Struggling to decide between VBAC and repeat csection

MamaMimiDi

Hi ladies,

I'm really struggling in deciding between a VBAC and repeat Csection. I'm looking for some advice/experiences of others to hear what others have done and get sons more opinions. I had my first section 3 years ago for failure to progress. I never made it passed a 7. This time around my dr and midwife say I'm a great candidate for a VBAC but I'm nervous that I would just end up right back with a section ultimately. I'm due the beginning of Sept and as a teacher it would be much easier to plan the delivery and my mat leave upfront but I feel guilty choosing a c section only for convenience of planning. I clearly still have time to decide and am discussing pros and cons with my health care team but would love to hear what others would do in my situation. Thanks ladies!

jb2rn

It's a hard one. I would check out the VBAC board, those ladies have probably done more research. Good luck.

Mom38673

I think this will need to be a personal choice.  My hospital doesn't allow VBACs, so I will have another section.  Don't thin about being nervous for another section.  Keep in mind, you want a healthy baby.  So.....the professionals need to do whatever needs to be done to make that happen!  Read up on VBACs.  There are pros and cons for sure.  I would rely on the medical team's assessment, and my personal goals.

jesselayne8

My first csection was due to failure to progress. I didn't get past 4cm in 30hrs. I attempted a VBAC with my second baby and didn't get past 6cm. I don't regret trying at all. In fact I knew I would regret not trying. My second labor experience was so much better than the first time and I made peace with my csections finally.

nosoup4u

How many kids do you want? VBAC and one RCS carry about the same amount of risks (though the risks themselves are different), but the more CS you have, the risks associated with surgery and any future pg go up. I personally am not comfortable with the risks associated with 3+ CS, so that was a big factor in choosing VBAC with my second.

I dilated fully on my own and then pushed for 4+ hours with DS1 before having a c/s with him. My MW was always very positive about my chances of VBAC, though I had some serious doubts during my pregnancy. VBAC is successful about 75% of the time, which are pretty good odds.

Like a PP said, post this on VBAC or look around - this question comes up pretty often. Good luck deciding!

SweetTeaMom

We recently moved across country and my new OB has not only declared me a candidate for a vbac, but encourages it. That blew my mind. My mind had already decided to stick with the csec, but a little part of me kinda wants to try the vbac. I had a horrific experience with dd's birth which ended with a csec and just thinking of it makes me want to run for a csec. I'm a little torn as well. I'd like to experience a vag birth, but at the same time, the csec would be far easier on not just me, but my family.

Kissimi21

Research both and make whatever decision looks best to you.  That way if you can be prepared for whatever happens.

I tried for a VBAC with my twins, but researched both VBAC and RCS beforehand.  I would have been successful too, except there was a fluke with the epidural not working.  After 30 hours of labor (essentially med free) and 2 attempts at flipping Ben (again, med free, so OUCH!), I was too exhausted to continue after 2 hours of pushing.  I don't regret attempting a VBAC at all.  The recovery from my c/s has been much easier this time. 

 

SilentSymphony

A lot of people tell me that they would never want another c section because their first one was either and emergency or due to lack of progression. My first one was planned and I wouldn't have it any other way. My recovery was amazing and my surgeon had delivered my sisters kids as well. It just depends. I personally would never try and have a VBAC

harmonicbabe26

SilentSymphony:

A lot of people tell me that they would never want another c section because their first one was either and emergency or due to lack of progression. My first one was planned and I wouldn't have it any other way. My recovery was amazing and my surgeon had delivered my sisters kids as well. It just depends. I personally would never try and have a VBAC

this is me exactly. K was breech so I didn't have much choice but I had plenty of time read about the procedure, recovert etc. i had a fantastic experience and if we decide to have another one I will def go for another cs.

MamaMimiDi

Thank you all so much for your input! I really appreciate the honest responses!

A37licia

My first birth was FTP and I went on to have a VBAC two years ago. I'm planning a second VBAC for the fall.  My main focus during getting over the grief and disappointment of how things went with ending in a c/s included me realizing how baby's position and labor support really can make a difference. I sought the best support I could find for my VBAC and became very aware of the baby's position and made sure I had someone (in the form of a doula) who knew tricks to help a posterior baby turn.  I felt very confident having sorted through all my feelings and fears, wondering if I could do it. Once I objectively assessed the first birth, knew there was nothing wrong with my body, I had full faith I could VBAC.  I sought chiropractic care and was pretty proactive to work toward a VBAC, I didn't just wait and see how it would go.

I also continually told myself that every birth is different, because I think it's very natural to be worried that you'd have a repeat of the first experience. Some do, but many, many women don't and do go on to VBAC. I was so thankful because it paved the way for more straightforward births in the future, which was important to us as we desire 3-4 kids. HTH.

If you're interested in pursing it, there are a couple really good VBAC facebook groups that are active. 

UberBiz

I haven't read the other responses, but I was in pretty much the same situation. I had an emergency c-section 8 years ago for my daughter, she never dropped and after pushing for two hours, her heart rate was not coming back up after contractions (after having epidural and then pitocin), so was taken in for the surgery. The cord was around her neck!

I healed well and was an excellent candidate for VBAC. For the last 8 years I had been mentally prepping myself for a VBAC. I knew that what happened with DD wasn't guaranteed to happen with this LO. I wanted to try even if I wound up with another section, I would at least have gotten to try.

Well, half-way through the pregnancy, me and FI decided to just have the RCS. I struggled with the decision up to the moment I went into labor (surgery was scheduled for 39w2d and I went into labor at 36w4d). The plan was to go in and have the surgery if I went early. During my checkup 3 days earlier, I was at 3cm. At the hospital I was already at 5cm and fully effaced. We went for the RCS anyway. I regret it every time I think about it. I was progressing well naturally, and was feeling good about it. I still really wish I had tried to VBAC, and now that I may not have more kids, I feel like I really lost out on an experience I may never get the chance to have again.

biblionerd

I wasn't a candidate for VBAC because of how close my children were. Aside from that I wouldn't have. DS would start to drop and come right back up and I never showed any signs of being anywhere near labor. I know that can happen in a day with someone, but while we were doing the c/s she found I have an oddly shaped pelvis that he never would have fit through. She said if I happened to have a smaller, smaller headed baby (mine are both off the charts) the second time and it was 18 months from the first one I could TRY, but she had very little faith that it would work because of my pelvis still and my OB is very vag birth friendly. I guess if the OB had found nothing telling in my ute and I had a smaller baby I would have been tempted to VBAC. I had really nice c/s though so I don't feel guilty at all. The only thing that would have been easier was caring for DS1 with a c/s since he was 25+lbs and not even walking yet.