Has Anyone Ever Done a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesearean)?

Dear D., my name is D. and I have had a VBAC. It was so much easier than my C-sections. My deliveries also led me to become a doula, which I had doula at my VBAC. Please feel free to call me with any questions at 815/474-1678. there is a great book out there called "The VBAC Companion" by D. Korte'. Best of luck, D. Conte ____@____.com.

I had a VBAC for my second and experienced more discomfort after the VBAC. I had terrible pain in and around my vaginal area and felt the recovery was worse. When I had my third child I had the choice to have a C-section or vaginal and I chose to have a C-section. C-sections for me were easier, but I know everyone is different. On the other hand, I do know that I am grateful that I was able to experience a vaginal birth once. But once is enough for me!!

I had a vbac after my second son was born via C-section due to fetal distress. with my third child I had a vbac and it was not any longer recovery than before. I dont remmeber anymore pain than before (I did not have an epidural). vaginal birth recovery is always faster than c-sections. I strongly advise an epidural because it will make labor more enjoyable. I had one with my 4th child. WOW, it was wonderful. he was also in distress and my doctor had to practically get hime out with me doing alot of pushing. if I didn't have the epidural I probably would have ended up having another emergency c-section. Yes you might have pain. different women experience pain differently. your recovery will be shorter if you breast-feed. this will help your uterus to shrink faster.

Hi,

I never had a VBAC but delivered my first child naturally. I had fears about the pain and what it would be like "down there" but all my fears never came true. After my daughter was born, I had a huge since of relief because she was out. I did not get the episetomy and would recommend NOT to get it because my it seems as though my friends that did get it experienced more pain.

I was delivered by a midwife and they just snipped a bit of tissue but didn't cut me down there. It was pretty minor and I was up and walking hours after delivery. I did not have any issue. I hope that helps.

Good luck with the birth of your baby

Vicky

D.,
Congratulations on your second baby! I did not have a VBAC, but I did deliver my twins vaginally. It was painful the first 24-48 hours, but after the first week, I felt no pain at all and after 2 weeks, I was completely healed. I would definitely think the healing time is quicker with a vaginal delivery vs. c-section. You can start exercising after 6 weeks with a vag delivery...the harder part will be finding time =) Best of luck!

Hi D.,

I too have had a VBAC. My daughter was an emergency C-Section in 2002, and in 2006 I delivered my son vaginally. I was convinced at first that I would just end up having another C-Section because that's "what people do." As time went on through my pregnancy, I started thinking more about it and at about 36 weeks decided I was going to go for the VBAC.

Labor itself was extremely difficult. I didn't experience this with my daughter because I was only in labor for an hour before her heartrate started going nuts. With my son I was in labor for a week. I did go with the epidural, which made things so much better. My husband told me it was the first time he saw me smile in a week. The delivery itself was crazy. In a good way though! I felt my water break, called the nurse in who confirmed it did indeed break, called the doc in who told me I was ready to start pushing. Now the only downside to my late VBAC decision was the fact that I had not prepared myself for labor and delivery! I was scared out of my mind!

I only pushed 5 times and out came my baby boy, healthy as can be! The whole delivery process was like the ones you see in the movies. Completely different then with my daughter and my C-Section, no rushing around at all, very calm, just me, my husband, the nurse and the doctor in the room. I had no complications during my delivery at all. It was a 100% succesful VBAC and I was SO proud of myself for achieving it!

The recovery is different too. Yes, you are in pain for a while after birth. That isn't going to change, either way you go. The difference is, the pain from a C-Section lasts a lot longer and is a lot different (considering you've had surgery). I had a second degree tear with my son and yes, it hurt, and yes, I walked around like I had ridden a horse all night for awhile, but you heal quickly!

Not only is it worth the experience, it is worth it for the recovery process. If you have ANY questions, feel free to ask!

Hi D.,

I delivered my first vaginally and am due to deliver my second the same way this Wed - my doc is allowing me an induction a week early.

I think it's completely normal and reasonable to be worried about the pain and physical war wounds of a vaginal delivery, but can tell you I look forward to doing it again. I did tear pretty bad with my first but suffered no long term effects once it healed. Also, it did not change sex for my husband or I - a fear we both had and now laugh about.

I have friends that have had c sections - some with no problems some with big problems. I know we get tired of hearing "every baby and every delivery is different" from our docs and friends, but it's true. My layman's understanding is vaginal deliveries are supposed to be easier/safer in the long run. If your doc says you're a good candidate, why not try it? You can get an epideral which literally eliminates the pain you might be fearing. In fact, I'm hoping my epideral repeats as last time - it didn't take all the way so I was not in a ton of pain but had enough feeling to help me push my daughter out very quickly after a long long labor process.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

N.

I have done a VBAC. My first pregnancy was breech so we did a C-section, but when my son was coming I wanted to experience a vaginal birth. He was in the right position, but almost had to have a C-section because their was muconium(sp) in the water and I was taking forever to dilate. When they told me they were going to do an emergency C-section I all of a sudden went from 1cm dialtion to full! I will never regret my VBAC, I was in pain for a while(I had a phase 4 episiotimy)but I did recover quicker than the first time and I was able to chase my very active 3 yr old around! Good luck to you and your decision and congrats!

I haven't had a VBAC. However, my identical twin sister and I both had babies recently, and so I can compare the recovery time between the two methods fairly scientifically. My vaginal birth recoverly was quite a bit quicker. I was home within 2 days and felt quite normal after a week or so. I could do anything I wanted including exercise after the first week (nothing too strenuous, though). My sister, who had a c-section was in bed for the most part the first few days at least. I'm not sure if this is why, but I lost the birth weight much more quickly than she did. I'm not sure if this is related to the different birth types or not.

However, if you want to lose the weigt fast, make sure you breastfeed. I'm sure you know this already, though.

Hope this info helps.

WEll I had a c-section repeat because I was afraid of having my uterus erupt. A friend's mom said that 1 out of 100 woman have their uterus erupt..and for me... that is too low of a number for me. I am so blessed that I didn't do a vbac because my ob said my uterus would of definitely erupted. I had my daughter 2 weeks ago today and I am up and moving as if I never had a baby. This recoverary was so much easier than my first time. Do what your gut tells you to do.... I have heard successfull vbac stories as well.

D.,
I am a labor doula, and have had 2 clients with very successful vbacs and they were wonderful births. And, it is very true that the recovery is alot better and shorter. With my first child, I tore so bad, that I was so sore for so long and it hurt to sit even after 6 weeks, but with my other two, in a day or two, there really was not much pain left. I would definitely recommend doing it. And if your Dr. is for it, I say go for it. If you need to talk to someone about this, I can help and listen. Where are you delivering and who is your Dr?

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

Hi D.,
I've had'em both, my first was a c-section and the other two have been vbac's, hands down my vaginal births are so much more easier, even though I had some tearing down there with my second baby, it still doesn't compare to the inconveniences of having a c-section. I'd say all birthing experiences are different but based on the stats and average feedback from moms VBAC is the way to go!
Congratulations & good luck with your decision!

Hi D.,

Congrats on your pregnancy and upcoming birth! I had a VBAC with my second child and recovery was much easier the second time around. My delivery was "natural" (i.e. no epidural) and I think that helped to minimize any complications since I was free to move around during labor and pushing was no problem since I could feel everything. The internal scars from my c-section are much worse than anything done during the vaginal delivery. I did tear a little naturally (no episiotomy) but it was stitched up very well and was only uncomfortable for a couple days. With the c-section I had difficulty sleeping on my side (felt like my insides were going to fall out!), trouble going up and down stairs, lifting things (like heavy grocery bags), and could not walk comfortably for a few days.

I know what you mean about not wanting to exercise because it did not feel like my body was healed at 6 or 8 weeks either. Since I had another child to care for (2 yrs at the time) it made the most sense to try for a VBAC because I only had my mom helping for about a week and lifting him or carrying him up and down the stairs would have been a very bad idea with a c/s. One other thing to consider is that most women that I have spoken to regarding repeat c/s have said that it is more painful the next time around. This makes sense because of additional cuts/scars although I have never experienced this.

You are lucky to have a supportive doctor because that will help tremendously should you decide to do a trial of labor. One other thing that helped me was having a birth doula since I knew I didn't want any drugs/interventions because of my first experience with childbirth and subsequent research.

You can do whatever you choose but know that if you put your mind to it, you can have a VBAC. I truly believe that is the best thing for both mother and baby (and older siblings).

Karen

Hi D.!
You've got some great responses and I just wanted to throw my hat in as well . . .

I had a VBAC in Sept. My first was an emergency c-section at 29 weeks and I have a classical c/s scar (up and down, but my uterine cut was sideways, so that's why I could VBAC).

Anyhoo . . .the VBAC was sooo much easier and recovery was much better than the c/s. As another mom said its major abdominal surgery. There are many benefits to the baby by doing it vaginally too. I know that you can argue both sides of this situation. But if I had the choice, I would have 10 more vaginal births before I had another c/section!

I have a 3 year old as well (and was on bedrest with my new guy from 26 weeks on due to PTL). I was up and able to care for both my newborn and 3 year old with no problems afterwards. It was such an amazing experience to PUSH out a baby. Some people don't care about that. I did.

Plus, when you VBAC, there are doctors there who are there simply to watch you for any sign of fetal distress or uterine distress!

Best of luck with your decision. Its great to see so many women in favor of VBACs!
B.

I had a VBAC and it was the best thing I ever did. I had a c-section with my first because she was breech. I was a little tramatized by the whole thing. I thought the recovery with my VBAC was way better than with the c-section. Quicker too. I was in labor for 21 hours and had to push for 3, but I would do it again. I would say do what you feel in your heart is right for you. I also had a doctor I trusted. Good Luck!

I have not done VBAC, but my recovery from VB was very easy. My little guy was premature, so that might have had something to do with it. But I was on the go back and forth to the hospital, driving, not on pain medication 2 days after his birth. I walked slow, but there was little pain. I think I had more pain for the uterus cramps when I was pumping the first week or so (when the uterus is shrinking back to size, you have that too with a C-section if you breast feed or pump). My recovery was much faster than my 2 friends who went through C-sections around the time I did. I was very surprised by the quick and quite painless recovery, and I wanted a planned C-section but his early birth came before we had the squared away with the insurance company.

good luck - I also did prenatal yoga from about my 4th month on and I swear that helped prep my body! They say it is even good to do a month before the birth, so if you can find a class, I would recommend going!

sweetpea's studio on ravenswood in Chicago has a VBAC support group, probably a good resource to tap into. i don't have the contact info handy, but i think the website is sweetpeasstudio.com

Vaginal births - even VBAC - are much much safer than c-sections. Even with the small risk of uterine rupture, they are a lot less risky than major surgery is.
Here are reasons that they are better:
1. Better for the baby - labor stimulates the baby's breathing, heart, etc. Gets her ready for the world.
2. Vaginal birth clears your baby's lungs - lower incidences of asthma, and definitely much less mucus that your baby will be coughing up in the first several days.
3. It's not major abdominal surgery. Don't kid yourself - C-sections are a big deal even though they're routine. Any time you can avoid surgery you should.
4. Much faster recovery.
5. You will be able to pick up your older daughter after you have your baby. You will have much more energy. YOu will not have to spend 3-4 days in the hospital.
6. YOu can exercise sooner (though you might not want to ride a bike any time soon)

I would definitely DEFINITELY try a VBAC, especially since your care provider seems very supportive of the idea. I had a c-section with my first baby (he was breech) and am 100% planning on VBAC for my second.

I had a vaginal delivery after *two* c-sections and never, ever regretted the decision. I absolutely hated the c-sections. The recovery took forever and I had tons of pain in addition to a longer hospital stay. The first one was 7 days, the 2nd one was 3 days...the vaginal delivery, I went home the next day. If I ever have any more kids, I'll search heaven and heck till I find a doctor willing to let me deliver vaginally.

It sounds like you have found an amazingly up-to-date doctor who really cares about the health of you and your child- Congratulations! I read through most of the stories below and they all seem to point you in the right direction. You probably WILL heal faster because your body is doing something it is "meant" to do rather than undergoing major surgery. You should be able to bend, stretch, walk, etc. all VERY soon!

If you feel like you might need extra support during your labor, don't forget that there are doulas out there! There are even some who have attended VBACs and are familiar with your concerns and can support you through all of it.

Congratulations on your baby and on not HAVING to have surgery this go 'round!
-Amanda

It is true that everyone is different so their recoveries will also be different. I had 3 c-sections. I can honestly say that recovery is also about your mindset. With my first I babied myself so it took longer to recover. With the second I had a 3 yr old to come home to so I pushed a little. With #3 I was walking laps in the halls at the hospital within 24 hours because I knew I had a 6 1/2 yr old and a 3 1/2 yr old to go home to! The more you puch yourself the faster recovery will go as long as you learn your limits. Having said that, for weight loss purposes VBAC would be faster. The muscles in your stomach once they have been cut are very difficult to "train" so to speak. I know that it is still just as stretched out regardless of type of birth but you will have to work harder to get the same results in a short amount of time. I personally could not even feel anything in the area of the incision for almost a year. I could poke myself with a sharp fingernail and not feel it other than pressure. Whatever you do congratulations!! Good Luck!

Hi D.,

You have some great responses already! I've had 2 VBAC's - the 1st recovery wasn't so great with yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (sp?) - having to take a heavy duty antibiotic while nursing with my pediatrician saying not to take it and my OBGYN saying I had to. Though it was a struggle and took about 8 weeks to clear things up, I would still go VBAC over a C-Section any day! My second VBAC recovery was a breeze. Now, 3 years from having my last baby and 7 years from my first, the scar from my C-Section still itches a little if my undies land on it and I still wonder, did I really need that emergency C-Section?

One more thing -- though I've had 2 VBAC's, my OBGYN informed me last year that if I were to have another baby, my only choice with her as my doctor, would be a C-Section. She says she doesn't agree with it medically but because of her insurance coverage, she can't offer VBAC's anymore. It's sad when big business is deciding these things for us. You are so lucky to have a doctor that still supports VBAC!

Good Luck with your decision!

T. S.

Hello D.,

I'm D., I did have my first daughter with c-section and after 21/2 yrs I had my second one vaginally.. VBAC is not a bad idea it really helps you to recover faster. I had same fears as you are having but trust me as long as you are comfortable than going for vbac is a good idea. good thing is that your doctor is supporting you. I had my doctor's full support and i pulled through labor. My doctor did monitor my uterus during labor to see that there was no danger of my uterine rupture. ask you doctor if they going to do that. If you take epidual than you won't feel the labor pain at all.

hope this helps.

Dee

My 1st baby I had a vaginal birth...2nd one I had a C-section. I just had my 3rd child (a month ago) and I opted to do vaginal. Vaginal birth is totally easier after giving birth. Everything went well for me. Good Luck!

:-) M.
Mommy Blog - http://wantsugar.blogspot.com

Hi D.,

I can tell you I VBAC'd twice after a C-section and it was fine. Like you, I dont' think recovery was too awful from the c-section...I do remember the initial pain right after surgery though. I did have a couple tears -that was it with the first VBAC and the 2nd was much easier.

Hi D., I'm nt even pregnant the second time yet and already worrying about this. I had a big baby the first time (9 lbs 12 ounces) and after a little over a DAY of labor, had to have a C-section. My recovery was fine, and I was chomping at the bit to get back to exercise way before the doctor's deadline for that. To contrast, my best friend had a baby two weeks before me, vaginally, and she had extensive tearing and took months and months before she could even "walk straight." So I think truly every person IS different, every delivery is different. I am not saying the recovery from vaginal deliveries is harder than that from C-sections, I am just saying that the opposite (that c-sections have a longer recovery time) is not necessarily true for everyone. You shoudl do what you feel comfortable with--and hey, you can always try for the VBAC and change your mind, I suppose?

I had two vaginal births and my last was a C-section. Found the recovery much more lengthy with the c-section. Good luck I'm sure either way will be fine.