Seeking Advice from Mom's Who've Had Repeated C-sections And/or Vbac's

My first child was a c section - baby in distress. My second child was VBAC - which I agree with you is a much easier birth, and one I enjoyed much more. With my third child (born three years ago)I had trouble with the doctors even considering a VBAC. I ultimately had my third c section due to him being two weeks overdue, but would have preferred another VBAC.I feel there is a risk in anything - even a "normal" birth - and in life itself. If you really want to try a VBAC then you should, but if you go with the c section, or have to have another one, I will say the second was easier than the first and I have heard many others that said the same thing also. Good Luck!

Hi M., I have had three babies; #1 c-sec, #2. vbac, and #3 c-sec. I will have to agree with you that vbac recovery time is much easier. I would choose that again if I could. I am a very petite woman, and the c-section was suggested to me the first time. My second baby was a whole pound lighter, and the labor went faster, so the doctor allowed vbac. It went fine, but the doctor had to use forceps to help the baby out. Knowing this, I decided to have the second c-section because it was easier to plan, etc. I think you should opt for vbac if you do not develop any problems along the way. I never had any complications from any of my labors whatsoever. Good Luck!
M. P.

I don't know if this will help you...but here goes.

Almost nine years ago, I gave birth to my first child vaginally. I was in extreme pain. More than I should have been in. I found out afterward that I had split my pelvis and as a result, I couldn't walk without some kind of assistance until my pelvis grew back together, which took about two weeks. I also now have occasional bouts of sciatica as a result of splitting my pelvis.

I pushed the doctors into letting me have a scheduled c-section with my second child five years later. Then again almost two years after that with my third child. I do not regret me decision to have a repeat c-section in any way. I was told that my frame was really too small to deliver vaginally and that is what caused the split pelvis. There would have been a good chance of that happening again if I had chosen vaginal births with all of them. That was definitely not something I wanted to go through again.

Congrats on your pregnancy. Like many other postings, I had a successful vbac. My first birth I was induced due to low fluids, pictocin, never got past 4 cm dilated, and after 21 hours and fetal distress ended up with a c-section. When I got pregnant again, I wanted to try a vbac. I did a lot of reading/research. I read the vbac companion (which has mixed reviews and is a little outdated but gave me valuable information). In my 8th month of pregnancy I switched from a doctor group to midwives because I was not convinced that all the doctors in the group would support a vbac. I also had a doula which my husband questioned but afterward agreed she was invaluable.

The midwives encouraged natural onset of labor (which is important to reduce risk of uterus rupture) and were with me along with my doula throughout my 22 hours of labor. I only dialated 1 cm every 2 - 3 hours, I think a doctors group would have given up but my midwives encouraged me to continue and I had a healthy baby girl with only brush burn tearing. I walked out of the hospital with my new baby girl 24 hours after she was born (as opposed to be wheeled out 4 days later).

It worked for me but you have to choose what is right for you. Continue to research and educate yourself and ask a lot of questions. I know several friends who had a scheduled c-section after a previous c-section and had a much easier recovery the 2nd time around.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

M. ~

I am mom to a boy, age 3.5, and 34 weeks pregnant with #2. My boy was an emergency c-sect because, although I dialated to 10cm, he never descended enough to be pushed out. That said, I am going to try my best for a successful VBAC.

You need to check out this site http://www.vbac.com/ It gives you a ton of statistics and studies as well as the benefits of VBAC to you and baby.

The short answer is if you have a low transverse, double stitched scar and your c-sect was more than 2 years ago, you have a less than 1% chance of uterine rupture. In other words, you are more likely to die in a car accident on the way to the hospital, or get struck by lightening, than to have your uterus rupture.

The benefits of a VBAC far outweigh the risks of major abdominal surgery (c-sect).

That said - the choice is ultimately up to you, as it is your body and your baby. Just be sure it is an informed choice. :-)

- D.
Registered Yoga Instructor
Certified Khalsa Way Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Childbirth Educator

M. P. I had two VBAC's it was 20 years ago. My first child was also breech not know until her little foot was coming out first, so they did an emergency C-section. She was my smallest baby 7lbs. 2ozs. I am very sensitive to medication and I was out for two days after the c-section, I did not hold her or get to bond with her right away, and because I had a hard waking up she had to remain in the nursery unless someone was with me.I ended up in the hospital for 6 days and got an infection. 27 months later I gave birth to my 2nd child he weighted 9lbs. 7ozs. he was induced and not easy to push out but I was able to hold him and start nursing right away. I needed no pain medicine and was awake and able to take care of him by myself. I was up and moving around the same day the worse part of vbac birth is that for the first couple of hours I had no sensation of having to urinate. I was home in 24 hrs. 2 years to the day of my 2nd childs birth I gave birth to my 3rd child I did not lose the sensation to urinate this time and I was up and moving around the same day, her weight was 8lbs. 9ozs. I personally like the vaginal birhts compared to the c-section. I had no concerns about any eruptions of the uterine. But I have to say this is a personnel choice. If I were you I would research this throughly and then make a decision. Good luck keep us posted.

My sister was in a similar situation as you. Her first was also breech and she had to have a c-section. She had a VBAC for her second, and it went very well - no complications and MUCH shorter recovery time. Definitely do some research.

Ironically, TIME magazine has a full article this week on VBAC's. Be sure to check it out.

Good luck and trust that whichever decision you make is the right decision for you, your baby, and your family - no matter what anyone else says!!

I was unable to do a VBAC because of the size of my second baby and some other complications. However, I can tell you that recovery after the second C was much quicker. Scar tissue feels no pain. The surgery took longer the second time around,but a lot of that was due to the size of the baby and the fact that my second was not breech like the first and she was over 22.5 inches long.

Hi M.,
That is a tough decision. I have 3 boys-ages 11, 4, and 1. The 1st 2 were vaginal and the 3rd was c-section because he was breech and would not turn. We won't have our 4th for a few more years but I did ask my doc about having a VBAC for the 4th. She said "Why not?" I told her I was worried and she said not to be. Unless there's something wrong with the pregnancy I think it's best to try vaginal first. They can always run you to the OR if they need to do a c-section.

You're right about recovery time. I felt sooooo much better after the vaginal deliveries. The c-section took forever to recover and I'll always have that little "baby bump" around the scar. You know...the fat that won't go away. Still working on it though.

Go with your gut feeling. If you want to go with a VBAC-try it! Ask your doc. for tips, advice, etc. Anything you need to help you through it. Good luck & God Bless. Let us know how it goes. :)
N.

I had a c-section with my first for being breech and a VBAC with my second. The vaginal delivery was very difficult for me (part b/c the baby was crooked and ended up needing the assistance of a vacuum) and I tore a great deal. Even with all the trouble of the VBAC I would opt for that again over a c-section. My boys were 15 months apart...at least your uterus has had several more years to heal to avoid rupture. I am very glad you have a doctor who is willing to support you either way. That seems to be very rare now-a-days. If I were you, I would definitely do the VBAC, especially since you've had a vaginal delivery before! Best wishes!

My first child was born via c-section. We hadn't planned it that way, but he was a week past the due date, attempts to induce labor weren't successful and after a few hours of pushing he never dropped into the birth canal. My dr felt he may have been too big. I got pregnant almost immediately with my second child and the dr suggested I consider a second c-section. She felt that my chances for a similar birthing experience were pretty significant. I opted for the c-section. I don't feel cheated that I didn't have vaginal births. My children were healthy at birth and it was still very magical for me and my husband. We felt we made the best decision for us based upon our drs advice, info we read, and our own concerns. I'm sure you are going to receive a lot of feedback and opinions on this. Keep in mind that this is an emotionally charged subject for many people. Be sure to make the decision that is best for you regardless of others' emotions. Congratulations and best wishes!

Hello M.

My name is Trish. I am 40 years old and a proud mom of 3 beautiful children. Boy 20, girl 17 and baby girl 4 years old.

My first was a C-Section. My second was VBAC and I loved the idea that I was able to have VBAC after C-Section. The third was of course 13 years later and I was high risk due to the age factor. I most say GOD was awesome because I did not have any of the tests or complications that go along with the age limit factor.

I had a very very good i would say great pregnancy and if I could do it again I would. She was different from all the pregnancies. She did tricks in the belly and everything. Would not let me know what she was ahead of time; would not let the technicans or the doctors see what they needed to see. She was very stubborn and still is.

I had planned on VBAC;however, I continued to get bigger and bigger and would not dilate. So when I went to my last check up we did not get any fetal movement. Doctor asked me if I wanted to induce or have C-section. I called my hubby so that him and the children can come down to the hospital.

I opted for C-Section since I had experienced both. Glad I did; the cord was wrapped around her neck. Told you previously she did tricks in the belly.

The recovery was amazing. Had her on in the evening; did not want the pain killers in recovery and was walking around the next day. The doctors could not believe that I had just had a C-Section.

So my advice is to do VBAC and if things go wrong then do what you have to do.

Good Luck and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Passion Parties By Trish
www.trypassion.com

When I was pregnant with my second child, I asked my doctor about my second delivery. "This hospital doesn't do VBACs," I was told. I like my doctor and I like the hospital, so the decision was made for me. I had an uneventful pregnancy and a scheduled Cesarean. My daughter was healthy. My recovery was easier and quicker the second time around. I even drove my daughter to her 2-week check-up--by myself! The only experience I have had with a VBAC is an acquaintance who found a hospital (not local) who attempts VBACs. She traveled there for all her appointments, went to the hospital when her labor started, and she labored. And labored and labored. And ultimately had another section.

I live in a rural area and was basically told I had to have a repeat C-section with my second child. My other option was to drive two hours to a larger hospital. Part of me was looking forward to having it all scheduled - just walk in day of knowing what would be happening - no labor (after 26 hours the first time around and then a C). My son had other ideas. I went into labor a month early. Ended up with a C-section (just earlier than planned). All went well, baby was fine, and recovery was fairly easy. Part of me thinks a VBAC would have worked this time, since this baby knew he was ready to enter the world. If VBAC had been a more viable option for me, I would have chosen one, especially since I was in labor for 9 hours anyway.

I have had 2 c-sections. The first one was after 3 hours of pushing and an insane amount of pain (they turned my epidural all the way down because I wasn't able to feel contractions and wasn't pushing properly). She got stuck and I needed to have a c/s...but I had a feeling that was going to happen so I was really ok with it. My first was a bigger baby (over 8 pounds). I healed pretty quickly from the experience, considering I had pushed and gotten her to come pretty far down, and then needed to have a c/s anyway.

I opted to have a repeat c/s (my girls are 3.5 years apart). I just had a feeling things would turn out the same way if I did try to do a vaginal birth...and my experience with the first c/s was overall very positive. I had Renee almost 10 months ago...she was a whole pound smaller, so I do wonder if I could have done a VBAC, but honestly it does not matter...she's here, she's healthy, and either way-she got here! The recovery was similar...easier in some ways because I knew what to expect...harder in other ways because resting whenever I needed to wasn't an option with another young child at home! I did bleed a little longer but that was due to overdoing it at home and lifting things when I shouldn't have been-when I took it easy, I did fine. I had some more soreness the second time around-that had to do with scar tissue...but it wasn't painful, just annoying. I used an ice pack on the incision area as needed for about a week and then I was fine.

Good luck. There's not one right answer...delivery either way is rough on the body...

I also went with the c/s because there is a slight chance of uterine rupture with a VBAC-but I think that's more for people who have kids closer in age...for me, they said the risk would have been at around 1%...I think it goes down the farther in age each of the kids are from each other.

M. - don't be nervous about a VBAC. Especially because you've already had one vaginal delivery. My first baby was a breech and I had a c-section even though I had gone through all the natural childbirth classes. I was really disappointed because I wanted to go "natural". My second son, born two years later, was a 10 1/2 pound, all natural, no pain medication, VBAC. He was big, so it took a while to deliver him, but it was the best experience of my life and if I ever had another, I would do it just the same. As long as you had the low, "bikini-cut" incision (instead of the long one running down your belly), it is perfectly safe to do a VBAC. You'll be fine. The recovery (as you know) is much easier, and it's better for the baby too! Good luck.

Hi M....I totaly understand your concern, and your apprehension about having another baby. My first was an emergency C-section. It was quite an ordeal, and I had a long recovery. I had two more babies since then, both were vaginal births. I would highly recommend your trying for a vaginal birth this time. If you would like to know more about my experience, you can email me at ____@____.com

I did a lot of research before I attempted a vaginal after having a C-section. I was very afraid that it would not work, and something would happen to the baby or me.

Good luck...you have a lot of time to think things over

M.,
I will be in a similar situation soon (plan to try for #2 this summer). My son was an emergency c since there were some complications during delivery (I tried). I was told the same as you were, that its my choice for future pregnancies. From what I read, as long as you wait like 2 yrs after c section your uterus should be healed. I'm going for vbac because I want that experiance. So unless the doc says you must have C again, go for vbac. Good Luck!!!!!

Hi M.!

I have a 9 yr. old daughter and I just gave birth to twins in August 2008. My 9 yr. old was a C-section and I was scheduled to have another C-section for the twins, but my water broke 6 weeks early and I went into labor. Anyway, my doctor said since they were both head down and in position to come out that I could try a VBAC if I wanted to. I was all for it and so glad that I did! Less pain and healing and I was up and out of bed the same day that I had them. I wasn't ready for a marathon or anything but if I would ever have anymore kids, which I don't think I am, I'd do the vaginal all over again. They did however take me into the operating room just in case one came out vaginally and the other one needed to be a C-section but God was watching over me and they both came out vaginally. An hour later than the other other but both vaginally. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Take care and congrats on the pregnancy!

~Bev

Hi M.,
I had my 1st daughter as a c-section in Sept. '05 due to estimated large birthweight. She was 9lb 1oz, delivered at 39 weeks. My second daughter was born in Sept. '07, and was a successful VBAC, at 40wks. She was 8lb 4oz. I was mainly worried about size the 2nd time around, and since my drs. were supportive of vbacs and knew I wanted one, they allowed me to be induced. All of the other advice you've received has been excellent, so I won't repeat. I just wanted to you to know that although having an induced vbac is not ideal, it CAN be done. I was only 1-2 cm when I was admitted, and given pitocin. I reacted well, and also had my water broken at 3 cm which helped things along. I had an epidural as well, and things progressed slow and steady. The doctor did need to use an internal monitor/probe of some kind to keep track of the intensity of the contractions becuase of the risk of uterine rupture. But I believe this was only because they used pitocin.
I am so glad I went VBAC, the recovery was AWESOME. And I thought that my c-section recovery was actually pretty good, but compared the the v-bac, I felt a million times better than i did after recovering from the csection. It amazed me how gingerly I had to stand up, walk, etc after the surgery, and how i could pretty much do any activity I needed to after the vbac. What a difference!
Good luck with whatever you decide, and congratulations on your little blessing!

My first child was an emergency c-section due to fetal distress, i've had 3 successful vbacs after. I made the decision to have vbac because I wanted to experience natural childbirth.
I personally prefer vaginal because you can hold the baby right away and you almost feel as if you didnt just give birth. With the c-section the pain was unbearable for at least 2 weeks. I needed alot of help with the baby. It hurt to laugh, cough, sneeze or use the bathroom.
I am pregnant with my 5th child and I am definately having a vbac.

M.,

I had two c-sections because my doctors don't do vbacks. I liked having a scheduled c with the second one. I really didn't have the choice in my case unless I went to a diffent baby doctor- not a chance!!

Good luck with your decision.
D.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I have had a c section with each of my children (3). I labored 25 hours with my first, pushed for 4 1/2 and ended up with a c section. My baby was malpositioned and would not move down. I tried to vbac my 2nd, but he was even bigger then my first baby and I stalled at 3cm and agreed to the C. With my third I fought to attempt another vbac, but after having 2 previous sections and no successful vaginal deliveries I could not find an attending doctor and ended up with another C. I was not comfortable putting myself in an environment other then the hospital because of chance of rupture. I did extensive research on the topic in order to make the most educated decision, and bottom line is that it is safer for you and baby to deliver vaginally. There are a lot of risks with a c section in general, it is major surgery! Much greater risks with surgery as compared to the rate of rupture. Because you had a successful delivery with your first baby, and your c section was only due to breech presentation you are a perfect candidate for a vbac. It is awesome that your doctor is willing to support a vbac, and ultimately it is your decision. There is a wonderful message board on Yahoo Groups called ICAN, international cesearan Awareness Network. There are soo many knowlegable and suppostive women on there that can point you to tons of statistics and research studies. I would urdge you to join that group. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Hi M.,
I am a mom of 5 who had a section with baby #1. I have had 4 vbac's successfully without any problem. I can say that it is a much easier recovery than a section. my last baby was born when i was 43 (he is 5 now) and while the labor was more difficult, I was able to have a vaginal delivery with no problem. trust yourself!!! also my last baby was born a few weeks early and had to spend 10 days in the NICU....it was a bummer but in the long run, he was healthy and we are so grateful to have him!!! i wish you the best!!
N.

M., Definitely talk to your doctor about all your options/risks and make the best choice with all the knowledge you have. I had 3 c sections. With my first, I did go into labor and tried to deliver vaginally and it turned into an emergency c section because my son's heart rate went so low when I pushed and turned out the chord was around his neck 2x. For this c section I had to be completely put under because my epidural wore off and I could feel what was going on at the start of the surgery. I didn't get to see my first son for 4 hours after he was born because I was coming out of anestesia from the operation. With my 2nd son, born 14 months after the first, I didn't have an option of VBAC because the births were too close together AND, my incision for my first C was opened up 2 weeks after giving birth because I got an infection. My 3rd son, born 2 years after my 2nd, I did not have an option of a vaginal delivery because it was too risky. As for recovery, my 3rd C was the hardest to recover from. I think it was a combination of having 2 toddlers and a new born and I kind of forgot how long it took to recover and the healing process of the incision. It took me a good 6ish weeks to really feel like myself again. I wish you all the best! I think once you have all the information you need you'll make the best decision for you and your family! Good luck and congrats on baby #3!!!!

Hi M.,

I have had both of my children via c-section. A VBAC was not an option for me since I had to have emergency surgery to remove an ovary when my first child was 3 months old. I was a bit at ease knowing that my second would also be a c-section. When the day came, I knew what was going to happen which was a good thing and a not so good thing. If I had had the option to have a VBAC, I think that I would have went with it. I have had a friend have 2 VBACs after a c-section and both deliveries went well. Enjoy your third.

Hi

Our stories sound almost the same. I had an easy vaginal delivery with my first child. With my second I had a c-section because he turned breech at the last minute. With my third I desperately wanted to VBAC, because of both the experience and the recovery time being so much longer and harder with the c-section. Doctors are very leary of VBACs these days but I fit the qualifications because I had successfully delivered vaginally. Of course I understood that if there were any complications at all they would do a c-section for fear of uterine rupture. Their only other rule was that they would not induce because the contractions can be too strong for a uterus that had once been cut and there was risk of rupture. I was fine with that since I had been early with my other 2 I figured I'd be early with this one too....

Of course the way things worked out I was late and the baby was very big and I ended up with another c-section at almost 42 weeks because they couldn't induce and I had not gone into labor yet. The section itself (due to the scar tissue) and the recovery were much worse than a vaginal delivery would have been. However, I'm glad that I found a doctor that was ok with the VBAC and I'm glad that I tried to go that route. The section was always there if it was needed and at least I got to try to do it the way I wanted and the doctor felt was safe. In the end it worked out fine and I survived just fine and am fully recovered.

Everyone is different so be sure to discuss it throughly with your doctor - including any restrictions they may have (no induction, smaller baby, etc). If you feel like it is something that you would like to try I say go for it especially knowing that the section is always there available if you need it.

Just my 2 cents from someone who really wanted to VBAC.

ICAN ICAN ICAN :o)
M.,
There's an organization called International Cesarean Awareness Network. I had a c/sec the first time and then had 2 vbacs (the last one was at home).
If you want a vbac you have to realize that the medical community does not make it easy to do - even though it is an extremely healthy choice for the majority of women.
Please research it, research your OB practice, consider switching to a midwife who will generally support vbac more thoroughly. I can't say enough about it, but preparation and knowledge is KEY. Get yourself a good childbirth education class that talks about vbac, prepare early. 11 weeks is not too soon. I'm not saying vbac in itself is difficult. Getting the Dr's and "the medical system" to leave you alone IS.
I wish you the best birth!
-H.

I had the exact situation as you with the C-Section and the baby in the NICU for the same reason. I will always regret not having that special moment when he was first born to hold him. It was really tough spending his first couple of days in the NICU holding him and seeing him with tubes in his body. But then I looked around and saw all the very sick babies in there and thanked God that he was OK and realized that is what is important.
With my second I opted for the C-Section againg because 1% is 1% and was too high for me to be comfortable. It was SO easy! Everything form the birth to the recovery was way easier than the first time: I got to hold him right away and he was perfectly healthy. I healed so fast...with the first I swear it took months to feel better. And yes-it was nice to schedule the birth with having a 2 year old in the mix.

Check out TIME magazine this week---article on how many doctors and hospitals are now refusing to do VBACS.

Hi M.,

I can't speak to the VBAC experience, but I can say I had 2 c's and recovered relatively quickly (2-4 weeks). I was very lucky to have my husband give full support which aided in my recovery. Our children are 18 mo. apart, so without him, I don't know what I would have done.

With our first child, I was in labor for 17 hours. They asked what I wanted to do. I absolutely hated the idea of a c-section, but given the fact that I wasn't progressing I said go for it. I just wanted him healthy. Surgery and recovery went very well and when it was time for our second child, they said the same thing to me - schedule or natural. I loved the idea of not feeling labor a second time ever, so we scheduled a 2nd c. The day before, I did the dreaded cleaning whirlwind and put myself into labor. It was 3 long hours, but they opted to do the c as planned.

In the end, I'm glad I had 2 c's. I've talked with friends who have had longer recovery times with ripping.

Best of luck to you and the family and congratulations!

K.

I had a VBAC in Oct. It was the most wonderful, empowering experience and I am so happy to have done it! I was scared at first, but I started attending ICAN meetings and talking to other women who had done it and I decided I would try it if I could. My Dr. was supportive, which definitely helped. She said she would give me util 41 weeks and then we would have to schedule a C-sec. At 40w6d I went into labor (I was induced with my 1st after the 41 week mark and it never progressed- hence the c-sec.). 2 hours after it started I was at the hospital, 10cm and already to push. I didn't even have time to ask for any meds. I am really afraid of any pain, but it was not that bad... the contractions are the worst thing, the birth was wonderful and I would highly recommend you at least try for it. I was up walking around the room 1 hour after the birth, not 24 hours like with a C-sec. Good luck to you!

My first son was a c-section for "failure to progress" and I was determined to have a VBAC the second time around. I did a TON of research - I mean I have read everything good and bad about VBAC. In the end, I think VBAC is underutilized and a very good option for you - especially since you already had a vaginal delivery. Don't let people scare you into a repeat c/s! If one becomes necessary along the way, you'll know it and you can make that decison then. But I would stongly recommend going for the VBAC.

www.mothering.com/discussions are great forums where you can get a lot of good informtaion.

BTW: I just had my second son on 12/17/08 - he ended up being a repeat c-section. I labored all night, progressed to 10 cm without a problem, and pushed for 3 hours. He just wouldn't descend so I knew it was right for me to have another c-section.

I just recently had a second c-section. My dr in Arizona was going to let me try a v-bac. When I had to move back to PA the dr here talked me out of it. He said if I were to send my son to a camp and had to sign a release that stated one in 1,000 children will not make it home from camp, would I still send my son?. I decided I had too much going on at home helping my sick mom and moving for that added stress. I also wanted to do whatever made the Dr. more comfortable.

Now, my husband and I talk about how we missed the surprise of going into labor and rushing to the hospital. I heard others talk about how the c-section was easier the second time around, but I thought it was still a painfull recovery period. I sometimes regret not trying the v-bac, but my daughter arrived safely and we are doing fine now.
Good luck in whatever decision you make and choose what works for your family.

Hi M.. Good luck with your decision. If you think of it, send me an email in about a week and I'll let you know how it went. I am pg with my 3rd and overdue. I had a c-section with my twins 6 years ago and am now trying for a vbac. Have you spoken with your doctor yet? Many hospitals don't even allow for women to try for vbacs these days, although I find that ridiculous. I have spoken with so many friends and other women that have had wonderful vbac deliveries and am very hopeful that this will work out for us. We also had a 3 week NICU stay after our c-section, so I'm hopeful to be the first to hold the baby this time around.