Seeking Vbac/c-section Stories

I had 3 c-sections and then 2 VBACs, I am so glad I had the vaginal deliveries; they went beautifully. It was my doctor who suggested it and didn't feel it was going to be a big problem. I also didn't have any kind of pain block and I had Pitosin both times, which can make the contractions harder to deal with. If I were you I would have the baby vaginally, it is such a wonderful experience.
Hugs,
T.

I had my first son via c/s. I was planning an intervention free water birth, but, things went awry and I ended up with a c/s. I HATED it. I felt like I had missed out on such a huge part of being a woman. So when I got pregnant again, I was determined to have a vbac. And I did, with no drugs, and no "help", just my midwife in my living room! It was awesome. I am so proud of my body for being able to do such an exhausting, difficult job, but one that women are designed to do. I feel better about myself and my body, and empowered as a woman. I'd say try for a vbac, you can always have a c/s if you need to, but it is so much better for you and the baby to have him vaginally. I would totally have another vbac. Good luck with whatever you choose!

My 4th was c-section. After having natural childbirth first I knew I would never have another c-section again. (unless I had too).. My next 6 children were all V-bacs. I didn't have any problems at all. It is so much easier to recover from natural, c-section is so hard on the body.

T.

Hello. Just wanted to share. I also had a C with my first out of medical necessity. Went for the VBAC with my second. I just think that most often, when natural childbirth can be acheived it's a healthiest choice for both. I had done a lot of research and found out that having a doula is very helpful with VBAC - the statistics show a much higher sucess rate as well as a shorter labors with VBAC with a doula. I loved my doula - it was definately the right choice for us. I highly recommend having one. Regardless of you choice enjoy your new little one!

I had my first by c/s. I had a great experience with the c/s and was up and around within 24 hours. It was really no choice to have my second by c/s. I probably would not be able to give birth vaginally so why put myself through all that just to have a c/s anyway? My second c/s was even easier than my first. I was in the NICU with my little one just hours after the surgery (she is fine-i just have really little babies). For my third i will also have a c/s.

Hi there... I have 4 children, all by C-Section. My first son was a section, also by necessity, because he was so large. When I was pregnant with my second son, I seriously considered VBAC, but after talking with my Doctor, I decided a section is safer. My Doctor would have supported either decision that I made, and left the ultimate decision up to me, but she strongly suggested that VBACs are NOT as safe as many believe. You really do have an increased risk of harming the baby, or yourself. Because I was having another boy, who tend to be larger than girls, and because my first son was so big to begin with, my Doctor felt that the chances of rupturing my uterus was really great, which would result from either a life threatening delivery, or even ruining my chances of ever having more babies. (Thank God I decided to go with a section... he ended up weighing 10 lbs. 7 oz!) The other point my Doctor made was that there is nothing worse than trying to go vaginal, laboring for hours on end, and then ending up in an emergency section, which are generally more risky than scheduled sections! Good Luck with whatever your decision is!

Hi A., congrats on your new baby arriving soon! I had my 2 daughters by c-section. The 1st time i was 10 days late,she was close to 10lbs & breach. I had my 2nd girl 3 1/2 yrs later. I chose a section because i wasnt having anymore children, so i had my tubes done at the same time. I dont remember how much time in between sections when they consider it safe for a vbac. I know lots of woman that have had great success with it. I actually had a better time the 2nd time around with my section. Of course its a bit painful, but i dont think it effected me as much as some others. Just weigh your pros & cons, and you should feel good about your decision whatever it may be. The best advice i can give is, just listen to that "little" voice in your head. Good luck!

Like you my first child was a c-section not by choice, when I became pregnant with my second my doctor was more then willing to allow me to deliver naturally as long as the same my second child was not as large as my first. As things turned out my second child, delivered 2 weeks early was as large as my first requiring a second c-section, by the time I had my third there was no consideration we just scheduled the c-section. The hard part about c-sections is it is major surgery and the the recovery time is hard with a new born let alone a second child to care for. My only advice is if you do go c-section again make sure you have help on hand when you come home.

*POSITIVE VBAC STORY*

Hi A.,
My first birth was an emerg. c-sect (preterm and breech). I was determined to have my natural birth for my second child and succeeded 6 weeks ago today :) I hired a doula who was wonderful and very helpful. I started labor overnight was in strong labor by ~9am and gave birth at 1:17. No doubt it was really painful, overwhelming and intense while it was happening but I just dealt with everything moment to moment and relied on my family and doula for support. I moved around a lot and groaned a lot and that helped me through it. In an instant when my daughter came out and was put on my chest none of the pain mattered-it just disappeared and I was so happy to hold my little girl in my arms. She was nursing in about 10 minutes. I did have a medium sized tear which was annoying but it was nothing compared to the c-sect recovery. The best part was that I was able to pick up my 2 year old son the next day and give him a big hug. It is great to be able to up and around immediately with another child at home. I will definitely have another natural birth for our third :)

If you want to talk or if you have questions feel free to email me
____@____.com

Best of luck!!
R.

I want to start by saying that you should do what you feel most comfortable doing. I wanted a natural birth with my first and was very disappointed to have missed out it, which is why I decided that this was my "second chance".

I had an emergency c-section with my first child. I was a week late, I had to be induced, and basically, he got stuck and due to "failure to progress" they did the c-section. He was 8 1/2 pounds. I was very disappointed that I was not able to deliver vaginally, as I had so badly wanted to. The experience was very tramatic at the time.

After finding out that with my second. I had the possibility of doing VBAC, we did lots of thinking about it. We researched, spoke to the doctor, etc. I had my second child only 14 months after my first. I decided that I didn't really want to go 6 full weeks without lifting my first child. And, I really wanted to experience a "real" birth...vaginally. So we decided that if in the ultrasounds the baby was expected to be under 8 pounds, and I went into labor on my own by my due date, we would do it. And we did...it was the most AMAZING experience. I have to say that I will never forget that wonderful feeling...it hurt, I won't lie, but it was the most touching moment. I found it to be very different from the c-section. It was an incredible moment and an experience that gave me an instant bond with my baby. I would not have done it without my husband by my side...it brought us so close. And my husband said that he, too found it much more of a "moment" than the c-section. It is a feeling I can't describe, but if we were to decide to have a third child, I would definitely try vbac again.

I had my first c-section and plan to have my second VBAC. If your dr will let you, do it. ICAN has lots of stories and info.

I had a c-section for my first (born Sept 2006) and since my second was due only 19 months after (May 2008), my doctor recommended a c-section due to the potential risks of a rupture due to the short time between the 2 pregnancies. It was a good thing I did not try for a vbac as my uterus had not healed well from the 1st one and I was at risk of rupture (I had pains towards the end of the pregnancy as well).

That being said, since everyone is different; I have 2 friends who had no problems with a VBAC for their 2nd with 19 months difference, like me. The key for their 2nd delivery was that everything went smoothly - went into labour naturally, short delivery and no medical interventions (ie: no induction or drugs aside from epidural). All VBACs I know say its so much easier than a c-section so IF you have been given the choice by your doctor, try for a VBAC, but do not put yourself (& your baby) at risk. The minute you show signs of any issue, agree to a c-section as its safer given that you so recently gave birth via c-section to your first.

A.,
I am a mom of 3 grown girls (well, lost middle one in a horrible accident at age 21), but about the vbac/c-section options...my first TWO were born by c-sec; the 3rd, a vbac. All were planned "natural" as can be. For many reasons, I thought it the best way to go: best for baby, normal for baby to go through birthing, not normal to go through surgery of mom with medications, etc., not great to have surgery any time because of scar tissue, possible adhesions later in life. I think going with Mother Nature whenever possible is always the best option.
My first was taken by c-sec after I was only a few cm dilated. There was meconium. They said she was in fetal distress. Her heart rate wasn't good; the cord was around her neck twice, etc...disappointment after a lot of planning with midwife present in hospital, etc.
Second time; a planned vbac; saw no reason not to try again. Researched a lot; attended a class on vbac; even concerns some had about uterine rupture at the time (this was back in 1986) were found to be minimal and I'd be at a good hospital, etc., etc. I wasn't worried about it. My progressive doctor said they found that many women who went into labor with 2nd baby, after c-sec the first time, (many of whom planned c-sec for the 2nd birth) had such easy labors and deliveries, they didn't even have time for c-sec. That's when case against probable uterine rupture went out the window. But, with my 2nd, after many, many hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing, I just couldn't push this 8lb12oz baby out. I finally begged for a c-sec. They called it a few things...cephalo-pelvic disproportion (my babies did have large head cirumference), and/or maternal fatigue. Whatever it was, it was very disappointing...a lot of work for another c-sec.
Third time around, after researching even a little more, I again saw no reason not to try for another v-bac. This time I had another long labor, not quite as long and difficult as #2, but again, I had trouble pushing this baby out and I finally begged for a c-sec. They told me ok, then had my very progressive doctor come in and he encouraged me to do this vaginally since the baby was "almost out". Well, with extra numbing meds (locally, not full epidural), and a little help from a vaccuum suction gadget, I managed to push her out. I did have quite a tear and, to be honest, the recovery was not easier than after the c-secs, but would I do it again? yes, absolutely.
It is a normal, natural process. It is meant to be that way. I'm trying to remember the name of the book I read at the time, which was the best resource I found. The author was actually the woman who ran the vbac class I took; I believe Nancy Cohen was her name. She was awesome. I must say I also was encouraged about this by my sister who is an experienced RN and also ran a few sessions of natural childbirth classes herself.
My oldest was born in Houston, TX. My 2nd, Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Mass; my 3rd Malden Hospital, in Mass. I've been out of the loop recently on the subject and am wondering if hospitals/doctors are more open to vbac options now, but those I had were considered kind of unusual/maverick at the time. I'd be curious what's out there now for options.
Write back if you want for more info. Otherwise, go for it. You could have a much easier time of it than I.

Hello A.

I've had 4 C-sections. The doctor did an emergency tubal ligation after the 4th one because my uterus was so thin and scarred.

If you can have a vaginal birth, HAVE IT. My periods are 12 - 14 days long now and painful whereas before it was 5 days long and a LITTLE uncomfortable.

If you get to the point where the doctor feels another emergency c-section is required, by all means take the doctor's advice, but if you have a CHOICE between surgery and vaginal, go vaginal.

There are too many drawbacks to the surgery. I wish someone had told me about the long term effects before I had the second and third.

It's just my advice. The choice is yours. :)

Good luck.

Hi A.
I agree with Terry L! I had my first 2 naturally and the third c-section by necessity. I would NEVER choose to have a c-section again! You recover much more quickly doing it naturally and you can take care of your baby right from the start. I hated having to rely on someone else to bring me my baby to nurse and help me change his diapers, etc. Go for the VBAC if it's safe for you. You'll be glad you did!!

Hi A.,
My child was born after six hours of labor by an emergency c-section. I choose to have my second child by a planned c-section. The reasons for my choice was that my 2 children are close in age and I was concerned about rupturing my uterus or laboring and then needeing another c-section and going into scared and exhausted. My second section was very easy. I slept the night before and went in rested to the hospital. My recovery was way easier than the first time around and I had less pain. If I were to have another child I would make the same choice. This is a big desicion and was the right choice for me, but you need to go make your own choice. Good luck to you, have a happy healthy baby. Congratulations!

I'm also a librarian, so...from one librarian to another, here's my story!

I have had four c-sections. The last one was 6 months ago. I had my first section because my daughter was so big, and with my second, they left the VBAC choice up to me.

I chose a section. A VBAC might have been fine, but I just didn't want to take any risk. The risks are rare, but if there is a perforation, you could lose the baby, or have serious problems. For me, it just wasn't worth it. C-sections are not fun, but after a few months the pain is over, and you are left with a healthy baby. For me, that was the most important goal.

I found the c-section recovery to be SO much easier with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th surgeries. That first one was so rough, but I was up and about very quickly with the other ones. That seems to be a common trend, so hopefully, if you do decide on a section, you will have the same experience.

Best of luck with your decision. I wish you a healthy delivery regardless of the method!

ann a c section is done if your baby is in danger. and the hearbeat slows down . then they have to think of the baby and take it by c section . but you are 30 weeks along what if you go in to early laper. and your gone on vacation then what. and its tottaly up to you to make your ccccccccchoice if you want to . i wisch you good luck
B.

Time (and your body) will tell what is the right decision. I was in your same position. After a c-section out of necessity for the first and an infection afterward, I wanted to at least try a VBAC with the second. My only hesitation was that the problems dilating with the first and fetal distress had me worried. So, my doctor advised that I schedule the c-section just in case I changed my mind, but I could always back out on the c-section.

My daughter decided to come early......at about the same time my husband came down with a nasty stomach bug. So, I made the decision for the VBAC while in labor. Unfortunately, my body and the health of my daughter didn't cooperate. I tried. It just didn't work for me.

Good luck with your decision.

Hello & congrats.

My first birth was an emergency c-section (medical reasons, naturally) after having been in labor for a long while. We opted for a VBAC for the second child knowing that there is only a 70% chance of successfully delivering that way. That birth also resulted in an urgent c-section - after having been in labor for a long while. Had I known I was going to end up with a c-section, I would have scheduled one and saved the agony of labor. My body is just not apparently well-suited to deliver babies naturally, despite my high tolerance for pain. The drs. told me that if I have any more children, I will have to have c-sections.

Everyone's body is different (as is everyone's tolerance for pain) and if the medical reasons for your first c-section indicate the labor might progress the same way for the 2nd child, make your decision accordingly. I personally recovered from both c-sections easily.

In my opinion, every single birth is a dramatic story whether it's the mom who delivered in 15 minutes to the mom who labored for 2 days and ended up with an emergency c-section. The key is to making the experience as pleasant as possible given the circumstances. Had I known I would have had a 2nd c-section, I would have just scheduled it to enjoy the experience more - although now I have quite a story to tell my kids about the drama surrounding their birth!!

Hi A.. I had my first child c-section and second vaginal. The vaginal birth was not easy, but I am glad I did it. I had a wonderful doctor who assured me it was a safe way to go. I was very confident that if there were any problems I was in the right place. Make sure yoour doctor/ practice has lots of experience with v-bacs! I am very glad I experienced both ways of giving birth. I have no regrets and would do it agian in a minute. Good Luck!

Hi A.,

Well, my first son was born by c-section because not only did i lose all fluid, i couldn't dialate past 4 cm in 3 days of being in the hospital!!!! so it wasn't a problem w/the baby - it was MY body.

When i had my 2nd son, i told my dr that if i didn't go into labor on my own by his duedate, then i wanted a scheduled c-section. So i had my 2nd son by scheduled c-section. And he checked for me - I was closed tight shut. so there's obviously a problem w/my body, cause both my boys were in position & ready to come out.

i can honestly say that if i ever got pregnant again - i'd have another scheduled c-section. just my opinion. i healed quite well after both (the 1st was easier than the 2nd but i did great both times).

However, my girlfriend has 3 kids (2 boys & 1 girl).Her first she had a c-section due to a problem w/the baby. Same with her 2nd - another c-section. She so badly wanted a vaginal delivery. When she got pregnant with her 3rd she was nervous - but she did it! She had her little girl vaginally.

I know quite a few people who've had more than 2 c-sections that had vaginal deliveries after. If you trust your doctor, & the dr has no issues with your opinion then go for it!

Good luck & God Bless
C. B.

Hi A.,

good for you! I totally applaud your desire to have a VBAC. I did two of them and would not change it for the world. It was hard work, but much less trouble recovery wise. I had a c-sec with my son 14 years ago. He was a gigantic baby at 10lbs 4oz. I was scared and mostly uninformed. They said I had psychological dystocia, also called "failure to progress" though everything was fine, as far as how I was doing and how the baby was doing. But there I was. So, I had the section after 48 hours of earnest labor.

My second was almost five years later. This is my word of caution to you, that your scar is healed after only one year. It is very close spacing for babies, natural or sectioned, and can be pretty exhausting for the body. That being said, if you feel you are in optimal shape, well informed, have the support of your doctor and have a good, experienced Vbac doula...GO FOR IT.

I had a little bit of Stadol with the second baby, just to calm my nerves. It worked but I wouldn't do it again. It was an easy, active delivery and she was 7lbs 4oz.

Three years later, I did my second VBAC. 23 hours labor, no drugs at all, doula on hand who was also a massage therapist and reflexologist and reiki practitioner. Great time was had by all. 8lb 9oz girl. Twenty minutes of serious breathing down pushing.

So, I'd say go for it, but ask your doc about your previous incision. A lot of times (and I say this with no malice) docs will yes you to death over VBACs and then start talking you out of it as soon as you go into labor, even when the baby is fine and your stats are fine, too. So just be aware of that concept. Feel free to contact me privately if you want to have more discussion about this. I am a doula and reiki master myself and have helped other women do VBACS successfully.

Namaste,
S.

Hi, A.. I recently assisted a VBAC mom during childbirth. I would love to tell you more about this experience. Please e mail me at ____@____.com

Thanks

:)C.