VBAC Experience

Abigail, from my experience, I would highly recommend VBAC. My first son was C-section because his cord was wrapped around his neck. I looked for a doctor who would honor my request to try a vaginal birth with my second child. My second and third were both successful VBACs. The recovery from vaginal birth is much easier and quicker. This is so important when you have other children at home to tend to. Good luck to you.

Please keep us updated. I had a csection in 2006 and am due in Nov. with my 3rd and final baby. I really wanted to try a VBAC just b/c my recovery with the section vs vaginal delivery was so much longer. My Dr. told me his office was no longer doing any VBAC's and it is not an option. So I would love to hear how things work out for you. No matter what you choose I wish you the best.

Many Blessings!

I don't have any experience, but I just wanted to wish you luck if you decide to try for a VBAC! I think its one of those things that if it's ok to try then why not? I hope it works out for you!

Hi Abigail,

It's great that you are even considering a VBAC! I haven't had to make that choice but I did want to clear up a couple of common misconceptions. First, VBAC is generally a safe option for most women. The biggest risk is uterine rupture. Your chances of uterine rupture increase if you are induced because Pitocin takes your uterus from 0 to 60 immediately without any 'warm-up' time that you would find in a normal labor. It's like suddenly deciding to do the splits after not having stretched in 20 years. The chances that you'll tear a muscle are a pretty good :) You also have a chance of uterine rupture depending on the type of incision and closure you had with your c-section. A good doctor will have done a double closure (suturing the uterus and both layers of skin). Some doctors these days are only suturing one layer of skin for reasons of time and anticipation of a later c-section. The risks of multiple c-sections are much greater. If you are thinking of having more than two children, I really encourage you to VBAC. With each c-section, the scar tissue that builds up in the uterus can make getting or staying pregnant more difficult in addition to making each subsequent surgery itself more dangerous because the doctor will have to deal with cutting through lots of scar tissue. There are also the standard risks associated with any surgery - drug reactions, infection, longer recovery time etc. to consider.

Time Magazine recently did an article on repeat c-sections. Here is the link: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,###-###-...

If your doctor feels you are a good candidate for VBAC and is willing to let you do it, I say go for it. You are lucky to have a doctor that is even presenting it as an option. Most don't these days as you will see in the Time article. Good luck to you, whatever you decide.

Abigail,

I haven't had a chance to read everyone's replies, but get yourself to an ICAN meeting! They were instrumental in my successful VBAC! Honestly, an OB will go on and on about the risks of a VBAC, but won 't go over the risks of a repeat Cesarean...and the risks of a repeat Cesarean are way more common, there are more of them, and they can be just as bad as the dreaded uterine rupture you'll have thrown your way when you mention VBAC. Oh and BTW, uterine rupture can STILL happen with a repeat section! OBs are surgeons and some of the reasons so few attend VBACs is because: VBAC works best when left alone and they just don't know how to do that; so few see natural--and I mean natural--births anymore; they don't make as much money from a natural birth as they do a medicated, and ultimately surgical, birth. You have to find someone who knows what they are doing, and not many do anymore, which is sad. There are a few REAL reasons for Cesarean (placenta previa, accreta, cord prolapse, transverse lie) and so many reasons that really, truly are not medically necessary--doctors are too scared of getting sued, and instead of learning how to deliver breech babies for example, they are just taught to cut. So many things that "suddenly" go "wrong" in the hospital which end up in surgery are iatrogenic (http://www.iatrogenic.org/define.html), which means doctor-caused. A cascade of interventions to a perfectly healthy mom and baby suddenly causes problems and surgery is needed. The US is killing more moms and babies (at a 33% section rate) than countries that have 3% section rates--our cut happy culture is not producing better outcomes.

My second child was born three months ago, at home, and it was the best experience of my life! During my first birth, my body was no longer mine, the experience was no longer mine, and I was talked into agreeing to MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY, only to find out later that the reasons were not true (I acquired all my records after the fact). When my second son was born (breech, BTW!!!), the entire experience belonged to me and my son and husband. Because he was breech (I didn't know--he turned that week!), had I been in the hospital, I either would not have been allowed a VBAC, or they would have performed unnecessary procedures on me (episiotomy, forceps delivery of the head) to "help" him out--my son came out easily and without any harm or damage to either of us!

Do your research. The REAL research. Read Henci Goer, Ina May Gaskin, "Pushed" by Jennifer Block, "Silent Knife", and so on and so forth. Go to ICAN for information and support. Learn which doctor you should switch to for your best chance at a VBAC. Find out exactly how to fight for a VBAC in a hospital. Hire a doula. Maybe even decide on a homebirth! ;-) Surrounding yourself by women who have been there, done that, will make all the difference in your best shot at a successful VBAC. You will hear over and over from women who have had successful VBACs and even VBA2Cs! You'll even hear from CBAC moms who can tell you how to make the most of your experience if your VBAC attempt ends up in a repeat section--you'll also know that it was necessary, and it can help in emotional healing.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, so if you do decide for whatever reason you don't want to try for a VBAC, do me one favor: don't schedule your repeat section. Let your body go into labor on its own. At least then you will know that baby is ready and you are decreasing some of the complications involved in scheduled sections.

Good luck! Sorry, I hadn't meant for this to be so long. I'm sure you can see this is a passion of mine! LOL

P.S. To Shelly: my C-section son was seriously coneheaded, and my breech VBAC had a perfect head! And my son was in his car seat next to me as I labored in the car getting home from work--in transition, no less--as my husband coordinated getting him picked up by my parents. Convenience and aesthetics are not good enough reasons to think a C-section is a good idea, and there are plenty of birth traumas associated with C-sections...Just sayin'. Yay for your three(!!!) VBACs!

I had an emergency c w/ my first. he was sunny side up, the cord was around his neck, and his head was too big for my pelvis. my drs would not do a vbac for my 2nd and 3rd. aside from the fact that there was a good chance that i would end up needing a c anyway, due to the issues from my 1st, their office didn't do them in general. they explained that, even though uterine rupture is not very common, when it does happen it is awful and you can loose mother, baby, or both. i was terrified of having another c, both times but, too me, the risks or the c were lesser than those of the vbac. this advice was coming from an office that had midwives and natural options (and encouraged them. i was trying to go 100% natural w/ my 1st) so i don't believe that they advised me out of scheduling convenience. still, if it hadn't been for the size of my hips, i don't know that i would've been convinced not to try. in the end, you need to do what feels right for you. i hope you get the answers that you're looking for!!

Your doctor is advising you wisely. I have never had a C section -- both of my births were vaginal, but I have heard of the success of VBAC's from doctors and even other mothers who have experienced your same situation. Please go with your gut instincts but VBAC is a viable option and given you have the opportunity -- go for it!!

S. H.

My first child was also born via c-section. He was facing down and coming down by the top of his head (the part the doesn't provide any give). This was a pretty hard labor but I still moved along just fine. At my 6 week checkup, I was told that there was no reason why I couldn't have a vbac with my next child.

My 2nd son was breeze to labor. My babies get pretty big and at my 36 week appointment (36 w 6 days) I was told that if I didn't go into labor on my own, I would have to have another c-section. I was SOOO disappointed! She didn't even examine me to see if I was doing anything yet. Oh well, little did we know that I would be seeing that same doctor (there are 5 in my practice) on Thursday of that week. My little one decided to make it on his own. Born 7 lbs 12 oz @ 37 weeks with my vbac. No tearing, no episiotomy (sp). Wonderful ~ 20 minutes of pushing and 12 hours of labor. I ended up going to the hospital fairl early in the game b/c he was moving pretty fast to get in place. I didn't want to take the risk of busting anything ... in hindsight, I would rather have stayed out of the hospital longer (not at home though since I already had a little one here and my contractions were hurting). Once at the hospital b/c It was a VBAC, I couldn't walk around to keep things going. Coming off the epidural, I had the shakes pretty bad too. Those two are my only cons. I loved the experience though! I would highly recommend it based on how it went for me. Had I gone full term with him though, I wouldn't have been able to do it. He would have been 10-11 lbs EASY ... my first was a week late @ 8lbs 1oz and the 2nd steady grew the whole time. My recovery was also super easy compared to the c-section. Same restrictions pretty much but went much better the 2nd time.

Good luck! I hope that you're able to come to a clear resolution to find what works for your family.

I had an emergency c-section (lil one was sunny side up) and am due again in February... my doc is more than willing to let me go VBAC but also gave much of the same info previous posts have of the possible problems that could arise. She's confident in how she put me back together but is letting it be my choice. I had both the experience of trying to have a vaginal birth - all those hours of pushing etc and then the c-section. At this point hubby and I are leaning to c-section. I also have a tilted uterus and it may just make my life a little easier. I dont' want the possibility of #2 to go thru the fetal monitoring and multiple attempts for vaccuum extraction that #1 had to endure.

I don't have this experience, but I urge you to ask your doctor to tell you his/her VBAC complication rate and that of the hospital as well COMPARED with c-section complications. Also ask the TYPES of complications and their outcomes. I know that both can be more dangerous than the average vaginal delivery. My impression was that VBAC was more dangerous because the TYPES of complications (e.g., tearing) would result in an emergency c-section anyway which is a worse scenario than an average c-section. So, I would be sure to get some facts and numbers and not just anecdotal stories. I wich you luck however you proceed. I had two vaginal deliveries, and I think it is great experience - although I LOVE my anathesiologist :)

Hello Abigail,

I am a mother of 5. My second child, a boy, was delivered by C-Section. I think he was just a little big for me, weighing 9lbs. 11oz., and 22 and 1/2 inches long. I pushed for 2 hours to no avail. I delivered 3 children after him vaginally, with no problems. The next one was a little over 8 lbs. Maybe it depends on how you were sectioned. None of my other doctors raised a question as to whether or not I could deliver vaginally. I was truly greatful for not having to have an extended hospital stay and an extra long recuperation period.

This isn't about me but a friend. She had 3 c-sections, felt in her heart after learning about the Lord that she didn't need those, and then they had 4 more babies at home trusting the Lord!
As a midwife, I believe in prayer and understanding that our bodies were made to deliver vaginall and haven't seen any problems with having a v-bac, but you must have a supportive doctor, who is willing to follow your wishes and knows what he is doing...not nec. the way he was taught!!

Hello!

My first delivery with twins ended in c-section but I had VBAC in March 2009 and it went really well. I had complications after delivery but not related to VBAC. I would suggest to consider the risks (Uterus rupture which is very rare but it happens) and the recovery time (natural birth versus cesarian) in order to make a decision. Whichever decision you make will be the right one for you. Good luck and congratulations for the baby!

N.

I don't know...perhaps I am getting old...

my first child was an emergency c section in germany... He was 'breech' and was scheduled as a c section for 12 April...he had different plans I guess...and was born 6 april...

I became pregnant again...and my OB never really discussed much with me...we BOTH assumed a VBAC...

then...my OB...delivered the next child...and the next...and the next...

All vaginally...

The twins were again...an emergency c section.

I found the healing from VBAC to be minimal...c sectons MUCH longer...

I am sure you will make the choice that is right for you and your baby

TC
Catwalk/michele

I was supposed to have a VBAC with my son, unfortunately, I had a placenta abruptia, and had to have another c-section. But if your doctor truly feels you can do it, I say go for it. My recovery for a vaginal birth was maybe a week, as opposed to 6 weeks for my c-sections. I couldn't watch any comedies for at least 3 weeks, because it hurt to laugh. LOL.

My first was an emergancy c-section. My doc was supportive of a VBAC is I choose to as lonag as the baby wasn't too big and I did not have to be induced into labor. My doc does not induce labor for VBAC. I decided early on to do a c-section because I was afraid of little man being too big. My daugher was 9.7 1/2, I just knew my 2nd would be bigger (my son). I was right. By mid 3rd trimester my son was measuring lager engough to require a c-section. I ended up having in a week early and he can out 10.1....a little smaller than expected. I had two big babies and I was not diabetic. The 2nd c-section was a quicker recovery for me than the 1st becuase I did not have hours of labor before.

Good luck in you decision, I am sure you will make the best choce for you and your baby. Just follow your gut!

I had a very successful VBAC 15 months ago with my 4th child. from what i read the risks go down the farther apart the pregnancies are. I would definitely recommend being in the hospital for much of your labor so they can monitor you for any possible problems. but other than that i encourage you to try for the VBAC.

i'm so heartened to hear of so many women having successful VBACs! i remember protesting outside frederick hospital a few years ago when they refused to allow it as option for women, based on what was easiest and least likely to result in lawsuit for them. as some posters have pointed out, one of the most important factors that gives a VBAC a fighting chance is how good a job the C-section doc did at sewing the woman up. some medical professionals prefer to 'blame' the mom.
if things go south, it's wonderful to have C-section as an option. but it's just wrong to insist that women shouldn't even have the opportunity to deliver naturally if it's at all possible (and of course assuming she wants to.)
good luck!
khairete
S.

My first son, second child, was an emergency c-section after being induced. I got pregnant with my third when he was 14 months old, they are 23 months apart. My doctor urged me to do a VBAC as she said she has never had complications from it and she would have 17 minutes to get him out if anything went wrong. After months of thought and research, we scheduled a c-section. It really came down to me not wanting to take any additional risks. I have a husband and two kids I didn't want to be taken from, not to mention a new baby that I wanted to be born healthy and have me around. I know people who have had a VBAC and had no problems too. I think it really comes down to what risks you want to take. But good luck!!

Before my miscarriage and I went to my first OB appointment, my OB mentioned to me that since I had one c-section, he usually went ahead and did the next delivery as a c-section. He did tell me though that, of course, it was my decision what to do and if I decided to do a VBAC then he would refer me to a OB who would do it for me. He went over the risks involved with a VBAC, though the % of complications was very low, I guess in his comfort zone, those complications would be catastrophic if they did occur. So, he just doesn't do them. My daughter's labor was for 20 hours long and so I was at least able to experience what it was like and really...that's all I wanted was to be able to experience natural childbirth. But, my daughter decided she wanted to come out of the world "sunny side up" and so they eventually (after 20 hours of labor and not progressing), I had a c-section. And, that experience wasn't bad and was easier. SO, I wasn't freting about with my second pregnancy being an automatic c-section (until I miscarried in June). It's whatever you are comfortable with. Good luck with your pregnancy. :-)

I was in your same situation. I went with the vbac, and regretted it. I had what they thought was a failure to progress, even though I could feel the probe they had attached to my sons' head, moving down my leg. So, they decided to do a c-section, without an ultra sound. When they cut me open, they discovered, all too late, that he was half way through the birth canal.He had to be pushed back in, which resulted in cranial synostosis, and later he had to endure a crainiectomy.
If I had it to do all over again, I would have opted for a planned c-section, and saved my son all the pain he had to endure. Feeling like doing it the womanly way, the natural way, is just not worth it, and I regret my decision. At least you already know what to expect, so you ill be up and running around much faster, and you wont have put yourself and baby through such a tiring and dangerous experience.
Whatever you choose, congrats on the baby!
Best wishes!

Here is some good info about the decision you are facing and there are secondary links that talk about improving your chances of success VBACing:

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLi...

Also here is a support group that helps moms prepare for VBAC, supports post-cesarean moms, and tries to help avoid unnecessary c-sections. You can ask moms there who have had successful VBACs what they feel were factors in their success:

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

Best wishes,

J.

Hi Abigail!

I had a VBAC years ago - my daughter is now 16! But I still think you may benefit from my experience. I was VERY happy that I decided to have the VBAC - my recovery time was so much quicker then after my C-section. My son and daughter are only 22 months apart, so it was important to me that I be up and about fairly soon. With my C-section, I actually ended up with a secondary infection that prolonged recovery. Anyway, a C is still major abdominal surgery! So I am definitely rallying for the pro VBAC choice! Whatever you end up deciding, I wish you and your new baby blessings beyond measure!

All the best-
L.

Hi Abigail! At 30 years old, I delivered my 1st child by C-section because she was breach. 20 months later, I delivered my 2nd by VBAC - having heard all the warnings and weighed the options. She was 2 pounds heavier than the 1st, I pushed for 2 hours and they finally used forceps. I had a 2nd degree episiotomy and still tore. I swore then that I would never do the vaginal thing again. Nevertheless, I have since had 2 more VBACs, both without incident. They all went smoothly, but there are 2 downsides for me...getting personal here... stretching and tearing have left me without some feeling "there" and definitely a bit out of "shape"; and my bladder has been compromised from all the pushing. Simple surgery will correct that when I'm ready, but still. I chose VBAC because we wanted several children and I didn't want several surgeries. My husband was also against another C-section. Looking back, I mght have done it differently. Surprise labor is tricky with other kids to worry about. C-section babies don't have coneheads, and have less birth trauma. Trust your doctor and your own heart. Congratulations and blessings to your growing family.

Hello!

I had a c-section with my 9.1 lb son. He was way to big for me to deliver, after hours of trying my dr finally decided on a c-section. Recovery, as you know was a bit of time and painful.
I had a VBAC with my 6.4 lb daughter. Huge difference in sizes! My dr thought I would have success VBAC considering my daughter's size in comparison to my son's. I was almost going to have to have another c-section, as she wasn't progressing for a bit of time. Then the nurse had me turn on my side and push that way, that was the ticket, even the doctors were impressed and a little surprised I was making progress that way. You should try that if you aren't making progress, if you are trying VBAC.
The recovery was soooooo much better for me, less down time and pain. I would suggest, if possible, to do a VBAC over c-section. That was such a different recovery, I was glad that I was able to do VBAC...my dr asked me if I was glad that I delivered the way I did ...I certainly was!!
I was back to normal more quickly that the c-section recovery.
Good luck and congratz!