How Was Your VBAC Experience?

I had a C-section for my first and a VBAC for my last two. Delivery is hard and very painful. I opted not to use any medication for pain and it was very hard. It is the toughest thing that you will ever do and the most pain that you will feel in your entire life. Compared to a C-Section though the recovery is much easier. You are a little sore and tired but otherwise, life is back to "normal" a lot quicker. This is very important since you have the older child to take care of this time as well as the baby. I can not imagine being on pain meds and having to take care of the baby and older children at the same time.

My VBAC was great too, I had a C-section with my first and I was so upset I couldn't hold my baby right away. The doc. use so much medication I guess because I went to sleep. All I can remember was the nurse telling me:Wake up, don't fall sleep your baby is about to born" I saw her as they were taking her away and then fall sleep. I wake up after 2 hours.
With my second I was determinated to try my best to have a VBAC, I join a group in yahoo call: I Can. They were so helpful and I learn many things.
I found an amazing doctor that was VBAC friendly.
I went to labor at night but I wasn't sure if it was really labor (with my first I never had a contraction) I was expecting a lot more pain.
The next morning my husband wake up and saw my list with my times and he told me: Angel, I don't know much about labor but for all the movies that I have see, this is labor"
I went to the hospital (an hour away from my house) and when I got there I went walking, it was only guard in the front door and he just let me walk in. Hospital was great, guard was an idiot.
I walk to the delivery room and the nurses where shock, lol.
Everything was going fast and relatively pain free. The everything slow down and the doctor broke my water, at that moment I hear a lady screaming a lot in the next room and I chicken out and I ask for my epidural (lol), it was just on time because 2 hours later I had my baby.
I really didn't have that much pain and always wonder if I would have really need the pain medication.
My husband was with me the whole time. We chicken out about cutting the umbilical cord, lol.
I had my baby right with me, and I could count her fingers and toes, make fun of her cone head (my c-section baby had an almost perfect oval head) my husband hold her (I have never seen a men so scare in my live until I saw him holding her for the first time).
Recuperation was so fast, I never took any pain medication after my baby born.
I understand that there are situations where VB is not possible, but if I have another baby I wouldn't think twice to give it a try to VBAC.
I recommend the video The business of Being Born.

I just delivered my 7th child (6th via VBAC) yesterday. I am home from the hospital after only 24 hrs and loving it. I also chose not to have an epidural and the feeling of knowing what was happening to me and being able to control it was wonderful. I was actually 2 days past my due date and really struggling because I was thinking that they might have to induce me and that is a very controversial subject when it comes to a VBAC....studies have shown that it makes the risk of rupturing your c-section scar higher. Thankfully I have found a doctor that is completely willing to work with me and talks to me about that risks and benefits of each thing before we actually have to do it. Good luck!

I don't have any real advice, but I wanted to say GOOD FOR YOU! Congrats on your impending VBAC. I know it will go well for you. I worked with a midwife on my last birth and educated the heck out of myself on births.

You are wise to choose a VBAC. I'm so excited for you. Have confidence in your body and that will get you through. There are always bad stories! Don't ask for them!!!! There are more good ones but they never get told!

Check out this article.....the whole website has great info. http://www.theunnecesarean.com/blog/2010/3/6/why-vbacs-sh...

Wishing you a great and peaceful delivery!

I had a great vbac experience! I was so happy with my choice. I was in labor for about a day and a half and wasn't progressing too quickly, but then they broke my water at 5cm and I went from a 5-10 in 20 minutes!! I had an epidural and pushed for about 20 minutes (but it felt much shorter) and then my 6lb, 4oz little girl was here! My doc was a huge support. I wouldn't change a thing about how it happened and am now a huge advocate!

Hi Heidi!
I too am due in less than 3 weeks and will be having my 2nd VBAC. My 1st was an emergency c/s at 29 weeks and my 2nd was an unmedicated VBAC. The plan is to do it again.

After I had my 2nd child the first words out of my mouth were "wow, I can totally do that again!" (and here we are 4 years later!). It was hard. We studied the Bradley Birthing Method and in my opinion, it didn't hurt THAT bad. It was NOTHING compared to that first sneeze or cough after a c/s!

I think having a good coach/support person (and being sure your doctor/midwife is supportive) is really the key.

Good Luck!
B.

Check your local hospital to make sure they will let you or find one that will! I have had 2 c sections and if ever end up pregers again want to try a VBA2C, but I have to drive a distance to have it, but I would be willing. Also I got lots of great advice when I asked this a couple months back check out my profile! It might be back there a ways, but the ladies on this sight were very helpful! :) Good luck!