If you tried for a VBAC but ended up with RCS...

Re: If you tried for a VBAC but ended up with RCS...

• Mrs. Braxton

  February 2012

  I was 41+1. I had my 41 week appt on a Thursday and I had been very uncomfortable and having contractions for 2 weeks. My OB does not start cervical checks until 40 weeks and I had declined the previous week but decided to have a check at this appt, thinking surely with all the pain and contractions something was happening. It was a big fat nothing. No dilation and my cervix was so high she really had to reach up there to even do the check. She was very encouraging but did let me know I would have to schedule a c/s for 42 weeks. At that point I was done and so uncomfortable I decided to get the next c/s available. It was Friday (the next morning) at 7am. She did another check at the hospital. Still nothing. The moniters were showing contractions but they were pretty lame and weren't doing anything. They were just like the ones I had been having for weeks. I have to say my RCS was fantastic! If I had known it would be as good as it was I probably wouldn't have wanted the vbac at all. My first c/s was an emergency and the whole thing was just one big nightmare. The RCS was great. I went in fairly well rested and showered. My OB and nurses were all amazing. The spinal was SOOO much better than the epi. I got to BF right away (with the first c/s they gave DD formula because I was so exhausted I fell asleep as soon as they took her out and the nurses claim they couldn't wake me in recovery to feed her). I recovered at lightning speed. Was in the hospital for 48 hrs. Felt 90% at discharge and 100% at 1 week pp. My older DD was 20 months at the time and I had no issues taking care of her and DD2. I had DH home for the first week after we came home but didn't have or need any help beyond that. My whole experience was great. At my 6 week check up my OB did let me know I could try for a vba2c next time but she'd suggest a rcs. I'm all for it! Sign me up. I loved my 2nd birth experience. Good luck with you decision. It's a tough one to make. You have to go with what you think will be best for you and you family. If you have any questions or anythinfeel free to ask!

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• AllieBelle1

  February 2012

  I had to have an emergency c-section the first time around and it was an awful recovery so I really wanted a VBAC this time. I did go into labor right after my due date but I didn't dilate much. I was sent home and came back later in the day when the contractions were so strong I felt I needed an epidural. However, they wouldn't give me one until I had been there an hour and made progress so that I was in "active labor". That never happened because I never dilated more than 4 cm. The contractions were so painful that I was crying and there was almost no break between them, so I told them I wanted a c-section.

  I got to be awake for this one and DH was there with me. The staff were wonderful and my midwife assisted throughout the surgery so it wasn't nearly as bad as I feared. I was able to breastfeed soon after and while my incision is still painful, I can tell recovery is going to be so much better this time around. Now the main thing I'm worried about is caring for my toddler after DH goes back to work since I won't be able to lift him. I'm thinking we will continue to send him daycare instead of taking him out to stay home with me.

   Good luck with your decision. 

  

  

  Report0 Reply