Vbac or C-section

K.,

I tried for the VBAC with my second born. I would not have done it any other way. I was my practices first VBAC attempt in about 10 years. I was not successful but that was due to his position as he was coming down. I labored and did the whole pushing thing. After the c-section my doctor asked me if it was worth all of the work. I told him yes. If I had never even tried I would always wonder if I could have had a vaginal delivery. Plus the number of c-sections you have limits the amount of children you can have depending on the doctor. I had 4 children all by c-section. The last one the doctors had a little fit over but we made it through with a little extra care. That is just my story. Everyone is different.

I had a c-section for my first because she was breech. My second was a vbac and I am so happy that I got the chance to do it naturally. The recovery was easier so my mood was much better than the first time around. Also, the power that I feel now that I did a vaginal birth is amazing. GIRL POWER!!! I say, go for it!!!

Best, AM

My children are almost 12, 10, and 8 1/2. My oldest was c-section because she was breech. I went into labor at 5 AM. I was 5 cm when I got to the hospital and they discovered she was breech. They then slowed my contractions and did the c. My second was induced and vaginal. She was also breech, but she turned at the end on her own. They induced me at like 6 or 7 PM and she was born at 1 AM. My third was vaginal and even faster than my second. I was glad I was able to vbac. The recovery was so much better for me. After the section, I had a lot of pain laughing, and sneezing was excruciating! I couldn't lift my baby without pain after the section. If I were to have a fourth child, I would definitely again deliver vaginally. Good luck!

I think Jessica S. summarized it beautifully. If you have a doctor or midwife that you feel comfortable with and a hospital, birthing center or home where you feel comfortable, you can totally do it. My midwife's homebirthing practice is half vbacs, mainly because most doctors and midwives refuse to do them because most doctors and midwives care only about their liability and not your welfare.

Either way, do what you're MOST comfortable with. Scheduling a c-section is pretty handy when you have to deal with childcare for a 19 month old. But 2-3 weeks of pain and not being able to pick up either baby is not so handy. Choose for YOURSELF!

good luck!!!!

Vbac - 2-3 hours of pain
C-section - 2-3 weeks of pain

Which is the better choice?

I had an emergency C-section for my first one (who is 8 months old), and I'm currently 4 months pregnant with my second. They suggested another C-section for the second because of an extra incision they had to make to get my daughter out. I personally am looking forward to the second C-section. I had no complications or issues with the first one. I know what to expect, how long it will take to heal, and I'm ready. I would hate to have any complications from ruptures due to the extra incision during labor. I think it is up to you. I personally don't want to go through labor (I don't think my boyfriend would be a good coach...which worried me about the first time through). But that's me. Good luck with your decision.

I was all about the vbac with my daughter. My son was born by c-section after 21 hrs of labor, including 4 1/2 hrs of pushing. My whole pregnancy with my daughter I wanted a vbac. However I knew that it wasn't set in stone. 4 wks before delivery my daughter turned breach and didn't turn back. We decided against the aversion therapy, since my body had been through enough and there is no guarentee it works or that she wouldn't turn back. My pregnancy with her was very difficult and we decided to just do the repeat section. I was scheduled on July 31, but in true style that fits her perfectly, I woke up and went into labor on July 30 at 5 am. She was born by 11:06 am. I have to say that this time around having the scheduled section made life so much easier. I wasn't as tired because I didn't have to go all the way through labor. I was much more relaxed and rested afterwards, since I didn't go all the way through labor again. I'm not pushing you towards the section. After the birth of my son, I was very disappointed that I couldn't do it. Women for millions of years have been giving birth and I couldn't do it. But after the birth of my daughter, I felt so much better. A whole lot better then I felt after the birth of my son. And even though I had gone through the surgery, I felt like I recovered faster.

Hi K.,
Not much new from me, but did want to share my experience. My kids are 18 and 19, so it is a bit dated! With my first I tried vaginal delivery, but he got into some distress so we did an emergency c-section. All went well.
When he was 6 months old we got the best (and scariest!) surprise of our lives when we found out I was pregnant again (so much for lactation supressing ovulation!). My doctor did explain the risks of VBAC, but didn't seem overly concerned about a rupture. I was 27 yrs old, but not sure if that played into his advice or not. I was only going to be 15 months beyond the c-section when our daughter was born, but apparently he was not too concerned about any lack of healing in that time.
We had to induce when she was 2 weeks late and I labored about 8 hours before she was born. She was almost 10 lbs and I did tear, so had some stitches. I also had a epidural. Here is what I would say - I'm glad I labored in both cases for the bond it created with my husband and for the stories they love to hear about their births. I am glad I went VBAC so I could compare the differences, but with an epidural in both cases, there really was not a whole lot of difference in the actual birth experiences. Lastly, I was surprised to find that I thought it was easier to heal and feel good after the C-section rather than the episiotomy. Not what I expected. Lastly, I will also say that if I had heard all these scary stories or my doctor was concerned at all I might have made a different decision! Enjoy your birth, no matter what you choose - NOT REGRETS, okay.

Get yourself to an ICAN meeting ASAP!

http://ican-online.org/chapter/search

Hello! I had a c-section after over 24 hrs of unsucessful induced labor due to preeclampsia (way long but baby was never in distress). After a miscarriage and an etopic pregnancy (lost one fallopian tube) over the next 20 months, I was fortunate to become pregnant yet again. I went into natural labor 3 days prior to my due date. My MD was very supportive and in favor of a VBAC if possible. Upon admission, I was not dilated and did not progress in the first two hours. While my husband was getting a quick lunch, I had a rapid progression of labor (and pain) and when I asked for help with pain relief about 3.5 hrs after admission, I was examined and told that it was too late for an epideral or any pain meds. My doctor literally entered the delivery room 3 minutes prior to delivery and was there to "catch" my beautiful daughter. The delivery was so fast that I tore in 3 places and required stiches which were painful while being done as well as during recovery. However, it was empowering to deliver a baby "naturally". My long labor preceeding my c-section left me totally wiped out and I was actually placed on a morphine pump for a couple of days. I would recommend going for the VBAC with the understanding that a c-section may be necessary.

Hi K.,
I just had a successful vbac one month ago. In my opinion, a successful vbac depends largely on your doctor's attitude. I ended up changing doctors to have my vbac because my previous doctors, although they agreed I was a perfect candidate, tried to talk me out of it because the hospital didn't have a nicu (they felt that was necessary to have with a vbac, except in 2 of my friends' scheduled c-sections in that hospital their babies needed a nicu and had to go to other hospitals)- and mostly because they liked to determine when the delivery was going to be.
There are possible dangers for mother and baby with all births - so don't be scared by horror stories. Make sure you trust your doctor's judgement. I truly believe that the reason my vbac was successful was because I trusted my doctor who was comfortable with me having a vbac - and because I didn't have any interventions (i.e. epidural, pitocin, etc) My doctor advised, and it was supported by research I had done, that the more medical interventions, the less likely a vbac was going to be successful. That doesn't mean you CAN'T have an epidural or some pitocin, but just realize the more natural you can keep it, the more likely the birth will go the way it should. My best friend who had a natural birth gave me the best advice in terms of focus. She said to just keep repeating "low" to yourself. It's an easy word with good connotations - and it really helped me.
I did have an IV - which I think helped me not to get tired, but I ended up staying on the monitor the whole time - which meant I couldn't do a lot of moving around. So, I rocked in a rocking chair the whole time - and it really helped. But since I trusted my doctor and knew that she was good with me having a vbac, I wouldn't have to second guess her judgement if she told me it wasn't going to work out. Also, once I was close to labor, I never once thought about all the horror stories - and you can't let yourself do that whether you have a c-section or a vbac - you have to focus on the positive and do what you have to do.
Another thing that really helped me was reminding myself that it was my baby's health that was most important - and that I didn't "fail" if I had a c-section. I chose to have a vbac because I really think it's better for mother and baby when circumstances are right - I didn't choose it as a personal challenge.
If you opt out of the vbac, my best advice would be to at least wait to go into labor rather than having a scheduled c-section.
If you'd like more specifics, feel free to email me.
Best of luck to you and your baby.

I have two children by c-section. They are 16.5 months apart. I really wanted to have a c-section but didn't have the balls to try it. With my first I labored for 39 hours and never got to push cause I didn't dilate past 9cm. I got an epidural which I don't remember feeling it go in at all. With my repeat section I got a spinal block and all I can remember is excrutiating pain and almost puking on the operating table. Then since the spinal block doesn't last as long as the epidural, they gave me morphine right after the surgery(without asking me) and that was so horrible. the itching coming off of the morphine almost drove me insane. This is all not to mention that you can't even enjoy the birth of your child 'cause you're on a table and can't hold her and then you have to be in recovery for an hour and at that point you don't even feel like you have a new baby. I felt so disconnected right after my sections. And you're in so much pain not only from the incision but from the gas inside you caused by the surgery pressing on the incision, and anybody who says recovery is the same or better with a section is crazy and if you go to a maternity ward and look at all the new mothers walking to and from the nursery you will see a stark difference in their gait and speed in which they walking, section vs. natural.

Hi K.,
I had a c-section with my 1st in March 2005 due to a failed induction ( I just could not get any good contractions to give me any progress). Other than the obvious joy of my son being born, I hated every minute of the c-sect... not seeing my baby be born, not seeing him all gooey, not holding him/nursing him until 18 hours after his birth because I had terrible reactions to the drugs and the recovery was pure misery for 3 straight months! I was barely out of the recovery room before I was planning my next birth to be a vbac... I remember telling my Dr. in the hospital that he'd be meeting me out in the fields to deliver my next baby. I was depressed for a long time after his birth feeling like I failed and missed out on the ultimate experience as a woman. Everyone told me all that mattered was that I had a healthy child. Of course, I was grateful for that and ultimately that is all that mattered but for me personally it was more than that.

Well I got pregnant with #2 in Dec. 07 and had her 9/1/08. I was adamant about a vbac, I prepared myself the best I could... hired a doula, took hypnobirthing classes, read everything I could get my hands on. I was ready!! I worried, I cried a lot but I knew I could do it and as my due date drew closer I panicked at the thought of being overdue and forced into a repeat c-sect. Well at 1a.m. on my due date, my water broke! I was elated...this was really going to happen. After a few hours and barely any contractions, I started to worry, then my clear amniotic fluid turned green indicating the baby had a bowel movement in utero. At this point I was becoming aware that my plans may be changing. I went to the hospital to be monitored and was informed that if I did not start having regular contractions on my own within 6 hours, that I would need the RCS (no pitocin to start contractions in a vbac).. I was devastated, I cried like a baby and had a full on panic attack complete with telling my husband that I changed my mind and wasn't going to have a second baby after all!!! (temporary insanity!!)
The day progressed and no strong labor had started, the RCS was coming. I made it clear that I wanted to see my baby as soon as she came out, I wanted her with me in recovery, I wanted my son to be able to join us asap and to be the 1st to see his sister and I wanted to witness him seeing her for the 1st time. All of my requests were met (maybe just because I asked or maybe because they felt sorry for the crazy lady!...either way I don't care cause I got what I wanted!) During my surgery, my Dr. said I had a very weak point in my original scar, he called it a "window". My husband actually has me on tape saying "Well then I guess this is how it was supposed to happen." My baby came with me to recovery right on the bed with me, I was able to nurse her within the 1st hour and my son was waiting to greet us when we got to the room. While the recovery was still miserable for me, actually worse than the 1st time, the experience was a great one. I have no regrets, remorse, or feelings of missing out because this time I truly feel it happened as it should have. I have learned that for whatever reason, my body just doesn't seem to labor normally. I am OK with that now...I still wish I could have experienced childbirth the old fashioned way but have learned to appreciate the things I didn't have to go through like vaginal tears, weak bladder, etc.

I am sorry this was so long...perhaps a bit of therapy for me to put it all in writing. I don't regret all the prep. work I did for the vbac because I truly feel that I did all I could to get the vbac I wanted but it was out of my hands. What I am most happy with is that I feel my daughter chose her birthdate, it wasn't chosen for her. It was def. her time to come and that makes me happy. If you share any of my feelings of regret over "missing out" then I say go for the vbac, educate yourself and if a RCS is necessary then somehow you will feel like you did all you can. If you go the RCS route, maybe don't plan the date but wait til you go into labor like someone else had suggested. Thanks for reading this and letting me share my story with you. Best of luck to you whatever you decide and best wishes for a healthy baby and easy delivery whichever way!!

Well, I didn't have the best luck when it came to labor and delivery. I wanted to do natural childbirth and ended up with 2 c-sections. My son is 3 tomorrow and my daughter is 7 weeks old. On the up side I had a very good midwife and a doula for the labor both times, so even when things went badly I did have good emotional support.

We tried for a vbac with my daughter and ended up with an emergency c-section. I don't regret trying for the vbac and we got about as far as we could have (fully dilated and effaced and ready to push) before there were heart rate decelerations and we did the emergency c-section. Turned out she was wrapped up in the cord--it could have resolved on it's own or been very serious if we hadn't done the c-section but there was no way to know at the time. It also had nothing to do with it being a vbac as opposed to a regular vaginal birth.

With my son I was 4 days past my due date and he was 9 lbs. I was sick with a cold (I could barely talk during the labor) and had been up all night with the labor before it really got going. After 15 hours I was stuck at 7cm dilated, we tried pitocin and an epidural with no change (except pain relief), then they saw meucnium. At 18 hours we did the csection for failure to progress. That c-section was not too bad for me but my son was in bad shape from the meuconium in his lungs. He was in the NICU for ten weeks and on a respirator on for the first 2 which was really stressful for us and messed up the breastfeeding and early bonding. Also the NICU was not at the hospital where I delivered so we were separated for the first 5 days. He is perfectly healthy now but it was a very rough start.

So I though with my daughter it couldn't go any worse...but I was wrong. I have no regrets about trying the VBAC but I still had an emergency c-section. I had a great doula and a midwife I liked and trusted. My water broke at midnight but no contractions started (so at least we got to sleep). So we went to the hospital in the morning and had the choice of an immediate c-section or trying pitocin. I think the pitocin contributed to my son's problems but we tried it anyway. I had 6 hours of labor and was ready to push when we did the c-section. The emergency c-section was much more painful than the first one (lots of scar tissue and the baby was low and hard to reach). They sent the baby to the NICU at another hospital but she was stable by the next morning. They kept her about 3 weeks but she wasn't the problem. My c-section got severely infected and I had to go into the hospital for 10 days for IV antibiotics. (I think my practioners should have caught it sooner--but that is another rant). The infection has been far worse to recover from than either c-section (much more painful and exhausting).

Anyway, this is already long but I thought you migh want the context. I was on the fence about vbac vs. planned c-section until my 8th month. I interviewed several doctors, midwives and doulas. Many doctors wouldn't even consider a vbac. The only advise I have is see how you feel about it and find a doctor or midwife that agrees with you. I liked the Birthing From Within book for exploring the emotional stuff. I wanted to try to keep the option open to do a vbac unless there was a significant medical reason not to do it. But I also wanted to just do the c-section if there was a problem and not go through a lot of in between stuff first (because I felt it increased the chance of complications). I really didn't want the pitocin...but took the chance after talking to the midwife and my husband. Obviously you have to make the decision that is right for you...but it is a process sometimes right until the delivery.

Hi K.
I had my first c-sec. and was never allowed to have vbac. OB said it was not advisable, after reading my records. I took their advise. Three different hospitals, in 3 different states, same answer. My advise is to ask your OB and see what they say.
Old enough to be your mom, if possible talk to her.
God bless you with wisdom.
K. --- SAHM married 38 years -- adult children 37, coach; 32, lawyer, married with son 6mo. and twins are 18, in college after homeschooling.

I had my first child by emergency c-section, and he came out not breathing. I think it was due to the epidural and the fact that he did not travel through the birth canal. They wisked him off to the NIC Unit to help him with his breathing. He was off the ventilator 4 hours later, but had to stay in the hospital for 7 more days because he had to have an IV in to give him antibiotics due to an infection. I refused to go through that experience again, and looked into a more natural method. My husband and I had taken the classes at the hospital, but opted to take the Bradley Method classes after our first son was born. I had two healthy VBAC babies after that, and the experience was so much different (and better). Go for it Girl -- you won't regret it! Good luck!

I have not been in this situation, nor do I know the medical specifics of your case. I did read a book recently though that discusses and references research on vbacs vs. repeat c-sections. The book is called Pushed by Jennifer Block. Maybe if you can reference those studies it will shed some additional light on your particular situation and help with your decision?

Hi K.! A friend of mine who had a c-section with her fist child was determined to go v-bac with her second. In the process of the delivery when she pushed, her uterus ruptured and the baby died. I'm not saying this to scare you but I think you need to be informed that this is a potential risk. My other friend who is a Dr. said she would never advice someone to go vbac because once your uterus has been cut open by c-section you don't know how strong the uterus is. Therefore, there will always be a risk. I had three c-sections and always wanted to deliver naturally but decided against it. Obviously, there are risks with a c-section too but its more controlled. Its all about your health and the baby's, so I think you are best talking to your DR. and deciding with him/her. I'm sure all will work out well and congrats on the baby- enjoy!

I am struggling with the same decision, although I'm not pregnant yet with the second. From what I have heard, it really depends on the reason for the first c-section. If it was due to something medically wrong with you, or something likely to happen again, then you should schedule a c-section, but if it was something specifically with the baby or just bad luck (breach, etc) then it may be possible to do a vbac. In my case, the cord was wrapped around my son's neck and he had some heart decelerations, so we had to stop my contractions. After he stabilized, they gave me some pitocin to restart the contractions, but they just never got to be as strong as my own natural labor was, and after 3 hours of pushing, it became clear that he would not come out that way, so I had the c-section. I think in the future, since this was not caused by any problem with my body, I might try it.
You should talk to your OB and see how he/she feels. If you are given the ok, then you should also hire a doula and try to go without medication so the labor goes more quickly. Good luck, I hope you get the outcome you want, but don't be too disappointed if it does not go the way you planned. You can be proud of yourself for doing everything you could to have a healthy baby.

Hi -
My 2nd child's due date is today and I should be in the hospital right now! However, the baby had other plans and came on her own on Saturday, 2/14. I was able to vbac and am so glad that it all worked out. Having had a section with my 1st daughter (due to the fact that she was 9 lbs and didnt fit through my pelvis) my OB practice advised that I have another section. I went all the way the forst time with no drugs and then pushed for 2 hours before the c-section was suggested and at that point, I was ready to be relieved of the pain and be done with laboring. For the 2nd pregnancy, like you, I was bound and determined to vbac. At my 39wk visit, I was 80% effaced and 3cm dilated. The OB said he didn't think I'd make it to my section today and we discussed vbac once again. I will pass his advise on to you, which is to get an IV and an epidural when you get there. Give it a shot and see what happens. If there are any problems, you've got the access to get drugs quickly and have a section. And you will only know when the time comes. You have to be willing to go with the flow and be flexible and do what's best medically in that moment.
When I got to the hospital on Sat, I was 9.5cm dilated. I first felt contractions at 3pm, my mucous plug passed at 6:20 and my water broke at 6:40. We got to the hospital at 7, epidural at 7:40 and she was born at 9:28pm. It all happened so fast, my husband and I couldn't believe it!!

I do have some sutures from tearing, that are quite uncomfortable, but getting better every day. She came down so fast, my body didn't have time to stretch - she doesn't even have a cone head!

My point is to be open to the possibilities and have a healthy delivery. Good luck!

Hi thre!
I think it's good to ear other mom's experiences when having babies, but the truth is that all depends on how your body will respond at that moment. I have a few friends with kids, whose's doctors allowed them to choose, so they all scheduled c-section for their deliveries. That's the latest trend in L.A.
I was amazed that they were walking like if nothing happened after four or five days after coming from the hospitals...... I wouldn't believed it if I hadn't see it myself.....
So I wanted that too, but my doctors here in CT, were very into vbac or maybe was the health insurance, so I didn't have a choice.... Unless it was necessary they said....I ended up having vbac in my two deliveries, but with my first one things got complicated, because she got stuck from her shoulders, they ended up using a vacum to get her out and broke her clavicle bone on the way out. Once they got her out, they took her to an observation room and I couldn't hold her until the next day...
I was induced. The labor was looong (close to 48 hours) and painful. When you're induce, you don't feel contractions, you just feel one long excruciating pain. The doctor gave me a narcotic so I could rest between them. I torn everywhere and I wasn't able to sit nor walk for weeks and on top of that they did a terrible job putting the tissue together...
In my second delivery l had a long labor, and like in the first one, I was induced again.... But this time the baby was smaller than the first one so she was fine on the way out....
People talk about the natural way is better for you and the baby, and it's true as long as the delivery went well for the baby and the mother, people say that even empowers you to do it natural, which I don't agree at all because it becomes what I call "Marianism" or the machismo-femenine...a real woman has to be a good daughter, good friend, good neighbor, good worker, good wife, and must endure the ultimate experience of motherhood "feel the pain of childbirth..." Haaagg!
With all the pain-free medication to help you out there, My Own experiences, and my friend's I have to say that both have good and bad. Nobody can tell you what's going to happen there. Even knowing the pros and cons of each option ahead of time. Just be open minded and in whatever you end up deciding, just think about your safety and the safety of your baby. Because at the end that is the most important thing.
Good luck!

Oh MY GOD K. I am 31 weeks I am doing vbac stick with it I am going to give you my personal info....

Hi K.,

I haven't personally had a VBAC, but I can say that if your hospital allows it, I would go that route. I had one vaginal delivery, then an emergency c-section. For the next child I desperately wanted to vbac but never went into labor so they took her via c-section at 42 weeks. (they cannot induce a vbac). So, with my next baby, again I was considering a vbac, but knowing I never went into labor with the previous one really had me concerned. I didn't want to go to 42 weeks again! So I scheduled a c-section. I regret that decision. If I could do it all over again, I would have tried the vbac. Now, pregnant again, I have no choice...they won't let me vbac. I'm due to have my c-section on March 11, but am really hoping I go into labor. I might just stay home until I'm really far into the labor process so that they would be likely to let me try. I know about all of the statistics, but in my experience, having had both kinds of deliveries...I prefer a vaginal delivery and am dreading another c-section and the subsequent recovery period.

So, if I were you, I would definitely try the VBAC. You can change your mind at any point during the labor process and they have to take you right to surgery, so why not go for it?

Good luck!

D.
36 year old mother of 5 with one more on the way

Do you have an amazing doctor, who really listens to you? Because that is at the heart of this! You have to have someone who wants to help you achieve the birth you want. I'm considering both options as well, and here are some of (my ideas of) the biggest factors in a healthy pregnancy (no breach, or other complications):

Pro-VBAC:

-more immediate connection between mom and baby
-more involvement of dad in birth
-less time apart between mom and baby
-mom feels empowered and strong
-mom doesn't usually need painkillers after the birth
-mom doesn't have as much pain nursing (no surgical wounds to maneuver around, as we all experienced before!)
-mom can pick up baby, walk, etc.
-no catheter or being stuck in bed!
-vaginal birth is usually healthier for babies!

Pro- scheduled c-section:

-recovery time is significantly less than having a c-section after a long labor (though still harder than a vaginal birth)
-less painkillers are required with a planned c-section, versus after a long labor (according to my friends who've done this!)
-can be planned, so you get the doctor you want (versus whoever is on call)
-mom can get care for other child(ren) easier, because she knows when baby is coming
-no labor pain
-less bleeding
-less incontinence
-always a small risk of a complication with a vbac

Do you have a doula with vbac experience to talk to? Sometimes it really helps to speak with someone who understands birth, but isn't a doctor.

Either way, your baby will be fine! Good luck with your decision! I'm going to go for a vbac, but I have a great friend who just had a repeat section. Her baby is happy and healthy. And that's what matters most!