successful VBAC after being told pelvis is too small??

Jkp7749

When I was pregnant a few months ago, I was trying to make a decision and didn't find anyone with a similar experience in my last group. Wondering if anyone here has a similar experience....


With my daughter, I went into labor the day I was supposed to be induced. I was still administered Pitocin and progressed very quickly to ten cm. I was then told to rest until she engaged more in my pelvis, so two or three hours later we pushed for THREE HOURS before my midwife finally listened to me and got a Dr. The doctor tried to get her out but after a few tries and my daughter getting very distressed, I had a csection. I had had staydol, waited and got an epidural an hour after I was 8 cm, and then they had to drug me up so much that I ended up passing out and not seeing my daughter until two hours later. It was not my ideal birth, although I was so thankful for the Dr who finally got her out and that she was safe. She was 8 lbs 13 ozs. My mom had an 8 lb 13 oz baby and then a 9 lb 14 oz baby, so i'm thinking I may take after her. After talking to my Dr, he says that I shouldn't attempt a VBAC because my pelvis isn't big enough to deliver a baby naturally.  I've researched online, and many people say that that diagnosis is given way too frequently and not usually true, however the stuff i've read is talking about when csections are pushed and they hadn't been given time to progress or push.


I've also done research on planned csections and am interested in a "gentle csection" if I do go that route...
I'm wondering since I did try pushing, if it's even worth doing a VBAC? Has anyone had a successful one after being told their pelvis was too small? Or has anyone had a good experience with a gentle csection??

Thanks! (I know it's early, I just want to wrap my head around either way)

Junemonkey

I had a successful VBAC after a failure to progress. Totally different reason than your c-section. Advice I can give is that do what you feel in your heart is best for you. To have my success I switched doctors 3 times and hospitals plans 4 times until I felt I found the right group of people for me. I found people that would help me with my decision, and help with bonding as much as possible. Do hospital tours and ask about their c-section policies. I was surprised how many "VBAC friendly" hospitals had not so good c-section policies. I was happy to find a hospital that would allow holding/skin time while being stitched up as long as everyone was doing good. Where I went pushes skin time. If the mom isn't doing good but baby is, they have dad do some holding before doing their tests and things. Having a VBAC has its perks, but being a situation that would require an emergency c-section is scary. So just weigh your options, talk to medical professionals, and go with what feels right. 

Edit: I can't type well today.

mamagain520

 I have a 20 year old daughter with a natural birth(before I even knew it was a thing). She was 8lb 9oz and had shoulder dystocia. They used forceps and a vacuum to get her out and ultimately she was born with a broken collar bone because her head was out and her shoulders wouldn't budge. Luckily no other complications. 

Fast forward to 2 years ago when my son was born 7lb 8oz. We did an ultrasound for his weight, they were almost exact, so I went ahead and attempted a vaginal delivery. I pushed for 3 hours and he never crowned. I ended up with a C Section. Once the Dr's were in there they were amazed how I got ANY baby out of there due to how tiny my pelvis was. The only answer they had was, due to being so young, my bones were more malleable.

This time around I will obviously do a C section and am going to a hospital who promotes gentle C Sections. 

I don't know what the answer is for you, but given the C section after pushing for 3 hours, and the Dr's comment I would be inclined to believe him. 

shmarpler

I have absolutely no experience with this, but I read that being able to move and delivering on your hands and knees can work. Something about the angle and the baby's weight maybe? I would, however, want to be in a hospital that would be able to do an urgent c section in case it is necessary. 

Hopefully you have a safe delivery, however it happens. 

Jkp7749

Thanks y'all! I feel like I need to decide soon bc then I can see only the dr doing my csection rather than having to see everyone in my practice, plus I need to get my daughter comfortable spending the night with my mom before then if I do a csection, and I want to go ahead and find out if my dr will change a few things to make it a little more like a birth than a surgery if that is what we have to do.