Scared to Death

akl0506

DS1 was born via scheduled c/s in 2010 b/c he was breech. I have been told that I have a very high likelihood of a successful VBAC for this baby.  I am willing to give it a shot if she isn't breech, too.  But, quite honestly, the whole thing scares me to death.  And, I am not sure why.  It isn't rational.  The VBAC would be a lower risk option for me than a RCS, obviously.  The chance of rupture is very low (26 mos between kids).   The faster recovery & decreased risk is a big plus and one of the main reasons why I am willing to give it a shot.  Additionally, if we can, we would like to have 4 kids and 4 c/s's isn't ideal.  Anyone else scared to death?  Any tips on dealing with it?  Thanks!

cchill01

I think I'm more scared and less confident in the process of birth in general.  The first time you go through it (no matter how it happens) it's new and you just trust that things will work out.  I think with #2+, there's so much more at stake.  You know how much pain you'll be in - either during labor, after surgery or both.  And the fact that I've had a c-section, there's still that fear of can I really even do this.  And then there's that horrible feeling that a bad outcome could leave your toddler without a Mother.  It's all a bit overwhelming.  But, I keep reminding myself that the baby has to come out some way.  And for all the reasons you mentioned, I'm hoping it's via a VBAC. 

hopecounts

Totally normal. Read all the great VBAC birth stories you can and prepare physically (yoga, walking, etc.) 

Maybe try the hypnobabies VBAC CD. I've heard great things about it! 

nosoup4u

Do you have a local ICAN group nearby? It might be good to go a meeting and talk to the women there in person about your fears. Maybe even think about finding a counselor who specializes in pregnancy/postpartum? 

I dunno, I was really terrified of having another c-section (unplanned or planned), because of the risks that come with surgery. I think it's hard not to worry about the "what-ifs" when dealing with birth, no matter what the specific fear is. 

Does thinking of other risks help put it in perspective? The chance of a cord prolapse is about the same as a UR, and providers don't scare pregnant women with the risk of that, you know? This link might also help:

https://vbacfacts.com/2009/08/18/lightning-strikes-shark-bites-uterine-rupture/

jenniebean67

This article was written for women who are nervous about VBAC: https://vbacfacts.com/2010/10/14/nervous-about-planning-a-vbac/ and this is an expanded version written in response to a dad who questioned why anyone would "invite the risk of VBAC:" https://vbacfacts.com/2011/11/07/a-father-says-why-invite-the-risk-of-vbac/.

MrsVictoriaB

I was in the same situation as you. DS1 was breech so I was told I was a great VBAC candidate. I was still terrified of either option and didn't firmly decide on VBACing til over halfway through my pregnancy. The girls here helped ease my fears tremendously as well as reading all the research. The fact that I was much safer having a VBAC than a repeat c-section sealed the deal. I wanted to still be here for my oldest son and I wanted to take the safest path I could to help ensure that. Plus I wanted to be able to move around a lot quicker with 2 kids to care for