Seeking Other Moms That Have Had a Successful and Stress Free VBAC

Hi C.,
I had an emergency c-section with my first child due to cord entanglement. I was really pushing for VBAC with my second delivery. My Dr. was very informative about the pros and cons. He felt c-section was the safest option, but I really wanted to experience the emotions accompanied with vaginal birth. Needless to say I had gestational diabetes and the longer I carried the baby, the higher the risk became because of her size. By my 39th week after not dialating AT ALL, I opted on a scheduled c-section. That c-section was unbelievably easier than the emergency c-section!!! The hardest part was the epidermal (and again, feeling cheated from not experiencing vaginal birth). The next day I was up & walking around. It was the easiest recovery I have had from any type of surgery!
It's a tough decision. I was afraid too because of the possibilty of your uterus erupting. What are the statistics of that happening? I don't know.
Unfortunately all I have is my experience to share. I don't have any advice other then do your research, talk to your Dr and see how the last 6 weeks progress. When it all is said & done you may not even have a choice.
Best wishes to you and your wonderful new bundle of joy!

Hi C.,
I had a successful and stress free VBAC 10 years ago. My first child, 14 years ago, was a C-section due to "failure to progress" (very long labor, never dilated past 5), and from the get-go my OB/GYN told me I could try for a VBAC the second time around. So I always approached my second pregnancy, 3 1/2 years later, with a VBAC in mind; my OB did inform me of the possible risks, but monitored me closely throughout labor #2, which progressed in the normal way. The vaginal delivery went fine, despite the fact that I had to push for over an hour because I was a novice at it. Long story short: a healthy baby and no problems for me the second time around. I wish you the best. -C.

I'm a mom of five and one on the way. My first child was breach, so we had a c-section. All went well with it, minus it wasn't what I expected. The 2nd child I was in labor for a long time before I went to the hospital. I just needed something to take the edge off, the next thing I knew I had an epidural, all went well, except she fractured my tailbone coming out. The third child, my 8 lb baby, was completely natural. I had a cold and had no voice, but no complications. My fourth child popped right out. The fifth child, I didn't even know I was having contractions. When I went to the doctors, he said I was dialated to 7 go directly to the hospital. Once again natural delivery. I pushed her out so fast, that she ended up with pneumonia. I had no tearing or ripping with the last two. Can you say stretched out. Anyhow, there is always a chance of something going wrong, but I never had any issues. I do remember thinking that the c-section went so well, that maybe I'd like to do that again, but I'm glad I have experienced it all. Bottom line is do what is good for the baby and you. Each pregancy is different. Just take it all in because they grow up so fast, and that phase of life is done. I also believe the more relaxed and happy you are through the pregnancy, the happier the child you have. Good luck!

C., I had 2 successful VBACs after my first being a C-section for fetal distress. Both went fine. The risk, according to my mid-wife, was .07 (less than 1%) that a rupture would occur. Unfortunately, doctors are in favor of repeat c-sections so if you have the option with your current health provider, you are very lucky. Personally I felt the VBACs were easier on me than the section was. Good luck!

There are support groups explained at another birthing support connection called "birthlink". This is www.birthlink.com
Check with your ob gyn and ask the question about how much experience that he or she has in supporting patients interested in having vbac.
Congratulations on your upcoming baby!

I had a c-section from failure to progress with my 1st baby (not an emergency). I had a VBAC (naturally) with my second. When I had my second, my first was 22 months. Given that I got pregnant again shortly after my 1st was just over a year old, I had to find a dr./midwife who would support my trying a natural VBAC. Everything went well. Going into it, I did think that however things ended up, that my recovery would be easier the second time. Good luck!
S.

Hi C.! I am a labor doula, and have supported a few vbacs and they were all great births with no complications or stress at all. They turned out great. So, I hope this encourages you.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

My sis had 1 vaginal, then c-section (breech) and then VBAC successfully. She is in Michigan and her hospital offered a VBAC class to educate mothers on the risks and benefits to VBAC. Essentially, the biggest risk that most are concerned about is the uterine rupture at the site of the old scar while in active labor (that's when the contractions start to get harder). And when my sis took this class (~3 yrs ago), that risk was about 1.5%. They also worry about giving you Pitocin, as this puts extra stress on the uterus (b/c it's not doing what it normally does naturally, the drug is forcing it to contract). So, ultimately, you can do it, but natural, unmedicated birth is best. My sis' VBAC worked well; her water broke at 36wks, no labor, they put her on Pit., and she did fine. about 1.5days later she had the baby, no complications w/ either of them. I encourage you to try it!!! :-)