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VBAC
what if... (VBAC support)
you didn't have a bad experience (just normal pain & ugly scar) with a c-section. you just don't want another one?
for reasons like....
::the pain was unbearable & lasted for about a month...wasn't feeling "GOOD" until about 3 / 4 months later
::with breastfeeding & the contractions of the uterus after made pain intensified ..plus my doc only gave me motrin for the pain, which did nothing so i didn't take it anyway
::i have a toddler to take care of AFTER i have LO#2, whom i still want to be able to pick up & love without restrictions or creative "ways" to do this
::the way my belly is STILL numb down there
::i feel like i missed out on the birth..he was just torn out of me & thrown into someone else's arms...the biggest thing
to note:: i received a c-section because DS was "too big"& my pelvis was "not big enough"(the usual "REASONS")...now, he was 9lbs.5oz, but i've heard of BIGGER being vaginally delivered..including me, i was 10lbs.13oz when born.
the doctor i found supports VBAC's .. did my research with the hospital too. but how do i avoid him taking OVER and sending me for a c/s (for whatever reasons)???
has anyone had a successful HBAC??? i'm seriously thinking about it.....
Sorry SO long..just hormonal & thinking about ALOT
This discussion has been closed.
Re: what if... (VBAC support)
Those are most of the reasons I want a VBAC! Add in there getting to hold LO right after birth rather than being sent to recovery and you pretty much have my list. I didn't have a bad c/s experience, but that doesn't mean I want another one! Hey - there are risks with the c/s as well, which I don't want to have.
Anyhow - I was incredibly emotional at the beginning of this pregnancy. Once I felt confident in my doctor choice (which for me meant finding a new doctor, and I decided on a FP doctor who was recommended to me by our pedi, who I have the utmost trust in - since I've heard bits and pieces around town about my doctor which have all been encouraging) and the hospital choice, I felt so much better. It was like a weight had been lifted and I could focus on more than just the what ifs, etc. I felt like I had chosen my birth team as best I could (which for me meant adding a doula - which I'd strongly suggest if you do go for a hospital birth) and had to trust that what was meant to happen would indeed happen.
I can't say I never have 'what if' moments now, but they are much fewer and farther in between, and I feel more at peace.
I'd strongly suggest getting a doula - they can help you advocate for yourself with your doctor. If you haven't, see if your local ICAN group has any opinion on your provider - they might know if he/she is truly VBAC supportive when it counts. Do your research on what sent you for the c/s in the first place and be ready to stand by your convictions (ACOG does not suggest c/s or (I believe) inductions for 'big babies'). Be willing to do more research as things come up (a doula is fabulous here, as they usually have more experience and knowledge with a lot of things that may come up).
While I'm not doing a HBAC, it is definitely an option to look into - there are midwives out there who will take on HBACers. Really depends on the area - ICAN may be able to help there as well!
Good luck!! I remember how incredibly emotional it was when I was first pg with this one - not fun at all, but it really has gotten so much better as I've made active choices to make my VBAC odds the best they can be.
My c/s was fine. My recovery wasn't bad. I got to hold and nurse my DD within minutes. I'm not even that upset about the scar or the numbness or any of that. This was my big one: "i have a toddler to take care of AFTER i have LO#2" I don't think it really matters what your reasons are. Should anyone really need a reason to say no to unnecessary surgery?
I would say if you're worried about your doctor not REALLY being supportive of VBACs, and sending you off for a c/s when you don't actually NEED one, find a new doctor and/or find a doula to be your advocate in L&D.
That sounds fabulous!
I think it's really going to help me. I also found this (https://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10213) website .... I know I've wanted to have a VBAC ever since my c/s but more & more I'm starting to educate myself...and it's making it more likely for me. the midwife is very PRO vbac, and has lots of tools & tips for me. i'm just still worried about the doctor. we go tomorrow, so my fingers r crossed that he's on board..along with the 2 midwifes in his practice.
do you know how i can find out statistics on the hospital where i'm birthing at when it comes to VBAC's??
The ICAN site has a general spot where it gives some information on VBAC policies or a hospital's general support for VBACs on their site. It's not always the most up to date, and mine didn't give any specific stats, but can be helpful. You can also check to see if local ICAN leaders know what the stats are. I contacted our local hospitals for their c/s and VBAC statistics (you can do this with the hospitals directly through their patient relations services or through your doctor). One was really helpful, and one never got back to me. Now, granted, it'd be better from a 3rd party, but I couldn't find anything like that for hospitals around here. Other places may have more information locally (we're in a smaller town - I've seen better statistics available for more metropolitan areas).
As for books - Ina May's guide to natural childbirth is inspiring (really made me feel that I can have a baby vaginally given the right support) and I also enjoyed Natural Childbirth after Cesarean, in that it gave a lot of the normal NB information, but focused on the VBAC issues (emotional, etc) that came along with it. Helped me to do some journaling/reflecting that helped to put things into perspective and figure out what I really think is important to me for this birth. Even if you're not 100% a natural birther, I'd recommend them!