Vbac - Schenectady, NY

J.,

I think its up to you, its not dangerous but some say its harder to deliver.

Basically you have a choice.

I can say that recovery time is shortened thru a vaginal delivery which you might appreciate when you have to take care of 2 babies.

m

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EDITED TO ADD: The poster above doesn't mention that her first and second children are SIX YEARS APART! Not anywhere near as close as yours will be. Ultimately, it is your decision, but please listen to your doctors' advice. They're been doing this longer than you have.

Your kids are going to be so close that a VBAC will not be an option for you. The issue with VBAC is that the incision can rupture from the inside, causing you to bleed to death internally and/or your baby to suffer lack of oxygen. Why the Section was necessary isn't a factor. The more recent your procedure, the more likely it is that the incision is not healed completely and the more likely rupture is. I would never risk it and no reputable doctor would recommend it. A midwife is not a good option (unless you deliver in a hospital) because if you rupture and begin to bleed, she's not qualified to do anything other than call a doctor, and by then it could be too late. Many states, California among them, are making VBAC illegal because of the risk. I'd never take it.

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The hardest part about VBACs are actually finding a doctor who is willing to let you go through with one. And even if they agree to do a VBAC - going through with one rarely happens. You're best off with an OB/GYN group that has midwives, too. You need to start doing a lot of reserch, go to ICAN meetings and possibly consider a home birth. Good luck!

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It depends. How big was your first child at birth? I have 2 children and both were about 4-5 days early. My daughter was born naturally with just big ol' cheeks at 8 lbs and 6oz. It took 2 1/2 hours of pushing to get her out so when I was pregnant with my son I opted for a c-section. I was told he would have been an emergency section had I went into natural labor because he had a meconium already and the cord was around his neck. Besides the point, my son was 9 lbs 5 oz and 4 days early! I was told by my doctor that if I were to have more children (which I won't) that I would have only c-sections now because I make big children and I would risk uterine rupture if I were to attempt vbac. I would talk to your doctor about it and make the decision with them.

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Congratulations on your pregnancy and I commend you on contemplating a VBAC delivery for your next baby.

I can only say that having an addition c-section will also not be healthier than the first. HOWEVER, you should be basing your decision on statistical information and not so much on what others are saying. You need to do what is best and most comfortable for you and for your birth experience.

If you do decide to have a VBAC, I would highly suggest hiring a doula to be with you for this birth. As I am sure your previous birth was some what traumatic when it was deemed an emergency some of those feelings might still be hovering and could influence you during your next labor. Having a doula with you and your partner will help to keep you both free of fear, have a clear mind, and to stay focused on your goal. I would suggest hiring a doula who is experienced in VBAC. Not because she can prevent you from having a cesarean, but because you feel safe and supported when you know that you are being supported by someone who is experienced and prepared to support you with any VBAC related issues. It is also good for your partner so he will be at ease with the process. Often times, most of our fears and limitations we set for ourselves are sprouted from the doubt that others feel our heads. Doubt that is almost always NEVER fact based! So remember, do your research and educate yourself, so you feel safe in the decisions YOU are making for yourself during your labor...or in what ever you decide.

Here are some links I would be happy to share with you:

http://www.vbac.com/uterine.html

http://www.vbac.com/vbacguidelines.html

http://www.vbac.com/chapter38.html

http://www.avivamoodle.org/moodle/file.php/35/cesareanboo...
http://www.avivamoodle.org/moodle/file.php/35/Best_Cesare...

I have three children. The first child was delivered by c-section the second was a vbac and the third was by c-section. I had very large babies. 10.4,8.14 and 9.14. I have to say that my easiest delivery was my second child by vbac. My issue as you can see was with size. I had to sign ALOT of paper work and had to be very insistant that a vbac is what I wanted. I am very happy that I did it. It was the right choice for me. Do the research and make an informed decision. And remember, it's YOUR decision!