anyone else not excited for VBAC?

OxAMYxO · May 2012

I feel like I'm the minority here, but I'm petrified to go into labor. I'm completely miserable (physically), but I feel like I'm going to panic when I start feeling contractions/water breaks/whatever. I'm scared to death to push this thing out. Not necessarily because it's a VBAC, but just to give birth in general.

I cant be the only one?

annabelle.27 · May 2012

can I ask why you made the decision to vbac if you are so scared?

cchill01 · May 2012

I'm terrified too. But, I would also be dreading my c-section date. I'm scared of the pain of surgery and of the pain of labor.

I think the first time there's the ignorance about how painful contractions are going to be. This time, we know what we're getting in to.

All I can say is, that I can't stay pregnant forever, because I am truly miserable right now and will probably drive DH crazy. So, I'm hoping that in the next few weeks I will welcome the pain of contractions,

OxAMYxO · May 2012

Good question.

I had an emergency csection last time due to HELLP. To be honest, after that I just assumed that my next would be a planned csection. Well, I'm lucky in that I've got a great doctor who encouraged me to do some research. I did, and I feel like VBAC is my best option. I'm not going to opt for a planned csection just because I'm scared of the unknown..but..I am scared.

holly321 · May 2012

When I was pregnant with DD, I had absolutely no fear or nervousness about child birth, full intentions for a med free birth. When my obgyn told me to get to the hospital, and get there now, I was as calm as could be. He broke my water, things began to hurt, I still didn't mind. He regretably informed me I need a csection, didn't care, baby would be here soon.

Csection went horribly wrong.... I truly want to vbac, and I am a really good candidate (baby was breech, I was not in labor, fully effaced, almost 6 cm, and station 0...., at 39 weeks, next baby may just fall out)

A few months ago, I got pregnant again. I was freaking out when I thought of labor. It was the unknown. I did have contractions with DD, but not many in "active labor." My csection hurt really bad, my recovery, while uneventful was awful.

I am scared of labor, I fear needing a csection unexpectedly.

I really want to experience child birth, and see that my body can do it. But that doesn't mean it doesn't scare me.

MAprincess · May 2012

Yes, I was scared. I put on my mommy warrior face and no one really knew except for DH and my midwife. But a lot of things are scary about giving birth vaginally. But having a RCS scared me even more. So, that baby had to come out somehow, and for me the safer and "less scary" option was the VBAC.

I agree with pp that the second time around, your rose colored glasses aren't there anymore. You know what can happen. I knew what contractions were like because I did go into labor before my c/s. The only thing I didn't know about was pushing. But I knew that vaginal or c/s, it was going to hurt!

All I can say is that when the time actually comes, you won't be thinking about that stuff. It's game on, baby time and that is what your mind will be on.

iris427 · May 2012

If you weren't scared at all, I would wonder about your sanity lol. It is totally normal to be apprehensive or scared to go through labor and birth. I remember feeling this pit in my stomach after watching birth videos in childbirth class and thinking, they really expect me to do THAT? But you will do great. Best of luck.

babyike · May 2012

MAprincess:

I agree with pp that the second time around, your rose colored glasses aren't there anymore. You know what can happen. I knew what contractions were like because I did go into labor before my c/s. The only thing I didn't know about was pushing. But I knew that vaginal or c/s, it was going to hurt!

All I can say is that when the time actually comes, you won't be thinking about that stuff. It's game on, baby time and that is what your mind will be on.

All of this, especially the bolded part Yes

Being scared is just part of the emotional process you go through when preparing for any type of birth (vaginal, c/s, RCS, VBAC). Fear is normal, and it doesn't mean you can't or won't have a successful VBAC. Hang in there!

Kie310 · May 2012

Sure the idea scares me. But honestly, the idea of scheduling a c/s scares me more. The idea that I'm going to walk into the OR and have to wait there while they do the spinal, in that cold scary room... that all sounds worse to me then getting to experience what it's like to go into labor on my own & maybe get to progress past 6 cm & get to push my child into this world.

goldene · May 2012

Read positive birth stories! Journal how you feel about them and after them. Visualize yourself having a healthy, positive vaginal birth. I would suggest Ina May' Guide to Childbirth, the bumpies' stories here: https://vbacbumpies.blogspot.com/p/birth-stories.html, googling "positive vbac birth stories," etc.

I have anxiety and was nervous I was going to "freak out" during my first birth. It ended in a cesarean (baby was a surprise breech), but trusting in my body through the process gave me strength and power throughout, and a HUGE sense of accomplishment after. You may not be able to control labor or the result but you do have a say over your own state of mind and having a positive attitude about what your body is made to do and your love for your baby.

I would also recommend exercises from Birthing from Within, especially one we did in my childbirth class about "caging the tiger." It's awesome at helping you identify what you're really afraid of.

Good luck!

Jena503 · May 2012

I was nervous. So many unknowns, how will this turn out? can I do this? will my body work this time?

It's nerve-wracking. But it's normal and natural and you've got to just go with it.

angelina477 · May 2012

I was very scared to. I think it was more of the unknown and labor in general. C sect seemed easier because I knew what was going to happen. VBAC turned out to be such a great experience and worth all the worry!

emaddock · May 2012

Yes...so nervous for everything. I did labor and push last time but she got stuck in the birth canal and I got an infection. I am scared of the pain (vaginal or section), scared of the recovery(again, vaginal or section) and scared of all the unknowns/possibility of failing at labor again. So, yes! You are not alone!

kmjbjg · May 2012

OxAMYxO:
Good question. I had an emergency csection last time due to HELLP. To be honest, after that I just assumed that my next would be a planned csection. Well, I'm lucky in that I've got a great doctor who encouraged me to do some research. I did, and I feel like VBAC is my best option. I'm not going to opt for a planned csection just because I'm scared of the unknown..but..I am scared.

You are not alone! This is me exactly, even down to having an emergency c-section with HELLP. I am scared of the unknown, of course, but also would be scared of another planned c-section.

akl0506 · June 2012

I wouldn't say I am dreading it, but I am really nervous. I am a total planner and DS was a planned c/s, b/c he was breech. Plus, my c/s wasn't bad at all. I am a good VBAC candidate though and really want to have a shorter recovery time so I can be more hands on with DS as we introduce a brand-new family member to him. So, although, I have never been excited to push a baby out and still have nightmares about the 7th grade birth video they made us watch in health class, I think I am going to have to take this opportunity to simply "go with the flow". Maybe it would help you to read a few VBAC success stories? Or, did you get the VBAC hypnobabies CD? I have it and although I am not listening to it very regularly, it is relaxing and can help put your mind at ease.

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