Any VBAC moms?

Schell2013

I am hopeful to have a VBA2C. 

1st- was due to fetal distress 
2nd- baby was breech and despite trying everything had to have another because our hospital will not deliver breech and we have no midwives in our area. 

I was was thinking about doing a weekly check in for us, if there is enough interest! 

nsquaredlife13

I'm a hopeful VBAC mama!

My 1st baby was breech, and after two failed ECV attempts and all sorts of different methods to try to get him to flip, I convinced the OB's to let me go to 40 weeks and have a scheduled CS. My midwife sees no reason why I can't have a successful VBAC this time around.

Good luck to you!

kmalls

Hopeful VBAC here as well. DS was a c-section due to fetal distress. My main reason for wanting a VBAC is to avoid that recevery from surgery while caring for a toddler and a newborn. 

mrskratt

Hopeful here as well! Desperately hopeful.
DD was jammed on my pubic bone. I pushed for 3 hours
She was a big baby. 

mtgreen21

I have had 2 successful VBACs after my first section.  It is possible just communicate with your OB'S about your wishes.

coffee89

VBAC here. DS was a 20 hour labor with contractions 30sec-1 minute apart for most of it. I never progressed past a 1. I was too exhausted to keep going and agreed to a c-sec. It wasn't what I wanted, but I was never going to make it through pushing after that even if I managed to dialate.

I found a midwife practice that has over half of their patients being VBAC attempts and the hospital we chose has a great VBAC rate. They will let me go to 42 weeks pending any complications.

midwestmom12

Hopeful here, as well! First ended in csection due to fetal distress. Doctor says I'm a good candidate for VBAC, but won't let me go past 40 weeks (hospital policy)...

Kaytee1087

Another hopeful VBAC momma here!

I had preeclampsia with DD and we all decided the safest thing for everyone was to go for csection at 34 weeks. She's now a happy, healthy almost 7 year old, and doc said I'm a pretty good VBAC candidate, pending my internal incision (if it was vertical or horizontal, one has a high risk of uterine rupture during labor she said) so it just depends on that. I'll hopefully find out more at our next appt. 

kmalls

Kaytee1087 said:

Another hopeful VBAC momma here!

I had preeclampsia with DD and we all decided the safest thing for everyone was to go for csection at 34 weeks. She's now a happy, healthy almost 7 year old, and doc said I'm a pretty good VBAC candidate, pending my internal incision (if it was vertical or horizontal, one has a high risk of uterine rupture during labor she said) so it just depends on that. I'll hopefully find out more at our next appt. 

@Kaytee1087 - just curious, and I totally mean this without snark, but is there an incision that's NOT vertical or horizontal? Mine is horizontal but nobody has said anything about uterine rupture yet!

LizaKate1213

@kmalls I believe she was saying she wasn't sure which incision has the risk of rupture. It's the vertical incision, though they are very rare.

kmalls

LizaKate1213 said:

@kmalls I believe she was saying she wasn't sure which incision has the risk of rupture. It's the vertical incision, though they are very rare.

Ohhhh ok ok, I didn't read that sentence correctly the first time. Thanks!!

kmalls

molson1 said:

Hopeful here, as well! First ended in csection due to fetal distress. Doctor says I'm a good candidate for VBAC, but won't let me go past 40 weeks (hospital policy)...

Alright apparently today is question day for me, sorry!! @molson1 - at my last appointment, the midwife (she works under the OB) said the plan is to hope I go into labor on my own by 40 weeks, but they'd schedule a c-section on my due date just in case I didn't. I was too taken aback to question that at the time (though that's the first thing I'm asking at my appointment next week), but I'm wondering why they wouldn't just induce at 40 weeks rather than go right to a c/s. Is that the same deal with you, or will they try to get you to labor? 

Kaytee1087

@kmalls, @LizaKate1213 had it right, I couldn't remember which incision she said was the one that has a higher risk. I thought it was the vertical, but I didn't want to say that since I was unsure. I keep forgetting to ask her if she's looked at my surgery records to see which one I have, though! 

Rachandcorey

I am also hoping for vbac. Like many others first was c/s due to fetal distress. My doctor says I'm a good candidate and she will support me. Hopefully all turns out well but if I do end up with another c/s I won't be heart broken like I felt with the first. 

midwestmom12

@kmalls our hospital will
not induce for VBAC...they require you to go into labor naturally.  My doctor said there is a higher chance for uterine rupture the longer you go, and if the labor did not begin naturally (I think this is more of an overly cautious opinion as I know many women who have successfully VBAC'd at 41-42 weeks). Some doctors at my hospital won't even give pitocin for a VBAC labor that began naturally but has stalled. My doctor is a little more lenient on that so I think a lot of it depends on the doctors risk aversion. I still need to ask some questions, as well. I feel like my mind goes blank at every appointment!

Schell2013

Rachandcorey said:

I am also hoping for vbac. Like many others first was c/s due to fetal distress. My doctor says I'm a good candidate and she will support me. Hopefully all turns out well but if I do end up with another c/s I won't be heart broken like I felt with the first. 

I was really heart broken my first c section. I was put to sleep and it's taken me 3 years to get over not being able to hear my baby's first cry or hold her for over 2 hours. Then there was a multitude of other problems that I blamed on my c section and made me resent it even more. My second c section was due to a breech baby and I didn't have the same feelings. I was okay with it. But still not okay enough to sign up for one automatically this time. 
Its normal to be sad about your birth.

ammiddleton3

Planning a VBAC here! I posted in here early on about VBAC moms but the board wasn't super active yet! I would love a check in for us! I switched Dr's this time, because I'm positive my previous Dr is the reason for my c-section. I had an ultrasound at 37 and the baby was estimated at 9lbs 3oz then. She said c-section already at that point. I didn't want any interventions but opted for an induction at 39 weeks as it seemed like the lesser of 2 evils. I wasn't really given a chance to progress and had a c-section. I love my new Dr, and when I did research through our local ICAN chapter, everybody called my now Dr, THE vbac dr. So I do feel like I have a great supportive provider. He said we won't talk any interventions until 42 weeks, which is awesome! I'm feeling really positive about it too, and I can't wait to have this baby!

Schell2013

This is great there is quite a few of us! The VBAC board here on TB is dead with very little posts, so I think a check in closer to the end would be helpful! 
Good luck to everyone! 

LizaKate1213

@ammiddleton3, just curious, how much did your baby end up weighing?? Ultrasound can be off by a couple of pounds!

nsquaredlife13

Schell2013 said:

Rachandcorey said:

I am also hoping for vbac. Like many others first was c/s due to fetal distress. My doctor says I'm a good candidate and she will support me. Hopefully all turns out well but if I do end up with another c/s I won't be heart broken like I felt with the first. 

I was really heart broken my first c section. I was put to sleep and it's taken me 3 years to get over not being able to hear my baby's first cry or hold her for over 2 hours. Then there was a multitude of other problems that I blamed on my c section and made me resent it even more. My second c section was due to a breech baby and I didn't have the same feelings. I was okay with it. But still not okay enough to sign up for one automatically this time. 
Its normal to be sad about your birth.

Hugs to you both! And I agree, it's normal, actually very understandable, to be sad about your birth if it wasn't your plan. I was heartbroken over having to have a CS and honestly it wasn't nearly as bad as others. You're allowed to feel what you feel. Hopefully this time around well all have successful VBAC's and we can have that birth experience we so badly wanted. ❤️

coffee89

@kmalls my MW mentioned that induction can cause issues with the scars and rupture. Mine won't induce but will consult with the obs they work with about if they will on a case by case basis. Depending on where I am at, I can do a folley bulb and possible low pitocin drip but since that didn't work last time, I don't think we would go that route. How long they let you go (mine will go to 42 weeks) and if they do any intervention is based on hospital policy and comfort level. I found the practice highest vbac sucess rate here through icann and feel like I'm getting better care than the first ob I visited.

kewltif

Will they let you try for a vbac after 2 cs? My OB told me absolutely not. My first was failure to progress. My second I had an appendicitis so I never got the chance to even try, as I had originally planned.

coffee89

@kewltif Some places will, but most likely your best bet for that would be a midwife.If you find an ICAN (inter nation cesarian awareness network) group near you they can help give advice and guide you towards doctors/midwives who may be more open to it for you to talk to.

Schell2013

kewltif said:

Will they let you try for a vbac after 2 cs? My OB told me absolutely not. My first was failure to progress. My second I had an appendicitis so I never got the chance to even try, as I had originally planned.

Mine will, but only if you have enough time between deliveries and are considered an excellent candidate. However each doctor is different.

Chcaggie1

I'm lurking from Nov16. DS was a csect but it wasn't a tramatic or sad experience for me. I had a great nurse that told us during parenting classes he goal for each mama that comes in is for two healthy people to go home (quickly) mama and baby. She is much less concerned about how baby gets out than how health baby and mama are. After she said that my mind relaxed about csects. Which apparently was a good thing since I ended up having one.

I'm really on the fence this time. I'm fine with have a rcs but I have a toddler at home and am wondering if I should try for a vbac for a quicker easier recovery to be able to take care of him quicker. The doctor told me not to feel pressured to make a decision now I have plenty of time. So we will see.

But I would be interested in a vbac checkin as well.

Kaytee1087 I'm not sure if anyone responded to you but a horizontal section is a cut from side to side; vertical is up and down. If that makes any sense, that way you can know which one you have. horizontal just below the bikini line is most common where it can't really be seen.

kmalls

Ugh this thread is starting to stress me out! Like @Chcaggie1 my c-section experience was NOT traumatic in the least (and I'm truly not trying to undermine anyone else's experience, I just happened to be completely fine with the type of birth I had).

That being said, I'm super committed to a VBAC this time because I really don't want to have to recover from surgery. I'm kicking myself for not asking questions before my first OB appt this time around -- based on the offhand comments that have been made, I'm not sure how easy they'll make a VBAC experience for me. Had I known that they'll schedule a c/s right at 40 weeks I would definitely have gone with another practice. Like I said above, I've got an appt this week so I'll bring all this up for clarification. If they stick to that 40 week requirement I'll see if telling them I'll leave the practice changes their minds. I'd just hate to have a scheduled c/s and then wonder if I would have gone into labor on my own shortly thereafter. Ughghghgh. 

ecpdvm

I had a VBAC because DS was breech. Not sure what I want to do this time. I just want to do what's best for me and baby, but doc didn't really have a clear answer. She basically said "It's a personal choice" but I feel like VBAC is likely healthier option, so I guess we'll go for that?

ammiddleton3

LizaKate1213 said:

@ammiddleton3, just curious, how much did your baby end up weighing?? Ultrasound can be off by a couple of pounds!

He was born 9lbs 12oz. So for me the ultrasound was pretty much spot on. I know for many that isn't the case. And even though he was a big baby, I know my body was capable of birthing him. A truly supportive provider I feel makes a huge difference. Mine at the time obviously wasn't. I have terrible feelings associated with my birth. Not the baby, just how everything happened.

dillybean2

I will be VBACing as well!  My first was born at 32 weeks due to pre-e and IUGR. Looking forward to a long boring pregnancy.

ammiddleton3

kmalls said:

Ugh this thread is starting to stress me out! Like @Chcaggie1 my c-section experience was NOT traumatic in the least (and I'm truly not trying to undermine anyone else's experience, I just happened to be completely fine with the type of birth I had).

That being said, I'm super committed to a VBAC this time because I really don't want to have to recover from surgery. I'm kicking myself for not asking questions before my first OB appt this time around -- based on the offhand comments that have been made, I'm not sure how easy they'll make a VBAC experience for me. Had I known that they'll schedule a c/s right at 40 weeks I would definitely have gone with another practice. Like I said above, I've got an appt this week so I'll bring all this up for clarification. If they stick to that 40 week requirement I'll see if telling them I'll leave the practice changes their minds. I'd just hate to have a scheduled c/s and then wonder if I would have gone into labor on my own shortly thereafter. Ughghghgh. 

If they are absolutely set on a c-section at 40 weeks, I highly suggest looking for another Dr. EDD are just that, estimates. If you haven't already, check out ICAN on Facebook, and see also if they have a local chapter to you. They can help you find a VBAC friendly provider. If it wasn't for me asking in my local chapter, I wouldn't have switched to the Dr I have now. Supposedly he is "THE VBAC DR" of my area so it makes me feel reassured. He told me at my first appointment he will give me until 42 weeks before discussing any interventions. So it definitely helps take some stress off! At least you know now, instead of near the end of your pregnancy!!

kmalls

So I had my A/S today followed by an appointment with one of the midwives. I raised my concerns about scheduling a c-section at 40 weeks and she assured me that's NOT the case at all, thank god! Since they consider me a strong VBAC candidate, they'll let me go to 42 weeks if I need to, and they're also supportive of induction if it comes to that -- so a c/s would be the absolute last resort. Phew!!

jkmix21

I'm bringing this thread back because a VBAC is weighing heavily on me right now. I had a c/s with my son almost 6 years ago due to fetal distress. I initially just assumed I'd have another but as my pregnancy has progressed I feel that I should keep my mind open to the idea of a VBAC. 

I have an appt with my OB on Tuesday, is there anything specific I should ask? I know they are VBAC friendly because we have discussed that much. 

TIA

coffee89

@Cakimmy30 I think it is an awesome conversation to have even if you decide not to VBAC. You honestly never know what might happen that day and having a heads up if baby is coming quick or you change your mind is a good plan. Some of my questions were how long they would let me go, in what situations and what methods would they use induction, what their VBAC trial and success rates are, what kind of monitoring they require, how long will they let me labor, and how does the hospital allow for various labor positions (showers, birth balls, walking etc).

I found that the MW I saw walked me through a lot of information and answered most of my questions before I asked them.

Knottie51481210

I had a c section my first time due to failure to progress, the nurses had me pushing for three hours when I shouldn't have been according to the doctor who finally made an appearance after pushing that whole time. Needless to say I was exhausted and opted for the c section when the pain started to come back, I had requested my epidural be turned off so I could push more effectively, except they didn't want me to push because I wasn't ready! Agh! Definitely a frustrating day for me. Needless to say I didn't know all the consequences of having the section and wasn't counseled on them. To top it off I wasn't told how long I should wait between babies so here I am pregnant with my second and they said flat out section planned for week 39. No questions. Had I known I should wait to have my second to have a VBAC I would have...

Schell2013

Knottie51481210 said:

I had a c section my first time due to failure to progress, the nurses had me pushing for three hours when I shouldn't have been according to the doctor who finally made an appearance after pushing that whole time. Needless to say I was exhausted and opted for the c section when the pain started to come back, I had requested my epidural be turned off so I could push more effectively, except they didn't want me to push because I wasn't ready! Agh! Definitely a frustrating day for me. Needless to say I didn't know all the consequences of having the section and wasn't counseled on them. To top it off I wasn't told how long I should wait between babies so here I am pregnant with my second and they said flat out section planned for week 39. No questions. Had I known I should wait to have my second to have a VBAC I would have...

How far apart are you babies? Some doctors aren't as VBAC friendly as others. Finding a supportive provider is key. Midwives are also much more open to it.

JaJuanY

Chcaggie1 said:

I'm lurking from Nov16. DS was a csect but it wasn't a tramatic or sad experience for me. I had a great nurse that told us during parenting classes he goal for each mama that comes in is for two healthy people to go home (quickly) mama and baby. She is much less concerned about how baby gets out than how health baby and mama are. After she said that my mind relaxed about csects. Which apparently was a good thing since I ended up having one.

I'm really on the fence this time. I'm fine with have a rcs but I have a toddler at home and am wondering if I should try for a vbac for a quicker easier recovery to be able to take care of him quicker. The doctor told me not to feel pressured to make a decision now I have plenty of time. So we will see.

But I would be interested in a vbac checkin as well.

Kaytee1087 I'm not sure if anyone responded to you but a horizontal section is a cut from side to side; vertical is up and down. If that makes any sense, that way you can know which one you have. horizontal just below the bikini line is most common where it can't really be seen.

You have 2 incisions, an internal and external.  You can clearly see the external incision scar, but the one of your uterus you can only find out if the doctor tells you or it's in your surgical notes.  They don't always match, so you may have had a vertical incision on your uterus, but a horizontal incision on your abdomen.

princesslockness

Lurker from Dec

Knottie51481210 said:

To top it off I wasn't told how long I should wait between babies so here I am pregnant with my second and they said flat out section planned for week 39. No questions. Had I known I should wait to have my second to have a VBAC I would have...

I have been cleared to try to Vbac with less than 17 months between births. I would seriously look into finding a new doc.

nsquaredlife13

@Knottie51481210 I would absolutley look for a second OB and get a second opinion. The sooner the better as some OB's won't take new patients in their 3rd trimester (or so I've heard). Big hugs mama!

coffee89

@Knottie51481210 Get some opinions and look into a local ICAN group for suggestions. Often midwives are more likely to take late transfer patients for VBAC than OB's but that isn't always the case. I've heard of people having a successful VBAC with babies a year apart so I think it is completely up to your body and the support you have. My MW gives every woman who wants a chance to labor the opportunity within their rules (which is basically no induction and tons of monitoring if you go over 39 and a half weeks)

ammiddleton3

coffee89 said:

@Knottie51481210 Get some opinions and look into a local ICAN group for suggestions. Often midwives are more likely to take late transfer patients for VBAC than OB's but that isn't always the case. I've heard of people having a successful VBAC with babies a year apart so I think it is completely up to your body and the support you have. My MW gives every woman who wants a chance to labor the opportunity within their rules (which is basically no induction and tons of monitoring if you go over 39 and a half weeks)

I can't recommend ICAN enough! Find a local chapter! They have a big group on Facebook. You can even submit messages to their page and they will post them anonymously to their page with  a ton of helpful answers from others!