies, even my Braxton Hicks contractions have been extremely strong, so my uterus is going to contract regardless — whether from spontaneous labor, prodromal labor, or just daily contractions.
Another issue is that the OBs I’ve spoken to want me to schedule a repeat c-section at 36 weeks because I previously went into labor naturally at 37+5. I’m really uncomfortable with that recommendation. I don’t feel comfortable delivering that early purely out of fear that I might labor naturally, especially knowing the increased NICU risks for baby at 36 weeks.
I’d be much more comfortable either:
-scheduling a repeat c-section closer to 38 weeks, OR

-waiting for spontaneous labor, immediately going to the hospital, and having a c-section then. I live about 10 minutes from the hospital, so I could realistically be there within 20 minutes of labor starting.

I’m just trying to find a provider who will have an evidence-based conversation with me, support informed consent, and not completely deny care based only on blanket policies or outdated findings.
Has anyone here successfully advocated for themselves in a similar situation? What helped? What questions should I be asking providers?

I had a T-incision/classical-style c-section in 2024 due to a breech baby. There will be about 29 months between that birth and this baby’s due date.
I’ve been trying to research VBAC/TOLAC after a T-incision, but a lot of the studies and recommendations seem outdated or based on limited/skewed data. I also know many women who attempt VBACs after classical or T-incisions end up choosing home birth or midwifery care because so many OBs refuse to support them in any capacity.
I fully understand there are risks, including rupture, and I’m not denying that. But because of that risk, I actually want monitored hospital care so that if something were to happen, I’d have immediate access to surgery.
My biggest question is: how do I advocate for myself with providers? So far, multiple OBs have told me there is “no chance” of a trial of labor. But with my previous pregnancies, even my Braxton Hicks contractions have been extremely strong, so my uterus is going to contract regardless — whether from spontaneous labor, prodromal labor, or just daily contractions.
Another issue is that the OBs I’ve spoken to want me to schedule a repeat c-section at 36 weeks because I previously went into labor naturally at 37+5. I’m really uncomfortable with that recommendation. I don’t feel comfortable delivering that early purely out of fear that I might labor naturally, especially knowing the increased NICU risks for baby at 36 weeks.
I’d be much more comfortable either:
-scheduling a repeat c-section closer to 38 weeks, OR

-waiting for spontaneous labor, immediately going to the hospital, and having a c-section then. I live about 10 minutes from the hospital, so I could realistically be there within 20 minutes of labor starting.

I’m just trying to find a provider who will have an evidence-based conversation with me, support informed consent, and not completely deny care based only on blanket policies or outdated findings.
Has anyone here successfully advocated for themselves in a similar situation? What helped? What questions should I be asking providers?