C--section vs VBAC

Hi M. - My job is defending hospitals and obstetricians when they get sued for alleged malpractice related to labor and delivery, including VBAC's. My advice to you would be to get as much information as you can about the risks and benefits of giving vaginal birth after c/s and for a repeat c/s. You should talk to your doctor specifically about each individual risk/benefit for both modes of delivery. You should read ACOG materials (American College of Obstetrician/Gynecologists) about the risks as well, so you can digest the information for yourself. Anecdotal evidence from individuals is interesting and somewhat informative, but overall is pretty inconsequential when it comes to your personal decision. I would advise that if you do choose to deliver vaginally, that you give birth in a hospital that has facilities including (1) immediate access to anesthesia, operating room and all personnel necessary for an emergent c/s delivery if necessary (2) Level 3 nursery and neonatal personnel on site- these facilities have the capability to provide the very best care for a baby born after emergent delivery if something happens. I would not recommend that you try and have this baby at home or in any other place other than the above, however.

1 mom found this helpful

Hello M. I had a c-section with my first and while prego w/ my second I asked this question all the way up until the end. I went with v-bac and very happy w/ my decision. You really need to think about it and figure out what would be better for you. Although my c-section was not too bad I had to weigh my options w/ the 2nd. This is what went through my mind of course the risk's of a v-bac but there are risk of a c-section too. I thought it would not be fun to recover from a c-section with a 4 year old and an infant to take care of! AND mostly just the experience of it naturally let my body have another chance at doing what (in my mind) what is was supposed to do!! My 2nd was bigger then my first too. In the end a quicker recovery and a shorter stay in the hospital WELL worth it for me. You need to ask yourself if these things are worth it to you too.
GOOD LUCK!!! Happy delivery!
B.

I've had three children, first was vaginal, very easy. Second C-section, he was 9lbs 15oz. Third one I wanted to do vaginal, it was a very hard delivery, should have been C-section, for myself and the baby. My doctor should have given me more information. Talk to your doctor, every person is different. Good luck

Go To www.ICAN-ONLINE.ORG

A VBAC is safer for you, and healthier for baby. The risks are very low.

http://www.childbirthconnection.com/ is also a really good resource for information.

Ultimatly you are the only one who can descide what to do. The fact that you know that your baby was positioned wrong is great. You know that it was a fluke, and you can work in this next pregnancy to get this baby into a better position for birth. Your size and the baby's size doesn't really matter. Unless you have unchecked diabetes your body will not grow a baby it cannot birth.

Hi M.,
I know that every case is different, but I would like to share a similar situation with my own daughter. My daughter
Kari had trouble with her first delivery (see too is petite),
and delivered by c-section.
When she found out she was pregnant again (18 months later)
she decided to take the classes and try for VBack delivery.
She went through hours and hours of labor and excruciating
pain determined to have a vaginal delivery. Well after all
that she ended up having to have another c-section. Not only
was she worn out, but very disappointed. Her baby was a 7.8
in weight, so not a huge baby.
I'm not saying this will happen to you, but it is always a
possibility. I know there are some that are successful
at vback deliveries.
I would suggest taking the classes and learning more about
it. It is always good to make a really educated decision.
I wish you the best, no matter what you decide to do.
Gramma J.

I would encourage you to try a VBAC if your care provider thinks it would be ok. I would also get a second opinion from another care provider (from a different office). Also, hiring a doula would be a benificial thing. Having labor support at your birth increases a sucessful VBAC exponentially. Email me if you want references to VBAC friendly care providers or doulas.
GOod luck!

Hello my daughter is now 4 months but i had a repeat c-section. My first was 10lbs 3oz and 24in long and so they said that if i tried to deliver that i would have a seperated pelvic and i am only 5'3 so i am petite. My c-sec with my first was great i was out and about a few days later. So here i have my second and my dr asked if i would want a v-bac and i said i dont know. So he said well i will do one but the risks are higher for a rupture and well you will have to have an emergency and i said well what is safer and he said the c-sec and well i am looking at making sure my baby gets into this world safe. This time i had a c-sec and it was even better what an easy recovery my friend that had a vag didnt recover as fast as me. So good luck with your decision and congrats on being preggo again.

Hi Michelle!

Only you can make that decision. More knowledge will be your asset. I suggest you read "Silent Knife", "Open Season", and books by Ina Mae Gaskin. Midwifery Today is an educational link.

I was a VBAC with my second child.It was wonderful to have the baby vaginaly. Within hours I was up walking around and enjoying my new son.

I've givin birth 6times and three were c section i would go vaginal because the healin time was easiest.and i've heard people say the first baby is the hardest i have even found that to be true.good luck and god bless.

Personally, for my second I signed up for a VBAC. When it came to delivery I wasn't progressing and after hours of waiting I just decided to have another C-section. Afterwards the doctor told me it was a good idea because I have a backwards tilting bone that will not allow for natural birth. I don't know how common this is, my aunt on my father's side has it as well and she had 5 C-sections. It was also recommended that I not have but maybe one more C-section. Recovery had been good with both, except with my second I was too active too soon and popped a stitch and was bleeding fairly heavily from the incision. I am scheduled for a C-section for my last baby due in June. I know what I'm getting with the C-section and am okay with the fact that it's my only option. My children were in the lower 8 lb range, so that should be a consideration as well.
I think that if you're okay with the possibility of another c-section and as long as the doctor says there are no risks (I have thin uterine lining at the bottom and some thin spots in the scar area and there could be problems if I went into early labor)you should go for it.
Good Luck and congratulations!

I had a emergency c-section with my son after 1 1/2hrs of pushing and because my next pregnancy was so close to my first(14mos) and my son was large(9lbs 5oz) my OB wouldn't allow me to try a VBAC because of the risks. I thought it would be better having another c-section because I knew what to expect and I could plan care for my son but I had a complication and my incision had to be opened up at the hospital prior to going home and we had to do dressing changes 3x/day for 3mos and then I needed more surgery so a repeat C-section is not always the answer. Bottom line I'm not trying to scare you but just let you know that surgery can come with complications that you are not even aware of. I am an RN and never thought that I would leave the hospital after having a c-section with an open wound and dressings. VBAC's come with complications too so just talk with your OB and they can direct you what is the best option for you. Also if you plan on having more children it is much easier on your body to have vaginal deliveries where as if you have a c-section now you will always have to have them with any future pregnancies-that is what I am expieriencing now with my 3rd pregnancy. Also recovery time I have heard is much better after a vaginal delivery especially if you have other children to care for because after a c-section you can only lift the baby-no other children. A good friend of mine had a c-section with her first and since has had 3 VBACs without complication and swears that vaginal births are much better compared to her c-section experience. Best of luck to you.
Take care.

I've done both. My first two were born abroad and the oldest was "yanked" out with a suction bell. I felt like my whole insides were being pulled out. Got the episiotomy with it too and everyone was walking around with a tushie cushion to gently sit on.
My second birth was natural and a breeze.
My third was C-section. It wasn't by choice but necessity.

If you're not built for natural birthing, then birth however possible. I mean that's the ultimate goal, right? How you do it is irrelevant.

Hi M.,
I had a C-section for my first child and decided to try a VBAC for my second. My doctor told me that it was my decision and I had a 50/50 chance of having him vaginally. So I went through all the labor again and then had another C-section. If I ever had more I would def. go straight for the section. It is your decision so if you are willing to go through the labor again and still have a chance for a section, go for it. Good luck.
Chris

Hi M.,

I had my first daughter via c-section after almost 30 hours and 2 1/2 hours of pushing. I recovered quite quickly. I had a c-section scheduled for my second, but he came so quickly and early, that I had a VBAC. My third just turned one and she was VBAC as well. My girls were both close to 9 lbs and I needed forceps for both. I actually recovered more quickly from my c-section than the VBAC's. It is mixed because I enjoyed the process of giving birth vaginally and the accomplishment that I felt. Having my husband cut their cords, etc. I did have nerve damage from the forceps that required catheterization (Sp?.) I don't think I would have changed how things went though. One other thing, I felt emotionally better after VBAC. I had horrible postpartum with my first. I don't know if there was any correlation at all. Maybe it was the first timer thing. Just a thought.

Good luck though. It is a tough decision.

C.

Hi M., I had my first child c-section as his heart rate was too low to deliver naturally. As a result, I was able to deliver my second child naturally. I think it is your decision. You need to decide what is best for the baby and you. I am sure your doctor can give you an estimated weight prior to your due date, which should help you decide what route to go.

I wish you well.

M.

I had two c-sections and I wouldn't even consider having a natural birth. Seems weird, I know, because there are so many women who wouldn't even consider a c-section. My doctors said they would do whatever I wanted either way. I said, definitely a c-section. Yes, compared to natural birth the recovery is a little longer, but I had a really quick recovery my second time around. The first time, probably because I didn't know what to expect, I had a hard time sitting up in the hospital bed and was basically pretty sore. The second time I was able to get out of bed much quicker and easier and all-around had an easier recovery. Plus, if you know you are having a c-section, you schedule the date with the doctor you want, you get a nice shower, good meal, and rest before the surgery. Finally, you can plan a little better for your first child since you know when you are going to go into the hospital. All of these worked well with me, because we were able to schedule grandma staying with my first born. I know many would criticize this, but I still would never have chosen natural my second time around.

I am also petite and had a 9lb 1oz baby naturally. If your next baby is as large or larger then your first, I would highly suggest another c-section. My son did a lot of damage on his way out and it took me months to heal. I think I would have been better off with a c-section and will opt for that next time if I have another large baby.

Like you I too had a long labor for my 1st that ended in C-sec & worried the whole time I was pregnant for my 2nd that maybe I should just schedule a 2nd C-sec.... I ended up listening to everyone's advice and going for a natural birth. The two experiences couldn't have been more different! And even though I too thought that the C-sec recovery wasn't too bad, the VBAC recovery was even that much BETTER! Especially with a toddler to take care of, the weight lifting restriction would have been just awful! I also was able to breastfeed my 2nd the day she was born, and had a rough go of it with my 1st born son.

Bottom line: I encourage you to go for it. I also encourage you to take the advice to work with a doula! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Relax, trust your body, it knows what to do!

Michelle, first I'd listen to the doctors opinion. Surgery isn't without risk- infection being one of them. I have had a VBAC and although my bottom was a little sore and the pressure of my daughter coming through the birth canal was like nothing I'd ever felt before the recovery was so much faster. I remember being so tired after my c-section and with my first c-s I had a lot of discomfort but with my third child and second c-s I did not. For pain relief after c-s I found Motrin to be far more effective that narcotics the first time. If your doctor thinks it's feasible to try a VBAC I'd say go for it. K.

Congrats on the new baby! I have one 2.5 year old son. I had a c-section because the doctors predicted that he was nearly 11 pounds. The surgury went well..and I didn't feel a thing. One day later they discovered a massive blood clot in my stomach from the c section. I had a blood transfusion and almost had to go into emergency surgury to remove the blood clot ( I refused the surgury because I was high on morphine and deathly afraid)....this could of turned out really bad but it didn't. Then after 5 days I was able to go home. I thought everything was ok and I felt pretty good.....a couple days after I got home I had really bad night sweats and stomach pain. I went to the doctor to find out I had a major infection where my c section cut was....after 8 weeks of trying 4 different antibiotics that wouldn't get rid of my infection....they had to draw the infection out with a gigantic needle. NOw......ask me if I found out if I wasn't pregnant again today....would I have a c section???.......I can honestly say......I am not sure....because my case was rare but it does happen ....so make sure you make an educated decision and speak with your health care providers to explore every single risks with both methods.....good luck!!

From my experience, I thought that the VBAC was much better than the c-section. My c-section experience was much gentler than yours (water broke, but never went into labor), and I still feel this way.

I found the recovery MUCH easier with the VBAC. Most importantly, though, I was able to pick up and play with my 17 month old son, and I truly think that it made the transition for him much easier, having his mommy be "normal".

Whatever you decide, I hope you feel comfortable with your decision. You'll end up with a beautiful baby regardless!

Hi M.,

I had a VBAC for my second son on 12/24/07. My first son was born in June of 2006, in an emergency c-section due to fetal distress.
I have to say I recovered MUCH more quickly from the VBAC than I did the c/s (great for taking care of 2 kids!), and the labor and delivery experience soooooooo much better with the VBAC too!
I would start talking to your OB now about your options and what their opinion is. I would look into the hospital's policy on VBAC delivery - some won't let you do them. I would also research as much as possible, and then weigh your options, including deciding what type of delivery you really want. I completely understand your not wanting to try VBAC only to end up in a repeat c-section, that was my greatest fear too.
I desparately wanted to attempt a VBAC, and my doc was very neutral on the subject, but was willing to let me try. She was not willing to induce my labor though, and wouldn't let me go more than 1 week past my due date. I was 5 days away from my due date and had no cervical changes or indications of labor - I thought for sure we were going to have to schedule a repeat c-section. But by the grace of God, natural labor started on its own on my due date.

Anyway, I could go on and on about it.....so if you want to hear more, please feel free to contact me!
____@____.com

B.

Hi, I have found that the best people to ask are Doulas and Midwifes, as they have done many births with moms who weren't happy with their first experience and will know more women who have done vbacs. There is a site online that has a list of doulas in the area who are licensed. http://www.dona.org/

Good luck I wish you the best,
K.

I had a VBAC and it went great! I also use to work for an OBGYN and had delt with moms that have had the scheduled c-section after already having one and felt it went good and they felt great. I also delt with mom's that attempted and failed at the VBAC and there experience was not so good. They are exausted and sore from the labor and I have been told that having the c-section after the labor is harder. It's been several years since I have worked for the OB GYN but havd heard they no longer recommend the VBAC because the risk is to high for uterian rupture where you had the c-section in the past. I would for sure talk to your care giver and see what they suggest after all they are the experts.

I hope this helped and didn't cause more confusion. Best of luck with your new little one and your decision.

M.,
I believe this is a very personal question that only you can answer but there are so questions you need to ask yourself. Is a vaginal delivery important to me? I have been told by more than one dr (I have three kids) that each baby you have is a little bigger and comes a little faster. I had a 8lb 9 1/2oz baby girl in 5 hours then had 9lb 6oz baby girl in 3 hours so if a c section healing was not that bad for you then I would consider it again. You do have to take into consideration that you have a baby at home already that is going to demand your attention and need your help everyday most of the day where with the first baby when they slept you could relax and sleep if wanted. Not so with the second baby. They are the greatest achievements that you will have do so enjoy them no matter what delivery you decide to have. P.

Just have another C-section. Why put yourself through all the pain. More than likely your baby will be just as big this time around. I personally have had 2 sections and would not change anything. When you think about it-the procedure is scheduled so you can set up child care for your other child, get yourself and your husbands schedules all set up and things just go so smoothly that way. I would never in a million years to a VBAC but that is my personal opinion. I didn't think the recovery was that bad the first time and I thought it was easier the 2nd time just because you know what to expect. Good luck and Congrats on the new bun in the oven :)

I would talk to your Dr. I had an Emergency c-section with my son and was considering a VBAC (daughter is 4 mos). My son was just over 6 lbs and became stuck in the birth canal. My OB told me there was a good chance this would happen again and recommended against a v-bac. I can tell you the second c-section was MUCH easy than the first.

i just went through the same situation with the birth of my second child a month ago. for me, it was not even a question, i went straight for the c-section. i honestly think the second c-section was so much better than the first... perhaps because i didn't have to labor for hours on end! not to mention, we were well prepared for the hospital and had made all of our arrangements for our 2 year old to stay with family and made sure we stocked up on her favorite foods while we were not home.

since you just found out you're expecting, you'll have some time to think about what is really best for you and your baby. and don't worry, you can change your mind a million times! my best advice to you would be to ask your ob at each visit (near the end) how big he or she estimates the baby to be, if you are petite and you are carrying another big baby, a c-section might just be your best option to avoid complications.

at any rate, i wish you the best of luck with your pregnancy and your delivery!