Considering VBAC and Experience or Advice

For a healthy mom, the bennefits of a VBA2C definitley outweigh the risks of another c-section.

I think your problem may be finding a provider in the area who'll be willing to offer the option AND give you a fighting chance.--Just because he/she SAYS that they'll support a VBAC doesn't always mean that you'll actually be supported when the time comes.

If you live anywhere near Lehigh Valley, there's a local chapter of ICAN that just started (if you you don't live close by, please try to find a chapter close to you). I believe the site is www.ICAN.org

Reading "The VBAC Companion" and "Silent Knife" may be good books for you too. I also HIGHLY suggest trying to find a good midwife in the area rather than an OB if you can at all helpit.
YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations & good luck!
A.

Hi M.,

I also had 2 C-sections--first was just like yours--days of labor and then failure to progress, so C-section. The second was due to complications with my blood pressure, so it was sort of an emergency. Due to a problem numbing my naval area, I was under general Anes. both times. Then my 3rd and 4th pregnancies I really wanted to try V-BAC, so I discussed all the pros and cons with my doctor. I especially wanted to try w/ my 3rd because after 3 c-sections it is more dangerous to do VBAC since there is more scar tissue that could tear. So I thought I should at least give it a try with #3. I also knew that if there were problems or complications I was OK with another C-section and I wouldn't be a "failure". In fact a good friend of my has had 6 babies by c-section (not by her choice, but just b/c her body wasn't able to deliver).

Anyway, my 3rd child was delivered VBAC very successfully and it was a great experience. Then I was able to also have my 4th child w/o C-section.

Recovery is still an issue if you have stitches--but not nearly so many places (layers) have to heal. Surgery involves a LOT of cutting, and then more potential for infection....but if it is scheduled--it is more convenient to "know" when the baby is coming.

I just wanted you to know that I was able to do it and am really glad I did--but no matter what--read books, talk to your doctor and make the decision based on YOUR circumstance. Consider if you plan for this to be your last baby or if you are going to try for more children. Remember that the goal is a healthy baby AND Mom. There is no "right" or "Wrong" way to deliver. Blessings,

Your doctor may feel that 18 months is not enough time to Recover for a VBAC, but most Doctors are against VBACs for the slight risks they have. Most women CAN have a VBAC! Do your own research and google “ICAN” and see if there is a support group in your area. Going to ICAN meetings was the best thing I did for myself – they gave me so much confidence! My 1st birth was very similar to yours and I didn’t think I would be able to VBAC but I had a successful one almost a year ago. I had to push my Dr. for it… he was quite against it and I kept telling him I wanted to at least try and before I knew it, I had made it to my due date and went into labor on my own shortly after. I am afraid of pain myself, but things happened so fast that I had no time for any drugs at all and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world to give birth! GOOD LUCK!

I delivered all 3 of my children by c section. My first I was in labor 25 hours, pushed for 4.5 hours, but she failed to descend. With my second I was all set to VBAC, but failed to pregress past 3 cm and consented to a c section. All of this did not discourage me from wanting to vbac my third baby. In my area I was not able to find a doctor that would attend my delievery, though I went to several consultations following leads from other people who VBACed. Because I had never had a successful vaginal delivery I was too big of a risk to the doctors. I ultimately scheduled a c section and prayed for labor to begin before the date. My water broke 4 days early, but unfortunately labor did not begin on its own. It was a mirror imagine of my first labor, in which I believe my baby was posterior and thus she would not come out. I had been keeping tabs on this baby and I knew that she too was not positioned optimal for my VBAC, so I called the doctor and went in for a c section. Although I was not successful I do not regret an ounce of my struggles in my attempts. I think had I not gone to the ends of the earth to try to make it happen I would have had a lot of regrets. Do your reseach! There is a wonderful group on Yahoo groups called ICAN that is filled with wonderful, knowledgable women. They pointed me in the right direction and I learned a great deal of infomation that allowed me to make an educated decision for myself and my baby. If you do not persue this you might be left with a lifetime of whatifs. Good luck!

I had a c-sect with my 1st after 21 hours of natural labor w/o drugs. My son didn't descend so I ended up with a c-sect. 4 years later I had a very successful natural VBAC with my daughter. Labored at home for most of it, got the the hospital at 8 cm. 2.5 hours later had my daughter with almost no intervention. I was up and walking 2 hours after birth. Went home 36 hours after birth.

There are risks associated with both VBAC and subsequent c-sect. It is very possible to have a successful VBAC after 2 c-sect. The recovery is much easier from a vaginal delivery. However, with having had 2 c-sect, your risk of uterine rupture increases... mind you it's still in the single digits. 1 c-sect puts you at a <1% chance of rupture. 2 c-sect is under 5%.

So, do your reading, go to ICAN. Google VBAC. The information is out there. Get opinions from different doctors and midwives. If you want a VBAC, you'll be able to find someone to help you.

Hi M., I guess we have all had different experiences...I have had 3 c-sections; 1 with an epidural and a spinal the other two with spinals (my choice). I found my recovery was much faster with the second and third c-sections since I knew what to expect and had a chance to pre-plan. With my second my ob/gyn encouraged me to VBAC and I was scared to death about it because of the reason's behind my first c-section. (Different OB/GYN than the first). In my experience I was able to choose between an epidural and a spinal...would you have that same option? Take some time and really discuss your options with your doctor. Remember the best option is the healthiest for both you and your baby! You have tons of time so don't rush your decision and remember to leave some options open. Best wishes.

I had a c section with my first, and a VBAC with my second. I was induced with the second child, and although everything went fine when I was pregnant with my third I was finding it very hard to get the doctors to agree to a VBAC with the third. Basically they would have let me try if I went into labor on my own, but did not induce anymore (added stress on the uterus)I ended up with another c section because I did not go into labor and was a couple weeks overdue. So, it is early in your pregnancy, but I would urge you to see how your doctor feels. Good Luck!

I had an emergency c-section with my first, vbac with my second. You are taking a good first step by doing research. I would agree with the suggestion of reading a VBAC companion, it really helped me with my decision for a vbac & gave me the courage to switch to a midwives group (in my 8th month!) because I wasn't sure my doctor's group would support a vbac come delivery time. I would also recommend a doula, my doula & midwife worked together; I think without them I would have ended up with another c-section since my labor was 22 plus hrs & I only dilated 1 cm every 2 - 3 hours. After my c-section I was in the hospital for 4 days & had a long recovery (though this was an unplanned c-section & I hear scheduled c-sections have a quicker recovery). For my daughter I was discharged from the hospital as soon as they would let me go (24 hrs later) & was able to be home with my toddler son & my newborn. My recovery was so much easier with the VBAC!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

As suggested in other posts, do some research and have a conversation with your doctor. However, be prepared for the answer that a C-section is better.

I had a C with my first because he was too big to be delivered vaginally -- nice to hear after going through labor and pushing : ). My second was just as big but the doctor wanted me to deliver vaginally so we went through the motions. I ended up delivering vaginally but had complications and the OB commented that it would have been better to go with a C.

Having done both, I would take the C-section any day. After my experience, I did not understand why everyone was so gung ho on delivering vaginally : )

Go with what you think is best for you and the baby -- that's all that matters.

Good luck.