Any Moms Have Normal Delivery After C-section?

I just had a vaginal birth yesterday after my c-section 2 years ago. It is an amazing experience!!! You can do it.

I had a friend who also had a baby after a cesarean and said it was an amazing experience!

I think (just like the other moms) you'll have a great chance at it!

Good luck!

I had an emergency C section with my first and with all the others I was able to have VBACs without any complications. THe recovery time was sooooooo much faster.

I had an emergency C-section 20 years ago due to the umbilical cord being wraped around my sons neck.
5 years later I got pregnant, and to my surprise my doctor asked if I would like to try natural or plan a C-section. Of course, I asked his advice... He said natural child birth is always the best way to go if at all possible. So that's what we did. Unfortunately, they ended up having to take her with forceps because the placenta ruptured. It was a little scary for a few minutes, but the end result was a healthly, happy baby girl. I am grateful I made the choice for VBAC. The recovery was much quicker and I was really able to enjoy those first hours with my baby.
If there are no medical reasons for you to have a C-section other than the fact that you've already had one, you should definitely try for a VBAC.

Good luck!

Your doctor is unethical and should have his license revoked. C-sections should be done for medical indications only. Your baby not dropping by your doctors "due date" is absurb. Many babies do not drop into the birth canal until active labor is underway. Please, the next time you get pregnant I urge you to seek the care of a midwife. It will be very difficult for you to find a doctor or a hospital for that matter that will "allow" you to attempt a VBAC, even though it is safer and healthier for you and the baby to have a vaginal birth. Also, if you are having trouble emotionally or want to connect with other mom's who have been through this check out your local ICAN chapter.

Take Care,
Lisa

I had a natural birth with my son, 2.5 years ago. Our doula, Barb, was amazing. She has since gone on to midwifery school, and still practices as a doula and is very experienced in helping moms with VBAC's. If you are interested in her info, I would be happy to fill you in. She can help you choose your provider so that you get the support and choices you deserve! :)

T.
Barefoot Books Ambassador
www.ReadandGrow.com

K.,

Despite everyone telling me as well that I shouldn't feel bad or cheated about my C-section, I did anyway...I wanted the whole "natural birth, greeting my baby on my chest, breastfeeding right away, helping deliver my baby" experience and because of decisions made by my medical team's and me (uneducated decisions I might add...I was just the patient...never had a baby before...didn't know I could say "no"), I was "forced" into a C-section. I had PIH and at 36 weeks (because I was having SO many consistent Braxton Hicks contractions- only via a monitor- I wasn't feeling them) they decided to induce me...19 days later, 2 inductions and 6 "ripenings" later, my son had NO MORE FLUID! The kid came out orange (as opposed to yellow), he had jaundice so bad- I think because of all the stress from the inductions. So I was sent back to the hospital (I was still only 39 weeks) and given the "choice" for a 3rd induction or a C-section...my son was hung up on my hip and with no fluid for him to move in to get into my pelvis, after 19 days, I was STILL only a 1!!! So C-section it was!

But I was smarter, more experienced and more educated for my 2nd son! If you are in a smaller town, be prepared to fight for your VBAC...but if you educate yourself and find a good medical team to surround yourself with who supports you, you will do fine. The only time recommendation that I have heard is that they prefer you to wait at least a year before getting pregnant again (I got pregnant the DAY my son turned 1!!!- didn't mean to take the "rule" so literal, but that just happened to be when we got pregnant).

I live in a small town where VBACs are rare and the hospital kind of freaks about them (I had my own nurse assigned to just me, and my OB and the anesthesiologist could not leave the hospital AT ALL...I still see them around town and they all say..."Oh, yeah..you...the VBAC...we were certainly glad when you delivered...we could breathe then"). My OB had done a few with great success, but was still worried about the welfare of her patient's and their babies with them. Luckily, my doula and husband were behind me 100% and my mom, despite her skepticism, also wanted me to have the birth I always wanted. I did agree reluctantly to a few interventions (saline lock IV, constant monitoring, among other things...and both my OB and the anesthesiologist were thankful when I ended up asking for an epidural which made me safer for emergency situations because my OB told me that if something started to happen- rupture- and I did not have an epidural, that she would cut me open with just local anesthetic to save me and my child- to which I replied, I would not expect anything less...) and a few conditions (I could not go too far past my due date...and if I wanted to go at all past the due date, I had to have ultrasounds every few days that I did not go into labor to check fluid level and baby well-being...and I could not be induced at all.). Luckily my pregnancy went smoothly (except for a two-week stint where my son made me stress by turning breech at 36 weeks, but turned back by himself, thank the Lord) and I went into labor 3 days past my due date on my own. I labored at home for several hours and then we went to the hospital (I was in so much pain that I could hardly stand up...but I made the mistake of trying castor oil when I was already in early labor, but didn't know it yet- steady, small contractions started about 5 minutes after I took the castor oil...but it sent me into knee-bending contractions very quickly). Anyway, at the hospital after laboring for a few more hours, I was told that I was still a 1 and my choice was to either get an epidural to help me relax and sleep (I had been up for most of the past 48 hours and was already tired even before labor started) or I could go straight in to get a C-section...of course I chose the epidural, slept for HOURS and then was energized enough to let the epidural wear off some for delivery (they did make the decision when I was at about 6 cm to start a pitocin drip to help me go a little faster as I was starting to run a fever and had low oxygen sats- baby looked great though). Overall, my labor was about 27 hours from start to finish. My greatest satisfaction came when I was able to push my baby out (all 8 lbs 1 oz of him) and greet him on my chest, breastfeed right away and I had a great recovery...much better than the C-section (still very sore the next day, but after a day or so, I felt so much better- not like the C-section where pain was constant for DAYS on end)! Though it was not able to be 100% "natural", I would definitely push for a VBAC again (which in the end was my true goal...natural or not) and for # 3, since it was a success with # 2, I think I will be able to push for even more exceptions (like being able to move about the room and intermittent monitoring or monitoring with a portable device...that was the other bad thing was not being able to stand or move or rock with the contractions because I was stuck in bed on my back for monitoring...made the contractions a little harder to handle) and I hope my next one can be a 100% natural VB2AC!!! Feel free to write me with any other questions, but GO FOR IT!!!

The reason the number of VBAC's (Vaginal Birth After C-sections) are low is because Doctor's are too afraid of being sued if there were any complications. I know at least 20 people who have all successfully had VBAC's but it depends on your insurance too. We're in the military and we're covered 100% so the Doctor's aren't worried the same way that Dr's in the private sector are. I would look into your health insurance and find out if there are any stipulations about VBAC's. It's common for a Doctor to tell you that you have to have all of your babies C-section because it's easier for them, but don't believe them if they try to scare you out of a VBAC by telling you it isn't possible. Good luck!

Yes, I did! With my twins I needed a c-section and then with my youngest I decided to vbac! Highly reccomend trying to do this it was an amazing experience and a much faster recovery. You will need to be sure your Dr is onboard and if not you will need to find 1 that supports vabc.

I have 5 children. My second weighed 9 lbs, 11oz and was 22 and a half inches long. After I pushed for 2 hours, to no avail, they decided to deliver him by C-Section. The doctor did the low, horizontal, bikini cut. I delivered 3 children after him, by normal delivery, with absolutely no problems at all for myself or the babies. I live in Norfolk, VA and was at a very progressive hospital.

K.-

I had my first son via c-section and 3 years later delivered my 2nd son naturally. If this is something that you are interested in - you must have this conversation with your physician in order to know whether he supports your decision as well as making sure that when they did your initial c-section - it was with the type of "cut" that would allow you to have a natural birth later. Depending upon the cut that was used - you may not have an option. Many physicians now are very reluctant to allow someone to deliver naturally after a c-section due to the higher complication rate - so it is very important to discuss this with your doctor - probably before you even conceive.

Good luck!
P.

I had a great doctor here in Texas and had a wonderful experience with a vbac! Before my own doc could make it in, the hospital doc was saying that I had to do a C-section. I refused, and waited for Dr. McAlpine to come. He told me to push, and she was out in 3 pushes! It was so wonderful! I had the same feelings that you do. I wanted it to be more natural and for my husband to see her being pushed out, which he still talks about as the "coolest thing" he's ever seen. :) Good luck sweetie!

Great responses here! I had C-section for first child, then FOUR VBACs after. The 2nd baby was after 18 months, so not sure on the 3 year thing they mention here. But what I can say, is that it DOES depend on the reason for your first c section. I have had MD OB, as well as Midwife do VBACS however, these days most don't want the liability of possible uterus tear. (Which likelihood is so rare). Yes, having healthy baby is best, no matter how they get into the world, but the recovery is SO much better and easier with VBAC, no doubt....esp. if you have other children to care for after having new baby. Just know you are in good company, many of us have had successful VBACS, good luck.

I agree that it's important to treat each delivery individually...find a dr. who will support your efforts toward a VBAC but keep your options open. I had 2 vaginal deliveries and they were SO different! Recovery was way worse for the 2nd which was contrary to what everyone told me to expect...

I had to have an emergency c-section with my twins. I had preeclampsia and high blood pressure. They induced me at 36 weeks because they didn't want my preeclampsia and blood pressure to get worse. When they broke my water, my son lost his life support, and I was rushed to the OR. They couldn't get the epidural needle into my back, so they just knocked me out completely. I was out for about 4 hours after they had been born. I wasn't happy about that at all. With my next two children, I had them vaginally without any drugs at all. I loved that route so much better. There wasn't the six weeks of healing with a c-section scar, and I got to bond with my babies right after they were born. It was a much better experience. I had to look around for a doctor who was willing to let me attempt a V-BAC, though. That took some time. Now, I'm pregnant with my fifth child, and I'm having this one at home with midwives. I don't like doctors because they think they know what is best. When in reality, they don't like waiting around for a natural thing to happen. It's just much easier and faster for them (not to mention puts more money in their pockets) to do things like c-sections. If you're not high risk in any way, I would suggest looking for a midwife. If that's not a possibility then definitely look into finding a doctor who is willing to let you go the natural route. You'll be glad you did. I know I am. :)

Yes I had a really great natural birth (as in no medications or interventions) after a scheduled c-section for breech presentation with my first. There are many excellent resources that can help you achieve this. I would start by joining the ICAN of Chicago mailing list. This is the International Cesarean Awareness Network, and is a group that helps educate women on all aspects of c-sections - risks, benefits, how to avoid them when they're not needed, and make them better if they are. You can get on the list by visiting www.ican-online.org (that's ICAN national) or the direct link to the Chicago group is the Yahoo Group ICANofChicago.

Second, the care provider you choose is really really important. Some are extremely supportive of VBAC (Vaginal Birth after C-section) and many are not. If you are low risk, you can choose a midwife, and that will greatly increase your chances of success.

I personally maintain a list of care providers that ICAN members have had good success with for VBACs and if you contact me directly I am happy to share that with you. Or you can get on the ICAN mailing list and post looking for someone in your area. Or you can search the message archives.

I also suggest you try and show up at an ICAN meeting in person if at all possible, since there is no substitute to help your self-confidence like hearing about personal experiences and getting advice.

Best of luck. As you can tell, I really found ICAN helpful when I was preparing for my VBAC and it was such a great healing experience that I hope to help as many women as possible achieve a great birth.

Definitely! But the most important thing is that you align yourself with a midwife/ob that will whole-heartedly support you in your decision. Ask them specifically about their VBAC rate not just if they are willing. Look up ICAN. International Cesarean Awareness Network. www ican-online .org. They exist to help and empower moms in their birthing options. I'm sure they can provide local references for VBACs. Good luck!

Ps. 24 hours of labor is COMPLETELY natural for a first time mom:)

K.,
I can sympathize with what you went through. Although my circumstance was different...I delivered my first at 38 weeks due to pre-eclampsia and I developed HELLP. Despite trying to deliver naturally for almost 2 days in the end I realized that you can't make your body do something it is not ready or able to do.

In my second pregnancy I was pursuing a VBAC. I visited several different doctors in the practice that I go to and sort of answer shopped each month as to what they thought the probability of me having a VBAC was. They were very supportive although some were skeptical about whether I would be successful. In the end I had a 2nd C-section. I labored at home for several hours and then went to the hospital...only to discover that I had only dialated 1/2 cm! When they told me that my daughter was not responding well to the labor, that was all I needed to hear. I had a second C-section and don't regret it for a moment.

I think you have to realize that everyone's circumstances are different. For me it seems that I am great at "incubating" the babies but for whatever reason I can't seem to deliver them!

Best of luck and I would agree that if you are going to do a VBAC, please make sure that you do it at a hospital so you can get immediate intervention if you need it!

First of all, you really shouldn't feel cheated!! You had a child and that's what was important of course.
That being said, VBAC (vaginal birth after c-sec) has varied support. I think it's something to discuss with your midwife/doctor, of course. But the only warming I have read that is important is that you really don't want to have an induced labor, since the contractions are irregular, after a c-sec. But we have contractions throughout the entire pregnancy (called Braxton Hicks) which is the uterus getting ready and strengthening.
Do your own research and talk to your health care person. I have heard of many women who have had VBAC successfully, but be aware of the complications. (I also read Birth:the surprising history of how we're born by Tina Cassidy)
Best of health to you and yours!

Every birth should be considered on an individual basis. It is entirely possible to have a VBAC - for a while there was a big push to have VBACs - but with OB liability being so high - many won't even consider it anymore. Generally it does depend on why you had a c/s the first time around.

My first child was born vaginally - easily - up and around like nothing had happened! My second should have been a C/S - he was traumatic vagainal birth with extensive 4th degree tearing and my recovery was awful - I couldn't sit for 2 weeks and I barely could eat - I felt terriblel. My third child was an emergency c/s because she turned breech while I was laboring and my water was already broken so they could not safely try to turn her - that recovery from my c/s was a breeze compared to my second child. I am saying this b/c everyone is saying their recovery from a vaginal birth was so much better than a c/s - and normally I would agree (especially since I am an OB nurse) but I just want to show both sides.

Our first was born vaginal delivery in 1992 at 8.4lbs. Then in 1994 I had a c-section with my twins (6.3 and 7.4!) anyway, in 1997 I had a totally natural vaginal delivery with my fourth...(8.14). So yes, it is totally possible, I had no complications with any of my deliveries. Wishing you good luck and prayers for a healthy baby!

D.

By "normal" do you mean vaginal?

You can ABSOLUTELY do it if you have a practitioner who is supportive of your decision to VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section).

I had a VBAC after an emergency c/s...I too felt cheated. My 2nd birth was absolutely amazing. I would do it 100 times (well, maybe not 100) before I have another c/s!

Research hospitals that support VBACs as well as practitioners. I'd also recommend looking into a midwife. I had a midwife for both my pregnancies and am seeing the same one now that I am pregnant with my 3rd.

So, yes, if you want to do it, you can 100% do it. If your doctor doesn't support you, find one who will.

Yes, I had two v-backs after my first was born via c-section. If you have a doctor who is willing to work with you, it can all work out just fine. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor in detail and be sure you are on the same page. I know that studies have changed the number risks etc. even just between my 2 in 2000 and 2003...they would induce you in 2000, but not in 2003, but I think the risk is still only about 1%.

I actually ended up switching dr 1/2 through my 4th pregnancy because the dr started to insist I have a c-section, even after the successful v-backs. My new OB was open to my concerns and wishes, and we were well on the way to another v-back, when my son turned breach about a week before delivery, so I ended up with another c-section.

So when the time comes, just be sure to have a very frank conversation with your dr.

My sister had a normal delivery after a c-section. However, I think it is better to wait 3 years between kids (her kids are 3 years and 3 months apart). The longer you wait, the more chance the scar in your uterus will have to heal, so the less likely it will be to rupture during labor.

Hi! I just want to let you know that I have had FOUR natural deliveries after I had a c-section. My first was a c-section b/c he was breech, so I had to have one. They did try and "turn" him during my last week, but was unsuccessful. Anyway, as far as your baby not dropping "fast enough" for your dr.'s due date??? I would say, get a different doctor, no offense, but I don't think he or she has your best interest in mind. My dr. was all for trying a v-back (which I am sure you know stands for vaginal birth after c-section); anyway, there is a very SMALL chance of uterine rupture, but the entire surgical staff was on site until after I delivered..all four times! So, it was fine. The recovery time was so much shorter and I bounced back quite quickly, especially after my third child, which was my second v-back. Maybe this will help you! :)

Vbac after c-section is not only possible but odds are in your favor as long as you do not go past your due date then they start to drop(it also relates to the type of incision used the 1st time). BTW - Don't let them brake the bag of waters to "help things along," my 1st went into distress shortly after thus requiring a c-sect. With #2 I insisted the bag be allowed to break naturally and #2 made it thru a long delivery like a champ.

My sister-in-law just had her second baby with a v-bac. Her daughter was born only 22 months ago by a c-section due to the doctor feeling the baby was "too big" (which she wasn't). My SIL insisted she have a v-bac the second time around and found a doctor that believed in her as well. Two weeks ago she vaginally delivered a precious baby boy! No problems at all. It may take a while to find a doctor who is willing since there CAN be problems, but if you feel that strongly, I say GO FOR IT!!! Good luck.

That is not true. You can have a vaginal birth after a c-section, it's called a V-back. If your current Dr. is not willing to do a V-back then find an OB that is. I had a V-back & I know several women who have also had V-backs. I would not do a home birth after a c-section, but if you are in a hospital they can monitor you to make sure everything is Ok. Just a side note, the recovery from my vaginal birth was way harder than the recovery from my c-section. In hind sight I would have opted for another c-section. Many of my fellow V-back friends have said the same thing. Just something to consider.

Midwives are often able to perform VBACs with very high success rates, and they'll be much more patient with allowing you to have the birth that you want. I was 11 days late and induced for high blood pressure. I was in the hospital for 51 hours and 39 minutes with induced labor before my daughter was born. My water was broken for over 24 hours. I had a ten pound baby with a vaginal delivery. I'm pretty certain that with almost any MD I would have ended up with a C-section. But my midwives respected my wishes, given that my baby was never in distress. And I did have an epidural, which they were also totally respectful of. (I just say that because sometimes people know that they want an epi and don't go to a midwife because they think they can't get one with a midwife). So anyway, I'd recommend that you talk to a couple of midwives about having a VBAC.

I did. My VBAC was not easy, but it was a very fulfilling experience. :) Good luck!

I had to have a c-section for my first (he would not descend even 12 hours after my water broke). I have friends who have had successful v-bacs and were happy they tried. Like you, I do feel that I was cheated out of part of the experience. And feel a little sad every time I hear a friend talk about their successful vaginal delivery. I've considered what I would like to do the second time around and have decided to schedule a c-section again. First, I fear the possible complications of attempting a vbac. Second, there is always a possibility that a c-section will still be necessary thus requiring labor in addition to the c-section. I believe recovery from a c-section will be easier on my body without going through 18 hours of labor first. And, third, I like the idea of knowing exactly when everything will be happening. However, I think it's really important for you to decide what is best for you. Our hospital offers a prenatal class on vbacs. Check to see if anyone in your area offers something similar. Once you have all the information you can make an educated decision on whether it is right for you.

I've had two VBACs! My oldest came by c-section after pushing almost three hours and an attempt with the vacuum. He was just two big to fit through my pelvic bone at 9 lb. 8 oz.
But I had my daughter vaginally a few years after that with an epidural, and then a few years after that, I delivered my youngest vaginally and without pain medication! Wahoo!
I had a pretty rough recovery with the c-section, so was expecting that the vaginal delivery of my daughter would mean practically nothing to recover from. I was a little surprised by the amount of swelling down there, but healed up pretty quickly. With my third, I recovered even faster!
My OB was out of town for the birth of my daughter, and she was very disappointed to miss out on such a smooth VBAC.
Message me if you have any questions!

You've gotten some great resources already so I'll try not to repeat too much but simply share my story. My first child was a cesarean birth and 11 months later I was able to have an unmedicated vaginal birth. ICAN's guidelines suggest that births be at least 18 months apart if attempting a VBAC but since I was already pregnant with my second couldn't really plan around that guideline. I was very anxious about my decision to VBAC but after doing research via ICAN, reading books from ICAN's recommended reading list, working through my negative feelings of my first birth experience, talking to others and reading stories of successful VBACs, and investing in a doula for additional labor support and advocacy, I was able to be in the right mindset for a VBAC. I found a lot of my preparation was more psychological in getting over my own fears, guilt, doubts. My doctor was not fully supportive of a VBAC attempt and I was with a hospital heavy on intervention. Switching doctor and hospital was not an option for me. But making sure I did my research, surrounded myself with positive support, respectfully challenged my doctor when her answers seemed to be based on convenience rather than documented research, and avoided falling into the hype and fear of VBAC. Regardless of what you decide, the important thing is that you make an informed decision that you are comfortable with. I figured out that my negative feelings surrounding my first birth was not about the cesarean but more about choices being made for me rather than with me; I felt I had given over my control completely and had I not felt pressured about some things I might have avoided the cesarean. When people point out that you have a healthy baby regardless, that's true but your feelngs surrounding your experience are still yours, real, and something to work through. Good luck and feel free to contact me directly with questions or anything.

I was given the choice when I had my second. The Dr told me it depended WHY the first on ended in a C-section. If the issues were baby-related, then it's more likely you can have a successful "normal" delivery. I was headed down that path until Mr Dr. told me there was one VERY UNLIKELY but serious complication. My kids were only 16 mos apart so more of an issue I guess. IF (and it's rare) my uterus were to rupture due to the weakened tissue from the c-section, and the baby was in the birth canal, they can't do a c-section, and they have very little time to deliver before the baby may suffer brain damage - or I could bleed severely from the rupture. Even though the risk was so small, I opted for c-section number two. I do wish I had experienced a "natural" birth, however, I did what I felt was best and safest for my kids. This wasn't a risk I wanted to take. The first c-section was after 23 hrs of labor!!! The second was planned, and I was much more alert and involved with my son. Good luck with your decision and discuss with your doctor.

You have had some great advice but remember it is all advice and this is your husband and your decision to make. There are great risks associated with VBAC that is why it is hard to find a physician that will do them. I had a friend who made the decision to VBAC and her uterus ruptured, they did an emergency section and her son lived for about 8 hours. She has to live with her decision every day. For as many wonderful experiences with VBAC you will also hear about horror stories so you have to decide what you are willing to do. I would just recommend that you deliver in a larger hospital that has anesthesia in house and OR staff that is there 24/7. You will also need to ask your doctor if he will be there while you are in labor and if not will there be a physician there at all times just in case you have to go for a stat section. If they have to call him in and it takes him 15 minutes to get there that time could make all the difference in the world. Hospitals have a 30 minute window for emergency sections. From decision to do a section to the time they make the first cut they have 30 minutes. Do you really want a hospital that will take 30 minutes to get your baby out. Larger hospitals that have staff and an OR in the L&D can get a baby out in less than 10 minutes. You do not want to deliver in a hospital that has to call in staff for an emergency situation. I would also recommend that you use a OB physician and you deliver in a hospital. Continuous fetal monitoring is vital in delivering a healthy baby, the nurse will be able to watch the heart rate and notify the physician if there are any signs of complications. Women have babies everyday and do just fine but there are so many complications that can happen in childbirth. I hate to place the negative on it but you have to hear them so that you can make an informed decision. If you do a VBAC then you and your physician can come up with a birth plan. Just be flexible. Your ultimate goal is a healthy baby and you have to do what ever it takes to make that happen.

K. McMahen ~ Scentsy Consultant

Website: http://kmcmahen.scentsy.us/home

Little sweetie, just check out Michelle Duggar! With 19 babies she has had a ceasarean every so often when needed, then natural deliveries again. I myself have had eight deliveries, three were ceasarean and five were natural. Two of my ceasareans were needed, the first one for bearing down for so long and needing to deliver, and the third one for some bleeding with the placenta beginning to come loose. The second one was due to the theory that once you have one you always have to have one. And my five natural came after the three ceasarean. God bless.

I had a VBAC 13 months after having an emergency c-section. After my c-section I couldn't move for weeks and felt terrible!! After delivering naturally I was up and walking around about an hour later. I just had another baby in Nov for my second successful VBAC so I say go for it as long as the doctor is willing to... I can give you my doctor's name if you are looking for a group that is comfortable with VBACs. I delivered at Northwestern and my doctor's group is just around the corner at 680 Lake Shore Drive.

I did 14 mos after having my son via emergency c-section. The emergency was that in which the embilical cord was wrapped twice around my son's neck puting him in distress. because it was not anything my body did or didn't do during labor and delivery... it wa an option for me to have a natural delivey with my daughter. I was very cautious in my decision. But like you I wanted ( and medically could) do the natural birth the second go around.
From both experiences, I can honestly say I now would only want to do a vaginal delivery... our bodies are designed to do just that. I was so moblile in comparison to a c-section.
Talk to you doctors. See what your options are.

I had an "urgent" c-section with my second child because they noticed a little late that she was breech. The recovery for me was miserable, especially compared to the vaginal delivery of my son 3 years earlier. When I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd, I knew I wanted to attempt VBAC. The hardest part for me was finding a doctor who would agree to it. I met with 4 different doctors and with the one I found truly willing to attempt VBAC, I had to sign a release after he went over all of the potential complications. As it turned out, I arrived at the hospital fully dilated, so there was no time to really consider a c-section. I had a very quick, problem free VBAC. It can definitely be done!
I made A LOT of phone calls to various doctors to ask if they would even consider VBAC first. For those that said yes, I scheduled appointments. Good luck to you!

I had 2 VBACs after my c-section. You will have to talk with your doctor about it. I think currently the doctors are nervous/hesitant about doing VBACs due to an increase in complications.

With a vaginal delivery the recovery time is almost nothing, compared to that of a c-section. I would do the vaginal birth if you can, but don't feel "cheated" with a c-section. The only thing that matters is your healthy baby, and the angel you already have at home. I didn't find any magical moments delivering vaginally, it's all just a way to get to my baby.

First of all, if there was a medical necessity for having your c-section because your baby's health was in jeopardy, then you had a NORMAL delivery for your situation even if it wasn't a vaginal delivery. So, don't beat yourself up thinking that you "did it wrong", "it wasn't normal", etc.

Secondly, a VBAC is possible and a great resource to consider is http://www.ican-online.org/

yes my son was born c-section 13 yrs ago emergency because he wouldnt turn and then i had my other son 8 yrs ago natural

Updated

yes my son was born c-section 13 yrs ago emergency because he wouldnt turn and then i had my other son 8 yrs ago natural

I had a very diffficult first birth. Pre-mature with embellical chord broke off the wall of my Uterus--C-Section, followed by deadly infection, hospitalized 3 months
(Paratonitus with an Absess)
My second child was vaginal and perfect from start to finish..
Delivered right on time, no mishaps--7.6 lbs.
My third was twins and I chose to have a C-section so I could have a tubaligation during birth.

Yes, you can have a VBAC. I suggest educating yourself about birth and your options- this is your birth not the Dr's or hospitals. Many women are scared into doing things "just in case". Believe me there are other ways unless you or your child is in danger. Read "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth." I also suggest taking an excellent birth class called HypnoBirthing. Even if you are not wanting to do birth naturally, it gives you so much more education on birth in general and ways to build your confidence as well as strengthening the relationship you have with your birth companion. I used this mehtod to birth my two children and have known several mothers have successful VBACs using this method. Best of luck!!!!

I have a friend who had a similar experience. She had to do alot of research but eventually found a midwife who would help her, and had a successful vaginal delivery. A midwife will be more likely to help your body progress naturally. Also I would read both of the Ina May Gaskin books. Totally a hippy natualist but It made me a strong woman when I needed to be a viking and fight my way through my oun drug free delivery. It can be amazing. You can do it with the right person to back you up.

A VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section) depends on a number of things.1. How long between births (Drs. like at least 3 yrs) 2. The type of both inner and outer incisions. And 3. Other medical conditions (gestational diabetes for example) Some doctors will not consider a VBAC at all. They feel the risk for rupture is not worth it.

I had two c-sections, one emergency then one scheduled. They were 5 yrs apart and still my doc was tentative. Mostly because of the reasons I ended up having the emergency C-section. The second birth was scheduled a week early. We were in and out of surgery in 40 minutes.

My second scar was on top of the first and I healed quickly. I really didn't think much about missing out on having a birth experience.

PS:Here is one thing you might consider, I know many C-section moms(me included) who have healed much faster then a natural birth mom who needed an episiotomy)
Good luck!

I have had 2 VBAC's. The 1st VBAC was a long labor but uncomplicated and the 2nd VBAC was a short waterbirth (in the hospital). I say go for it! You should not had any trouble finding a Dr in the Chicago area to allow you to have a VBAC.

I DID it was a great experience for me considering the reason I had a C-Section the first time was because I only got to 1cm in 13 1/2 hrs of labor. But to me it felt like I was having my first child because I didn't experience everything I should have the first time. It was very hard cuz I never learned the breathing part but we got through it . It will also depend on how they did your C-Section the way I was cut allowed me to have a "V-BAC " So with all that said just talk it over with your doctor. Hope this helps

yes you can and you have to find a doctor that is willing to work with you. I am attempted a VBAC in April. My doctor delivered a VBAC with a clinically obese patient, which most doctors will not attempt to do because the think the patient is "too big" If you find your doctor is wishy-washy about attempting a VBAC or says yes, under these circumstances (the VBAC dodge) then you may want to seek another healthcare provider. Midwives are great for VBACs as well. If you live in the city, I'd be happy to refer you to my doctor. She has a 4% c-section rate and a high VBAC rate...it is uncommon to hear of these days.

Good Luck,
J. W, MPH
National Pregnancy Health Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-29454-Pregnancy-Health-Examiner

My first child was by c-section (he was to big and 2 weeks overdue)! My 2nd child was normal delivery and the easiest thing - in fact my doctor didn't think twice about it. The only problem was that my doctor thought it would take a little longer than it did since my first took about 17 hours. She almost didn't make it in time!

Just another "YES" to add to the mix and I am SO glad that I had the opportunity to do it! I also highly recommend getting a doula. Me and my husband both agree that she was wonderful and we don't know how things would have gone without her knowledge, encouragement, and support. My daughter was born at 34 weeks by c-section because she was breach and my water had broken. My second came at 39 weeks with no problems 21 months after my first daughter. Good luck!

Yes, I had a normal 7 hour delivery nearly 3 years after my c-section. It is called a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section). It depends on what your Dr. says though because it depends on the type of incision you had for your c-section. I have heard that if your incision is from belly button to the pelvic bone that you can only have c-sections. This may have changed since I had my girls though. I was so thankful for my VBAC. It took too long to heal after the c-section.