Any Moms Who Have Had VBAC

I had a VBAC in Singapore and it was just fine. They told that the reason for my C-section was because my first child was breach and they couldn't see where one of her legs was, so I had the C-section. So there was no reason at all I couldn't have a vaginal birth two years later with my second child. I was fine and my second child was fine! So going for a VBAC depends on the reason for the first C-section.

I had a vbac with my second and it was a great experience. I delivered at Magee w/Patrick Thornton CNM, who is a great vbac advocate. It was a totally normal birth.

Do it if you can! I had regular, then for my second I had to have a C-section. I was successful having the regular vaginal delivery with the third. You are right---the recovery issues are so different. It was no problem. D. www.dianafletcher.com

I have never had to have a c-section, but as a doula, have worked with moms who had sucessful vbacs. I would recommend finding a midwife or a doctor who is vbac friendly and consider hiring a doula.(if you are interested in info on midwives or doulas, let me know, I can get you info and/ or referrals.) Vbac is safer than a repeat c-section in almost all cases. Cesarean section is a major surgery, but it is done so often that it is regarded as a routine procedure. I know women that have put more thought into dental procedures than a cesarean. This is major surgery! All surgerys have major risks.
You should also consider your future fertility also. If you are considering more children, repeat c-sections increase the risk of etopic pregnancy, placenta problems, and problems getting pregnant in general.
I would definately recommend a VBAC.

i've never had a vbac but i just wanted suggest u talk to your dr bout it because some dr still don't support vbac because of the risks involved. my dr doesn't but i don't wanna change dr so i opted for schedule c-section this time around.

Hi K.! I know how you feel. I had a c-section with my daughter (8 lbs 8 oz) and did not want that again. She just pretty much refused to come out. LOL I was able to have a VBAC with my son who ended up being 10 lbs 2 oz. He was much bigger than my daughter but everything turned out fine. (I am not a big person. It was rough on my back and hips.) I had the support of my husband and the midwives at "The Midwife Center" in Pittsburgh. My birth was in a hospital but the midwife was in charge. Midwifery care is something to consider. They will be your champion when it comes to getting what you want from your birth experience. They can help manage high risk pregnancies too. There are a few midwives in the poconos area. Andrea McLaren at "Pocono Midwives" is awesome. The number there is ###-###-####. I wish you the best with your delivery. :-)

Hi K., I don't know the reason why you had a c-section but I did want to take a moment to tell you that unless your first one was scheduled, if you have to have another one this time it will be completely different. I have had 3 c-sections and the first one was unplanned and happened after many hours of unproductive labor. The second time my doctor (a different ob/gyn thanks to an insurance change) was really pushing me to VBAC. I had discussed the reason's behind the first c-section extensively with my first ob/gyn and was not comfortable with even considering VBAC. In my case I was lucky (IMO) and #2 was over a pound bigger than #1 which automaticly took me out of consideration for VBAC (at least in Ohio 11 yrs ago).

The reason why I'm writing you is because my second and thrid experience with C-sectoins were completely different than the first. I went to the hospital rested, calm & happy and since I knew what to expect (more or less) everything was Sooooo much better. From the first IV to the time in the recovery room things just flowed, we laughed and joked in the OR, I was on my feet faster, used a lot less pain meds & overall I healed a lot faster as well. I even decided to nurse my third one!!

The birth process is what you make of it if you have a choice or not....the most important being that you and the baby get the best possiable start and are both healthy and happy no matter what type of delivery you have.

Don't be afraid of having another c-section if you have to have one. My husband wasn't able to take a lot of time off either and when I had #2 my oldest turned 2 and was still in diapers the day after I got home from the hospital! When I had #3 my oldest was almost 5 & my youngest was almost 3, and there again I was on my own with them after a few days. Believe it or not we were fine. You don't have to lift, and at that age kids are very helpfull (at least at first haha) espically if you are creative and plan a bit a head.

Before you have the baby is the time to start with preparing and freezing meals, stocking up on the items that you can like papergoods, boxed stuff, personal items, canned goods, diapers, wipes, etc. And don't forget the all important gifts for big brother & sister from baby! Believe me, if you can handle having twins this will be a snap for you, even if you do end up having a c-section!!

Take a deep breath and relax, and try not to worry about it just prepare your home for whatever comes the more relaxed you are the better things will be for you and your family! Good luck, Congrats and best wishes!!

Hello K.-
My son was born via emergency c-section and I had 2 beautiful daughters via vbac after. I had no risk factors so I was told I would be able to try it. I was 30 when I delivered my son, 32, with my first daughter and 33 with my second. I had no complications what so ever and was thankful for not having to go through the recovery of a c-section again. So many people just opt for planned c-sections if they had one with their first, but if your doctors feel you have NO risk factors I honestly would go with the vbac.
Feel free to e-mail me with any specific questions I would love to chat if you need an ear.
Sincerely
A. S.

I am assuming the reason you had a c-section is because you had twins the first time? I was in a similar situation as you. I had triplets via c-section 5 years ago. I had a WONDERFUL VBAC 6 months ago with my baby boy. Like you I did not want a long and hard recovery having 3 five year olds at home. Of the four doctors in my practice, only 1 supported my VBAC. Thankfully he was the one that ended up delivering my son. He came so quickly that I didn't have a chance to get an epidural so I had a completely natural vaginal birth. It was such a wonderful experience after having my triplets via c-section 9 weeks early. The risks of a major surgery are much higher then a VBAC. Definitely go for it!

S.

Hi, K.!
Congratulations on your pregnancy & your desire for a VBAC! I think that's wonderful!
I should warn you, in case you haven't heard, that it may be an uphill battle to get one Many hospitals have refused to offer them so that they can get reduced rates in malpractice insurance (even though, statistically, they are MUCH safer for mom & baby!

I have not had a VBAC myself (I was fortunate enough to have 2 waterbirths--the 2nd one at home). However, I teach childbirth education.

I would HIGHLY suggest finding a great midwife, getting a doula & maybe even a montrice. Staying at home until you're just about in transition, if that's possible for you, will greatly increase your chance of success.

Also, if you haven't already, read "The VBAC Companion" as well as "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth", "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" and maybe "Pushed". (I'm reading tha last one now & it's great!). Also, rent "The Business of Being Born" from Netflix or just buy it at www.TheBusinessofBeingBorn.com It is fantastic!!! (It's Ricki Lake's documentary)

I would also take a great childbirth ed class that is NOT hospital based & maybe attend some VBAC support groups (you can find them through ICAN.org or through www.MaternalWellness.org).

I truly wish you the very best of luck on a wonderful, beautiful birthing experience!

Blessings,
A.

Hi K.,

I was like you and was very concermed about having a second c-section and taking care of my other child. I have a 2 year old and had a second c-section this past March. I wanted to try the VBAC, but my doctors leaned towards the c-section. My husband works at night and sleeps during the day so I was worried about taking care of my 2 year old who still needs diapers changed and everything else done for him, including being picked up and put in a crib. My point is, I didn't think I could do it and I did. The first week was hard, but not unbearable. My first c-section was not planned and it was a harder recovery than the scheduled one. You would just need help the first two weeks because you can't drive. I was making dinners and giving baths my first week home. If you really want to have the VBAC - go for it! But, if you are just scared - you will get through it. Having a c-section doesn't make you any less of a woman and your baby will love you know matter what.

Good luck,
Deb

go to www.mothering.com/discussions/
join this group and become educated. Drs are only surgeons. They will not want you to try a vbac unless you find a really good dr. They will try to talk you out of it. Or else don't go in until you're in labor.

I had a VBAC (at Magee) and it was the best decision for me. My first birth was a planned c-section due to other circumstances. At the time of my c-section, I thought this is the way to go! No stress (since it was planned), no contractions, we just hung out until it was our turn and moments later it was over. When I found out I was pregnant again, my first question for the doctor was whether or not I could try for a VBAC. One of my OBs questioned why I would bother trying the VBAC, but most of the doctors in my practice were incredibly supportive (especially the female OBs). The doctor that delivered my son even hugged me afterwards! She said she was so proud of me for sticking with it and she was so happy I was able to have a VBAC. My recovery from the VBAC was a thousand times easier than my recovery from the c-section. I will probably try to do it again when I have another baby. I would suggest that you first discuss your options with your doctor. There may be reasons why you aren't a good candidate for a VBAC, which you may not even know. If your doctors say that you're a good candidate, then read up on what to expect and make an informed decision. And make sure your doctor supports your decision, whatever it is. If they don't, look for another doctor or find a mid-wife or doula to help with your delivery. There are increased risks with a VBAC and that means that during labor your doctor will be watching you a little bit closer than normal. Nothing crazy though, I didn't notice the extra attention. There are just extra risks and so they have to be careful. I should say though, everything I read seemed to indicate that these risks are present in any vaginal birth, they're just a little higher in VBACs. Still, the numbers are low. In the end, it was the best decision for me and I'm so happy I was able to do it. Good luck! And stick to your guns. You'll know what's right for you and for your body.

I will echo many of the comments already noted. It depends on why you had a C-section the first time. I had a C with my son 16 years ago. He was just too large (9.5 pounds) to come through. My OB wanted me to have a VBAC when I was pregnant with my daughter 3 years later. He told me she was not as big as my son. He was wrong; she was also 9.5 pounds.

My daughter was born vaginally, but I had a difficult time (I will spare you the details). I heard my OB mutter under his breath, as he was "fixing me up" after delivery that he should have done another C.

Needless to say, my recovery was harder with the VBAC than it would have been from a C.

So, please talk to your doctor and ask all the questions you can think of. Advantages, disadvantages, possibilities of a repeat from whatever was the reason with the twins, option to wait to go into labor to start VBAC but switch to C if there are issues...

Best of luck to you.

Hi K.,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I have only had one child (also via emergency c-section) and I am planning to try a VBAC with baby number 2. I have several friends who have done it. The key is getting a doctor/midwife who is supportive of your desire to have a VBAC. Often Drs are too worried about liability and not looking out for what may be best for the patient - only what is lowest risk - so first try to find a Dr who supports you.

Good luck with your decision and congratulations again on your pregnancy.

J.

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I had a VBAC with my 3rd child. Some of the factors that went into that decision - I had a relatively quick vaginal delivery with my first child, and the only reason I had a c-section with my second was because he was breech. So, if the only reason you had a c-section with your first pregnancy was because they were twins, and not for insufficient progress with delivery, then I don't see why you shouldn't try VBAC. Talk with your doctors about it, of course. Ask them what precautions they will want to take. My ob wanted me on constant uterine monitoring, but I was able to get a portable unit so I was not confined to bed for the duration of my labor. I had absolutely no complications during or after my VBAC.

I had a vbac. My older daughter was 3 when my younger one was born. What I suggest is talk to your doctor often to insure that it is going to be ok. My problem with my first child was that she was facing up instead of down and after laboring all night, I started to swell. I had no problems whatsoever with my second. Just talk to you doctor and make sure that they don't see any problems with it.

K.,
I elected to have a VBAC with our second child. It was the best decision I made I think and I am so happy I did. At the time, we lived in Ga where the hospitals don't allow VBAC's. At the time of my pregnancy, the closest hospital in GA was on the fence with the idea of allowing VBAC's so my midwife suggested I wait to make the decision. Well, at about 7 1/2 months along, the decision was made that the hospital would not allow VBAC's. Well, I was really hopeful to have one, so we got a referral to a Doctor in Florida (about 30 min. away) to deliver at a hospital that allowed it. I only saw that dr. for about 1 month, but in the end, I was happy I transferred so I could have a VBAC. The labor and delivery was a much better experience than the C-section and the recovery was alot faster as well. I was also in the same situation with no help past about 5 days after the delivery so I was so happy that I didn't have to recover from the c-section by myself and our 2 children.
Good luck with the decision. I would recommend a VBAC!

Hello K.-
I will say this...I had a boy via c-section and then a girl 28 months later via vback. The recovery is soooo much faster. Some doctors will not allow a vback. So, I would check that out. I would recommend that route from my experience. Hope this helps you.

Hi K. -I had a C-section w/my first, who was breech. It was scheduled, and went smoothly. I elected to have a VBAC w/my second, and had a MUCH longer, more painful deliver AND recovery. I realize this is very individual, but I just wanted to share a different perspective. If I had a third, I would without question have a C-section. My focus has always been less about the process and more about the product...and I had a beautiful, healthy child each time. But I do think that those who wrote about a scheduled C-section often having a better experience are right. My VBAC was 27 hours of labor, 3 hours of pushing, tearing, episiotomy, etc. I was walking, driving, exercising, and felt much better FAR sooner when I had the C-section.

Good luck! I agonized about it. In hindsight, I wish I had chosen differently, but alls well that ends well....

Hi K.,
If you have the option of vaginal birth, go for it. I had three babies. The first was c-section, the middle was vaginal, and the third was another section. The recovery from the vaginal birth was so much easier. I was on my feet faster, and felt better, because I didn't get that gas and bloated feeling from the surgery. It can be done. Good luck.
M. P.

Hi...I had two vaginal births after my c-section!! I was like you, I did not want another c-section. My recovery after the vaginal births was much quicker! My first was born by c-section, and because it was an emergency, I was put to sleep...I didn't even see my baby for two days. I used an epidoral for the next two, just in case another c-section was necessary, that way, I could at least be awake for it. Talk with your doctor about giving you a tril labor. They have come a long way from "once a c-section, always a c-secion".

I am a 51 year old of 4 children, 27, 21,15,and 13. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them...D.

I think your body will tell you what is best for you. I would talk to your doctor as well and make sure you can have a vaginal birth. I know people who have had natural birth after a c-section and they were okay.

Good luck

I had a C-section with my first--girl, then I had a miscarriage at 20 weeks and had to have another C-section for medical reasons. I wanted 2 or 3 more children and really didn't want that many "C's", so I talked with my dr. about V-bac, read alot of books, and asked advise from friends and nurses. I was able to have my second AND third children without C-sections. The recovery is faster,--still pain and issues to deal with--but not the incision and possible infection--extra stitches etc.... Just be informed and make the best decision for you and your baby at the time.

I had a C-section 5 years ago and I thought it was the worst pain ever and awful recovery. I had another C-section 11 months ago and I was so scared that the recovery would be just as painful. To my surprise and delight the second time around went sooo much more smoothly. I was walking around and doing dishes the day I came home from the hospital. You said you wont have any help through recovery, but trust me...your 5 year olds will be more help than you can imagine. My daughter was a little over 4 when I brought my son home and she was the biggest help! Just the littlest thing she could do to help me made her feel great and was just the help I needed.

I hope this helps you if you do end up having another c-section.