Vbac - Norwalk,CT

hello
My first daughter (now 2.5 yrs) was a c-section non-emergency) after 18 hours of labor. I didn't progress (I believe that I got an epidural too early). I had my 2nd daughter, now 6 months, VBAC, after 21 hours of labor and 3 hours to push her out (no epidural this time). I do not regret my decision one bit. For one, the 2.5 yr old would never understand why mommy had to rest so much (I hated the recovery from my c-section) and I did not want to get "cut open" again. My doctors knew I wanted to try for the VBAC and were willing to let me try, but when it came down to it....and such a long labor, it was the nurses in the hospital that really kept me motivated and kept my doctor out since both me and my daughter were basically doing fine (i was exhausted). Make sure when you go into labor (and are at the hospital) that you clearly tell your nurse(s) your intentions. They are a wonderful support!!
The recovery from the VBAC was so much better than the c-section. The day home from the hospital, we all went to dinner! It was great!
I also was so against having the 2nd c-section (I just HATE surgery of any kind). Unless there is a true medical emergency, GO FOR THE VBAC!!

I hated my c/s, and so I had a VBAC with my second baby 11 mos ago. It was a much easier recovery, far more pleasant, even empowering. I now run a support group for women who have had c-sections, and part of what we do is help educate women about VBAC. Feel free to email me privatly at ____@____.com - I have lots of good resources for you if you're interested. It's usually safer, and better for both you and your baby to try, rather than have the cesarean.

I had a c-section after 30 hrs of labor. I have only one child with no plans for a 2nd. If I did have another, I would have to see how things went. I would not want to VBAC if I had to be induced or if I had stalled labor. I am a L&D nurse, and I see successful VBAC's all the time. It sometimes makes me nervous to see VBAC inductions, as your risk for uterine rupture is higher with pitocin. If your reason for c/s was because of a small pelvis, it might be a good idea to skip the risk and just deal with the recovery. You could always change your mind, as it's your decision to VBAC. So it things aren't going well in labor, you can ask your doctor to call it quits.

Hi L.!

I had a VBAC with my second child. My first was a scheduled c-section because he was in the breech position; I never went into labor with my first.

My only issue with the VBAC was that I was not clear enough about my first delivery with the nurses, doctors and labor instructors that I consulted before her delivery. She was my second and I think that everyone assumed I had done this all before when in fact labor was very new to me. From what I understand now, the majority of women who have VBAC's had the first c-section after a long labor, for me that was not the case. My daughter's delivery was difficult for many reasons (not because of any VBAC complications) but I do not regret my decision to have her vaginally. My only regret is that I did not explain in greater detail my first experience. My own doctor knew, of course, but he was on vacation when I went into labor (which was the main reason behind most of my difficulties, but that is another story!). I doubt that being more specific with my care takers would have made labor easier, but I think they might have understood my position a little better. I was sort of left on my own, and I really think that that is because these nurses did not understand that labor for me was like being a first time mom. With all that said however, I would do it all over again. Nothing can replace the feeling of holding and feeding my daughter minutes after her birth. I missed that with my son because of the surgery.

Congratulations! Take care of yourself and nothing but the best of wishes for a safe delivery and a beautiful, healthy child.

Hi L., I had a c-section ("bikini-cut") delivery with my daughter in 1995 because my water broke with out contractions. They enduced me and 20 hours later I was only 7 cm's dialated. 3 years later, I had my son (my 2nd child) vaginally. I preferred the vb and am hoping to have another with my 3rd baby due this Dec. As long as your doctor says it is ok, then you should have nothing to worry about.
-M.-

I had a c-section with my first born and it was quite traumatic for me. So with my second son, I was determined to have a vaginal birth. Had a hard time finding a doctor that would take the risk and many physicians basically told me my only option was another c-section. They attempted to scare me about uterine rupture and stuff like that. But my mom also had a vbac and encouraged me which was great. I found a doctor in East Providence by the name of Marguerite Vigliani who was great and took that chance with me. (Which was awesome considering the risk that was for her practice)....
I did not leave it all up to her though. I also hired a doula. I did this because I could not hire a midwife. I needed an actual doctor delivering my baby (because of all the risks)-Anyway...the doula was awesome. She informed me of all my options and rights(even stuff the hospital would not say)and came to my home to meet me. We discussed my goals and plans as well as her research. She then helped me when it actually came time to deliver the baby. I took lamaze to learn as much as I could as well and W&I had a great lamaze teacher.....I strongly recommend becoming aware of childbirth as well as all of your options. Even to the point of the type of drugs you want.....If you want the name of my doula, let me know.
Sorry so long *lol Hope this helps you...

Oh and by the way- I had a successful VBAC :)

First time mom of a 2 year old son. 26 hours of labor and then a c-section. :)