I'm scared of VBAC :(

ShannonSky · June 2011

DH is already up in bed, so this will be a post and run, my apologies!

At the beginning of this pregnancy, I was all gung-ho to VBAC and as the due date gets closer, I'm getting more and more scared and starting to waffle. I'm not really worried about the risks, because I've read up on the statistics and the difference between VBAC dangers vs. repeat C-section dangers seem fairly equivalent, I'm just getting scared to death of actually having to vaginally deliver a baby. My C-section experience was about as good as an emergency C-section can be, so I think a lot of my fear is just the fear of the unknown (VBAC) coupled with the knowledge of how easy my previous recovery was.

I wish I had a crystal ball so I could see if VBAC for me would actually be as terrible as I'm starting to imagine, or if repeat C-section would be as good as I assume. Anyway, if anyone has any positive vaginal delivery (or, even better, VBAC) stories, I'd love to hear them. I'm about 98% convinced that's the route I want to go, but I'm scared.

beebe929 · June 2011

I was considering until the last minute. My water actually broke 3 days before a scheduled c/s (which I could cancel).

So at the hospital we discussed it and waited the day out to see if I was progressing after the water break. I wasn't dialating at all 10+hrs after a complete water break. So we went ahead with the c/s.

Recovery was more difficult with #2. I was having a very bad panic attack type thing during surgery and was knocked out after seeing the baby. The days to come were hard, but we got through it just fine.

So, long story short, you don't have to decide now. Tell your OB you are interested but still schedule a c/s so you are on the schedule (that is what my OB wanted to do) and just go with the flow.

Hang in there!

DavezWife · June 2011

I can't speak towards the C/S, but I will say, I was one huge BABY about the idea of passing a watermelon out my peekachoo, and DREADED it. knock me out and wake me when she's 18.

Well, I had SROM and then NOTHING, so I had no choice but to start the PIT DANCE, and the epi doc refused to give me one, due to a spinal issue I have. We fought all day in between contractions (YOWZA!!!) and I made it to 6-7cm in constant labor without dying. Then he agreed, we stuck me, and we partied.

I LOVE LOVE LOVED having my epidural. I think women who skip them are brave, but for me, I loved "enjoying" my labor. I had a doc that was slap-happy with his snippers, but even the couple of snips and stitches weren't that big of a deal. (super itchy a few days later)

I was terrified of the stick in my back, even that was tolerable, a sharp "bite" and then nothing. MUCH easier than I had feared.

So I say "meh. the fear of it is worse than the actual event". GL!

craziheazo · June 2011

I've delivered both ways. DD1 was my vaginal delivery and DD2 was my emergency c-section for previa and abruption.

I was induced with DD1 due to pre-e and had a very long labor but a very happy one thanks to a wonderful epi! I pushed DD1 out in 19 minutes while completely numb. Second degree tear that was tender but not unbearable. I never took anything but Ibuprofen. I felt completely normal "down there" in about a week to week and a half.

My c-section recovery with DD2 was disasterous. First of all, I had a 13.5 month old at home. That was not enjoyable because she just didn't get why I couldn't pick her up (so I started picking her up by the second day after I came home). Second, I spent all my waking hours splitting time between home and the NICU. Throw in Christmas (DD2 was born 12/20) and it was a recipe for disaster. Third, I ended up with a post-op infection in which my entire incision was reopened (without being premedicated... ouch!) and my abdomen was packed for 2 weeks.

When we have a third, I'll choose a VBAC if at all possible. I agree with Davez, it may be a little "fear of the unknown".

yankee42 · June 2011

i was feeling the same way, except i WAS worried about the risks...i was actually terrified of that, i wanted the whole push the baby out the hoo ha thing, but i was terrified of uterine rupture, or another complication that would lead to me having to go through the vaginal, then end up having a section anyways

you do what's best for you lady! but these feelings are TOTALLY normal

ShannonSky · June 2011

yankee42:
i was feeling the same way, except i WAS worried about the risks...i was actually terrified of that, i wanted the whole push the baby out the hoo ha thing, but i was terrified of uterine rupture, or another complication that would lead to me having to go through the vaginal, then end up having a section anyways
you do what's best for you lady! but these feelings are TOTALLY normal

I'm definitely worried about going through trial of labor then needing a C-section, I wish I could know if that would be the case in advance! But then I guess there'd be no decision to make lol

Mouseygail · June 2011

I've already thought about what I will do if we are lucky enough to have a second...I'm in the same boat..I was terrified of tearing from stem to stern and recovering from that...in comparison to my fears, my c-section recovery was a breeze. I'd love to have the whole pushing experience and all of that...but I honestly don't know if I will try for a VBAC because of my fear of tearing badly.

ETA: Man, I'm self centered today..lol! Anyways, I just wanted to send you some virtual hugs and tell you that you aren't alone!

ejgballerina · June 2011

I had DS vaginally and I was really worried since I had no clue what to expect. It was seriously so easy. My water broke and contractions started immediately afterwards. I had an epidural when I was around 6 centimeters (followed by some pitocin since the epi stopped my awesome progress- rethinking the epi for baby #2) and only pushed for twenty minutes when it was time to finally push. Recovery was NOTHING. I did have an episiotomy so I guess the stitches were a tad painful the first day but after that, I was perfectly fine. I realized I had nothing to be afraid of and am actually more nervous to have a c-section with baby #2 if a reason comes up since I would prefer vaginal delivery since it was such an easy experience. GL and (((HUGS)))! You can do it!

Mrs.LisaP · June 2011

Remember this: Your body is MADE to do this! and you can do it! Not only that, the recovery is SO SO SO much easier and quicker. And this is coming from someone who has done it both. DD #1 was vag and DD #2 was unplanned c/s.

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