C-Section or VBAC?

Heatherlowry9 · November 2014

I had my 28 wk appt today. With my 3 year old I had to have a c-section because she was breech. So today they asked me what my plan was for baby #2's birth. I can have another c-section or VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section). I said I planned on a VBAC, she said they would need to talk with me about the risks involved. Such as the risk of uterine rupture, which she said was 1/100, but as it has been 3 years since my c-section that was a good thing.

But I asked if I try for a VBAC and something did happen requiring a c-section then what happens. She said that if I already have an epidural they would just boost the epidural and do an emergency c-section but i'd be awake like last time. If I didn't have an epidural already then they'd use general anesthesia.

with my daughter we were all about natural birth, the Bradley method. So when I was told I had to have a c-section I was devastated. This time around I would love to try for an all natural vaginal birth (no drugs), but after today's appointment I almost feel like what's the point. I might as well have a c-section again. Most important to me is that I am awake when my baby is born.

Has anyone had a VBAC? Can you tell me about your experience, did all go well? I hate these decisions, I'm such a worrier when it comes to this sort of thing. TIA!

Edvent · November 2014

This is a really person choice, so ultimately it's going to be what you feel is best for you and your family. I has an emergency csection after being in labor for 12 hours with DD. I am choosing a RCS this time because that is what I feel most comfortable with. My OB is VERY pro VBAC but supports my decision. My main reason for doing RCS is that I don't want to go through labor again and then need an emergency csection again. I also was not disappointed not to have a vaginal birth and this was not something I grieved at all, so that influenced my decision as well.

I have a good friend who had a very similar experience as you her first time. They had planned to go without pain medication and had invested a lot of time in Bradley classes. Her son was breech and she ended up needing a scheduled csection. This was very difficult for her and not getting the birth she wanted was something she definitely grieved. With her second child she planned for a VBAC and was successful. She did end up choosing some IV pain meds during labor but did not get an epidural. She said that in the throws of labor she thought "why would anyone ever choose this?" and had more understanding for those who chose RCS, but ultimately she was very happy with her decision.

Good luck with your choice and I hope it turns out how you hope! I know that the VBAC board will also have lots of helpful information and encouragement.

NatureLovers · November 2014

Ask your doctor about their policy on you going post dates, as well as pain relief. Some doctors will not do VBAC's unless the Mom consents to an early epidural in case shit hits the fan and you need to be rushed into surgery.

This might just be me, but a 1/100 risk of placental abruption really isn't all that low. You have to ask yourself what's more important: an experience, or safety?

sanbry · November 2014

I was also offered the option to VBAC but was told I would have to go into labor on my own, which I didn't last time(induced a few days before 42 weeks). At first I thought I'd want a VBAC, and really wish I didn't have to make the choice, but I think I've decided on a RCS being the best option for us. I really don't want to face a long labor with complications again. I did initially feel disappointed knowing I'll never have a vaginal birth experience but I have come to terms with it.
I do however know of many successful VBAC stories. Check out Birth Without Fear if you haven't, you can read about many VBAC stories on there and do your research. If it's something that feels important to you, I say go for it!

gaftgirl · November 2014

I've had two successful vbacs and I'm pregnant with number 4, which I'm planning for another vbac. My section was because my son was breech. I did have a third degree tear with my first vbac, but a tear was so much easier to recover from than a section. My second vbac (and biggest kid thus far at a dainty 10 lbs 4.6 oz) was such an easy and beautiful delivery. Having a choice (I had to fight for my first vbac) is a wonderful thing. Take advantage of it. Do your homework, discus with your doctor, partner, friends
Etc and do what feels right to YOU. Obviously, I'm pro vbacs. Ask any questions of me you want. I'm happy to share my experiences.

aerotigergirl · November 2014

As others have mentioned, this is a really personal decision that you and your partner have to make with your care provider. It's not an easy decision, I know.

I think this report from the NIH has a lot of good information in it that you may find helpful: https://consensus.nih.gov/2010/images/vbac/vbac_statement.pdf

nursemarie925 · November 2014

This situation is very similar to mine, except I've had two "natural" deliveries before the c-section. One option to attempt your natural delivery is to have the epidural placed, but no meds given unless necessary.

I personally haven't decided which one I will do, there are other factors involved for me, and I can't make up my mind. I know the risk of uterine rupture is very low, but I also wouldn't mind the ability to plan for a scheduled section.

BookitBoo · November 2014

I had an ER c-section after 11 hours of labor because failure to progress/non-reassuring fetal signs. I grieved not have the perfect birth experience (I had planned on a non-medicated vaginal birth).

It's taken a while to come to terms with the experience, and I'm in a better place for it now. After wrestling with this same decision, I don't think I could attempt a VBAC; I feel like some deep feelings of failure will resurface if I try my hardest and end up with another Csection again.

I think you need to decide what would make you feel most comfortable. It's certainly do-able, but how will you feel if you end up with another c-section instead of a non-medicated vaginal delivery? I don't want to focus on the process and my perceived body betrayal, when I should be focusing on the baby and healing.

csjsmom · November 2014

I had a c-section with my first after hours of labour. It was a nightmare situation all around that time and I ended up having a general anesthetic so I was asleep when he was born. Really the only thing that didn't go wrong was that he and I were both ok at the end.
For my second, 4 years later, I had a VBAC, no drugs, no problems at all. My recovery was much easier for me. I used a midwife the second time and had to consult an OB who felt i was a good candidate.
I felt like I needed the interventions the first time (Demerol, epidural) but didn't the second time. This time I'm going to play it by ear. If I can handle it I medicated fine. If I want pain meds fine.
I think the likelihood of having a c-section under general anesthetic is very low, despite the fact it did happen to me.

Maebb · November 2014

I just saw my friend and her 2 week old baby yesterday, and she had a vbac. She said it went great, and the recovery is WAY easier. Last time she couldn't leave the house for 3 weeks and was in a lot of pain, and this time she was moving around the next day and running errands later that week. And she seemed great last night 2 weeks after delivery.

Her first labor was 36 hours, and this one was 8. She did push for about an hour and 15 minutes, and they finally used the vacuum a bit, but she's tiny. She and the baby boy are both 100% healthy and doing well.

Of course that's just one story, and you have to do what's best for you. Good luck.

liladelphia215 · November 2014

My c-section will be just about 4 years ago when my due date comes around. Personally, I don't have a preference vbac v. Rcs. So I had a conversation with my doctor and we will do an ultrasound to get a ballpark on baby's size and cervix favorability and use that information to get an idea on which "way" presents the least risk and we will start there.

I know either way it will be okay. It's a personal decision and either way it unfolds for you, it will be okay

LadyXaverian · November 2014

As others have said, it's such a personal choice, and everyone's situation is going to be different.

My doctor and I are talking about possible induction with hopes of a VBAC in the 39th week if things are looking in any way favorable, but I'm trying not to sweat it too much until it gets closer. It would be nice to not have to deal with c-section recovery, but que sera sera, so to speak.

Good luck to you!

kbl13 · November 2014

I'm in a similar situation and really appreciate all the comments on this post. My 1st was breech (he's almost 2) and I'm leaning towards the VBAC option... but planning to be flexible and not make a definitive decision until the time comes.

moonfaerie · November 2014

I have never heard a medical professional say that risk of uterine rupture under is 1 in 100. The risk is actually very low. If I were you, and were interested in natural birth, I'd see if they can put the epidural needle in place but not administer any drugs unless necessary. I certainly don't think there's anything wrong with choosing RCS, (all of my kids are c/s babies) but if natural birth is important to you, you should give it a try if baby is in favorable position. Good luck with your decision!

Jen524 · November 2014

It is very much a personal choice. I had a VBAC with DD2 after a csection with DD1 for failure to descend and dropping heart rate every time I pushed. I thought the recovery was so much better after the VBAC, but again that all depends on how delivery goes. I will be planning a second VBAC for this baby. If you want to have a natural birth, you can always decline the epi or get one places without meds. Honestly, if you are in labor and it becomes an emergency for either you or baby and they have to get the baby out NOW, they won't have time to push epi meds and will knock you out. Good luck with your decision!

britb618 · November 2014

My doctor just mentioned this the other day..."you know you don't have to RCS, you could try for vaginal.." I just kind of stared. I am scared to death of a vaginal birth. Not that I wouldn't have done it if I was able with my first. But I definitely felt those feelings of failure and/or grief that I didn't push my daughter out. However, my recovery from my C-section was easy peasey...and I know that everyone does not have the same recovery and so its possible my recovery will be worst this time. But based upon that experience alone I am going to RCS.

She did say what if you went into labor before the RCS, basically I said if I walked into hospital and you told me I was 8 cm I'd try it...but I am not going to have my water break like it did last time only to go through twenty four hours of pitocin because I don't dilate and then need an emergency c. It just isn't worth it to me. So if labor comes naturally and quickly before my RCS date, sure I will give it a try so long as the doctor thinks its safe. But aside from that, RCS all the way baby

moonfaerie · November 2014

I also want to say, that even if you are asleep when baby comes out, it's not the end of the world. I was so out of it during DD2's birth that I don't remember it, but I'm still the only mother she knows and it didn't affect our bonding at all. Don't beat yourself up if an emergency arises and you end up knocked out. You will be the perfect mom for your LO, no matter what!

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