Anyone wish they hadn't VBAC'ed?

happytobemrs.m · February 2010

I know this might be a controversial topic, but anyone VBAC and wish they had a repeat c-section?

I'm still researching my decision and it appears that most people say that they are so glad they did a VBAC and that the recovery was easier etc-- but I'm wondering if anyone had an opposite experience and if so why?

ETA: An admittedly unreasonable fear of mine is tearing down there. Trust me I realize that a c-section is being split open- I've had one. Again, I know its an unreasonable fear.

jayandjuliecruz · February 2010

My frist baby ended in a C Section after 30 hours of labor. It was awful. i will spare you the details, but the recovery was terrible. Anyway, naturally i wanted to VBAC for my daughter. I was totally set to do it. But, my water broke at 36 weeks and i didn't have a single contraction for the entire time they gave me. So, off to surgery i went. I was terrified of having the same experience. However, i must tell you that because it was "scheduled" or rather that i didn't labor at all it really was like night and day compared to my first one. I don't really have anything to compare to since i didn't end up delivering naturally but i have to say it really wasn't bad. My fear with VBAC was that i would go through all the labor again and then still have a C. Good luck with whatever decision you make! Don;t let anyone pressure you to VBAC if it is not what you want.

kds24 · February 2010

I'm totally determined to VBAC next time, but I know what you mean about the tearing. I'm not afraid of going through all the labor again and ending up with a c-section, but I am afraid of having a really bad tear or having bladder issues. Of course I think I would always wonder if I could have accomplished a VBAC if I didn't attempt it. While I don't want another c-section there is still that been there, done that aspect that makes it slightly less frightening.

LSzwaya · February 2010

I didn't have a C section and I have only had one birth but I did not tear or have bladder issues so it is possible to have a vaginal birth and return to pre pregnant normalcy before you know it.

Adrienne4.11 · February 2010

I wish I could help you. I am going to VBAC with this baby. It's been 4 years since my c-section, and it was planned because DD was breech with little chance of turning. I know I don't want another c-section, but I'm also getting a little nervous about delivery. My outlook is that there is possible tearing with vbac, but definite pain and longer recovery with a c-section. Also, I hated being taken to recovery and unable to see DD for several hours after she was born.

MAprincess · February 2010

I am one of those people who is SO glad that I VBACed my second child;-) But I did tear "down there" and survived to tell the tale;-) No bladder issues, though. I'd do it again (and maybe I will someday!)

userdeleted · February 2010

I was really really happy that I had a VBAC, but I did want to address the tearing issue. I tore (2nd degree, so not too bad), but it really wasn't as scary as I imagined. I didn't feel it happen, and while it kind of stung for a couple weeks after, that was pretty much the extent of it.

Of course I know that people can have much worse tears, but just wanted to tell you that even if you do it might not be so bad. GL with whichever you choose

HCindy · February 2010

Not exactly what you're asking for, but my experience seems a little similar. Kinda rambling but here goes... I had a cs with my first dd 3 years ago. She was breech. We tried the ECV which started the contractions so off to the OR we went. I instantly, right on the OR table, started begging my OB to VBAC the next one, so do a great job on the close to make that possible. Now, 3 years later, pregnant with my 2nd child- totally expecting the VBAC, find out that he's breech too. VBAC not possible. I was so heartbroken; cried all the time. Tried all the crazy things to get baby to turn, but nope. Scheduled the c-section. So the reason I wanted a vaginal birth so badly was mostly because of the experience. A cs is about like having a gallstone removed. I had a fantasy about birth and didn't get to have that experience. yada yada yada. Plus, my recovery from the first was awfully painful and no one seemed to understand. So, once I finally admitted to my OB that I wanted the "experience" of giving birth, the new life, the intimate moments with my husband managing my pain together, to really be active and participate in the event, and mostly to bond with baby immediately- things changed for the better. He said I could watch the cs in a mirror. They explained what they were doing each step of the way. The whole OR seemed excited about the birth with me. This helped me feel like I was really there and it wasn't just a "procedure." I told my nurse that if a vaginally birthing mom got to do something, then I wanted it too. They did take the baby to the nursery for about 30 minutes to watch his breathing (happens with most csection babies), they brought him right back to me in recovery and I started the skin-to-skin contact and breast feeding immediately. This was such a better experience for me and as close to a vaginal birth as I could have had. I may be able to find a vba2c OB if there is a "next time" but this time the staff really tried to make it what I had envisioned. Hope it helps a little and best of luck.

userdeleted · February 2010

HCindy - that was a really awesome story. Thanks so much for sharing

LittleMalinda · February 2010

I am another one who is SO glad I vbac'ed. One thing I will say to address tearing is that my midwife used oil and perineal massage while I was pushing. My 9lbs daughter had a 14.5" head and I had zero tears. See of your OB knows about and is willing to use oil to help prevent the tears.

Good Luck! No matter what you decide I hope you have a wonderful birth experience.

happytobemrs.m · February 2010

Wow, ladies. All I can say is thank you for all of the responses and the stories you've shared. Right now I'm leaning hard towards VBAC and the doc is on board so I'm happy. I just want to know I am making the right decision for me.

PaigeMM · March 2010

I wish I hadn't attempted, I was very hopeful and determined as well. Everything played perfectly for a VBAC then during labor my uterus ruptured..so I guess there are risks either way.

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