Seeking Advice/thoughts on VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesearan)

C.,
I wish you lived here in CT, I had the best doctor with my last 2 kids (sons) and I had them naturally. My first 3 were c-sections, the first was like yours, the second was a planned c-section, and the third was also planned but I went into labor a day earlier and they still did a c-section. My previous doctor believed that once a section always a section, then when I switched doctors my new doctor allowed me to have a vbac, which was wonderful. Definitely worth the labor and delivery and trust me I was extremely high risk, as I had many, many gyn/abdominal surgeries between my third and forth children. I think everyone should have a VBAC unless their are some other serious problems. With the right doctor who knows what he/she is doing you will be fine. I know I am so glad I had the chance to have the kids both ways. I am a nursing student and want to go into high risk ob/gyn nursing, as that is where my experience is and can relate to the moms much better. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hugs,
T.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi C.,
I had a c/s in 1999 after going into labor naturally and having it augmented with pitocin. I had a highly medically managed labor unecessarily b/c I was extremely healthy. It resulted in fetal stress which necesitated the c/s.

I had a drug free vbac in 2006 with a midwife in a hospital in NJ. It was wonderful. I have my birth story written. I'd love to share it with you if you email me.

I also just gave birth again 17 days ago to my son, this time at home, so obviously, it was another drug-free vbac.

Please understand these were highly calculated decisions, not just doing it to be trendy. Please go to www.ican-online.org. It is a WONDERFUL organization that will teach you all you need to know about having a vbac. IT IS TOTALLY WORTH IT! Not just for sentimental reasons. After my c/s I was in bed for a week. After both my vbacs, I was up and moving within an hour or two after birth. The sense of being able to actually care for my child instead of being an "invalid" is so fulfilling. I can't say enough about it all.
Gotta run, the little one is fussing...
:o)
-H.

my VBAC really is the best experience I have ever had in my life. After I delivered my son (and it ended up being completely drug free, but not exactly by my choice - they didn't realize how far along I was and then all of a sudden my son was on his way!) I was on an emotional high like I wouldn't have believed possible. I felt ready to go out and do ANYTHING!

However, if you ended up having another C-section, I think you would find your recovery much better the next time around. I've friends who've had experiences like you where they labor and push and then do the C-section and they've had very difficult recoveries - basically they're recovering from both a normal delivery and a C-section. But if you just go in for a planned C-section, you're only recovering from the one type of delivery. This can't be an easy decision for you. Towards the end of my pregnancy with my son, it looked like he was breach too, so we scheduled a C-section. After I had been all hooked up to the IV and everything, the doctor looked via ultrasound and he had turned, so I still had the chance to do the VBAC. The doctor left the choice completely up to me. There was a big part of me that just wanted to do the C-section to get it over with already (!), but I decided to hold off because I knew in my gut that I would always regret not trying for the VBAC. In the end, only you can know what will work best for you. Try to find a doctor who will be very supportive of you either way. Good luck!

I had 2 children via C-section and never went through labor for either one. I really really wanted to have a vbac, but after hearing multiple stories about rupturing the uterus, I am happy that I listened to the dr's and had the second c-section. Plus, the recovery was really fast. I am sure that your first recovery was not great as you did go through some labor. This time will be different!

I wish you the best of health and the best of luck with your decision and with your family!

ask yourself... is this something that you really want? if yes.. then go for it! Do you live in CT? may i suggest the Connecticut Childbirth and Women's center. THe midwives there are awesome, listen and are in tune with what your wishes are. I had 2 natural births at the center. The hospital is right across the street which made us VERY comfortable knowing that it was there if need be (you can also give birth in the hosptial with the midwives).. i am sure they have experience with VBACs.. you may also want to try taking a course called The Bradley method.. send me a PM and i will send you their phone number.. .good luck.. remember- your body is MEANT to give birth. you need to work with someone who will work with you! good luck!
J.

Do you have an ICAN chapter in your area? They are a great resource for weighing all the options and talking with other moms who have had c sections.

I know quite a few women who have had successful and satisfying VBACS. It is imperitive to have a supportive and low interventive provider. Midwives with back up OBs are usually the best but some OBs are good too.

Since VBACS are most successful with low rates of intervention and risks increase with pitocin and epidural, you may want to ask yourself how you feel about natural birth.

Also, getting a doula greatly increases your chances of a successful VBAC.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Hi C.,

I had my son 19 years ago after laboring several hours without much progress (no Pitocin). Then he went into distress and we proceeded with an emergency C-section that went well (still a bikini cut even though emergency). About 6 months later we had the wonderful surprise of a positive pregnancy test! (Okay it was also pretty shocking!) Anyway, back then they encouraged you to try VBAC. I did and was very happy to have experience both methods. My daughter was 2 weeks late and I had to be induced, so it wasn't easy, but still would not change a thing. I did have a rather large episiotomy since she was 9 lb 10 oz. Back then they did that surgical procedure, I understand now that they let you tear as it seems to improve the healing process. Anyway, I say all this to say I think it was as hard to recover from my episiotomy as it was the C-section incision. Sometimes I even thought the C-section was easier, but you know how memory plays tricks! Mostly you should do what you want to do and don't listen to me or anyone else, so take some quiet time (if it can be found with a 3 year old!) to imagine both in great detail and see which way your heart and mind lead. ENJOY, it is such a sweet time!!

Ultimately, it's a decision you have to make. As with anything having to do with children, it's all subjective and sever different women will have seven different experiences and opinions.

What's important is that, if you select VBAC, you deliver in a hospital!!! If something goes wrong (and it might and you have to accept that it might), you want to be in a facility that has all of the equipment and personnel that you would need to have both you and your baby come through it safely. Midwife or OB - you should deliver in a hospital.

V-birth is the best!! I had C-section with my first child and a v-birth with my second. I would recommend it to anyone.

I am basically in the same situation as you are. I am due at the beginning of August and still have not decided what I want to do. I am leaning toward the repeat C-section. My doctors seem a little wishy-washy on the whole thing and I feel a little nervous about the VBAC. I know what to expect with the C-section, but not really with a vaginal birth, since I never quite made it to the pushing phase the first time around. I saw the dr. today and she said the most important thing is the baby at the end, not how he gets here. I think she said that because the reason I said I might want a VBAC is because that's what you're supposed to do and I would like to experience a vaginal birth. But, I will probably have another big baby with a big head (yikes!) and my family has a history of not going into labor and needing inductions or c-sections due to that, so these are the things that make me nervous. I don't want to be induced again. Too many drugs in the system. Anyway, I wish you luck with your decision. Go with what makes you feel the most comfortable and the least nervous. You will know what to do!

DO IT!!!! I had a c-section in 2000, and a VBAC in 2006. The VBAC may have been a bit painful at the moment, but the difference in recovery times is HUGE!! I felt better the day after my VBAC, where as with my c-section, I was in pain for several weeks.

I'm 8 months pregnant again, and going for vaginal delivery again!

C.,

Both my daughters had cesarean births with their first baby and VBACs with their second. When my younger daughter saw her sister walking to the bathroom about an hour after her VBAC, my younger daughter immediately knew she wanted a VBAC. They both feel that the labor was definately worth it.

B. RN
and grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren.

I have 3 kids, first one was a c-section, last two were VBAC's. I am so glad that I experienced it. Hopefully you have a proactive doctor that supports your decision. I had midwives and they were all for it. I only had Nubane (sp?) with my VBAC's, no epidural, as I am still convinced to this day that it was the epidural that caused me to stop at 8cm and require a c-section.
Good luck!

C. -- When I had my first baby, he was breech and I ended up with a cesarean (but with no labor). That was 1989 and "once a cesarean, always a cesarean" was the norm. My next was born 14 months later and the "rules" had changed. Now you had to try the VBAC, mandated by the insurance companies. So baby #2 was a VBAC (and a tough delivery as it was more really my first labor). Since then I've had 3 more VBACs and not had a problem. With my last baby, it was 2004 and the "rules" had changed once again. So, when I went to the hospital the nurse told me she didn't think I would be able to have a VBAC, but my doctor had never discussed that with me. Anyway, they let me have the VBAC and it went OK.

In my situation, my first cesarean was only because he was breech. I didn't labor or push or get induced. So your situation is different. The "rules" might prevent you from even trying. If this is something you feel strongly about, as stated in other posts, you may have to go through a midwife.

Good luck -- just wanted to add my experiences.

Women have been giving birth since the beginning of time. It has only been through modern technology that discussion on the options of giving birth. I am a mother of three. My first was a c-section because of breeching, my second was a c-section because I was informed that once a c-section always a c-section. My third was vaginal because of insurance policies. Of the third, the first emergencies delivery, second scheduled and last labor-delivery I must admit that vbac was a quick recovery, less drugs and quick home. It is within our innate ability to give birth it is modern and insurance that often takes it away from us. Giving birth is natural, having surgery for birth is invasive. I would suggest that you attempt a VBAC, if during the process you are unable trust me you will have a c-section done. Every woman is different - some have easier times - my daughter 35 minutes start to end 7 lbs bid headed baby, others like my sister 23 hrs 5.7 lbs little head and me 3 hours start to finish 8,5 lbs, 22 inch huge head and I am so grateful for the experiencing what we are innated to do. Good luck, let me know how you are.

I haven't had a c-section, but many times (especially if you live in NJ), you're much better going with a midwife (who has to have a back-up doctor) with extensive VBAC experience if you want a VBAC, because it's nearly impossible to find a doctor to attend, and many hospitals have a policy against VBACS.

While there are risks on both sides, I recently read the repeat cesarean risk is much greater. You might want to read "Pushed" by Jennifer Block (www.pushedbirth.com). The book addresses VBACS vs. repeat cesareans and the risks/benefits at length. In the end, you'll probably go with your gut. No pun intended.

Good luck.

While I have no personnal experince with c/s, my first daughter was vaginal and it was a beautiful experience!!

I would agree with many of the other answers - go with your gut.

I got a lot of grief from our families b/c I decided to use the Bradley method for birthing, not lamaze, but I stuck with it and felt it only enhanced my and my husband's experience. The other thing I "splurged" on was getting a Doula. I birthed at Valley Hospital in ridgewood and their in-house program that supports the use of Doulas is a huge blessing for all their mommies!

Get as much info as possible - pros, cons, etc. Make sure you have support for your decision - either way - from your husband/support person(s) and doctor.

Lot's of luck choosing. :-)
~C.

My first was a C-section and my second two were VBAC - so glad I did it. The imp. thing is to an OB who supports your decision - so many are scared to do VBAC these days. I know you are probably nervous about it but consider that there are many risks with c-sections as well and they don't focus on that as much when they talk to you about it. You will be back on your feet much sooner with VBAC. Whatever you decide, just listen to your intuition. It will tell you what is right for you. Good luck.

Talk to your doctor, go with your gut. My best friend and I both had c/s. I was fine with mine, she regretted that she had to have a c/s. Her 2nd she decided to try VBAC and everything went wonderfully. It is a personal decision only you can make. (If I have another baby it will be by c/s.)

Best of luck

C., there is a wonderful group in Connecticut called ICAN. It is the International Cesarean Awareness Network. They have monthly meetings, and do a lot of work with VBAC providers. Their website is www.icanofconnecticut.webs.com

I had a c/s in Oct. 2000, a VBAC in July 2003 and a 2nd VBAC in July 2004. With my 1st VBAC, I was determined to at least try. So, there would be no what if's. I'd know that it wasn't meant to be. There is a small chance of uterine rupture, but quite frankly there's a small chance that it can rupture at any time and even if you've never had a c/s.

Here's an interesting study... http://www.collegeofmidwives.org/news01/CS%20URupt%20Cal%...

"The “added” risk of uterine rupture a post-Cesarean pregnancy in a spontaneous labor and normal birth is 4 ¼ times LESS that that of an elective repeat Cesarean and 133 times less than an induced or augmented post-cesarean labor in which Pitocin, prostaglandins, or Cytotec are used."

A c/s is a huge risk as well. It does not guarantee anything.

My VBACs were the best days of my life. It was an experience I will never forget. My c/s was both the best and worst day of my life. I have very conflicting emotions when I look back. I had a sweet baby girl, but we had a very rough start.

Good luck with your decision. Be SURE to ask around and find a VBAC friendly Dr. or you'll be in for a fight.

I had wanted to have a VBAC delivery with my daughter. I was all set for it until a month before hand and the little "darling" turned breach and stayed that way until delivery. I wasn't about to try inversion, my body had been through enough. Keep in mind that either way you go there are tons of complications. A repeat section is surgery. So all the complications that go with surgery (blood transfusions and healing) go with it. With a VBAC delivery you have the possibility of your uterus rupturing and this puts your life and the life of your child at risk. I know that if I had tried the vbac, the minute I went into labor I had to go to the hospital to be monitored. And, even if I did try the vbac, I could change my mind at any moment to stop labor and proceed with the c-section. The question is, why did you end up with the section last time. Was it failure to dilate or did labor stall. Because those things could happen again. Those are all things to consider. I will say this much. With my son I had a section after 16 hrs of labor and 4 hrs of pushing. By the time I was done I was exhausted. With my daughter I did go into labor on my own (she was scheduled for a section July 31st and I went into labor on July 30 on my own). I was only in labor for about 5 hrs and then she was delivered. It was so much easier because I didn't labor for a long time. My recovery was faster too, because I didn't labor all that long. So if you decide to do the vbac keep in mind that at any moment those plans could change. With my son I remember feeling I was a failure because I couldn't "push him out". I tried and just couldn't succeed. With my daughter, I didn't feel that way because going in I knew I had to have a c-section.

C.,

I know of people who have had VBAC and said the recovery was easier. I also know of one who experienced uterine rupture that required something like 200 stitches to put her uterus back together.

I am not trying to scare you but to educate you that there are a lot of factors to consider. Your size, the baby's size, how big was your first baby, etc.

My oldest was an emergency c-section because he ended up breech after he broke my water. Thank God because his head was huge and he was 9 lb 3 oz at 2 weeks early compared to the between 7 and 8 the doctors "thought" he would be at the full 40 weeks.

I was told then (almost 8 years ago) that if I had another child I could try a VBAC. When my second son was born in 2003, my doctor strongly advised against it saying that they had learned there was a 10 times greater chance of uterine rupture than what they were led to believe could happen.

I opted for a repeat section with both my second and third sons because I just didn't want to take the chance.

I wish you the best and went back and forth too so I know how nerve wracking it is. Just trust your gut.

L.

I'm in the same position you are - due the end of September with the choice to make as to whether or not to try a VBAC. My first son was born via emergency c-section after 36 hours of labor and never dilating past 4 cm. The recovery, as a result, was miserable. I've been told by my doctor that the odds are not in my favor that this one will go any differently due to a variety of circumstances. I go back and forth, too, but for me I think it will be easier to deal with the "failure" of having another c-section if I go into it knowing I'm already having one rather than TRYING to have this one naturally only to wind up with another c-section and having a difficult recovery again. The question I ask myself is "why is it so important to me?" and since my answer is primiarly a pride and image thing, the safety of my child is more important. The important thing is that I have a healthy baby boy at the end of it all. How he gets here isn't what ultimately matters. Only your heart and personal circumstances can make this decision for you so do what's right for YOU and for your child...Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!

Hello C.,

I just had my first baby in February via emergency c-section. I had a midwife and was prepared for a completely natural vaginal birth. My complications were not labor related (my baby had an 'occult' cord, where it basically compressed itself like a slinky with every contraction). I was very upset that my birth plan had to be abandoned, but since the birth I was able to reflect upon that loss and I feel much better about it. My daughter is wonderfully healthy (no one believes that she is a NICU "graduate"!).

Anyway, I don't have any direct experience with a VBAC, but I fully intend to try for one when I have my second. I adore my midwife and she promised me that we would get my next baby out by VBAC. The wonderful thing with a midwife is that there is no interest for them in you having a section - they don't get paid the delivery fee if you have surgery. They want you to have the most natural delivery possible, as long as you and the baby are both handling the labor well, you can delivery vaginally.

I wanted to post to give you some encouragement to try for the VBAC. I know that you are late into your pregnancy, but I also wanted to recommend my midwife. I switched from my OB to her at 26 weeks, and she was absolutely fabulous. I like to think of her as a family member, she was so very supportive through it all - including post-partum. Her name is Barbara Charles and her main office is in Huntington, and she has an office in East Meadow. If you are interested in checking her out, or would like to chat some, email me.

Best of luck to you!
K.