VBAC
treble_clef
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Anyone had a VBAC meds-free?
treble_clef
member
in VBAC
My doctor told me I can have a VBAC, and I'm hoping to go meds-free. Has anyone or do you know anyone who has done this? I had a c-section with my son, and the anesthesia left my right big toe tingly. It's not a big deal, but it hurt me for a while after I had my son.
TIA.
m/c - Dec 2005,
DS - March 27, 2007,
m/c - Oct 2009,
DD - Feb 20, 2012
Proud mother of two breech babies:)
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Re: Anyone had a VBAC meds-free?
I did and am planning on having another med-free Vbac next month-
If you have questions let us know. I didn't do it to get a medal or brag that I didn't get the epi but b/c I felt like I would have a better chance at a succesful VBAC if I was able to walk, move, change positions etc... I think once you get the epi are are stuck in bed you're options become MUCH more limited if your dr's/midwifes feel you're not progressing or baby isn't responding well (i,e hb decels, etc) off you to for a c-section, whereas w/o the epi there are lots of things you can do if labor stalls, or baby's in a wierd position, pushing is easier when not flat on your back etc...
No meds= less interventions
less interventions = higher likelyhood of deliverying vaginally
I made it a lot longer with DS before getting the epi than I did with DD, but I still got it. I got it at 3CM with DD, during a pit induction, and between 7 and 8 cm with DS. I think the epi actually helped me with him, though, because my body wasn't fighting the contractions any more. Within an hour I was nearly complete and +2. I stalled out with DD at 6cm so getting past that point was my only goal as far as getting the epi goes. It probably did affect how long I had to push, though (3 hours). It was a very well placed epi in that I could still feel a lot of pressure in my bottom and I could feel where I needed to push, but I couldn't get into a different position beyond turning onto my side.
I may attempt no meds if/when we have a third (I'd like 3 kids) if I go into spontaneous labor again, but I'm not sure. I give you ladies a lot of credit.
Sarah - 12/23/2008
Alex - 9/30/2011
"I say embrace the total geek in yourself and just enjoy it. Life is too short to be cool." - Shirley Manson, Garbage
My VBAC was med-free. I wanted to avoid an epidural so that I could move around freely--I hoped that would help my baby get into the best position and allow me to push in positions that maximized the size of my pelvis. My first labor was a long painful induction, so while my med-free birth was no walk in the park, it actually was easier than my first.
Thank you ladies for your replies! I feel good to know that it's possible! I know someone who had complications from epidural, and I know it's rare, but I'm worried it might happen to me. Also, my sister had her 2 kids completely med-free, and she is like, "so?"
Do childbirth classes help? I couldn't go with my first because I was on bedrest. Is it worth going?
Proud mother of two breech babies:)
I had a hospital waterbirth VBAC (we lived in Colorado at the time) and only requested a little Nubain in early labor due to a pulled back muscle and horrendous spasms. The contractions were actually so much easier to get through than my back pain! Other than that, my VBAC was med-free. I agree with PPs that several ladies on this board have also had med-free VBACs
You could also ask the Natural Birth board for some tips if you're inclined. They were very helpful, as were the wonderful ladies on this board when I was nearing my VBAC 
GL!
FWIW, I highly recommend you seek out a doula for labor support in addition to your DH/SO. I also saw a chiropractor and an acupuncturist for the last few weeks, and I firmly believe these helped me during labor. Just my two cents...
~Sweet Girl *8/18/08* c-section ~ Sweet Boy *12/2/10* VBAC ~ Sweet Boy *8/14/12* VBAC~
VBAC Birth Story 2VBAC Birth Story
I did not have any pain meds. I was induced with pitocin.
I also did it to give me the best chance of a vbac, especially since I was being induced. I did not take childbirth classes, but I did hire a doula which I highly recommend. My doula was out of town on my induction date (I knew she would be when I hired her, I just didn't think I was going to be induced early- high bp), so I had a back up doula, but even just calling my doula helped. She was so positive, it was what I needed! My doula came only about 30 minutes before I started pushing, but she was still very helpful. I had an amazing labor and delivery nurse and if it hadn't been for her, I would have been calling my doula sooner!