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Mrs.Cooley2bee
member
S/O considering a VBAC (long)
Mrs.Cooley2bee
member
After 22 hours of labor and two failed epidurals (they would work for about two hours and the quit and the re-dose wouldn't work) I was 10cm and pushing but DD was still high up and posterior - and I was in MAJOR pain. The doc wanted to turn her while I was pushing to assist me but with no working pain meds....that was soooo not happening. Anyway after telling me that I would be pushing for at least another hour + I opted to just get her out via c-section. My surgery recovery was a total breeze, so no complaints there.
Doc told me I was a great candidate for a VBAC but I opted for the repeat c-section, and he is fine with that. The closer I get to the end the more I am reconsidering the decision. I went into labor on my own at 39 weeks, so that wasn't an issue. I got the epidural and having it work, then not work, then work again really was sucky because I would go from no pain to major pain quickly. If I had just gone without the epi the entire time I feel like it would have been easier to tolerate the pain, but really I just wish the freaking thing would have worked!
So, if you made it this far...what do you think? I guess I should just ask the doctor what the chances of having another failed epidural are. If I knew the epi would work I think I would totally go for it again, although I know there are no guarantees. Grrr, such hard decisions. Have any of you had successful VBACS?
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Re: S/O considering a VBAC (long)
I'm going to try for one in a couple of weeks. My situation is a bit different though as my first c-section was scheduled due to a breech birth and I never went into labor on my own. My decision to try comes from not wanting to repeat a c-section recovery again, especially while taking care of my DD. I had a very drama free birth the first time and the only negative was the recovery. I actually think positively of my c-section experience.
That said, I didn't fully come to my decision to try VBAC until a short while ago when I was told the baby is engaged and is head down this time. My OB knew all along, this would be a last minute decision and they said they prefer it that way anyhow based on how the pregnancy progresses. I may even have to change my plans again, if I reach my due date with a closed cervix and no other action. It's a little nervewracking not knowing which way things are going to go but I'm trying to be flexible and not get worked up on the what-ifs.
Good luck with your choice. Since your first birth seemed quite a bit challenging, I can understand your hesitation to repeat that again. There is comfort in knowing you can choose a c-section quickly if you look to be rejecting the epi again if you do choose a VBAC. From what I hear, they would monitor you very closely and be prepared for an immediate c-section if they have to.