Considering a VBAC with a Doula

Just wanted to mention that I've known 3 different people who opted for a VBAC after their first C-Section. All three ended up in a second C-Section after hours of hard labor and pushing. Not sure it's worth it if you'll end up in a C-section anyway. But apparently a lot of people have successful VBACS. I had a C-section the first time and my doctor strongly suggested a second C-section. My first baby was almost 10 pounds, so they figured my second would be big too. If your first baby wasn't big, you may have better luck with the VBAC option.
Good luck!

http://www.feliciaroche.com/services/doulalinks.html

Felicia was my doula and I can't praise her enough.. I couldn't have had my son without her!! I believe she lives in Oakland and is willing to travel (as we live in Pleasanton..) After 5 hrs of pushing my son was finaly vacuumed out and she was by my side the whole time, along with my hubby of course ;-). I would recommend her to anyone!! Best wishes and enjoy every second!

With my 8 year old I have a C-Section and had no problems recovering- with my 2 year old I really wanted to deliver vaginally, I had 3rd degree tears when I did this. Then with my 1 year old I chose a C-Section. I recovered much quicker with the C-sections than I did with the vaginal. I guess it would also depend on why you ended up with a C the first time. I did because my son was 10 lbs 15 ounces and was not going to fit through. They didn't realize this until I had been pushing for 2 1/2 hour! My other 2 were much smaller than the first one was.

Hi K B,
This doesn't answer your questions, but I thought it might be helpful to share. I opted for a VBAC for my 2nd, but after my daughter's heart rate kept dropping the doctor wanted me to have a c section. I found out during the c section that I was starting to have tears in my uterus. Everything ended up fine, and I was actually able to leave the hospital the afternoon of the following day. So, I guess it's good to keep your options open.
Good luck to you whatever you decide,
C.

Hello,

Deciding between a VBAC and repeat C-section is a big decision. There are many pros and cons to each choice. Sounds like you have made a good start at researching your options. Another source for reliable information is
www.ican-online.org ICAN is an acronym for International Cesarean Awarness Network. We have a chapter in the area and a yahoogroup. We provide information on avoiding a Cesarean, support for the emotional and physical recovery from Cesareans and support VBACs. We support planned C-sections too - it's a choice.
There are many women in your shoes in our area who are contemplating the same decision. Also there are many women in our community who have had successful VBACs who can share their stories. I happen to be a doula and the chapter leader of ICAN of Mt. Diablo. Feel free to contact me for more information and support!

H. W.

I had a successful VBAC the 2nd time around--The first time I had a really long labor but when I was fully dilated I pushed for 4 hours but she was just stuck. I think she was posterior.
I was advised that since I was able to fully dilate that if the next baby was anterior it could work. During labor I got on my hands and knees during the contractions which was supposed to encourage the baby to be in anterior position. My second baby labor was fast, intense, and 3 pushes she was out! The first time it can take a long time to dilate, but once you've dilated, the next time it can happen really fast. My second baby was about 12 days early and one pound less than my first, but I think it was more the positioning. Feel free to ask me anymore questions if I can help.
D.
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