Anyone else going for a VBAC?

Joy+BabyNumber3 · December 2013

Just wondering who else is trying for one!

I've got about a week left (or so) to go into labor on my own and try for my VBA2C. I'm doing all I can to get my body and mind ready and feel pretty good about my chances for success as long as I make it to labor starting up.

How about you? Anyone else?

ktox61 · December 2013

I am open to it. My OB has left the choice up to me, so if I go into labor prior to my scheduled c-section I may try. My first delivery was very traumatic though so I have a lot of anxiety about trying again. I just really don't want to end up in an emergency situation again. Can I ask what was your deciding factor in trying for a Vbac? In theory I would love to do it just for the natural reaction your body has after delivery as far as milk production goes. I struggled with supply after my first c section and I wonder how much of it had to do with that and how much of it had to do with DD being in the NICU.

Joy+BabyNumber3 · December 2013

I also had a traumatic first labor that ended up in a c-section. I was honestly too scared to even try to VBAC the next time around and just scheduled the c-section. So I do totally understand why others would do that.

Having now had a positive c-section experience...I still knew instantly with this third baby that I wanted to try for a VBA2C.

The recovery is very tough on our bodies. Even with a smooth surgery, I still had a compromised body and ended up getting back to back infections of various things that made life miserable. My body was just overwhelmed.

Also, the next time around, without having my baby labor, none of the fluid got pushed out of his lungs, so as soon as he was born, he had trouble crying and had to get his lungs vacummed/suctioned over and over. He ended up being in NICU for several hours before I was even able to hold him or even see him closer than him just being lifted up for me to see from the table.

After doing a lot of research, I also know now that it's better for a woman's body to go through a VBAC in the long run than a c-section. There are increased odds for a whole variety of complications with each subsequent c-section and birth. Your risk for Post-partum depression goes up, as well. And even though I had no problem breastfeeding, I know 3 other moms who did, all c-section births, so that is another factor as well. Once I realized that ACOG (American Congress of OBGYN's actually recommends women at least have a Trial of Labor after one or two c-sections for the health benefits, because it is the safest option overall, that really pushed me to not give up and keep trying to find an OB who would take me - which I did, and it's a fantastic practice, very highly recommended and respected in Los Angeles).

Good luck with whatever you decide. I know how personal each birth is, and like I said, I was too afraid to try last time, so I get it.

This time, though, I'm stronger and just feel so much more prepared for so many things that I didn't expect last time. I know a lot of decisions I made blindly actually set me up for complications during my labor, and led to my c-section, and now that I know that, I know what to avoid and feel like that fear has been washed away, which is great!

bumpuser204685 · December 2013

I'm also planning for a VBAC. Due 12/13 and scheduled for a C-section 12/18 if I don't go into labor on my own since they can't medically induce after a C (at least most won't) and my OB didn't want me going much beyond 40 weeks. He did say that if we get to the 18th and labor looks like it's on the way they could extend my timeline a little giving me until the 20th at the absolute latest (41 weeks). It's so hard waiting and wondering if I will go into labor at all since DD was a planned C at 38 weeks- I've never actually been in labor before. But really, I guess we're all in that boat, huh? Not sure if you know but there is a VBAC board- you might find some good information there if you haven't checked it out yet. In my case I've been a bit dilated and effaced for a few weeks and baby is engaged (a 0 or +1) so that's all promising... just praying he's ready soon and my body does what it should. Best of luck to you in your VBAC! I hope you get to have it and that it goes smoothly!

Joy+BabyNumber3 · December 2013

That sounds SO promising @BMS81 and I'm sure you'll go into labor by then!

I'm on a VBAC group on Facebook that has a couple thousand members all over the world, and hear great success stories all the time. Of course, there have been some losses, too, but I think with that many members, the odds are there, VBAC or not. I feel SO much more informed this time around.

I know they have not set a date for me, but just said they don't want me to go "too far" past my date. I just hope that things progress this week so that we don't have to talk about it, because having a date looming over me is just going to make my OCD self more anxious, if you kwim.

Lots of luck to you!!!!

ktox61 · December 2013

Wow @joy. Thank you for sharing all of that. I really think a Vbac would be best for me to do as well but like I said I am incredibly nervous of my last labor repeating. My body has responded a million times better to this pregnancy and LO is growing great so that makes me more confidant in trying too. I am hoping that when/if I go into labor I will know what to do. We'll see! But good luck to both if you! I hope you get to have perfect labors and vbacs!

samiaf · December 2013

This will be my 6th VBAC. Wishing you the best.

FromCTtoCA · December 2013

My water broke on November 25th wound up having a successful vbac on the 26th. Arrived at the hospital at 11:30 had DD at 7:18. Last time DS was face up with a shorter umbilical cord, this time baby was in the correct spot and was progressing turns out she had a shorter umbilical cord also. I have been so happy that it worked correctly this time! The recovery hasn't been easy but I have been up and about so much more that with the c-section. Good luck! I'm so happy it worked out! My dr didn't give me very good odds since I pushed so long with DS so it was nice to feel this child and have the birth experience.

3boys=love · December 2013

I am really hoping for one. My first was vaginal and my second was because of placenta previa so never laboured. I have been told I am a very good candidate because I have successfully had a vaginal birth and the reason for my last was not due to anything labour related.

Joy+BabyNumber3 · December 2013

@sbrick15 - I've heard the same thing, and even one OB said she would have taken me if I had at least had a successful vaginal birth in between the c-sections, so that there was more confidence that my body could do it. I bet you will do great!

3boys=love · December 2013

Thank you I am really hopeful!

Anyone else going for a VBAC?

Re: Anyone else going for a VBAC?

Tried for 2 years before diagnosed with DOR and low Progesterone. MC at 16 weeks in June 2010 (Told Placenta Previa contributed to the loss)
Mommy to one darling & amazing little girl Born September 9th 2011 (C-Section at 38 weeks for Placenta Previa)

Surprise!! EDD 12/13/13 (Hoping for a VBAC!) Off home bed rest and now just monitoring a large SCH. Stable in size but not going away. SHRINK PLEASE!

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Anyone else going for a VBAC?

Re: Anyone else going for a VBAC?

Tried for 2 years before diagnosed with DOR and low Progesterone. MC at 16 weeks in June 2010 (Told Placenta Previa contributed to the loss)Mommy to one darling & amazing little girl Born September 9th 2011 (C-Section at 38 weeks for Placenta Previa)

Surprise!! EDD 12/13/13 (Hoping for a VBAC!) Off home bed rest and now just monitoring a large SCH. Stable in size but not going away. SHRINK PLEASE!

Choose Another Board

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Tried for 2 years before diagnosed with DOR and low Progesterone. MC at 16 weeks in June 2010 (Told Placenta Previa contributed to the loss)
Mommy to one darling & amazing little girl Born September 9th 2011 (C-Section at 38 weeks for Placenta Previa)