VBAC Vs. Repeat C Section

I was in the situation you were...I didn't dialate past 5 cm etc...1st C-Section...My second child was breech so the decision was already made for me. If you have the choice for a VBAC great go for it...but if you don't I have to tell you that recovery the 2nd time around was much better and less pain in my opinion.

Strictly statistically, you are safer with a VBAC. Do you have time to read? I can give you a short list of books that have really good info on VBACs. The WHO doesn't recommend scheduled c-sections for any reason except breech and, actually, you still have a choice there depending on position of breech. I know you may not want to birth a breech and that is your choice, but if your doctor is telling you it's impossible, it's just not true. Yes, there is risk of rupture with labor, but it's actually LESS than risk to the baby and you with surgery (most docs won't tell you this).

Please PM me if you want more information. I am pretty opinionated on the issue and don't want to offend anyone, but I do have a lot of good information to help you make a decision. I know quite a few women who had successful VBACs and 4 who had to switch doctors to get them because their docs refused to read current material on the matter (*read, it wasn't convenient for them to do so). I even know a woman who felt supported in her decision until she was 36 weeks and then the doc started to say thing that led her to believe he had just been appeasing her until that point. She switched doctors at 36 weeks and had a 10 pound VBAC with NO complications and no drugs!

If you are going to go with a c-section, don't plan it. Let your body go in to labor so you know it's the right time and then have the c-section. If you have to, find a doc who is more interested in the health of you and your baby than his or her scheduling convenience.

Good Luck in your decisions :)

I am currently planning my VBAC for June, so my opinion is admittedly biased. I would NEVER have elective surgery! If you look at the stats, the rate of uterine rupture for VBACs is approximately 0.5%. In other words, 99.5% of all labors will NOT result in rupture. And even in the case of "rupture", about 80% of them are "windows" (ie non-catestrophic) versus true ruptures. VBAC is safe and I would choose it any day.

One great resource to help you gather information and make a good decision is the discussion boards at mothering.com. www.mothering.com/discussions

I'm not sure exactly where you live, but there are many many things you can do to increase your chances of a successful VBAC. Here's a quick list:
1. Talk to your local ICAN group. Chicago has one, as does McHenry County. Email me if you have trouble finding it.
2. Have confidence in your body! You are not broken! Your body is made to have a baby. I suggest reading "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" - this is a fabulous book whether you decide to VBAC or not - it helps you understand the normal birth process and the mind/body connection really well.
3. Talk to your doctor and ask questions about VBAC (I'm happy to give you a list of good questions to ask if you email me). If he/she is suggesting it, chances are she's supportive of the practice. If you decide you want to VBAC and find that your doc is NOT supportive, find another doctor or midwife. I'm going to the midwives at West Suburban Midwife Associates- they're VERY supportive of VBACs and have an 87% success rate. Your doc should have at least a 70% success rate for those women who attempt one.
4. Get a doula - especially one who has experience with VBACs and/or your hospital. This helps SO much. There is excellent medical evidence that having a doula will lower the rate of interventions you have, and will lower your chance of having a c-section.

As far as the hospital being far away, I wouldn't worry about it too much. You can always either head to the hospital (or at least the town where the hospital is) earlier - if it's during the day you can take a walk in the park, do some shopping etc until your labor picks up (if you're feeling up to it!) If it's at night and you're mostly just worried about getting there in time you can always consider finding a local hotel room to stay in until you're ready to check into the hospital. One thing I would avoid is checking into the hospital too early, since they will get impatient and start with the interventions if you're there too long.

Good luck! Feel free to email me if you want some more info - I've done a LOT of research for my upcoming VBAC and am very confident that it will all go OK.

ps - with 3 months left to go I wouldn't worry about your baby's positioning. Remember only about 3% of babies end up breech at term (unfortunately, my son was one of them, which was the reason for my c-section).

This response is not about C-Section vs VBAC but about having a baby that is breech.

My second was breech and never turned. I was asked by the OB about turning her manually. When thinking about it, my friend who is an ER nurse said one thing to me that made my decision. "While they are trying to turn her where do you think the cord is going to go if it is not already around her neck?" I scheduled a c-section that day.

I would take all options into consideration. Knowing I was going to have a C-Section made it easier for me to figure out child care for my oldest. My mother was able to schedule to be there for the birth but then I have never been one to worry about surgery possibilities. I have had at least 5 surgeries to include a spinal fusion (C5-6) and never gave any of them a second thought as to, should I? To me it was something that had to be done, so I was doing it. I am blessed and thankful that I have never had any after surgery issues.

You have some time left - I'd say, do your homework and if the baby flips and is not breach, go for a VBAC. I had two c-sections, primarily becuase I have had type 1 diabetes since I was 16. The 1st c-section was after 14 hours of labor and I didnt eface and was only 4 centimeters. I also had preeclampsia. By the time they did that c-section I was relieved. I felt so sick and exhausted and couldnt imagine pushing. Luckily, after the first baby who had low blood sugar but was completely normal after a couple of hours and is a completely healthy, brilliant almost 4 year old...anyways....we were out taking walks around town within 2 weeks. i felt great! We had our second child 15 1/2 months later. He was breech and again, since I was still diabetic of course, they wouldn't let me go to 40 weeks - the placenta breaks down quicker, larger baby...lot more complications after 37 weeks. So, I had a very unpleasant amnio (painful and baby's butt was nicked). His lungs were ready so we had a repeat c-section. While in the hospital, the incision ripped back open when they took the staples out - again - I'm diabetic so they say I don't heal as quickly. Baby number 2 was very healthy, perfect... I just think I would have rather not had to have gone through having a second surgery, but i knew i had to. Do what you think is best...Good luck, you'll be fine. Congrats!

I also had a c-section in december of 2006 and am planning on trying for a VBAC when i am pregnant next time.

It's completely your choice, either option comes with risks.
Good luck though :) I know how you feel.

I should say first that I'm very much a pro-natural birth person, so this is my opinion! I say go for it. My sis did a VBAC on her 3rd after her 2nd was breech and had to be c-sectioned. the risk of rupture is about 1.5% per the class she took on VBAC at her hospital in Michigan. Plus I also have 2 friends who had successful VBACs without issue. It's the best thing for your baby to come out vaginally. Remember all the suctioning they have to do to the baby to get out the gunk that's stuck in there b/c they didn't get "squeezed" on the way out? And all the snorting they do in the first days b/c of that gunk still being in there? Go for it, and help your baby, too. Even w/ the long drive. I think you'll be glad you did, esp when Elena wants you to hold her with a new baby around and the jealousy starts. She will need you too.

Your second birth might take a while too, since you didn't deliver vaginally the first time.

I had VB for my first child and a c-section for my second. I had to have the c-section because he would not descend and weighed 10 lbs 7 ozs so I physically would not have been able to deliver him. That being said and having experienced both, I would chose a c-section any day of the week and twice on Sunday. The recovery for me was harder after the VB due to the episotomy. Recovery from the c-section was a breeze and I had a very supportive husband and 2 year old son. I don't plan to have anymore children, but I would definitely opt for the c-section. The convienence and knowing exactly when the baby will be delivered is worth it to me. A VB is not what its cracked up to be, in my humble opinion. But ultimately, this is your decision and I wish you the best of luck for a safe and healthy delivery.

just to make this short, they made me do a c-section when i didn't want to after having a c-section and i would rather of done it v-bac...........oh another thing i had two births before the c-section and i loved it better than hurting for 2 weeks after when you should be holding and taking care of your little one. just to let you know v-bac i would do if i could of done it.

I had 2 c-sections, the first, because my son wasn't coming out, and the second was planned. My boys are exactly 2 years apart. I recovered very quickly from my second, recovery time wasn't an issue, although it was a little hard not picking up my oldest. The evening that my second son was born I had a great nurse. She got me out of bed and up and walking she said the faster you can get up & moving the quicker you will heal. I actually was able to get out of the hospital a day earlier than I was supposed to, I wanted to get home for my oldest son's birthday. With my second, they scheduled it about 9 days before my due date (it was between Christmas and New Years, and my doctor was going on vacation). Although my baby was healthy he did have a little fluid in his lungs and we couldn't see him for almost 7 hours so they could moniter that, he was 6lbs 12oz and although that is a good size, my first was 7lbs 15oz (and 9 days late). In hindsight I wouldn't have it that early again I always felt like maybe he needed those extra few days. If we have another I probably would be considering a vbac. I was induced with my first, and even then It took a long time before they realized he wasn't coming out. Good Luck & Congratulations!!!

Hi K.,
I too had a C-section with my first child, due to lack of progress. Then I was give the option of another C-section or VBAC for my second. I realy wanted a natural birth because I also had a 2 year old at home and the C-section was hard on my body.
I asked so many questions and my OB said if you go into natural labor it is fine but they will not induce. I guess because this is harder on the uterus. So I made the C-section date for a few days after my due date and we said if I went into labor before then I would try to VBAC.
My water broke a week before my due date and labor progresed just fine and I had a natural birth and a healthy baby girl.
So I would say keep both options open so you are prepared.

Hi K., I had my first child by c-section due to breech presentation. When I became pregnant with my second child, I discussed the risks and benefits of VBAC and decided that it was not worth it. When I made the decision to have a c-section with my second child, I felt like a large weight was lifted off of my shoulder. The worry went away! Having a c-section is the safest way. I know that the risk of uterine rupture is only 1 in 200 with VBAC, but this wasn't a risk I was willing to take. Needless to say, I had a scheduled c-section with my second child and never even went into labor. Believe me when I say this, the recovery from a c-section without laboring is much easier.

Hello K.

I have 4 sons, all c-sec, the first 2 were because they were breech, when I became pregnant with my 3rd, I talked about having v-bac, but the doctor warned me about it due to the 2 s-secs. With 4 s-secs, my doctor said that eventually I would need a hysterectomy, because of scar tissue, which I had 4 years after my last son was born.

I have a friend who had her first daughter s-sec and her second v-bac and she swore she would rather have the labor and deliver the natural way 10 times.

Talk to your doctor and maybe together you can come up with what is best for you.

Also, say a prayer and God will show you which path to take.

God's Blessings to you and your little one
D.

I had a C-section with my first child because she was breech, and with my son I decided to do a VBAC. Everything went extremely smoothly, and I am so glad that I did it. A friend of mine who happened to have her second baby on the same day as I had mine had a C-section instead. She definitely had a much harder recovery than me as she also has an older child and happens to live in a two-story house. Luckily she had family who could stay with her for two or three weeks to help out or else she would have really struggled to take care of the newborn and the older child.

I highly recommend a VBAC. It is much easier to get back on your feet-- something definitely important when you have more than one child.

Another story for you to ponder...

I had a planned c-section due to my son being breech. First day after surgery was great, then the initially drugs wore off (still taking pain meds but not as strong). Second baby I tried vbac. Because there was no medically reason for me not to have vaginal deliver. My thought on doing a vbac was I wanted an easier recovery and thought doing a vaginal birth would be better. Well they wouldn't let me go past my due date due to an anemia my daughter could have possible had (we wouldn't know till after she was born). Labor was intense- couldn't believe I got through it. Then after 8 hours and and finally an epidural I had a burst of pain and that is when I found myself in the 1.5% of having a ruptured uterus. They rushed my into surgery and put me out completely. Then two days later it was discovered that I had a hole in my bladder and had to go back into surgery.

Well I'm not telling you my horror story for nothing. In the end this is what I have figured out.

The overall experience with my first child was worse than my second, even though with the second I endured labor, c-section and then bladder repair. Why? Well it comes down to th health of the baby and the support on my return home.

My first had an anemia that caused a case of extreme and stubborn jaundice. My husband and I were so worried. Also the family support at the time was not so great.

The second baby was perfect. This time support was great. By that time my Dad and Stepmom were retired and I had a family friend stay with us for a while. Also I had a birth doula who was extremely helpful even after the delivery.

So my story is that what matters is support and the health of the baby.

Well that's it for what it is worth.

I would think that they would give you something to progress your labor farther, if the baby's cord wasn't around her neck. I would weigh the pros against cons and then decide. What if your labor does progress fast, 3 hour drive is pretty long, too. Even if you have a scheduled c-section, you could go into labor before hand. But if I knew that I could actuallyy push the baby out I would go for it. No one wants to go through another c-section willingly. Good luck!

I was in the same position a couple years ago with my daughter. My 1st baby in 2000 was an unexpected c-section when I didn't dilate and progress much after 15hours of labor. It went really well during and after surgery, all in all. So my doc recommended a 2nd c with my 2nd son in 2003. I thought that was a great idea since I'd had a pretty smooth recovery and knew what to expect. It also all went really well. I was actually having regular contractions when I went in for my scheduled c-section but didn't even realize it! #3 pregnancy was pretty difficult (the only girl--go figure!). I had enough water for twins and got huge! Had to be on a moniter 3 times a week and it was pretty stressful. She also weighed almost 9lbs. (I am only 4ft 9in!) So, with all the possible complications, I opted for the 3rd c-section. The surgery went well, but I had to have some repair done from scar tissue and because of that had a harder recovery (mostly while still in the hospital). But overall, I am very glad I had repeat c-sections because I knew what to expect and felt more in control of the situation each time since I'd had some complications. That's my story and I hope it helps a little! Good luck to you in whatever you decide is right for you!
B. (momma to 3!)

I had a C-Section Jan 2003 with my 1st, due to fetal distress. When I was pregnant with my 2nd June 2005 I himmed and hawed on V-Bac or repeat C. My Dr. told me based on my previous labor my risk of rupture would be very small and really not much more than if this would have been my 1st delivery. I never realized there was a risk of uterine rupture if you did not have a C-section before. I picked the VBAC and it was wonderful. Having my first baby was wonderful, but my 2nd was amazing. I had my 2nd VBAC, 3rd baby Jan 2007 and it was just as rewarding as my 1st VBAC. My labor did go very fast with my 3rd child but my 2nd child (1st VBAC) fairly long. Ohh and my C-Section that I had I was 7 cm dilated 100% effaced when they did it. Feel free to email me if you have any other queations or want to discuss more :) Good Luck in what every you choose. You need to decide what works for you and your family, Congrats!!!

Hi K.,
First, congratulations on having a beautiful daughter and expecting a second! What an exciting time for you and your husband.

I am a mother of two myself: one boy, one girl...one c-section, one VBAC. I feel like I've done it all! My son was a c-section because we tried to induce and he just wasn't ready to come out into the world ( at already 9 days late - ugh!) The doctors had already broken my water, so they had to go ahead and take him out via c-section. In my case, there was no physical reason why I could not successfully deliver a baby, so I wanted to try with my second. I found a practice that was willing to deliver a VBAC ~ 3 midwives and a traditional doctor, delivering at a hospital. They were completely supportive, and I had a wonderful experience with them.

My daughter was delivered after 24 hours of labor ( again, ugh!) and there were no complications at all. The recovery from a vaginal delivery for me was MUCH easier, and as I said, I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to do it as mother nature intended!! When I questioned the midwives initially about the safety of the delivery, they indicated to me that most doctors hesitate to deliver VBACs because of liability rather than actual danger of complications. Obviously I'm not a medical professional, but what I read, and what they conveyed to me made me feel at ease...despite my family who was pretty upset with our decision to try a VBAC.

On that note, my most sage advice is to go with your gut. Make the best decision, with the best information you can find, and feel as close to 100% positive about it all the way through. Only you know what is right for you and your family.

Good luck, K.! And remember that all that really matters in the end is that you have a healthy baby, regardless of how they arrived :o) Take care.

K. from Chicago
PS. I have 6 girlfriends who all opted to have repeat c-sections...it gave them great comfort for a variety of reasons. And I'm proud of them for doing what was obviously the right thing for them.

Hi, K.. My vote is definately for a vbac. It is so much better for you and the baby. There is less than a 1% chance for a rupture. It sounds like their is no medical reason for a surgery. My first was a c section, I had a home vbac for my 2nd. It was wonderful. I wanted to keep it brief in this forum and also give encouragement. If your interested in more info I'd like to talk to you. Many blessings to you and congrats!

I'm not sure how much insight I can offer but here is what I went through. With my first son (9yrs old) I had a vaginal delivery. Lasted forever, hurt like a cuss, but healed very quickly and I was able to continue taking care of my family quickly. With my second son (16 months) I had to have a c section. Took a lot longer to heal and limited my activity more than vaginal birth. Just picking my son up or getting up from the couch was a huge task. I can't really say that I felt as bonded as soon with my 2nd as I did with my first one. I really think it's because I wasn't as able to care for him when we came home. There were many things that my husband had to do. I don't know, I just know that on an emotional level it was different for me. I did bond just fine with my 2nd son but the bond or I guess maybe my ability to read his cues took longer. It took me longer to get to know this newest child. Also, if breast feeding is something you would like to do, it seems to me that there was an article on yahoo news some time ago that related to findings on epidurals being related to breast feeding trouble. It is something to look into and consider. You do what you feel is right for you and baby! I just always thought that a vaginal birth enabled me to better take care of and get to know my child. Good Luck to you!! Shannon

Hi K.! I am a labor doula and have attended several vbacs and i would choose that over a repeat secton any day, but that is just me. Every client I have had that has had a vbac, it has been very successful too. I hope it all works out for you.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

When you were describing your first baby it was like you were me, my first (almost 3) I never progressed passed 2 cm after 10 hours then they did a c-section and discovered that the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck, torso and one leg. I just had my 2nd 8-31-07 and I opted for a c-section for 2 reasons. My husband is a firefighter and we could pick a day we knew he would be home (he works 24hr shifts) and we pre-arranged child care for my daughter for the weekend. Just take the time and choose whats right for you.

I had a c-section with my second baby due to his size (11#1oz) and then had a VBAC 4 years later. First baby was a routine v delivery. So having had a baby in all ways possible, I would like to tell you that the VBAC was the best. The docs wanted to deliver her on Dec. 14, but she came on Christmas day and was early- so much for a gazillion ultrasounds. She was in a special nursery for 10 days, so I was very glad I was in good enough shape to go to a different hospital and see her. My doctor was there through the whole labor process, so my fears were minimized. She said we would just do an emergency section if things went bad. By the way, she was breech also. They turned her on Dec 14 and I was lucky she stayed head down. Congrats on your family.

Anything is better than getting cut open and having a 30lb child to care for would be hard and probably end up re-opening your wound time and again. I would definitely go for natural, but that's just me. I had both of mine natural and I recovered very quickly and it was as if nothing happened after the first few days.
If your child does turn, I would opt for a natural child birth and talk to your Doctor about coming in 2 weeks before your delivery date and inducing you. With you living so far from the hospital, I would definitely do that. Did you carry your first child to term or was she early? You "usually", and I use this term loosely, have the same amount of weeks with all of your pregnancies, unless you have complications.

Like a previous poster said, your risk of complications from the VBAC are minute, much smaller than the risk of complications from a c-section. We often believe that c-sections are the safe option, but in reality you must carefully consider all of the risks of both, not JUST the risk of rupture.

If it were me, I would definitely choose a VBAC. But you are the mommy so you have to decide what is acceptable to you.

Definitely contact the ICAN list and get some good info from them. Google, google, google and read until you feel you know the info inside and out, then make your decision. Our health care providers often want us to make one choice so they steer us in that way subtly.

Don't worry at all about the breech. 96% of babies settle head down by the term and many are flip-flopping right up to that time.

****
Adding: check out the website www.spinningbabies.com for info on how to get baby positioned well. Most likely your babe will turn on his own before then but it can't hurt to work on it.

Hi Kristin,

Sorry I am a week behind in my Mamasource readings, but I couldn't pass up your dilemma. I have four boys and my last two were c-sections. My third was breach and never turned so I didn't have a choice. For my fourth, my doctor and I discussed vbac vs. repeat c-section. At that time(2 1/2 years ago) the trend was to do repeat c-sections due to the complications vbacs present(rupturing). We also had a couple vbac deliveries that ended badly around the time I was pregnant. So, choosing a repeat c-section for me was an easy decision. My delivery date was calculated, the surgery scheduled, etc. I went into labor on my own a week before my scheduled c-section and was 5cm dialated by the time I reached the hospital 20 minutes later. Considering how far you are from the hospital and this being your second pregnancy, if it were me, I would opt for the repeat c-section. Good luck. God bless. V. M.

i contemplated a vbac with my 2nd and decided that any risk of rupture/death of myself or the baby was too much of a risk for me. i know there are always risks with major surgery, but i feel like i picked the lesser of two evils. my labor also did not progress with my first which was why i had a c in the first place. i did not want to go through all of that again just to have another c or to have something go very wrong. with you being so far from the hospital, it would be difficult to get help if things became complicated fast. that's my $.02, hope it's helpful.

Hi, K.!

B. here, experienced doula, and mom. :)

Personally, I've been through what you're experincing right now. I've had one of my children vaginally, and two cesareans. After my first cesarean (done because of breech birth) and during my last pregnancy, I did quite a lot of research on VBAC.

Let me re-assure you that your risk of uterine rupture is LOW. Just HOW low? Let's take a look (from gentlebirth.org):

Your risk of dying in a car accident, over the course of your lifetime, is between 1 in 42 and 1 in 75. This is roughly 4 to 5 times greater than the risk of uterine rupture.

You're about twice as likely to have your car stolen (that's an annual risk) than to experience a uterine rupture.

Your odds of being murdered are 1 in 140 over the course of your lifetime. That's 2 times more likely than the risk of rupture.

The annual risk of having a heart attack is 1 in 160, 2 times more likely than rupture. Your risk of dying from heart disease is roughly 1 in 6, or 55 times greater than your risk of rupture.

If you're a smoker, your risk of dying from lung cancer is 1 and a half times more likely than a VBAC mom rupturing during her labor.

You're about 17 times more likely to contract an STD this year than you are to have a uterine rupture; more likely to contract gonorrhea than to rupture, as well.

You're 13 times more likely to get food poisoning than to rupture.

You're more likely to have twins than a uterine rupture. Odds of twins: 1 in 90. That's about 3 1/2 times the likelihood of rupture.

If you ride horseback, you're 3 times more likely to die in a riding accident than you are to experience a uterine rupture.

If you ride a bike on the street, you are 4 times more likely to die in an accident (annual risk) than you are to suffer a rupture.

Having a serious fire in your home during the next year is twice as likely as experiencing a rupture.

You're ten times as likely to win at roulette as you are to have a uterine rupture.

If you flip a coin, you'll be more likely to get heads (or tails) 8 times in a row than to rupture.

The risk of cord prolapse is 1 in 37 (2.7%), or nearly ten times more likely than that of rupture.

And a final irony (heads up, those of you who want a doc to give his/her opinion on your likelihood of rupture next pregnancy!)...

You're 6 times more likely to have a doctor who is an impostor than you are to suffer a rupture. Two percent of docs are phonies (1 in 50), according to several sources I found.

---

Unless there was a major emergency, or you had a complication with your last pregnancy (such as placenta previa, or something equally as monumental), odds are you have a low-transverse incision. This type of incision is the LEAST likely to lead to rupture.

If this was 30 years ago, or if you had gone through a life-or-death delivery emergency, you would have a vertical incision that would basically sentence you to deliver via cesarean for every pregnancy.

Take heart - Uterine rupture occurs in LESS than 1% of every VBAC delivery. The risks that are associated with an elective cesarean are of much greater relevance to your situation right now...I encourage you to inform yourself about those: www.lamaze.org/institute/advancing/docs/elective_cesarean... -

(Also, uterine rupture occurs in women who have never had a cesarean before, a matter of note.)

As to your LOOOONG coming trip to the hospital (whereEVER do you live, Lady? *s*), I would strongly suggest communicating often with your doctor the closer you get to your due date.

Oh yeah...How long was your last labor? Since you only got to 3cm and were not fully effaced during your last labor (even after driving for 2 + hours), it's safe to say that (barring an act of God), your body will be treating this labor as it's first go...It's VERY likely that you will be at the hospital in time, with hours to spare.

Must run --

Take care, and feel free to message me, should you have any other questions!

*B.*

P.S. My last baby was 2 ounces shy of weighing in at 12 lbs. when she was born, which was pretty much why I got the c-section...After 36 hours of slow, slow, sloooooow labor. (Eek! I cringe just thinking about it!) NECESSARY medical intervention is a good thing!!! :)

I chose to have another section. My mom also did this. Remember that your baby and you have no control over your body! I just had my second section and it didn't matter what I had chosen. I woke up one morning to get ready for work stood up and felt that feeling when you are getting your period? remember that? Well, I went dwn to the bathroom and I was bleeding. While I am yelling up to my husband he is grabbing the note from the doctor about what the plug looks like. As cute as he is I had to explain to him that this had nothing to do with the plug and so he thought I should call the doctor. I was thinking "take me to the hospital" but I called while he decided to take the dogs for a walk. Yes, I still love him! The doctor told me to get off the ohone and to the hospital so at 7am I am yelling out my front door for my husband and dogs. Basically, I went in fr a section. It's much different than when you go for your first emergency one. I was in a haze for the first after 24 hours of labor. At that point I just wanted our baby to be ok. So to all of those woman that plan there birth I commend you, especially if it happens the way you want. You are extremely lucky. Read all you want but I would stop thinking or worrying about it and allow for yourself to get closer to the date and see how you feel and where your at and then play it by ear. You have two choices, which is better than none. You and your baby being ok is what matters most and make sure your husband doesnt leave to walk the dogs!!

Looks like you've gotten lots of feedback already...but really I just wanted to tell you to do your homework. I VBAC'd twice after a section with my first and would recommend it over surgery any day! Hope it works to your favor!

There is risk with both a VBAC and repeat C-birth. Don't let anyone tell you that there is minute risk with a VBAC.

I am a NICU nurse and have seen many, many deliveries of both kind. My two children (4 and 2) were both C-births. After 17 hours of labor and dilation to 4 with no marked effacement, my 4 year old started showing decelerations with contractions. We decided to do the C-birth because it was what was best for him. My hopes of natural labor gone because I wanted what was best for him. That is what we do as mother's everyday, right? Sacrifice for our kids!

When we had my daughter we discussed both deliveries. Honestly, finding childcare for my son or other conviences did not factor into our decision. We decided to have the repeat C-birth because of concern over rupturing the uterus, risking both of our health and potentially our baby's life. Since my labor never really progressed with my son we feared that the second labor would be the same, stressing an already compromised uterus (because of the scarring from the 1st C-birth).

I never had complications from my C-sections and I honestly don't feel like it slowed me down any more than a vaginal delivery would have.

C-births are a major surgery, and you'll need to weigh your recovery time, ability to care for yourself and a newborn (as well as your daughter and husband), as well as the risks associated with surgery and proximity to the hospital.

It is a very tough decision, I realize. I really wanted to experience a natural delivery and in the end what was most important was my kids...

I also encourage you to pray and seek wisdom. Blessings to your little one and your entire family!