Vaginal Birth After Cesarian.. Good or Bad?

I had two c-sections less than 3 years apart. The first one because it had to be, too big a baby and a last minute decision. The second was with a different Dr. in a different state and he believed in "once a Cesarean always a Cesarean" which not that way today. He cut into the same as the first operation and removed excess scar tissue and he did a great job. I got a Bikini line cut.
My daughter on the other hand had her first child by c-section and the other 2 vaginal delivery. She had no problem what so ever. I was there for her 3rd delivery and she was up and out in no time. So don't believe what you heard...Good Luck whatever you decide.

Hi:

I had a vaginal birth and then 2 c-sections and I had no problems. Don't be afraid, you know what to expect and it will be just fine.

Good luck

I had like this: 1 c-seccion, then two years and 4 months later a vaginal birth and, two years later another vaginal birth. Now the isuue is that you can not take occitocin or any thing that stimulate contraccions because can be too strong for the scar. also, the doctor used a sucker to help the babies go out faster in each contraction so the scar wil not be too much time being streched, my third baby came out with the head like a skwash for two days, I was very upset but the third day was round again!! my second came whit the head ok in spite of the vaccum sucker...I gave birth in Panama central america. sorry my english, good luck!!

Hi, Y.! I haven't had a c-section, just two vaginal births, but I know that there is a lot of false, scary information out there. Make sure that your doctor or midwife is on your side, and doesn't have an agenda of his or her own. Ask if they've done VBACs, how they feel about them, how many the hospital handles, how their back-up doctor feels about them....Ask every question you can think of and do research! ICAN is a great resource.

There is always a risk to mother and baby in every birth, but we can be smart about it, and choose the risks that we can live with. There are lots of great benefits to mother and baby from vaginal birth, too.

Make sure you get your information and make a decision you are comfortable with!

Hi Y., You have a TOn of responses already, but I just wanted to let you know my experience. My first son was c-section due to him being breech. For my second, I wanted a VBAC more than anything. My doctor agreed but said she would not let me past my due date. Due date came and no labor so repeat c-section it was. Her and the nurses were abnormally quiet during the c-section. She told me after the surgery that my uterus was so thin she could see the amniotic fluid swishing around inside. She said she is so glad I didn't go into labor because I would have been in that 0.5% or whatever the rate is of uterine rupture. I JUST read in one of the parenting magazines I get that there is a new ultrasound that can determine the thickness of the uterus and they can tell you if you are a good canidate for a VBAC. Maybe you could ask your doctor about it? Hope this helps!

First of all, I myself had two c-sections, 23 months apart, without any problems. This was almost 40 years ago, so I have an vertical incision, if that makes a difference.

But my daughter is the one with the VBAC experience. Her oldest, now 18, was a section because she was ready to push when they realized that he was coming butt first. She was in a tiny hospital in upstate NY, so I was always glad they just went for the section. But she went to midwives for her second baby, 2 1/2 years later, and had a totally natural childbirth. Then a divorce and remarriage had her ready to deliver again 8 years later, and the doctor said that since she'd had one natural birth after her section then he guessed it would be okay to do it again, even though the theory had changed back to once a section always a section. Again, everything went well. The problem came in when she delivered her 4th child 2 years after that. She had moved each time, so she had different doctors for each delivery. The new doctors were totally opposed to VBAC, and they were at a stand off because my daughter said that if they thought she was just going to march herself into the hospital for a section they'd better think again. She said she knew how much easier recovery was after a vaginal birth. So the doctors made a huge production out of getting the info from the first delivery, but eventually relented and she had the 4th child natural. I'm sure they have statistics to justify each trend in childbirth, but once you've seen the trends go back and forth, and seem written in stone at each point in time, you start to wonder. Don't know if this helps since her good outcome doesn't guarantee your good outcome. I always thought that it had a LOT to do with why you had a section in the first place. Mine was because my birth canal was "flat" and nothing they did helped, so I think that I would have been foolish to think that I could try VBAC myself. Good luck.

I can't tell you anything about a V-Bac, but I can tell you this. I have had 2 c-sections. The first one was because my daughter was basically "stuck," for lack of better terminology. The second one I wasn't given the option. My first was born here in Clearwater, my 2nd in Orlando. I obviously had 2 different doctors, and the one in Orlando was not about to let me have a v-bac since she wasn't the one who performed the 1st c-section. That's one thing to consider. I have had more than one friend in that situation as well. I had no problem with either c-section. Recovery was about the same. The challenge is helping the older one understand that it will take some time for you to recover. But everyone is different. Definitely talk with your doctor. If you are using a different one, then they most likely won't give you the option, though I could be wrong. I will say this, and this doesn't have anything to do with the "health" portion of this. Being that my 1st was almost 2 1/2 when my 2nd was born, and we had no family in Orlando, it definely helped having a planned c-section, because we were able to tell family that was coming to help us out come in exactly when we needed them the most. Hope this helps, and good luck!

I had a natural birth the first time and with the second baby I had a C-section and I HATTED it, if you can, do whatever is possible to have a natural delivery, it is the MOST incredible thing in the whole world. Good luck in whatever the out come is, sometimes we can control everything.

Hi Y.,
I have not had a V-BAC but I have had 2 c-sections; I did not plan to have a c-section but when I was giving birth to my daughter I was not able to fully dilate so I had no other choice. Then I had my son 15 months later; the Dr. thought it should be fine for me to give a vaginal birth but then again during labor I was not able to fully dilate so I had him also as a c-section. I had no problems or complications from having 2 c-sections. I hope this helps.
Thanks,
M. S.

Hey Y..

My names C. and I have had both done.. My oldest is almost 6, I had to have a c-section because she was frank breeched (butt where the head was supposed to be). My first son xavier came 20 months later and I Vbac with him.. I did live in Ct, so things were a bit different. There is a chance that you can have a uteran rupture but there are many signs so the dr. can just get you in for a c-section, its child birth there are risks. I moved to FL and had twins in July of 07... I had to have another c-section they would not go over the same scar do to it was very high and uneven. What I did find out that most dr.s in fl will not preform a vbac do to the risks but c-sections are major surgery as well... I would like to know what dr. would just perform a c-section if there wasn't a medical reason that sounds crazy to me.....We are women thats what our bodies are made for.... Plus believe me the recovery time is so much longer and could result in long term affects having c-sections.. There is a dr.Office in NP Richey that I believe still will do a vbac.. I would go for it if you can find a dr... Best of luck to you and hopefully this helps some.. YOu can email me directly if you would like to chat more on the subject and I can give you all the info on the dr. if the area works for you... Sorry for the rambling ;) Oh and in my experience most dr. don't feel comfortable doing more then 3 c-sections do to the scar tissue etc.
Blessings
~ C.

Good luck in whatever your decision is. Call and ask your OB if they perform VBACs... if not, ask around and see if any of your friends have a reference. Do your research... once you have, be at peace with your decision. You already know, as a Mom, everyone has advice... and not all of it is helpful or welcome!
I found you saying that you were afraid of vaginal birth... I was the opposite and was TERRIFIED of having a c-section.
My 1st was 3 days past due, I opted for an induction after an U/S said she was probably 9 lbs. I gave birth vaginally to a 9 lb 5 oz baby. (I definitely had an epidural.) While recovery took a while (probably 3-4 weeks because of stitches), I had the vaginal birth I wanted.
For my 2nd, my OB promised me he wouldn't let baby get as big and we induced at 38 weeks. I gave birth to 8 lb 7 oz boy and recovery was only a day or two. Both labors were only 7 hours (even with Pitocin that some people are so against.)
Everyone has different fears, likes, and experiences... just feel comfortable with your choices and educate yourself with your options.
Best of luck with whatever you decide.
T.

I have a two year old also, and I am planning a VBAC for my next child due in late January. Your best bet right now is to become as educated as possible about both options. Unfortunately, once you've had a c-section, you are at a higher risk regardless of which path you choose. A good starting place is to look into ICAN (International Cesaerean Awareness Network) - if you google it, you will find their website. They have a lot of good info on c/s, repeat c/s, and VBAC's. If you do decide to VBAC, it will be difficult to find a doc and a hospital that will agree to it. Some hospitals are trying to ban VBAC's althogether (although they are supposed to be able to). Docs and hospitals will often claim VBAc's are more dangerous, but it is because they can make more money and its more convenient for them to do c-sections. Anyway, your final decision will be a very personal one between you and your husband. Either way, it is most important for you to stay as healthy and in shape as possible, and do as much research as possible. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Only input I can offer is that I had two c-sections, 18 months apart and zero problems. Good luck whatever you decide.

You can definitely do a V-BAC. A close friend did two. Many mainstream OB's won't do it though. (I think it's a money thing.) You may need to call the birth centers in the area. They are usually run by midwives with and OB as a partner in case of emergency. It's your body. You have a right to choose a natural birth. Don't take no for an answer unless they give you a physical reason and proof that your personal situation requires a C-Section. Find an OB/midwife that will support you for a wonderful, healthy birth. It's great!!!!!

Hi Y.,

Susan B daughter experience mirrors my own... I think since you had the first csection by choice then you shouldnt be afraid to try a vbac... make sure your Drs cut you across both inside and out.... I had a section and 3 successful vbacs even tho my first was an emergency section...I far prefer a vaginal birth over a section!!!!! I wish you the best of luck and God Bless!!!

Talk it over with your doctor but more and more people are having success with V-BAC. I also had a C (9 years ago), am trying to get pregnant and am going to insist on having a natural delivery. I would seek out a doula they are a HUGE help and advocates of V-BAC.

FYI, most birth centers with midwives won't do VBACs. It's not that it can't be done, but there is inherently more risk and should be done in a hospital if you can find an OB and a hospital willing to do it. Looks like you found one willing to do an elective C-section, so maybe there are some in your area that will do VBACs. I know there are some that will, it is just a matter of calling around.

Also wanted to add that my mom had FIVE (yes five, no joke) c-sections in the late 70's/early 80's with no complications.

In 1967, I had a C section due to problems with birth.
Two years later I had my daughter and was scheduled for a C-section due to previous one. And I was admitted to hospital for scheduled C-section next morning. She was due first week in August. I ended up going into labor and and her vaginal birth. I told Nurse I was having labor pains. They did not think I was correct after first examination. And by the time with second examination, everything was too far advanced.
Everything was fine and no problems.
By the way, this was 40 years ago to the day. Today is my daughter's birthday. CLL

I had a natural birth the first time and with the second baby I had a C-section and I HATTED it, if you can, do whatever is possible to have a natural deli

I don't have anything enlightening to add - I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I just found out that I'm pregnant with our second child and my first one ended in a c-section. I'm planning on asking my ob-gyn a lot of pointed questions about the statistics regarding multiple c-sections. Mostly because I don't want to be finished at 2, I was hoping for 3.... Anyway - you're not alone! Maybe we can email each other as we find out more, let me know.

-V.

I've had 3 c-sections and all were just fine!
I tried natural with my 1st and he was just too big,
he would've cracked a collar bone, then of course
they just did c sections with the other 2.

I have a trusted, highly respected doctor (Dr. Van Zandt)
and she advised me. I've heard more horror stories
from natural after c's!

Good luck

It seems that in Florida, it is hard to find a Dr. to do a VBAC. Having said that, I was fine with doing a second c-section. I had to have an emergency c-section with my first child because my labor was not progressing and the baby was in distress. My recovery was actually very fast and pretty easy. Easier than some of friends who had vaginal deliveries. When I moved away and my Dr. in NY gave me my records, she was sure to give me her surgical records showing that I could have a VBAC. Nevertheless, the 2 OB's I interviewed with my second child, both said they did not do VBAC's. The one came so highly recommended that I went with her and was thrilled with my pregnancy care and 2nd c-section delivery. Again, my recovery from the c-section was very fast and easy, and once again my baby was delivered safely and healthily.
I know there are risks associated with both VBAC's and repeat c-sections. My recommendation is to find a good OB that you trust and ask their advice. If there's one person's advice on this that you should be able to trust, it should be your Dr.'s.

Good luck with your decision and your pregnancy.

I have had 3 VBAC's. It is WAY better than a c-section, for you AND your baby!
Whether your doc. will do it will depend on the direction of the incision on your uterus. If it is horizontal there should be no problem.
Hope it works for you! I HIGHLY recommend it!

i've had 2 c-sections. they were both fine. the first was i guess an "emergency". my daughter was facing down and then my water broke and they did a ultrasound and she was breech so i had to have one. so my son i had a c-section w/. i wasn't even given an option. and honestly, i would have chosen one probably. i'm not one for pain. and to me the pain after a c-section wouldn't be as bad as one from a vaginal. i had no problems w/ either one. my cousin had 3, and again no problem. i guess it's just preference. there are possibilities that something could go wrong with eiter one. so weigh the options and do research.

Y.,

I had a successful v-bac several years ago in NY so I don't know what the doctor's are like here. And I don't know why they are not performing them much anymore. I will tell you that I had a c-section with the 1st child and the recovery was very difficult. With the second child I did not gain as much weight and exercised a lot. I had no epideral with the 2nd (which was a problem with the 1st) I did have some med. but the labor was much faster and easier. The recovery was sooo much quicker and you don't have any down time because you have another young child at home. If you can find a doctor that will do it, I would research it a little more and go for it.

Good luck!
M

I know this is late but I just saw this post. I am very pro V-bac. My 2 Vbacs were so wonderful. My sister has had 2 c-sections with no complcations but there are way more risks involved with a major surgery. If you are at all considering a vbac I would say go for it. I live in Sarasota and Dr.Cohen did my vbacs. He is wonderful and I really really liked him. He is the only Dr in this area that will do them. I am now pregnant with my 4th and am going to do this delivery with Christina Holmes from the birthways family center. I am so excited! It is an experience that is really and truly the most amazing thing.

I have read all the other responses and I can say many things but the main thing is that the decision has to be yours. Do your research. I did mine. I am due in October and I would love to do a VBAC, however, within my research and having talked with mothers and medical professional's, my decision is to do a repeat c-section.

I can't go back to my first delivery but whoever is having their first child without any complications, you should go to a birthing center.

Hospitals today do not let a woman labor. I have thought long and hard and I still go back and forth.

In my mind I having the reoccurring dialogue between me and my ortho twenty years ago that said that I would have trouble in labor, I did. I looked at my xrays and I asked my doctor, "is that where the baby comes through,?" It was so tiny.

My son who is now 3 was only 6,6 when he was born. I shouldn't have had any problems with him coming out. He just would not budge through my birth canal. I also went into preterm labor. Pitocin and I do not mix. My body does not fare well with a lot of drugs. I would have continued to push but I thought to myself which is more important my stubborness or my baby.

My doctor who I have now is great. He is not the doctor who delivered my son. If I wanted a VBAC, he was willing to refer me to a doctor that will do one. I have already found one. I will mention her later.

One of the medical professional's that I spoke with who works at the NICU at Jackson Memorial said that she has witnessed too many brain damaged infants in her career; this isn't from VBAC but from vaginal births in general; which brings me to my next point. A friend of mine, her brother-in-law is an OBG and he said when a VBAC goes wrong it goes very wrong. You don't know if that person will be you or not. You have to take all this into consideration.

The woman at Jackson has had 3 c-sections; she wasn't willing to risk her babies.

But remember, she was like me, she has a tiny birth canal.

I actually wanted to have an MRI done but for the last few years I've either been pregnant or breastfeeding, so I wasn't willing to risk any exposure to my son or now my baby girl.

The decision again has to be yours. I'm also at risk for going into preterm labor again. I do not and can't be put on pitocin.

All this said, my husband doesn't want me to go through the pain that I went through with my son. I had a really tough labor. I didn't like being induced. My last doctor said, "if I let you labor, you would give birth in about four days." Well, isn't that what woman used to do.

It's hard to believe that hospitals won't let you labor for as long as it takes but they will let you take on the extra monetary responsibity of a c-section.

I say if you have absolutely no complications, then go for it. This is my last child as far as I know. Oh, I wanted to mention this, if you plug into a search engine, "VBACs that went wrong or something to that nature, it will give you the other side of VBAC's.

One woman said, she wished that she could go back to the decision of having a c-section. She lost her baby. I heard that a couple of times. Again, you don't know if you're at risk so make sure that you don't have any issues such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or the other medical issues that can come up during pregnancy. Remember the most important people to take care of is you and your baby.

Also, be positive. Dr. Skeete was willing to do a VBAC for me but she also said that anything can happen like the baby can be breech or some other circumstance, so you have to be prepared.

I also know that no matter how you have your baby, having a baby and bringing new life into this world is empowering.

I remember thinking after having my section, wow, that's the way to have a baby. I recovered very quickly from my section. I know in my heart that I'm healed and that my uterous won't rupture but I'm not a risk taker.

I have very intense pregnancies and so if I can see my baby into this world as safely as possible, then that's the path I'm going to choose. Also, my body has a mind of it's own, this baby could decide to come out on it's own and that's fine too; however, I always say, my son changed his mind. My doctor told me that he found him way back up in the uterous.

Also, I do know people that have had VBAC's and they went very well. Florida is tough. If you were up north, there would be no problem. A friend of mine was in the throws of her VBAC when her baby was breech; she was disapointed to have another section but you have to do what's safest for baby.

Remember that you're baby can be deprived of oxigen but that's with any vaginal delivery. I'm glad that doctor's are up on their surgeries. Can you imagine if sections weren't done and you had to have one done by doctor's that weren't schooled in them. My doctor did VBACS for 18 years but because of his insurance, can't do them any more.

Here is a doctor that will do one.

Dr. Delisa Skeete. She is off of 441 in Fort Lauderdale. I absolutely loved her but I switched to my doctor's practice specifically for him. I can't tell you how many women and husband's love him. I didn't want to give that up.

Best to you.

I had a c-section 2 1/2 years ago because I never went into labor. My daughter was overdue at the time. Sometimes our babies are too big for our pelvic area and there are other reasons your body doesn't go into labor. Bcause of my personal situation the Dr. said I was not inducable, we had a c-section delivery and my daughter was healthy and I did just fine as well. I am currently pregnant with my 2nd child due in September and have the c-section scheduled. I applaud all who have had successful VBAC's but do not think anyone should be advising someone of what your body can and can not do. With my OB, VBAC's are not out of the question. First of all it depends on what type of c-section you had. Your Dr. can tell you how you were cut internally, vertical or horizontal as that has a lot to do with it. Where your uterus was cut - not your external scar. Also, according to my docs you must go in to labor on your own. They will not give you anything to induce labor. So, what happens if you are like me and your body does not go into labor? Are you going to insist as people are recomending on waiting it out to see what happens? Me, I would rather have the 2nd c-section then to try to force a labor, have my baby go into distress or having a uterine tear resulting in an emergency c-section which is traumatic for all involved & is different than a scheduled one. It is great to get feedback from others but keep in mind you are a unique person and your body is not anyone else's. Talk to your Dr. and really understand what is right for you, your body & your baby. I read some of the responses where they think Dr's don't do VBACs due to money. Well, a natural delivery is cheaper than a c-section. I don't now about you but I truly trust my Dr and know that he has me & my child's interest at heart and is not basing his decision on what the public thinks. At the end of the day, it does not matter how the baby arrives as long as it is healthy & safe and so is Mommy. I will not feel "deprived" because I didn't deliver naturally. I will be PROUD to have brought 2 healthy babies into this world and feel blessed to have them.

My first was emergency c-section. Second and Third were both VBAC. The third was even 9lb. 9oz. Fourth was c-section, but only because I opted to do a tubal ligation at the same time. I could have had another successful VBAC.
Both options have their risks. I, personally, liked the much shorter/easier recovery time after the VBAC when I was having to get up and feed a newborn. I was on my feet much quicker after the VBAC's. They do interal fetal monitoring as well as the external bands so they can have a better idea of how strong the contractions are. The main risk is uterine rupture, but that is very rare. Definitely be in a hospital environment. It's a very personal decision. Talk with your doctors, but do what feels right for you. The main goal is not what kind of delivery you have, but the end result of bringing your new baby into the world. Good luck with your choice!

my first child was a c-section becuase he was breach. I was totally out with him. then my second child they said i could have vaginal. because number one i only had c-section because the first was breach not because my bones were too small down there to have vaginal.also because i was bikini cut on the outside and the inside. the doctor said it is possible to be bikini cur on the outside then up and down on the inside, but that was not the case with me.i was bekini cut all layers inside too. so therefore i could have a vaginal birth. so i did. it was fine. all went good.no problems.

now my niece has had 3 c-sections. the first one she was totally asleep. the other 2 she had a spinal blcok whre she was awake but no feelings from her stomach down. she is fine. all 3 went very well. she said the spinal block is the way to go because she was up and around faster than the just being put totally out.

hope this helps.

PLEASE seek out your local ICAN group! If you are in the Orlando/Central FL area the link is:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ICANofOrlando/

These people can educate you on why it is so much safer to VBAC than to have a repeat c-section. It is safer for the mom and the baby! Your fear of the vaginal birth is based on the unknown...these people can help you find the information you need to feel more in control of that fear. They can also suggest care providers to help you have the most successful birthing options!

I had a c-section two years ago and if I ever get pregnant again I am going to insist on a natural birth. No matter what your doctor or the hospital's policies are, you have the legal RIGHT to refuse medical interventions that would thwart you from a natural birth. This include constant monitoring, IVs, pitocin, etc!

I know of lots of people who had VBACs. Yes, there's a risk, and yes there are great risk with C-Sections too since they are Invasive surgery. There are less docs that offer VBACs but that isn't really an indication of much other than the Docs wanting easy "cut and dried" procedures and births and of course surgery is money money money. Breast is best and a lot of people who have scheduled C-sections and never go into labor can't produce milk or have problems and give up. Some of the risks of not breast feeding mean allergies, asthma, diabetes, and obesity for the unbreastfed child.
I had a C-section with my first child because I had to due to complications with the birth. I had a 2nd pregnancy that ended up in miscarriage but I had planned for a VBAC. Go for it.

My vote is good. I had a cesarean with my second child, and then had two more children after that. The c-section was with my daughter, and 2 years later got pregnant. My doctor suggested natural birth only because it had been more than 2 years. Which is adequate time for the utureus to heal completely. So I did have him naturally and then 6 months later I got pregnant again and also had him naturally. They were the easiest births of all four of my children.

I do recommend for you to do research, educate yourself as much as you can so that you can feel comfortable with your decision. I don't know about you but I had a very difficult time mentally with my cesaean and with the pain.

Good luck,

Hi Y.,
I never had a c-section,
but I did have two vaginal births.
The first was hard, 25 hours of labor
which was induced with pitocin. It was horrible
and the staff were bullies at the hospital.
I too pain meds at their suggestion
and while it helped me sleep between contractions,
I awoke FULL TILT in the contractions,
with NO sense of a cycle.

Second baby I went au-naturale.
No drugs. No bullies. Great midwives.
3 hour labor. Baby and I asleep 30 minutes
after the delivery was complete, in my own home.
Feeling each contraction approach allowed me to prepare
my mind, my body and my being.
When my back hurt, I stood, and leaned on my hands for support, rocking my hips; it HELPED.

Labor is hard work.
It's also as natural as the sunrise.
You can do it any way you choose
so long as you come into it BELIEVING you can
and that you will.

My mom labored with me, felt that pain,
and then got a needle to numb her v.
In MY opinion, the major pain is in labor,
not in the actual delivery of the child.
I am so glad I opted to FEEL
my children arrive in such a way.
(and yeah, I felt the first one too, there)
It was peculiar, and with my son,
there was a brief burn, but honestly,
those moments were like no other
and I am THRILLED to have been capable
of such a blessed experience.

Preparation with yoga is a GREAT method
to learn how to focus and breathe THROUGH the work.
I also had GREAT chiropractic care with the 2nd baby
which I believe contributed to a fab delivery.

Of course, you have to do
what you feel is best for you.
(sheck the older posts too,
this topic has come up before)

GOOD LUCK!

Hi Y.,

Just wanted to let you know that ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network), a non-profit organization whose mission is: To improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is organizing a S. Florida chapter!!

We will have our first organizing meeting October 5th at the Hollywood Birth Center classroom, at 7pm. If you have had a c-section, are planning a VBAC, want more info on VBAC or just want to be involved, please join us.

Cheers,
C.

It is very possible to have a VBAC. You will need to look for a doctor that will attempt though, as I have heard many won't. There is a high risk group in St. Petersburg that will, but I don't think just anyone can get in.

I hadn't heard that repeated c-sections was bad though. I'll definitely be looking into that for more info. Maybe if you have them too close together they are bad?

I had to have a CS w/my first as my water had been broke for 24+ hours w/his having no intention of coming out. If I have another, I had thought I would have another CS as I had a wonderful experience with my previous one. And I would rather not labor and then rupture and have to have a CS in the end.

Whatever your choice, be confident in it.

Once you become part of the ICAN of Florida yahoo group

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ICANofFlorida/?yguid...

You will be able to post questions about your situation, concerns, advice,etc all directed to a group of moms and health care professionals involved with VBAC. You will be able to find a birth care provider that will accept/perform VBAC whether you are looking for a hospital or home birth. You will get all your questions answered and be confident of seeking the birth you are looking for! Best wishes!

Hi, Y.! I just had to answer this... I've given birth to 9 children, 2 C-sections, and 7 natural vaginal births(3 with long labors, 39.5 hours was the longest). The first C-section was the fourth birth, the second C-section was the eighth baby.

I had no trouble with the vaginals after the C's. Both of the C's were for fetal distress. My first vaginal after a C took place 13 months after the C. My second vaginal after a C took place 7 years after the C.

Let me know if you need more info. Best wishes with your baby.

I had a c-section 9 years ago and then a vaginal birth after, my daughter is 6 now. I did not want c-section, but my son was too big for my bone structure. I did not like the time I spent in the hospital, it was torture, I could not do what I wanted. For my second one, I was sure I wanted vaginal and communicated that to the doctors. I always knew it was my choice and did not hear anything different from my doctor. I had a long labor and stayed home most of the time. At the end, I was induced because the contractions were irregular, but I had my daughter and was so happy to be able to go home in the next 2 days. I was sooo much better and stress free. That is my story, I hope it helps. Decide what you want and work around that, put it in your mind and it will be easier.

J.