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VBAC
My positive (repeat) c/s story
in VBAC
With my first child I was in labor for 22 hours before my c/s. For the last 2 hours I was fully dilated by my DS wouldn't drop. It was a pretty awful experience. I had a lot of trouble with my epidural taking (at one point I had to have it redone) and ended up getting knocked out while they were sewing me up because I developed a "hot spot" and started to feel everything. Luckily I was only out of it for about 15 minutes and the baby never left my side. I got to hold and breastfeed him less than an hour after he was born.
When I got pregnant 7 months later I had my heart set on a VBAC. My OB told me there was absolutely no reason I shouldn't try for one- they were very, very supportive and encouraged me to at least give it a shot. At my 38 week appointment my doctor told me that she just didn't think it was going to happen. She gave me the choice but said she'd feel more comfortable with a c/s. I kind of lost it. I was a sobbing mess for a good 48 hours and then I decided that if I was going to have a c/s, I was going to take control and do whatever I could to make it a good experience. I think this is key in having a planned c-section. You aren't in an emergency situation, you aren't drugged up or in pain so you can really take the time to talk to your providers and have this experience go the way you want it.
The night before my c/s with Landon I was having pretty regular contractions. The next morning I knew I was in labor and when we got to the hospital my OB confirmed it. I spent a lot of my pre-op time going over my c/s plan with the nurses. They were very, very accomodating and did everything in their power to make sure I got everything I want. Some things were simple- I didn't want the catheder until I had my spinal. I wanted to be the first to hold the baby and didn't want him to leave my side. I think the only thing they wouldn't let me do was cut the cord because it would comprimise the sterile surgical area. My SIL (who is a nurse) was even allowed in the OR to take pictures. My OB was encouraging her to take pics of everything and when she pulled Landon out she held him way up in the air and said "Here's the money shot!" She then held him over the curtain so I could see him.
My 8 pound 14 ounce baby and I were wheeled to recovery together and I breastfed right away. The difference between the kids was pretty drastic. I had an epidural for about 12 hours with Robbie and he was a very sleepy baby. Landon was nice and alert and it made breastfeeding a breeze! (He was also a fatty- he ate every hour the first night!) My OB came in to talk to me and told me she found that my tailbone juts forward pretty drastically and that she doesn't think there is any way a baby will be able to pass it. (I have a close family member with the same problem who coincidentally had a c/s with her first child 17 years ago with the same doctor) I might get another opinion when/if we decide to have another baby but I'm not thinking too much about it right now. I think it would be amazing to actually be able to get up right after the birth but at the same time I'm pretty thankful I didn't have to change those awful meconium diapers 
I thought I would be devestated by not getting my VBAC, but in the end I was just so thankful for a good birth experience. I loved going in to the hospital and having a baby an hour later. I felt great right after my c/s! I think that it's so important to take control of the experience if you can! If anyone wants to see the plan I created I'm happy to share it. I wish everyone trying a VBAC luck- I hope you get the birth you want! For everyone who can't find a provider to do it, decides not to do it or for who it just doesn't happen for I hope you get an experience you can be happy with
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Re: My positive (repeat) c/s story
Thank you so much for sharing and congrats on a healthy baby!!! It really is great to hear these positive stories because it let's us really see the other side (I love the thought on the meconium diapers--so true!!!!!)
When you say the baby got to be with you right away--do you mean holding him?? They didn't let me hold him right away--but it was pretty quickly after (he went with my husband back to the recovery room while they sewed me up).....and I just assumed he wasn't allowed to be held since I had a spinal. I guess I never really thought about it much.
Interesting about the tailbone--I have a very big curve in my back and many chiropractors have been concerned but never said anything about babies--and now I'm wondering if that's why I didn't make any progress on my own. I'm planning to see a chiro very soon and I think that'll be something good to mention--because if I know it's something that could hinder it early on, I think it's easier to absorb.
My new "mom" blog: http://realityofamommy.blogspot.com
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Notes:
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. That is definately something I needed to read and absorb. I was so set on having a VBAC that I cried for 2 days as well when I found out I couldn't. Thank you for your positive vibes and I hope to have the same experience as you.
Congratulations on the beautiful, healthy new addition to your family. Keep yourself safe and healthy too.
The baby didn't leave me. I got to hold him within minutes of his birth- they laid him in my arms while I was being stitched up!
Married: '06 - Mom of 3 boys: '08, '11 & '14