Natural birth after C/S?

jaimeCRN · October 2012

Hi ladies. I lurk over here every now and then when I am able to get on the bump. I am 32 weeks 3 days pregnant with my 2nd child. First baby was delivered by c/s for some kidney issues and size (over 11 pounds). During my first pregnancy, I was terrified b/c of DS's kidney issues, so I didn't do a lot of research into birthing options. I was very unhappy with my birth experience and had a horrible experience with the spinal and recovery. This time around I really want a natural birth. We have been taking Birth Boot Camp classes (similar to Bradley method), hired a doula, and been doing tons of research. I have had lots of talks with my OB about this and she is totally on board as well. I KNOW I can do this, but every now and then I freak myself out since I will be a VBAC. I would love to hear some natural VBAC stories if any of you ladies have done this.

iris427 · October 2012

I had a med-free VBAC. It was an intense but good experience and we had no complications. I really believe that being able to move around in labor and feel what was going on helped me deliver vaginally.

If you go to the VBAC board blog (vbacbumpies.blogspot.com) my birth story is there and a bunch of others, some med-free and some not. Also come check out the VBAC board here on TB. We are happy to answer any questions.

annabelle.27 · October 2012

I had a homebirth vbac. It went about as well as these things do short, uncomplicated labour, no tearing, waterbirth. I have a full birth story posted here somewhere but I am on my phone so I am not going to hunt for it right now. There are lots on here, though. Good luck!

Eta. found it. https://m.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/ShowThread.aspx?PostID=63333110

Squirrel29 · October 2012

My VBAC was an intervention free hospital water birth. I haven't written out a complete birth story yet (and he's almost six months old so I better get on that...) But the short version is that I went into labor on my own at 41 weeks and 3 days. My water broke at 3:30 am. I had been having contractions on and off for about a week leading up to that but if I was in active labor before my water broke I slept through it that night. Within 20 minutes my contractions were 3 to 5 minutes apart but very manageable. By about 5:00 am I felt needed to get to hospital. It was a 35 minute drive and contractions were about 2 minutes apart the whole way there. We got checked in by about 6:00 am and I was 6 cm dilated. I refused the IV and hep loc, got into the tub immediately, started pushing about 7:45 and had baby at 8:33 am. I had a small internal tear that didn't need any stitching and felt amazing afterward. It was the single most awesome experience of my life. There is not a single thing I would change about that birth. Oh, and baby was 9 lbs. 2 oz, a full lb bigger than my cs baby. You can do this!!! Good Luck!!!

jaimeCRN · October 2012

Thanks ladies! I will definitely read all these birth stories. Glad to hear from women that have had success with this. I feel like I get so much push back for wanting a VBAC much less a natural VBAC. Very comforting to hear from others that have done it.

Squirrel29 · October 2012

You are right, there is a lot of push back in the general population regarding both VBACs and Natural Birth. I realized while I was pregnant that there was only so much I could handle and decided to just stop discussing my desire to go natural with anyone other than the people who would be present at the birth. Everyone knew that I was going for a VBAC but they were all shocked when they found out he was born in the water. There's only so much negativity you can handle and I'm really glad I didn't engage in the natural birth discussion while pregnant. I was 10 days past my due date and I had to spend a lot of time explaining how it wasn't dangerous to stay pregnant that long, I could not have also handled discussions regarding the safety of refusing an IV, etc.

nosoup4u · October 2012

Here's mine: https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/44140676.aspx

My VBAC baby was 10.5 lbs, though we didn't have any idea he'd be that big (I was fuzzy on my due date, but he was definitely over 41 weeks when he was born).

It sounds like you have a good, supportive provider, which is the most important factor (IMO). Try not to get too stress about it, though it's hard not to. Good luck!

jaimeCRN · October 2012

nosoup4u:
Here's mine: https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/44140676.aspx
My VBAC baby was 10.5 lbs, though we didn't have any idea he'd be that big (I was fuzzy on my due date, but he was definitely over 41 weeks when he was born).
It sounds like you have a good, supportive provider, which is the most important factor (IMO). Try not to get too stress about it, though it's hard not to. Good luck!

Thanks so much for sharing. One of the things I am worried about is if he is another big baby like DS. I keep telling myself that my body won't grow a baby that I can't deliver. Very reassuring to hear you delivered a big baby naturally

nosoup4u · October 2012

jaimeCRN:
nosoup4u:

Thanks so much for sharing. One of the things I am worried about is if he is another big baby like DS. I keep telling myself that my body won't grow a baby that I can't deliver. Very reassuring to hear you delivered a big baby naturally

You're welcome! Make sure to stay upright as long as you can, I think it made a big difference with my own labor (I was trapped at the hospital in early labor with my first, though I pretty much stayed out of bed). He was really late, so hopefully your baby will come sooner and be smaller. Good luck!!

Want a personalized experience?

Natural birth after C/S?

Re: Natural birth after C/S?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards